The black gym leggings you need to add to your workout wardrobe

While we all have our own sportswear style, there’s one item that’s likely to be in every single gym-goer’s wardrobe: a pair of black gym leggings.

For most people, they're a pivotal part of their best workout clothes arsenal, alongside trusted activewear accessories. To pay homage to the sportswear staple, we've tested pairs from some of the best fitness brands around. Whatever your activity of choice—be it yoga or running—we found the best pair of black gym leggings for the job, so you don’t have to spend hours browsing.

Black gym leggings to add to your fitness fit

These Sweaty Betty leggings do an incredible job sculpting your bum. They're not entirely plain, as they feature some small grey print, but they're super sleek and have a high waist, which is very flattering.

One of the main things we worry about when shopping for leggings is how stretchy they can be without becoming baggy. Well, these leggings have mastered that—they fit like a second skin and are flexible enough to do even the deepest of lunges in without altering the size. They're also super lightweight, giving you an extra spring in your step during cardio days. 

Perfect for HIIT or running, these supportive black gym leggings are made with a fast-drying fabric so sweat doesn’t stick around for very long. Nike knows its stuff when it comes to sportswear and these leggings have additional mesh panels for extra ventilation, to ensure you’re kept as cool and comfortable as possible while training.

These slim-fitting tights also have a wide elastic waistband, to give a smooth, supportive feel. Final flourishes include the Nike Pro branding on the waistband, as well as the Swoosh logo printed on the thigh.

Made with graduated compression that targets key muscle groups, these high-waisted black leggings may be designed to sculpt and support, but they also move with you and stretch to your movement. 

They’ve been designed with Nike’s bespoke Dri-FIT Technology as well as high stretch fibers, which means they're ideal for getting into all kinds of yoga holds or pilates positions. Not to mention, they’re better for the planet, too, as they’re made up of 50-percent recycled polyester fabric. You can’t really argue with that, now can you?

Customers have been incredibly impressed with these power leggings, with many noting their high quality and durability across more intense activities such as HIIT & running—not just yoga and pilates. 

What’s more, the sweat-wicking fabric makes sure they are cool as well as comfortable. They’re also made to flatter a figure with a bum-sculpting, supportive high-waist design. The brand adds that the leggings are 90-percent squat proof, so you can stay rest assured that your underwear won’t be on display while you're working out.

These leggings are on the slightly more expensive end of the spectrum, but you’re paying for quality, after all.

These leggings are all about breathability and are designed to keep your workout as dry as possible. This is ultimately down to the lightweight, moisture-absorbing AEROREADY fabric, which is also stretchy and soft for maximum comfort. 

The non-sheer material also means there’s no need to worry about transparency—so these will no doubt pass the telling squat test with flying colors.

These classic black gym leggings feature the signature Adidas stripes down the side, as a nod to the brand’s heritage. In terms of price, they are mid-to-high range, but it seems you pay for the impressive sporty features, which can make your workout a more pleasant experience.

Perfect for yoga bunnies and pilates lovers, these high-rise leggings are made with the brand’s Full-On Luon® soft, sweat-wicking fabric, which is designed to feel like a “second skin,” with a cottony-soft feel.

There’s also no need to worry about the leggings restricting movement as these are equipped with four-way stretch, which means a piece of fabric stretches and recovers both width and lengthwise when it’s pulled in all directions. As a result, this pair passes the all-important squat test.

The Fabletics Trinity High Waisted Utility leggings have a whole host of interesting features from the ankle zips and a hidden zip pocket in the back to mesh pockets and chafe-resistant properties. 

The brand's Motion365 fabric is designed to give you sculpting benefits with high compression but also maximum breathability. In addition to this, Fabletics offers a 45-day guarantee so if you’re not satisfied for any reason, you can get a refund or an exchange.

The high-rise design and cropping above the ankles make these leggings super flattering, not to mention the thick waistband, which hugs your figure. What more could you really ask for in a pair of leggings?

Customers have noted their comfort and their squat-proof properties—they not only feel great but deliver on the essentials as well. The glowing reviews also show they are very true to size, so there’s no need to worry about them not fitting.

If you want a change from black leggings, these also come in four other colors!

These smooth and stretchy ASOS leggings are designed to keep you cool during a workout session. They’re made with sweat-wicking technology to make your workout as hassle-free as possible.

One of the standout features of these gym leggings is the fact that they have an antibacterial finish, which, in the current climate, is very appealing.

These versatile leggings are built with activity in mind,  whether it’s high-intensity training, gym workouts, or dance classes. They’re made up of the brand’s AEROREADY material, which absorbs moisture quickly, keeping sweat at bay. 

The mesh panels also offer breathability and extra ventilation, which is always welcome during a workout. 

In terms of price, they are a mid-range product and are slightly less than other Adidas leggings—despite being made with the same fabric. So they could be a great option for those looking to save the pennies.

If the reviews are anything to go by, it’s clear that customers are incredibly impressed with these H&M leggings. Out of 120 customer reviews, these leggings have scored a very respectable rating of 4.7 of out 5.

Made with a fast-drying functional fabric, flattering extra-high waist, and raw-edge hems, it’s not hard to see why these are a hit with customers. 

Reviewers have also ranked the leggings for their “true to size” nature and the results show the majority say that have a “spot-on” fit. This means there’s little risk of bagginess or the leggings coming up too small.

How to pick the best black gym leggings?

When it comes to picking a trusty pair of black gym leggings, there are a few things to consider:

Breathability
When we work out, our bodies get hot and sweaty but a great pair of gym leggings are designed with this in mind—they're crafted with fast-drying, sweat-wicking fabrics to keep you as dry as possible. Some also come with additional features, such as mesh panels, for extra ventilation.

Squat test
The next thing to take note of is how transparent a pair of leggings are and do they pass the “squat test” —a.k.a. when you squat down, can you see your underwear through the garment as it stretches? The thinner the fabric, the more likely it’ll become transparent over time, and no one wants that. Some cheaper leggings are made with these thinner fabrics, so it might be worth spending a little more if you’re looking for your pair to last.

Support 
Support is another factor that’s vital to take into account—many leggings state whether they offer compression support for muscles. However, this will depend on the type of exercise you’ll need the support for. The more intense the activity, the more support you’ll need.

Stretchiness
Of course, stretchiness is another key element, especially for yoga bunnies. Lots of leggings are designed to feel like a “second skin,” which means you barely notice you’re wearing them.