I’m a leggings lover and these are the best black leggings of 2024

The best 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. Need we say more?

There are endless styles to suit you best, from classic to petite leggings, everyday favourites to maternity leggings, and even the very best pairs of high-waisted leggings - yep, there's a pair of black leggings for every wardrobe (and every occasion).

Wondering if leggings are still in style? The answer is ALWAYS. You can wear them all season round, with thermal leggings for colder months when you want to layer them under a cosy teddy coat or camel coat, styled to perfection with a pair of UGG Tasman dupes. We're already beaming at the fashion potential.

For warmer seasons? One of the most popular ways to wear leggings is with a sports bra if you're heading to the gym, or with a loose-fitting crop top if you're lounging around the house. A look we love at the moment is matching leggings and a top for a two-piece combo. So put-together.

How we chose the best black leggings

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 - which is a must when looking for gym leggings.

Overall, 16 leggings made the list, three of which we've tried and tested ourselves. We took into account the testing criteria above, and where we couldn't test, we browsed the most highly rated leggings on the internet to see what real reviewers had to say.

We ranked all of the leggings on our list on a 5-star rating system. When rating them, we used the product rating itself to determine the final result. All of the leggings we've selected are rated 4 stars or higher across various sites, so you know you're getting the VERY best.

SHOP: The best black leggings 2024

With that in mind, and 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.

FAQs

How do I choose the best leggings?

Some leggings on the cheaper side can risk being see-through, not as durable or being poor in fit due to lower quality. Ever had those leggings that are too tight and too loose at the same time? Leggings should feel like second skin, so avoid saggy crotches and bunched-up fabric at the knees. The waistband should be comfortable yet supportive, so, if they're falling down every five minutes, ditch them.

The leggings included on our list have been chosen with care and consideration, featuring a variety from different retailers and accounting for all budgets. The main thing? All of the ones we've chosen come recommended by us or are highly rated by customers. No see-through leggings for us, hun.

When choosing the best leggings, take a look at the reviews to make sure they offer a comfortable, supportive fit and that they're not transparent. After that, consider the different types of leggings to make sure that they're fit for purpose.

What types of black leggings are there?

Firstly, there are your average, everyday black leggings. Usually made from breathable material such as cotton or polyester, they're a staple pair that you can wear during transitional seasons. However, they might not keep you as warm as a pair of thermal leggings, or keep you dry during workouts like a pair of gym leggings.

Thermal leggings are your best bet when it comes to winter seasons. They're usually lined with a soft, fleecy material to keep your legs warm as you wear them. They can be layered under jeans or worn as-is to complete your look in colder months.

Gym leggings usually feature sweat-wicking fabric to keep you dry as you move during workout sessions. They tend to be made from material such as elastane to allow plenty of movement. Take a look at the fabric beforehand to make sure they're suitable for proper gym wear.

Shapewear leggings are a great choice if you're going for a sculpted figure-hugging look with plenty of support. However, you may need to size up or down depending on the brand, so always read the reviews before purchasing. Spanx and Skims are some of the brands currently offering the best shapewear leggings on the market.

Are high-waisted leggings better than mid-rise or low-rise?

That all depends on what you're going for. High-waisted leggings are typically regarded as the most universally flattering, but that's not to say mid-rise or low-rise fits aren't great either. In fact, in recent years, low-rise styles have even started to trend again.

It totally depends on what suits you best. After all, everyone's body shapes are totally different, and we all look good in different things. Try a few different styles on for size and see what you feel most comfortable in - that will quickly determine which style is best for you.

Can black leggings be worn for formal or office settings?

We'd probably avoid wearing leggings for any event with a formal dress code, tbh. But, for some workplaces adopting a more casual attitude, leggings or a pair of jeggings might just be allowed for an office setting. But, always check your dress code beforehand, obviously - we don't want to get you in trouble!

When you're wearing a casual style on the bottom half, balance it out with smarter, more structured pieces on the top. For the office, you could wear a pair of black leggings with a blazer, blouse and a pair of heels or loafers for a smart, put-together look.

Yes, leggings were once seen as a total no-go for the office, but they're starting to become more accepted in the workplace, which we're absolutely delighted about. Comfortable and chic? Yes, please.

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...

Winter coat and cosy shoe: Style underneath a polished camel coat or teddy coat, and set your black leggings off with a statement pair of cosy UGGs. Fluffy bucket hat with your teddy coat is optional.

Oversized sweatshirt and trainers: Play with proportions by pairing a big sweatshirt with skin-tight leggings and a pair of trainers. This look is super flattering and very cosy for transitional months.

Blazer, shirt and heels: A fail-safe evening or office look. Black leggings will help elongate your silhouette and the blazer will ensure you look smart and sophisticated.

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.