Sorry, Jeans, I Only Wear Leggings Now—20 of the Best Pairs for Every Budget

For the longest time, leggings are something I just had to begrudgingly accept as a workout necessity. I refused to spend any energy into choosing clothing I was only going to use to sweat in, and I predictably paid the price—poorly fitting, unflattering styles that I'd find myself constantly having to pull up. But then last year, my sister got me a pair of black leggings from Marks & Spencer's Goodmove collection, and I was amazed. The fit was absolute perfection, giving a smooth, very flattering silhouette—all without a hefty price tag. This discovery got me thinking—could black leggings belong in my out-of-the-gym outfit rotation?

best-black-leggings-215865-1705492403205-main

(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Of course, I immediately started noticing that a lot of my favourite influencers were styling their black leggings in super sleek ways. There's the understated, minimalist look, where the leggings are used as a base for effortless layered looks with jumpers, shirts and floaty trench coats. Then there's the more polished take, á la Chrissy Ford, who's gone for a Parisian-inspired chic look with pointed ballet flats, figure-hugging black turtleneck and supremely elegant white blazer. There's no doubt, then, that this wardrobe basic doesn't just belong in the gym.

best-black-leggings-215865-1705492595699-main

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

So then the question is, which pair to go for? Whether you're working with a high street budget or a designer one, looking for an athletic style or something more fashion-forward, I've found the best black leggings on the market. Scroll on to see my edit of the top pairs.

THE BEST HIGH-STREET BLACK LEGGINGS:

THE BEST DESIGNER BLACK LEGGINGS:

Next up: The "Dated" Trouser Trend French Women Still Love to Wear

Freelance Fashion Editor

Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.