Friday, 20 February 2026

One writer tested 11 pairs of black leggings — these are her favorites

One Writer Tested 11 Black Leggings — These Are Her Favorites Pairs

One Writer Tested 11 Black Leggings — These Are Her Favorite Pairs

For Shop TODAY's Ranked series, our writers and editors rigorously test products for weeks (or sometimes months!) to determine what is the best of the best. At the top of our list: finding the perfect black leggings. Tasked with doing just that, SEO writer Jannely Espinal danced, sweated and commuted in 11 different pairs over a span of two weeks, taking note of everything from performance and fit to compression level and fabric. Want to know what brand came out on top? Here's which ones she thinks you should keep in your closet.

Baleaf Laureate Thermal Pocketed Leggings

Espinal picked this pair as her winner for its functional pockets, comfortable fit during a five-mile run and body-slimming silhouette. "My favorite part is the adjustable waistband, which stays in place without rolling down," she says, adding that she was also impressed with the fabric's water-resistant and moisture-wicking properties.

Old Navy PowerSoft 7/8 Pocket Leggings

Espinal notes that the waistband on this pair doesn't pinch and the stretchy pockets are large enough that she felt comfortable putting her phone in them during runs. "They're easy to pull up, they have a sweat-wicking property and [they] kept me dry on a moist and humid day while it was raining," she says.

Gymshark Everyday Seamless Leggings

Whether you prefer lifting or running, these leggings can get you through any workout without falling down, according to Espinal. She also raves about the fit, saying the shaping material feels smooth and "hugs my curves to perfection."

Left On Friday Super Moves Tight

"I wore these for work with a button-down shirt and they look sophisticated, thanks to the smooth material and shine," raves Espinal. As for functionality, she says they perform well during cardio and high-intensity exercises as well, offering top marks for a buttery-soft feel and quick-dry fabric.

How we tested the leggings

During the two-week testing period, Espinal measured each pair's comfort level, fit, performance, material quality and elastane component. She wore each legging for a period of 8 to 10 hours to evaluate the waistband quality, the compression level, if the material had sweat-wicking properties and how they looked after washing. After consulting with fashion experts, Espinal narrowed down her 11 original selections to six official winners.