Black leggings have long been the Marmite of the fashion world. When it comes to wearing them as part of an actual outfit (nope, we’re not talking about yoga get-ups here), you either love them or you don’t. That was until WFH became a permanent part of our lives. Suddenly, every woman – ourselves and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley included – added a pair of the best leggings to their wardrobe. After all, alongside a tracksuit and a trusty loungewear jumpsuit, they are utterly unrivalled in terms of comfort.
This season, as we enter another transitional period and cling onto comfortable-yet-outdoor-appropriate silhouettes, luxury fashion brands from Totême to Norma Kamali have all dropped pairs of leggings that ooze both elegance and versatility – and the high street is following suit. Forget what you thought you knew: black leggings are not exclusively reserved for wearing around the house/on your next supermarket sweep, they are also suitable for days in the office/brunch with friends. Skip straight to shopping the best black leggings or carry on reading if you don’t believe us.
Best black leggings, at a glance:
- Which are the best quality leggings: Totême Cork Stretch-Jersey Leggings, £140, Net-A-Porter
- Best leggings to wear as trousers: Zip Detail High Waisted Leggings, £19.50, Marks & Spencer
- Best black leggings for everyday wear: Seamless Leggings, £45, Arket
- Best black leggings not see through: Topshop Full Length Heavy Weight Legging with Deep Waistband, £22, ASOS
- Thick black leggings: SKIMS Thermal Ribbed Cotton-Blend Leggings, £52, Net-A-Porter
Sure, the tight-fitting nature of leggings and their tendency to appear thin (if you don’t invest in a good pair) can leave you feeling something like a secondary school dance student circa 2007. Not the look we favour. So, we’ve been on a very important quest to find the best black leggings that are both comfy and stylish. The result? An edit of the best leggings so good it’ll have even the most die-hard legging critics converted. Yes, even you.
Before we get our teeth into the shopping part, it’s worth reminding yourself how to style leggings. Because doing so is a bit of an art. You’ve got to play with proportions, nailing the contrast between tight-fitting and oversized, and considering leggings to be your base layer. On the top, opt for an oversized t-shirt or an expensive-looking oversized blazer, then accessorise to your heart’s content. Designer handbags, layered chain necklaces and chunky white sports socks with a pair of box-fresh fashion trainers will ensure your look is finished to perfection.