Who What Wear Editors Put These Best-Selling Black Leggings to the Test

Leggings might not be the most exciting fashion item you can buy, but they are a functional piece that Who What Wear editors would be lost without. From Monday morning Zoom meetings to Pilates classes to weekend brunch, leggings form the backbone of our everyday looks. A pair of basic black leggings can also look surprisingly polished and can even be worn in lieu of a pair of tailored trousers or jeans. Here is the evidence they are more than a "throw on to go to a yoga class" basic.

Nobody wants to be caught out with see-through leggings or a waistband that sags as you work out, so our editors tried on some of the best-selling everyday leggings to give you a concise edit of the ones that we believe are worth investing in. If your legging collection is looking a little tired or you haven't quite found "the one," we're bringing you the six pairs of everyday leggings that are so good you'll struggle to wear anything else.

The Best Black Leggings

1. Best Flared: Active by Abercrombie, YPB SculptLux Flare Legging, $70
2. Best for a Buttery-Soft Feel: Beyond Yoga, Caught in the Midi High Waist Leggings, $97
3. Best for Sculpting: ALO, 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging, $128
4. Best for Gym-to-Coffee Wear: Zella, Live In High Waist Leggings, $59
5. Best for Everyday Wear: Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings, $79
6. Best for a Fit You Can Easily Adjust: Vuori, Daily Leggings, $89
7. Best for a Tailored Fit: Vince, Crop Leggings, $295

The Best Leggings Loved by Editors

Best Flared Leggings: Active by Abercrombie YPB SculptLux Flare Legging

The facts: These leggings are crafted from 78% recycled polyester and 22% elastane, and they are available in Onyx, Brown, and Mauve. They feature a double-layer crossover waistband with no top seam, which creates a smooth and streamlined look, and there is a hidden interior waistband pocket. As for size range, these are available from an XXS to XXL, with regular and short lengths.

The editor review: "Unfortunately, against all odds, I live in leggings. Maybe it's the Miami girl in me, or perhaps it's the work-from-home schedule, but most days, I can't be bothered to dress up and, instead, pull out one of 20+ black leggings I have in my workout clothing drawer. Leggings are love. Leggings are life. At least, that's what I tell myself.

"When I got a chance to try out the Abercrombie & Fitch flared leggings, I jumped on it. I'm practically a legging expert, and as one of the few plus-size editors on this team, I have a knack for figuring out what's actually worth it when it comes to buying leggings. Sizing, comfort, and whether or not they roll down are all important to me. I'm glad to report that these pass my personal test.

"I tried on both the XL and XXL—ones for working out and ones for lounging around my apartment in between meetings. Day to day, I'd prefer the bigger size, so if you're looking for something that's a bit tighter and more sculpting, remain true to size. I'm between a 16 and 18 and found the XL worked best for my yoga classes and weekly Pilates sessions. There's no slipping, sliding, or pinching with these thanks to an extra-soft woven fabric that feels great. I wouldn't do much technical, high-intensity cardio in these (the material isn't as sweat-wicking as I'd like), but they're a great option for everyday lounging or throwing on when you need to run errands. For what it's worth, I got a compliment on these when I went to get a spray tan at Sugared + Bronzed in Tribeca. If the cool Manhattan moms approve of this pair, then so do I." — Ana Escalante, assistant editor

Best for a Buttery-Soft Feel: Beyond Yoga Caught in the Midi High Waist Leggings

The facts: At the time of writing, these leggings have an impressive 1537 reviews on Nordstrom, and a lot of people are highlighting that these would be a great option for petite women. Available from an XS (2-4) to an XL (14-16), these have a high waist and reinforced extra-support waistband and are cut to the ankle. Made from moisture-wicking fabric that is designed to keep you dry and comfortable in the gym, these can be machine washed and tumble dried.

The editor review: "I've owned Beyond Yoga leggings in the past and remember them feeling buttery soft. That has not changed. Additionally, these fit even better than they used to. The waistband was super comfortable, and the length is perfect. (For reference, I'm 5'4".) I would 100% buy these again at full price. They might actually be the softest leggings I've ever owned, and I like how all of the colors are subtly heathered. " — Allyson Payer, senior editor

Best for Sculpting: ALO 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging

The facts: These are designed to see you through high-intensity workouts, Pilates and yoga, and everyday use, and they have a sculpting, compressive fit thanks to the signature Airlift fabric that is made from 82% polyester and 18% elastane. They have a four-way stretch for comfort and flexibility, and the wide, double-layered waistband provides extra support. As for fit, they are true to size and have a 7/8 length.

The editor review: "I've been a fan of ALO since the brand launched in 2007, but at that time, I neither worked out nor paid much attention to what leggings really did for my shape or how they held up in the wash over time. Years later, I'm more active and invested in the quality of the clothing I buy. However, like our readers, I still love ALO! The Airlift leggings do just as they promise: sculpt and hold you in without feeling too compressive. I obviously couldn't live without a black pair, but I found myself oddly obsessed with Espresso, and like always, the quality is just unmatched." — Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, editor-at-large

Best for Gym-to-Coffee Wear: Zella Live In High Waist Leggings

The facts: These are ideal on-the-go leggings, as they have two side pockets that will fit a phone. They will withstand a gym class thanks to the moisture-wicking, stretchy Zeltek fabric, which has temperature-control properties. They are available from a size XXS (00) to an XXL (20) and have a flat-lock seam that eliminates rubbing.

The editor review: "I've heard fantastic things about Zella leggings for years, so I was finally excited to try a few pairs. I was not disappointed with this first style. They have a buttery-soft feel that's very similar to Lululemon's Align leggings, and the material is thick enough to be non-see-through while still being breathable. They run true to size and have two side pockets to hold your phone or any other essentials you want to keep close by. I recommend this pair to anyone looking for sweat-wicking leggings suitable for high-performance workouts." — Nikki Chwatt, associate editor

Best for Everyday Wear: Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings

The facts: These are available from an XXS (00) to an XXL (18) and have a handy pocket to keep your phone and a supportive mesh layer inside the front waistband. They are classed as high-performance leggings and are made from moisture-wicking stretch-nylon fabric that is exceptionally soft.

The editor review: "I was pleasantly surprised by this second pair I tried. Unlike the Live In leggings, these have a cotton-like feel instead of a spandex texture, making them more suitable for everyday wear rather than intense workouts. They run true to size and feature a high-waisted, thick waistband that flatters the midriff and keeps the leggings in place. I can already tell these will be my new favorites, as I can pair them with anything from a sports bra for yoga to a sweater for relaxing with friends at home." — Chwatt

Best for a Fit You Can Easily Adjust: Vuori Daily Leggings

The facts: These cult Vuori leggings are available in a size XXS (000) to an XXL (18-20), and the name is fitting. They have a drawstring waist so you can find a perfect fit, and they can be machine washed and tumble dried.

The editor review: "In my trendy NYC neighborhood, you just can't miss the Vuori patches on everyone's leggings, as there's always someone running around late for a workout class, so I was excited to finally put them to the test. The fabric was super soft and smooth, and as I slipped them on for the first time, I loved the way they felt on my skin. The tie detail on this pair makes for easy adjustments, and I can't wait to wear them again." — Sierra Mayhew, associate editor

Best for a Tailored Look: Vince Crop Leggings

The facts: These high-rise, kick-hem leggings are available from XXS (00) to XL (14-16) and are made from 45% cotton, 45% polyamide, and 10% elastane. Dry-clean or hand-wash and line-dry.

The editor review: "I own a lot of leggings, and the beauty about Vince is that they feel more like chic, polished pants than your traditional athletic leggings. They're perfect if you want to add a little variety to your legging rotation. The quality of the pants is supreme, and they are as sleek as they are comfortable and have plenty of stretch. The slightly kicked-out, cropped silhouette makes them perfect to pair with everything from ballet flats to sneakers and even kitten heels. For me, they're the ideal pants to travel in when you want to look polished but remain comfortable. I also use these for school drop-off a lot, as they ooze a more elevated look than your traditional leggings.

"Personally, I wouldn't work out in these, but rather, I'd pair them with an oversize button down or sweater and ballet flats for a casual off-duty look. I ordered a size small, which fit just right (slightly snug on my wider hips), so I would consider sizing up if you are in between sizes. If you're looking for leggings that say elegance, then these Vince ones are for you!" — Judith Jones, senior market editor

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.