What length leggings are the most flattering?

“Ankle-length are the most flattering and give the illusion of a long, toned leg,” says Jenn Falik, on-air style expert and creator of The Ultimate Edit newsletter. This also gives you a variety of footwear options. While we didn’t test any flared leggings, Falik notes you’ll want these a little longer — keep them floor-skimming to show off the silhouette.

Should you go up a size in leggings?

There is no reason to size up. Any pair of leggings needs to fit well — no bagging at the knees or slipping down from the waist. “It may feel tempting for comfort, but leggings should hug the body from waist to ankle,” says Falik. When selecting leggings, choose your normal pants size, see how they fit, and go from there.

What tops look best with leggings?

“Anything goes, really!” says Falik. “I love a cropped boxy sweater with a high-waisted legging, or if you want a bit more coverage, a menswear-inspired button down is great (belt it at the waist for shape, especially if you are petite). You could do a cozy oversized sweater or cardigan too — but I like ones that drape off the shoulder so the look is effortless chic instead of Arctic freeze!”

The Absolute Best Black Leggings, Tested by PEOPLE

Black leggings are an absolute wardrobe must-have. Sure, they're handy to have on hand for a yoga class or a bootcamp workout, but they're also a staple for running weekend errands or hanging out at home.

Choosing a pair of black leggings is dependent on three things: what you'll wear them for (working out and/or eating pizza), how they'll wear over time (will they roll down? Pill after washing?), and whether you can see through them. (The last one might be the most important!)

But since you can't buy, try on, wash, and squat down in every pair on the market, the PEOPLE Tested team did it for you, evaluating 23 different leggings to see how they held up after a 30-minute workout and a wash. We evaluated material, hold, durability, fit, and, yes, opaqueness.

Here are the best black leggings that PEOPLE tested.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Old Navy Side-Pocket Legging at Old Navy

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Best Investment:

lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight at Lululemon $98

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Best for Yoga:

Alo High-Waist Airbrush Legging at Nordstrom $40

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Best Plus-Size:

Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Legging at Amazon $79

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Best for Running:

Set Active Sculptflex Leggings at Amazon $72

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Best for Lounging:

Beyond Yoga Midi High Waisted Legging at Amazon $97

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Best for Cross-Training:

Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight at Athleta

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Best Overall

Old Navy Side-Pocket Legging

Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Leggings

PHOTO: Old Navy

View on Old Navy

Star Qualities

Held up well through working out, running, hiking, and outdoor activities
Run true to size
Functional side pockets

Red Flags

Waistband slipped after repeated wear

We took these leggings through it all — hiking, weight-training, stretching — and wore them to a five-hour-long baseball game. They have almost no downsides: they're comfortable, supportive where they need to be, sweat-wicking, lightweight without being see-through, affordable, and don't stretch or pill after multiple wears. They come in a regular, tall, and petite inseam, and our petite tester said they were some of the only ⅞ length leggings she's ever tried that felt right on her frame.

These leggings passed the "squat test" easily (not see-through), and the lightweight fabric felt very similar to the pricier pairs we tried. Our tester also noted that the sweat-wicking technology on these is very effective. Even after a vigorous hike, she didn't feel damp or cold from the sweat.

If we had one negative to say, it would be that during more intense workouts we had to pull the waistband up a bit, but overall, they didn't slide too much or get looser over time, as other brands did.

Fabric: 77% polyester, 23% spandex | Fit: Fitted through hip and thigh | Sizes: XS-4X

Best Investment

lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight

PHOTO: lululemon

$98 at Lululemon

Star Qualities

Completely opaque, even during squats
Compressive, so they never budge or shift

Red Flags

Pricier than some others we tried
Only one pocket, though they're also available in a version with side pockets

If you're looking for a great pair of Lululemon leggings, we think this pair is absolutely worth the price. They're sturdy, compressive, and opaque enough for all of our tester's heavy-duty training, so we found that nothing would show through these leggings. They were true to size, though if you don't like a compressive fit, you'll want to size up.

We also loved how easy these were to wash. We had no issues with throwing these in the washer and dryer, finding that they kept their shape, fit, color, and hold.

Fabric: 77% nylon, 23% Lycra elastane | Fit: Compressive, supportive | Sizes: 0-20

Best for Yoga

Alo High-Waist Airbrush Legging

PHOTO: Alo

$40 at Nordstrom $108 at Aloyoga.com $98 at Bloomingdales

Star Qualities

Thicker material helped these pass the squat test
Supportive without being restrictive

Red Flags

Waistband moved around during rigorous workouts

We found these leggings to be really well-made, with a thick, supportive fabric that never felt suffocating but still held us where we wanted to be held. The thicker fabric also meant these passed the squat test easily. These are ⅞ length, and our 5-foot, 2-inch tester found them to hit just below her ankle, so they may be more of a full-length style on petite folks.

They were nice to lounge around in and stood up well to a sweaty yoga workout — after 30 minutes, no sweat showed through. However, more intense workouts where you're moving quickly might be a little more than these leggings can handle; we found that in more rigorous movement, the waistband tended to sag down, so save these for lower-impact days or just as a fashion piece.

Fabric: Nylon/spandex | Fit: Snug, supportive | Sizes: XXS-XL

A person doing yoga wearing the Alo High Waisted Airbrush Leggings — People / Tara Donne

Best Plus-Size

Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Legging

Girlfriend Collective Black Compressive High-Rise Legging

PHOTO: Girlfriend Collective

$79 at Amazon View on Girlfriend.com $78 $39 at Backcountry

Star Qualities

Ultra comfortable and supportive
Low-maintenance

Red Flags

Pricier than some others we've tried

Supportive enough for exercise but comfortable enough to wear around the house, these are do-it-all leggings that, while on the pricier side, are actually worth the money. Not just for their versatility, though we loved that, but also for their quality (no see-through squats here!). They hold up extremely well to washing, and our tester noted that of all the leggings she tested, these were the most low-maintenance pair. Pair them with your favorite plus-size sports bra for exercise.

These leggings come in a wide range of sizes and three inseams, one of the most inclusive size ranges of any of the leggings we tried. The customization in sizing is a huge point in their favor, and our 5-foot, 2-inch tester found the medium to be "tailor-made" for her.

These leggings got a perfect score across the board. The fabric is not only comfortable; it’s sustainable. They’re made from recycled material, and when you no longer need or want them, you can return them to Girlfriend Collective to be recycled again.

Fabric: 79% recycled plastic bottles (RPET), 21% spandex | Fit: Compressive | Sizes: XXS-6XL

Best for Running

Set Active Sculptflex Leggings

PHOTO: Set Active

$72 at Amazon View on Setactive.co

Star Qualities

Sweat-wicking and compressive
Surprisingly warm and great for outdoor exercise

Red Flags

Not as soft and cozy as some other pairs

If you’re an outdoor runner, you’ll love these Set Active leggings, which our tester gave high marks to on her runs. “They were super compressive and made my legs look toned,” she says. “I did not feel restricted at all, and they were surprisingly stretchy and comfortable, yet still compressive.” The thicker material — a microfiber nylon/spandex mix — also keeps your legs warm on runs in cooler months and is 100 percent opaque when doing squats or bending over to stretch.

While this wasn’t a negative, the sizing is a little deceptive. Our tester didn’t think hers would fit when she first opened them because they looked so small. But that’s due to the compression; they were actually a great fit once she pulled them on. That said, the compressive fabric isn’t quite as soft as your lounge-around-the-house leggings, and although our tester found them comfortable, they still would be best suited to throw on with a sports bra during exercise rather than as an all-day styled item.

Fabric: 88% microfiber nylon, 12% spandex | Fit: Compressive | Sizes: XS-XL

Best for Lounging

Beyond Yoga Midi High Waisted Legging

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging

PHOTO: Beyond Yoga

$97 at Amazon $40 at Nordstrom $97 at Zappos

Star Qualities

Buttery soft and extremely comfortable
Material is extremely durable
Ideal for lounging

Red Flags

Pricier than some others we've tested, though we think it's worth it

You can work out in these, but that’s not what our tester fell in love with. It’s the unbelievably soft Spacedye fabric Beyond Yoga is known for that hooked her. “I love these leggings! They are buttery soft and extremely comfortable,” she says. “I could wear these all day and even to bed, which I have done a few times when I'm too lazy to grab my PJs!” But all that softness doesn’t sacrifice structure: “The leggings do not roll down at the waist, and I do not have to pull them up.”

If you do decide to exercise in them, though, you won’t be disappointed. “They are incredibly soft and remained so during my workout,” says our tester. “I felt dry the entire time, and there were no visible sweat stains or marks.” She hasn’t seen any pilling or stretching on multiple washes but advises you to follow the care instructions and only hang to dry.

Fabric: 87% polyester, 13% elastane | Fit: Stretchy | Sizes: XXS-4XL

Best for Cross-Training

Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation 7/8 Tight

PHOTO: Athleta

View on Athleta

Star Qualities

Soft enough to lounge in but also great for any kind of workout
Hug you in all the right places

Red Flags

Pricey compared to other leggings on our list

The Athleta Elation Tight is a do-it-all pair of leggings for the girls who do it all. The super-soft fabric is light but supportive, making them a great choice for nearly any activity. “When exercising, these leggings moved with my body, hugging my body the way I’d hoped,” says our tester. “When running, I wasn't worried about the waistband of the leggings sliding or rolling down.”

That comfort means that not only can you do nearly any type of exercise in these leggings, but you can also do, well, nothing. “Because of how soft they are, I can lounge in my apartment comfortably wearing them,” says our tester. “And the fit was better than expected. It didn't cut into my body — rather, it adjusted to its curves.”

Fabric: Nylon/Lycra blend | Fit: Fitted through hips and thighs | Sizes: XXS-3XL

What to Know About Leggings

Material

Just like with other capsule wardrobe basics, consider how you'll use them when making your choice. If you’re running in them, the fabric should be sweat-wicking and compressive, like the Set Active Sculptflex Leggings. If you’re wearing them to run errands on the weekends, you probably want buttery-soft leggings, like the Beyond Yoga pair we recommend.

Typically, you’ll see leggings made from some combo of nylon, elastane, spandex, and/or Lycra, but each brand’s proprietary blend will give them a unique feel, so take note of what you like. You also want your leggings to last through many lounging sessions and/or workouts, so look for high-quality fabric blends. Plus, take note of seams that could cause itching and chafing, too.

Fit

You'll want leggings that hit the right place on your waist and inseam. Brands that offer tall and petite sizing might help you nail down the fit. You’ll also want the fit to be comfortable and flexible enough to move in, and a waist that feels secure but not tight.

The waistband shouldn't dig into your body or roll down much when you're moving around. Do a few jumps or squats in the fitting room to see if there’s rolling — it’s not as good of a test as a full workout, but it should give you a sense of how the fabric stays up on your body. And the higher-waisted the leggings are, the less likely they are to roll down.

Opacity

While black leggings go with so many outfits, they are also susceptible to underwear peek-throughs if they are not high quality. We put all of these leggings through the squat test to make sure you can't see through the fabric. Our favorite opaque pair was the Everlane Perform pair.

Behind the Scenes

To find the best black leggings, our PEOPLE Tested team tried out 23 pairs of leggings from some of the top brands on the market, including Adidas, Nike, Gymshark, Lululemon, Sweaty Betty, New Balance, and more.

Performance: Each tester performed at least one 30-minute workout in the leggings until they broke a sweat. After the workout, we evaluated whether the material was sweat-wicking, whether the fabric felt high-quality, if any seams or stitching caused any chafing, and how the balance of stretch and compression performed throughout the exercise.
Fit: We then performed a series of four stretches to test the fit, including how the leggings felt to move around in, if some areas were tighter than others, how the fit compared to other leggings we’ve tried or own, how the length felt, if the cut felt proportional, and how tight the waist was. We also tested for hold or how many times the leggings rolled down and had to be pulled up during our workouts. We noted whether pulling them back up was distracting or manageable and how this compared to other leggings we’ve worn.
Opaqueness: We found a mirror and performed a series of squats in the leggings, looking at ourselves to ensure no underwear was visible
Durability: Lastly, we washed and dried the leggings to test their durability. We checked for pilling, holes, rips, and discoloration, and we checked to see if the leggings maintained their shape and quality after being washed.
Value: Once our testing period was complete, we decided whether or not we thought the price of the leggings matched their quality and durability and whether we’d recommend buying them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What length leggings are the most flattering?

“Ankle-length are the most flattering and give the illusion of a long, toned leg,” says Jenn Falik, on-air style expert and creator of The Ultimate Edit newsletter. This also gives you a variety of footwear options. While we didn’t test any flared leggings, Falik notes you’ll want these a little longer — keep them floor-skimming to show off the silhouette.
Should you go up a size in leggings?

There is no reason to size up. Any pair of leggings needs to fit well — no bagging at the knees or slipping down from the waist. “It may feel tempting for comfort, but leggings should hug the body from waist to ankle,” says Falik. When selecting leggings, choose your normal pants size, see how they fit, and go from there.
What tops look best with leggings?

“Anything goes, really!” says Falik. “I love a cropped boxy sweater with a high-waisted legging, or if you want a bit more coverage, a menswear-inspired button down is great (belt it at the waist for shape, especially if you are petite). You could do a cozy oversized sweater or cardigan too — but I like ones that drape off the shoulder so the look is effortless chic instead of Arctic freeze!”

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Sara Gaynes Levy is a shopping writer for PEOPLE and a former senior editor at Glamour, where she oversaw all fitness, health, and wellness content for print and digital. She now specializes in health, fitness, food, and fashion topics and also has bylines in Vogue, Real Simple, The Wall Street Journal, and InStyle. For this article, Sara used our PEOPLE Tested insights to pull together this list of top-rated black leggings.

Our Expert Panel

Jenn Falik is an on-air style expert and creator of The Ultimate Edit newsletter.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.