Black leggings are a timeless staple in every wardrobe, offering versatility, comfort, and style for any activity. Whether you're hitting the gym, running, or flowing through yoga poses, a reliable pair of black leggings will fit seamlessly into your workout routine.
Think back to the time you bought your first pair of gym leggings. They were a pair of black workout leggings, weren’t they? Whether you’ve just signed up for the gym or you’re a seasoned lifter, we can guarantee that the trusty black legging remains a firm favorite for every workout.
But choosing the right pair is crucial - not all leggings are created equal. Factors like durability, support, and comfort can make all the difference depending on the activity. We’ve rounded up the best black leggings for the gym, so whatever your goal or workout split, this guide will ensure you’ll find the perfect fit.
Why Black Leggings Are A Must Have For Working Out
Ease Of Styling
Black leggings are a wardrobe hero thanks to their versatility. They effortlessly pair with everything from sleek zip jackets and cozy sweaters for everyday athleisure looks to oversized tees or sports bras for the gym. Neutral enough to pair with colorful activewear or everyday basics, and the perfect base for most outfits in and out of the gym, they’re a must-have all season long. Whether you’re getting active via a walk in the park, or putting your leggings to the test in a high-intensity workout, black leggings seamlessly adapt to suit your styling needs.
No Sweat Marks
The best black leggings aren’t just stylish - they’re practical too. Unlike lighter shades, they’re excellent at concealing sweat marks, keeping you feeling confident no matter how intense your workout gets. Plus, a high-quality pair will provide the support you need, stay secure during movement, and handle everything from heavy training sessions to laid-back lounging.
Squat Proof Confidence
For athletes and gym-goers, the right pair of workout leggings can be a game-changer; especially when it comes to workouts that require a little bit more coverage like on leg day. When performing squat and hinge movements, or even running you can be confident that a high-quality pair of black leggings will provide squat-proof coverage thanks to being more opaque than lighter shades.
How To Choose The Best Black Leggings For Working Out
Loving black leggings is one thing - finding the perfect pair for your workout is another. While the options are versatile and interchangeable, the key is choosing leggings that meet your specific needs for performance, comfort, and style. Your black leggings can be flexible enough to take you from the studio to work, thick and supportive for heavy lifting, or lightweight for your hot flows and sweaty cardio sessions. Whatever it is, this checklist will help you find the best black leggings that perform just as well as they look
Fabric: Look for sweat-wicking, breathable materials to keep you cool and dry during intense workouts.
Fit: Snug but comfortable fit ensures your leggings stay in place and don’t restrict movement.
Stretch: Opt for high-stretch fabrics to support a full range of motion where you need it.
Squat Proofing: Ensure the material provides coverage and confidence for deep movements like squats.
Waistband: High-rise or adjustable waistbands add support and prevent the waistband from falling down during activity.
Durability: High-quality fabrics resist wear and tear, even with frequent use.
Style: Choose designs that suit your activity, whether it’s minimalist for the studio or mesh details for running, keep your workout in mind.
Wondering what style suits your preferences? Then take a look at our leggings fit guide to see how key features like waistband, color, and fabric can completely change the look and feel of your leggings.
Best Black Leggings for Lifting
Leggings for lifting should ideally check three main boxes: support, sculpting, and durability. A thicker pair of black leggings is more suitable for weightlifting, especially for lower-body days when you’ll be hitting the deep sumo squats and Romanian deadlifts when you need a bit more coverage in the back.
For the waistband, a wide thicker ribbed style provides more tummy support, perfect for sculpting the waist, and even better for ensuring the leggings stay in place through every rep. High-compression fit leggings for lifting aren’t everyone's preference, but they do provide great support for heavy reps.
Adapt Seamless Leggings
Built to keep up with your toughest sessions, the Adapt Seamless Leggings are your ultimate lifting buddy. Crafted from our thick, supportive, seamless knit, they offer the squat-proof coverage and support you need to push for that extra rep. These are one of our best black leggings for lifting; with a ribbed waistband to keep you secure at the bottom of your squat and at the top, and sweat-wicking tech to ensure you stay cool and dry. With sculpting compression that hugs you in all the right places, these leggings move with you through every lift, lunge, and PB.
Lift Seamless Leggings
Strength looks good on you, and so do the Lift Seamless Leggings. Designed for lifters, these black leggings and supportive, sculpting and thick for your heaviest lifting sessions. Squat deep with a high-ribbed waistband that doesn't roll down, and push yourself to failure with sweat-wicking tech to keep you comfortable and cool. The part we love the most? The strategic contouring lifts, separates and shows off your glutes from every angle. Leg day, we're coming for you.
Legacy Regular Leggings
Compression isn't for everyone when it comes to gym leggings. Our Legacy Leggings are designed with a smooth second-skin feel for a lightweight take on your leg day looks, perfect for the lifter who values both comfort and performance. The subtle internal butt scrunch enhances your natural shape without overdoing it, while the ultra-soft fabric keeps you comfortable from warm-up to cool-down. Lightweight, yet still squat-proof so you can feel unstoppable.
Pair with: Pair your black leggings for lifting with a low-impact bra like our athlete Analis Cruz’s favorite, the Minimal Bra, or Everyday Crop Top for a sleek gym look. Throw on a pump cover like a baggy sweater for warming up in the colder months.
Best Black Leggings for Yoga and Pilates
The best black leggings for yoga and pilates are ones that feel like you’re wearing next to nothing. Why? Because lightweight, high-stretch fabrics make it a lot easier to move without restriction and provide comfort during dynamic poses. For hot yoga, thin, breathable materials will help regulate temperature and prevent discomfort.
We love the Elevate Leggings for their ultra-soft fabric and high-waisted fit, ideal for the slow, mindful movements in your morning pilates class. Their second-skin feel and seamless design make them a go-to for flexibility and flow. Plus they look perfectly chic for after-class coffee and brunch, just throw on a cozy fleece jacket and voila.
Elevate Leggings
Weekends are for moving, and our Elevate Leggings are the perfect black leggings to get that Sunday feeling. They sit high on the waist for added support and feel so buttery soft you’ll never want to take them off. Designed to keep you cool and dry, with a comfy flush-fit waistband, you can turn the heat up during your workout and feel the second-skin comfort as you put your flexibility to the test.
Everyday Seamless Leggings
For everyday comfort, our Everyday Seamless are the go-to black leggings for whatever the day brings. The minimal design brings versatility to your wardrobe, allowing you to pair them effortlessly with any 'fit. A seamless design hugs your body like a second skin, giving you a smooth and flattering look, whether your flowing through yoga or running to your Pilates class. The best part? They're a budget-friendly choice that doesn't compromise on comfort or style.
Ribbed Legging
A little texture, a lot of comfort. Choose our Ribbed Leggings for a subtle yet stylish twist to your workout wardrobe. Made with a super soft and stretchy fabric, they move with you as you sink into deep stretches, pose and twist. The ribbed detail adds a comfy loungewear touch, making them the perfect blend of casual yet athletic for low-intesity days or home workouts.
Pair with: Ruched Side Shelf Tank with built-in bra for an easy yet cute studio outfit, and full zip jacket for the commute.
Best Black Leggings for Running
If there’s one thing we want from our running leggings, it’s that they don’t fall down. They also need to allow us to stride without restriction as we pick up the pace and tempo. Black running leggings should be constructed with forgiving material that functions to keep us comfortable enough whether we’re running 5km or 50.
Key features to look out for include sweat-wicking fabrics, secure waistbands, and storage options for your essentials. Black running leggings are also a great choice for trail running through dusty or muddy terrains, as they hide dirt and stains.
Our top pick, Running Leggings, combines a sleek fit with functional details like reflective logos and a zip pocket.
Running Leggings
Our Running Leggings are the best black leggings for the road ahead and they're kitted out to keep you and your things safe and secure. They feature an adjustable drawcord for a stay-put fit, a back zip pocket for stashing your essentials, and illuminating reflective logos for visibility in low-light running conditions. They are a true high-waisted fit, sitting way above your belly button so you don’t have to worry about slipping waistbands. Lightweight, stretchy, and ultra-black, running never looked so good.
Sweat Seamless Leggings
When the heat's ramped up, these black leggings will keep you cool. Sweat Seamless Leggings are engineered for high-intensity movement, featuring our premium DYNMC™️ fabric for superior breathability and moisture-wicking technology to keep sweat at bay. The comfy curved waistband supports you and stays put so you can push yourself to the limit without distractions. For hot-weather running, sprints or intense training sessions, these leggings are built for performance.
Pocket Leggings
Where convenience meets comfort. Our Pocket Leggings are the do-it-all leggings for easy everyday runs. They're high-waisted for a secure fit, crafted from soft stretchy fabric and designed with dual pockets to keep your hands free and focused on your stride. Slip into these leggings with ease for your lunchtime runs or treadmill workouts, stash your stuff in your pockets and head out the door!
Pair with: a sleek 1/2 zip black jacket for a sporty yet chic running ‘fit or lightweight jacket for a functional running layer.
Best Budget Black Leggings
While it’s great to get your hands on a new pair of black leggings during the sale, in between sale periods you may want to refresh your wardrobe with a new pair of black leggings - on a budget. This is where the Training Collection comes in - full of pieces to mix and match, wear to work out in, or for daily errands. The evergreen collection is known for its buttery touch fabric that offers great support and coverage… they might be one of our softest leggings available.
Our Training Leggings are our best wallet-friendly black leggings. Featuring a high-waisted fit, constructed in stretchy soft-brushed material that is easily slipped into, these black leggings are a staple item for your activewear closets. These leggings are available in full-length, and cropped versions, for versatility… without breaking the bank!
Best Black Leggings With Pockets
If functionality is top of your priority list when seeking a new pair of black leggings, or you prefer going hands-free and leaving your bag at home, then a pair of leggings with pockets is sure to stir up some well-justified excitement. We heard your cries for pockets, and we listened. The addition of a pocket is a bonus to a regular pair of leggings, that can come in so handy for your daily ventures.
You’ll love our Pocket Leggings with their flattering high-waisted fit, stretchy fabric, and subtle branding. With two pockets on either leg to store your essentials, you can pop out with ease for a lunchtime walk, keys in one pocket, phone in another, or even for a hands-free run. Can we get a round of applause for leggings with pockets?!
What To Look For In Black Leggings
When shopping for black leggings, it’s helpful to think about your specific workout needs and how you’ll be wearing them. Here are some common styles of leggings and the benefits of them.
Key Features
High-Rise Waistband
High-waisted leggings are a lifesaver for anyone who’s ever struggled with waistbands rolling down or leggings that don’t provide enough mid-waist support. These styles offer excellent tummy control and a snug, comfortable fit, making them perfect for everything from squats at the gym to lounging at home. They’re great for styling with crop tops and sports bras without having too much midriff on show, and they’re the top choice for all types of workouts.
Pockets
Carrying essentials like your phone or keys can be a hassle during workouts, especially outdoor runs and hikes. Black leggings with pockets solve this issue by offering secure, functional storage, whether you’re on a long run or just need a place to keep your gym pass. Look for zipped pockets on the back and side pockets for useful storage space.
Compressive Fit
For high-intensity workouts, leggings with a ribbed waistband create a more snug and compressive fit around the waist which helps to provide support (and snatch your waist). Whether you’re running a marathon or powering through leg day, compression-fit leggings give you the support needed to keep going strong.
Other Things To Consider
Choosing the best black leggings starts with understanding your workout needs. Whether it’s flexibility for yoga, durability for lifting, or functional features for running, there’s a perfect pair out there for you.
When choosing leggings, think about your preferred rise (high, mid, or low), waistband fit (snug, ribbed, not-tight) and length (full-length, 7/8, or capri). These details can make a big difference in comfort and performance, depending on the type of exercise you're doing.
For example, if you need extra freedom for stretching, opt for leggings with a bit more flexibility or even a slightly shorter length. For running or high-intensity workouts, look for features such as sweat-wicking fabrics, reflective details, and secure pockets to keep your essentials safe. Consider your fabric preferences, too - whether you want a sleek, buttery soft feel or something thicker with higher coverage.
How To Measure Your Leggings
To find the best fit, it’s essential to consider factors like size, length, fabric type, and fit preferences. For a detailed guide on measuring yourself and selecting the right size, check out our size guide for tips on understanding sizing and finding your ideal leggings style.
Love the cozy feeling Find your next matching loungewear set in our guide to the best women’s sweatsuits for this cozy season.
Find The Perfect Black Legging For You`
Now you've figured out the best black leggings for working out, you'll be you’ll be ready to tackle any activity with confidence and style. Whether it's leggings for liftings, leggings with pockets, yoga leggings or running leggings, you can find it all on the Gymshark App.
Download the app below to find the best black leggings to keep you comfortable, supported, and looking your best - no matter where your workout takes you.
