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.
In a rush? Here are the best black leggings at a glance:
Editor's choice: Adanola Ultimate Leggings - Black, £39.99 on Adanola
Our pick: SINOPHANT High Waisted Leggings, £8.49 on Amazon
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 plus-size 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
Description
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."
Our pick
AmazonDescription
These 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."
Best budget black leggings
H&Mwww2.hm.com
Description
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 500 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
Customer review: "My new favourite leggings!! Perfect high waist that stays up, soft material and not see-through. I am a size 12 on the bottom and an M fits perfectly."
Best all-rounded black leggings
lovalllovall.com
Description
Love 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
Customer review: "Genuinely the best quality leggings I have ever had. Thick but not too thick and so soft. Definitely worth paying a little more for leggings that will actually last. Thank you."
Best black leggings for workouts
amazonDescription
Comfortable, buttery soft and ideal for exercise, these five-star leggings are a complete dupe for Fabletics. These are made from moisture-wicking material which will ensure you remain dry and comfortable during exercise.
Sizes available: XS - XXL
Customer review: "Really good quality leggings for the price. I wanted a pair with pockets for my phone but not at an extortionate price and these fit the bill. The material is lovely and of great quality. I would say they are marginally smaller than the average size. Great length too as I am 5 feet 9."
Best bum-lift black leggings
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Description
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**.**
Sizes available: 6-24 in extra short, short, regular, long and extra long lengths
Customer review: "Absolutely love these jeggings, they are true to size and keep their shape well. Will definitely buy it again and in other colours. Bought with 15% off so great price too."
Best black leggings for everyday wear
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Description
Incredibly comfortable and perfect if you're working from home - we love this pair of black leggings from M&S.
Sizes available: 6 - 24 in short, regular and long lengths
Customer review: "Great leggings! I really like the high waist on them, as they sit nicely without the feeling of always having to pull them up. Also really nice quality….not see-through either."
Best maternity black leggings
amazonDescription
Foucome leggings are made from a comfortable and stretchy fabric material, offering you comfort and confidence throughout your pregnancy.
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."
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.
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.
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 two-piece combo.
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.
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. You may need to size up or down depending on the brand, so always read the reviews before purchasing.
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.