Black leggings are the true staple of our wardrobe. They’re great for weekend chores, school runs and lounging at home. If you’re not yet converted, you might be wondering how to wear leggings. But the answer is: you can wear them with EVERYTHING. They're versatile and never, ever need to be ironed.
Closer's best black leggings at a glance:
Editor's choice: Adanola Ultimate Leggings - Black, £39.99 on Adanola
Best budget black leggings: H&M High-Waisted Leggings, £9.99 on H&M
So, to save you the trouble of trawling the internet to look for the best black leggings, we've rounded up the best pairs you can buy on the high street for under £40.
Take a peek below to find a pair which suits you best, from classic to petite leggings, from everyday favourites to some great maternity leggings and even the very best pairs of high-waisted leggings - there's a pair of black leggings for everyone.
We've checked out these black leggings based on strict criteria - overall reviews, comfort, fit, quality and price. That means you'll know if they're see-through but are still worth investing in, or if they're totally squat-proof (a must when looking for gym leggings), but pricey. With this in mind, let's get to it:
SHOP: The best black leggings to buy for under £40
Editor's Choice
Adanolaadanola.com
We're crowning the Adanola Ultimate Leggings as our favourite leggings of the year. Yes, really. Made from super stretchy, super comfy material, we could practically live in these. They have no front seam, meaning no camel toe (thank the lord) and the compressive materials sculpt your body perfectly. The best part? They come in a range of seasonal and core colours so that you can get fully kitted out.
Sizes available: XXS - XXXL
Our review: "They are high-waisted and don't fall down, hurrah! They are great for brutal leg days, pilates, walking, sleeping and meeting friends for coffee. At £39.99 a pop, the Adanola leggings aren't exactly cheap, but my gosh are they versatile."
Pros
- Compressive fabrics for serious sculpting
- Made with four-way stretch for comfort
- No front seam placement
Cons
- No petite options
Top pick
AmazonThese ultra-soft leggings from Amazon have over 50,000 reviews - and for good reason. Stretchy and practically squat-proof, they don't change shape after washing and drying, remain a lovely solid black colour and are great for gym or relaxing. We love. Read our full SINOPHANT leggings review here.
Sizes available: S - XXL
Our review: "These are the only leggings I buy religiously. They're SO soft, never lose their shape, hold everything in nicely and are regularly on offer. There's also a three-pack which is great value for money. Make sure to check the sizing before you order. I'm a 14 and the S-M fits me perfectly."
Pros
- Completely opaque for squats
- Washes well without losing colour
- Three pack option available
Cons
- Some reviewers said they wished for thicker material
Best budget black leggings
H&Mwww2.hm.com
If you're not willing to spend an arm and a leg on a pair of leggings, we can relate. Luckily, H&M's simple high-waisted leggings have garnered over 900 rave reviews on the website - and they're only £9.99. They're comfy, high-waist and zero per cent see-through. What more could a girl want?
Sizes available: XXS - 4XL
Pros
- A fab budget option
- Opaque so no more see-through moments
- Have an elasticated waistband for comfort
Cons
- Fabric may lose its shape over time
Best bum-lift black leggings
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
This pair of skin-tight M&S jeggings have a unique bum lift technology and cotton-rich fabric designed to keep your derriere looking perky all while remaining highly comfortable**.** There's currently over 10,000 reviews raving about this pair, so we'll take seven.
Sizes available: 6 - 24 in extra short, short, regular, long and extra long lengths
Pros
- Offer lift around the bum
- Cotton rich fabric is highly breathable
- Come in loads of inclusive sizes
Cons
- Some reviewers said they wished for thicker material
Best tummy-control black leggings
Shapermintshapermint.com
Looking for a little bit more support around the midriff? Shapermint has you covered. With some of the best shapewear in the biz, this brand knows how to do sculpting leggings like no other. The Essentials High Waisted Shaping Leggings have amassed an impressive amount of reviews. A new holy grail pair? We think so.
Sizes available: S - 4XL
Pros
- Runs to a size 4XL
- Lifts in all the right places for shape
- Made from breathable moisture-wicking fabric
Cons
- May need readjusting as could roll down
Best squat-proof black leggings
There's nothing worse than see through leggings, but you'll be pleased to know that these ACTINPUT Black Leggings from Amazon are completely squat-proof according to loads of reviewers. Totally versatile, these figure hugging leggings are soft, comfy and moisture-wicking. Meaning, you can wear them to the gym - AND when you're having a day off lounging on the couch.
Sizes available: S - XXL
Pros
- Feel buttery soft against the skin
- Completely opaque for squats
- Made from breathable moisture-wicking fabric
Cons
- Some reviewers said they wished for thicker material
Best black leggings for workouts
amazonComfortable, buttery soft and ideal for exercise, these five-star leggings are an alternative for Fabletics. These are made from moisture-wicking material which will ensure you remain dry and comfortable during exercise.
Sizes available: XS - XXL
Pros
- Made from super stretchy material
- Comes with two outer pockets
- Made from breathable moisture-wicking fabric
Cons
- May need readjusting as could roll down
Best black leggings for everyday wear
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Incredibly comfortable and perfect if you're working from home - we love this pair of black High Waited Leggings from M&S. After all, they're a classic. They come in options for regular, petite and long, so there's a fit for everyone.
Sizes available: 6 - 24 in short, regular and long lengths
Pros
- Have a comfortable elasticated waist
- Made with StayNEW™ technology for longer lasting finish
- Come in loads of inclusive sizes
Cons
- Some reviewers said they wished for thicker material
Best trending black leggings
Getting so much attention on Amazon, these CRZ YOGA Leggings have quickly become a much-loved favourite. They have buttery soft fabric for that second skin feel that would rival any expensive high street brand any day. A cleverly placed seam highlights your assets while super gently compression provides a bit of control around the midsection. Everything we could ever want and more.
Sizes available: 6 - 16
Pros
- Feel buttery soft against the skin
- Offer lift around the bum
- Compressive fabrics for gentle sculpting
Cons
- May need readjusting as could roll down
Best flared black leggings
AmazonKick it up a notch with these black flared leggings. Seeing you through your yoga and Pilates sessions to running everyday errands, they're a versatile pair you'll want to wear everywhere. Incredibly comfortable while still being stylish, these flattering leggings also come highly rated on Amazon.
Sizes available: S - XXL
Pros
- Seamless waistband for comfort
- Has a stylish versatile look
- Made from soft peachskin fabric
Cons
- Could include moisture-wicking fabric for workouts
Best maternity black leggings
amazonFoucome leggings are made from a comfortable and stretchy fabric material, offering you comfort and confidence throughout your pregnancy and can even be worn postpartum. Trust us, you'll probably be wearing these a lot.
Sizes available: S - XL
Customer review: "Really stretchy and comfy. One of my most worn items during pregnancy. Bought these early on when my bump had just started to grow and still fit comfortably now at 7 months. Have gone from a UK 8 to a large 10."
Pros
- Can be worn postpartum
- Hidden tummy panel provides space and support
- Made from stretch, sweat-absorbent fabric for comfort
Cons
- Could provide more comfort for chafing
Best petite black leggings
New Lookwww.newlook.com
Shorter gals, these Petite Black High Waisted Leggings are for you. There's nothing worse than buying a brand new pair of leggings to find yourself tripping over longer hemlines. The struggle is real. Designed to suit a shorter frame, this adaptable pair of leggings are ideal for your everyday wardrobe.
Sizes available: 4 - 10
Pros
- Has a wide waistband for tummy control
- Perfect length for those with a shorter frame
- Flattering figure-hugging fit
Cons
- May be slightly see-through
Best plus-size black leggings
PrettyLittleThingwww.prettylittlething.com
From PrettyLittleThing, this pair of black high waisted jersey leggings from the Curve collection feature a cotton blend jersey fabric for ultimate comfort. With a high waisted fit and waist defining waistband, this pair accentuates your curves in all of the right places. We love.
Sizes available: 16 - 30
Pros
- Made from breathable cotton jersey blend
- Flattering figure-hugging fit
- Has a waist defining waistband
Cons
- Colour may transfer according to site
Best all-rounded black leggings
lovalllovall.com
Lovall's Black Classic High-Waisted Leggings are designed to be your go-to pair for every day and even Louise Pentland is a fan. They have a tummy-support waistband and are not even a teeny bit see-through.
Sizes available: 6 - 28 in petite, regular, tall and extra tall lengths
Pros
- Made from a thick material
- Also have a cropped variation available
- Come in loads of inclusive sizes
Cons
- May need readjusting as could roll down
What to wear with black leggings:
The beauty of black leggings is they can be worn pretty much with anything (hurrah!) but here are a few key looks to bookmark, which will quickly become your uniform...
Oversized hoodie and trainers: Play with proportions by pairing a big jumper with skin-tight leggings. This look is super flattering and very cosy. We like cosy.
Blazer, shirt and heels: A fail-safe evening look. Black leggings will help elongate your silhouette and the blazer will ensure you look hella chic.
Cardigan and chunky boots: We love cardigans for autumn/winter. Pair yours with black leggings and your favourite pair of chunky boots for a laid-back autumn vibe.
How do I choose leggings?
Leggings should feel like second skin, so avoid saggy crotches and bunched-up fabric at the knees. The waistband should be comfortable, and if they're falling down every five minutes, ditch them. Shapewear leggings are a great choice if you're going for the sculpted figure-hugging look. However, you may need to size up or down depending on the brand, so always read the reviews before purchasing.
Can you wear crop tops with leggings?
You sure can. One of the most popular ways to wear leggings is with a sports bra if you're heading to a yoga session or a gym or with a loose-fitting crop top if you're chilling around the house or enjoying a day out.
The general rule of thumb for crop tops and leggings? Make sure your leggings have a bodycon fit so they don't ride up or down but as said above, 'you do you hun'. A look we're loving at the moment is a matching leggings and top for a two-piece combo.
What should you not wear with leggings?
We're big fans of 'you do you, hun', but the general rule of thumb is that you shouldn't wear tops that don't cover your bum if your leggings are see-through. Unless that's your style, of course.
Are leggings still in style?
The short and only answer to this question is: YES. Leggings are versatile, and comfortable and can be paired with many outfits and styles - we think they'll always be on-trend.
Aimee Jakes is the shopping editor across heat and Closer. As well as mainly writing about skincare launches, high-street fashion and gym bag essentials, she also regularly chats to celebs about their wellness routines for heat's Self-Care Sunday.