It seems like there's always a different color trying to be the new black, but try as stylists might, no shade of ochre or crimson or teal will ever truly replace black. Even if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, there's no way to imitate the sleek, simple, timeless aesthetic of the queen of all colors. And that's particularly the case when it comes to your favorite pair of leggings.
While you may occasionally want to spice up your leggings collection with some grays or blues or, yes, perhaps even hot pink, it seems difficult to imagine a world in which black leggings don't reign supreme.
When it comes to picking a great pair of black leggings, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First and foremost, durability ought to sit at top of your list of priorities. A good pair of black leggings will be worn several times a month (if not week), and as such, will need to be able to stand up to both daily wear and tear as well as several cycles in the washing machine.
You'll also want to ensure that your leggings are easy to care for and won't lose their color. Nothing is sadder than a formerly black pair of leggings, so you'll want to find tights that can maintain their color.
And finally, the price point should be taken into consideration. While great leggings don't have to cost an arm and a leg, you may be willing to pay a bit more for black leggings that will last you more than a few months at a time.
ADAY is all about simplicity and seeks to create fabrics and clothing that are multipurpose, long-lasting, and sustainable. And that's incredibly evident in the brand's leggings. I've always been a fan of the Throw & Roll leggings.
Most of ADAY's leggings are made of a material that is quick-drying, sweating-wicking, and sunscreen- and oil-resistant. Plus, they have an elastic waistband that's comfortable yet snug, so they always stay in place. The leggings also have pockets so you can store your phone, cards, and other small necessities.
While many leggings are, at their core, gym clothes that just so happen to look good as streetwear, too, ADAY takes the opposite approach. These leggings are first and foremost meant to make you look absolutely excellent, and just so happen to be extremely comfortable and versatile as well.
ADAY leggings still aren't necessarily cheap at $125, but that's more in line with high-end athleisure lines like Lululemon or Sweaty Betty who will charge similar prices for workout-only gear. —Lulu Chang
Pros: Durable, incredibly comfortable, extremely form-flattering, warm for winter months
Cons: Expensive
2XU is the performance athletic wear brand founded by former professional triathlete Jamie Hunt, and it's well-known for its quality and tech. The company says its clothes are proven by independent, scientific research to deliver real physiological benefits to athletes. (2XU is tested using the Salzmann pressure measurement device to ensure the right pressure is achieved in compression and the Instron tensile strength tenser to measure strength and resistance.) Either way you slice it, you'll see plenty of professional athletes decked out in the gear — from the NBA to the US Navy SEALs.
2XU uses a proprietary PWX compression fabric. It's flexible, incredibly lightweight, and durable so you can put it through plenty of tough workouts. The company also uses graduated compression, so your waistband will lay flat without causing discomfort, and targeted compression works to increase blood flow, reduce blood lactate, and increase lymphatic drainage to help you be more efficient in the workout and during recovery.
I've worn dozens of workout leggings over the last six years as a runner and over the last three as a product reviewer. 2XU leggings are the best intersection of fit, comfort, breathability, flexibility, and durability that I've encountered.
I swear by the company's MCS Run Compression Tights (from $118.68) for their anatomical compression mapping. The MCS tights are sports-specific, so this pair has strategic internal compression that targets your calves and quads to reduce muscle fatigue as you run. For cross-training, check out this pair (from $104.13).
In the past, there have been complaints that 2XU tights could be see-through. In response, the company added extra paneling in strategic places for greater security. I never experienced an issue in the older iteration, nor in the next generation.
The leggings typically come in dark colors and patterns and range in size from XXS to XXL. If you're curious about sizing, check out the sizing chart offered on products on Amazon, and if between sizes, size up for a physical activity and down for recovery use.
Paying upwards of $100 isn't ideal for exercise leggings, but if you're looking for the best option overall, that would be these. If you have the budget, they'll perform better than their competitors and stay fresh for longer than an inferior pair. Otherwise, look into Girlfriend Collective's LITE leggings for flattering, under-$80 leggings that are nearly as breathable as 2XU for less money and the added perk of sustainable materials. —Mara Leighton
Pros: Graduated compression, extremely breathable, flexible, durable
Cons: Expensive, complaints of sheerness
Tommy John, the startup that makes the best loungewear overall on the internet unsurprisingly makes its most comfortable lounge leggings as well.
Tommy John has expanded from being a cult-favorite men's underwear label to include women's offerings (courtesy of customers lobbying for it on the brand's Facebook page) and loungewear. We've been fans of most of what they've made: both the men's and women's underwear as well as its loungewear.
Its singular pair of leggings are extremely comfortable, flattering, and versatile. There are no side seams, so there's minimal opportunity for chafing, and the midrise waistband is double layered for extra support and noticeable but unobtrusive compression. The four-way stretch material bends with you, and the dark black has outlasted quite a few washes thus far. The midrise and slight compression is also pretty figure-flattering. You can pick them up in black and in sizes 0-14.
Despite being cozy enough to warrant the crown for the best black leggings for lounging, they're flattering and luxe-looking enough to be a good choice for activities outside the house. So, if you're planning on wearing leggings on the plane and on a trip, skip doubling up and just buy these.
If a cozy pair of leggings that you can wear just as easily on an airplane or apple picking is worth $78 to you, you won't be disappointed. And if you are disappointed, you can return or exchange them within 30 days of delivery. —Mara Leighton
Pros: Comfortable, versatile, stretchy, no side seams, double layer waistband, mild compression
Cons: The material will likely be too thick for cardio exercise
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