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This post has been a LONG time coming! I’m a big leggings lover and have tried a LOT of pairs over the years. There are a handful (or two!) of pairs in my closet that I reach for over and over, depending on my mood or what I’m doing that day!
Every single pair passes the ‘squat test’ aka they are NOT see through.
So, without further delay, are my TOP PICKS for black leggings for all situations, at all budgets, in tons of sizes!
overall // budget // ‘fancy’ // athletic // cotton // maternity // lounge // camo // fleece-lined with pockets // fleece-lined without pockets
Athleta Elation Tight
best overall legging
These are my favorite favorite… if I had to buy one pair of leggings today, these would be them. Great high rise, medium-strong compression, buttery soft texture and NO athletic details, which make them super versatile and easy to dress up or down. I can literally close my eyes and choose these by feel alone.
SIZING // the full length version of these are available in petite, regular and tall lengths in sizes XXS-3X. the 7/8th length are a bit more limited, sizing-wise. I wear a small.
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all versions of the Elation Tights – I love the 7/8th length as I’m 5’2.
ultra-high rise elation tight full length // ultra-high rise elation tight 7/8th length (these are my fave!)
Amazon Fleece-Lined Leggings With Pockets
best fleece-lined with pockets
Top pick for fleece lined leggings! These are a thick fleece and have a nice compression waist. They DO have pockets which is something to note, however the pockets/seams on the listing are much less visible in real life.
SIZING // these are full length and available in XS-XL; I am wearing a small and have them rolled under on one leg to show length.
Amazon Fleece-Lined Leggings Without Pockets
best fleece-lined without pockets
Second pick for fleece lined leggings! These are a thinner fleece and have a nice compression waist. They have NO pockets and are a full length.
SIZING // these are full length and available in XS-XL; I am wearing a small and have them rolled under on one leg to show length.
Spanx Faux Leather
best ‘fancy’ legging
The Spanx Faux Leather leggings definitely seem a little extra but they’re very versatile and shockingly wearable. Easy to dress up or down.
SIZING // available in regular, petite, and plus. If you get your true size, they’re VERY compressive but they’ll be a bit comfier if you go up a size. I wear a small in regular length or a medium in petite – I roll them under to make them the perfect length for me.
They look a bit shinier in photos than the do in real life, in my opinion.
Amazon Core 10 Nearly Naked
best athletic legging
These are one of my newest discoveries and they’re my favorite 7/8th length athletic-detailed leggings! They are perfectly lightweight, medium compression, great waist, and have pockets. Love the length, too, and I own them in 3 colors (the camo is great, too!).
SIZING // They’re available in XS-3X and I wear a small.
Amazon 90 Degree
best budget legging
These are the BEST inexpensive athletic *thick* leggings, also great if you’re on the taller side as they’re a full length. They also have good compression and they’re an athletic legging with a matte finish, so they can be dressed up or down.
SIZING // These come in XS-XL and I wear a small. They are a full length legging, so I roll them under.
Aerie Leggings
best lounge legging
LOVED these when I was pregnant (first 2 trimesters). I couldn’t stand any compression and these have NONE. They feel like you’re not wearing pants, honestly. Very lightweight and smooth. I wear a small in regular length, which is a 7/8th length.
SIZING // available in XXS-XXL, ranging from short, regular & tall lengths. I wear a small in regular length
Spanx Camo
best camo legging
These are a great HIGH compression legging in a super subtle camo print with no athletic details. These aren’t meant for working out and they have a matte finish.
SIZING // Available in XS-3X, I’m in a small. I find these to be slightly more forgiving than the Faux Leather leggings.
Amazon Cotton Leggings
best cotton legging
If you want a pair of cotton leggings, these are a great substantial option that are NOT see-through. They also have some great tummy control.
SIZING // Available in XS-XL, I wear a small. They are full length, so a bit long on me.
Kindred Bravely Maternity Leggings
best maternity legging
These have a perfect 5 stars on over 400 reviews – great for maternity and postpartum. Good compression for support with a bump and postpartum. They also have a version with pockets.
SIZING // Available in a S-XL, I wear a small.
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Katy says
I’m lame in that I rarely carry a purse, so if I don’t have pockets, I drive myself batty all day. Still love all the options and such thorough reviews!