The Best Black Leggings You Can Wear Every Day

Move over jeans: Black leggings are the true staple we need in our wardrobes. We all know they’re perfect for workouts, but the right pair can also keep you comfy and stylish for everything from running errands to a fun night out. You can even wear some black leggings as pants to work (yes, really!). But with so many options out there, you’ll need to find a pair that actually feels comfortable, looks good, and holds up.

The Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab tests black leggings for sweat management, pilling resistance, construction, opacity, washability, and more, then we send them home with consumer testers to get feedback on real-life aspects like breathability, fit, comfort and appearance. The picks ahead are either top-tested styles, editor favorites, or best-sellers with lots of glowing reviews.

How to find the best black leggings for you

Here are some things to check out when you're finding your perfect pair:

• Fabric: If you’re looking for workout leggings, go for a pair made with performance fibers (i.e. synthetics) like nylon or polyester. They’re usually moisture-wicking, more durable and opaque, and have better stretch than cotton. If you want a pair for lounging or to wear under longer tops and dresses (i.e. it doesn’t need to be fully opaque), a plant-based fiber like cotton, lyocell or modal may be softer and have less compression. You can also find fashion leggings made of thicker fabric like faux leather or ponte so they're easier to wear as pants.

• Construction: Flat seams on the inside are more comfortable than raised ones, and they're especially important in workout leggings to avoid irritation from sweat and friction. If you’re going to move around a lot, make sure there’s a gusset (a triangular or diamond-shaped piece of fabric in the crotch area) to prevent them from riding up.

• Sweat-wicking: Some brands that say they're moisture-wicking didn’t live up to the claim in our test. To check for yourself, place a small drop of water on the inside where the fabric touches your skin. The water should quickly absorb and spread out wide. If it beads up, it’s not a sweat-wicking material.

• Opacity: To make sure the leggings aren’t see-through, inspect the fabric under a bright light – natural daylight is best. If you can’t bend over in front of a mirror, try deeply bending your knee. You shouldn’t be able to see your skin through the fabric.