Black gym leggings are the 'squat-proof essential' in every winter wardrobe - here are our favourites

The best black gym leggings are possibly the most versatile piece of workout gear you can own. They go with everything and are suitable for most workouts thanks to their ability to hide sweat.

As woman&home's digital health editor, I've worn close to a hundred pairs of the best workout leggings over the years. I exercise at least three days a week, whatever the weather, so I can confirm these are great choices for a full spectrum of workouts. Other members of the team also shared their tried and tested favourites, covering all types of workouts from running and hiking to yoga and Pilates.

Every pair of leggings included in this round-up was tried and tested and put through their paces for a range of workouts. To be included, each pair had to meet three essential criteria: they had to be durable, squat-proof (not see-through!), and comfortable to wear. Only the best workout leggings that met this criteria over several weeks of wear have been included in the list, so you can be assured that your pick of the bunch is truly the very best.

The best black gym leggings: The quick list

Best black gym leggings, tried and tested by us

Best black gym leggings overall

A pair of black gym leggings that ticks all the boxes, all for under £30? Meet the Uniqlo AIRism Leggings, our top pick. These full-length leggings have a mid-high waist for good support, two pockets, and are super comfortable.

I've worn these leggings on a hike paired with my favourite walking shoes, on a 5km run, and through several gym workouts and can confidently say they work for every one of these exercises. The waistband isn't so high that I felt too compressed, but it was supportive enough to stay up while running, despite not having a drawstring waistband like the Sweaty Betty Power leggings. The pockets are also roomy, running fairly far down the leg.

They are especially good for outdoor and winter workouts as they truly are full-length. I'm slightly taller than average and was pleasantly surprised when they came down to just above my ankle. Different lengths are available, too, however.

In terms of downsides, my only real gripe was that the material isn't particularly sweat-wicking, unlike the Gymshark Vital leggings, for instance. This meant that during my more intense gym workouts, I saw the damp patches around the waistband. However, the black colour hid these well, and I doubt anyone else would have noticed. And, in fact, the sweatier they got, the more like a second skin they felt, so they stayed comfortable during my sessions.

Best black gym leggings with pockets

When it comes to the best gym leggings with pockets, few can compete with the Nike Go Women's leggings that come with six useful pockets, each made in a different style (zip closures, folding fabric, tight elastane openings) and all strategically stored within the legs and waistband of the leggings. I find these particularly useful when I'm at the gym as I can store my phone and locker key safely - I've even managed to get a pair of lifting straps in the side pockets. They'd also be handy for outdoor workouts as they can store all the essentials.

However, in their own right, these are excellent black gym leggings. Often, at the end of a sweaty workout, my other gym leggings with pockets will leave a residue on my phone. While that's completely natural, that's not the case here, as the material is thick enough to keep sweat residue away from whatever's in the pockets. However, the material still feels soft yet supportive, with moisture-wicking properties that prevent overheating.

These leggings also come with a high waistband and a drawstring cord for additional support around the middle, making these a great option for outdoor runs, hikes, and walks as well.

While I have no doubt these will stand the test of time, with their squat-proof design and innovative features, they are expensive leggings. Retailing at £99.99, they might only be worth the investment if you'll really get use out of them - either now, or in years to come.

The best black gym leggings for cardio

The Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings are the best black gym leggings for cardio enthusiasts, in my opinion. The design features a secure cord for tightening the waistband, they're supportive, and they wick away sweat very easily. They only feature three pockets, but this is ample for most workouts and you can easily store keys, your phone and a credit card. The back pocket is also zipped, so it is more secure than others.

These also come in multiple black colourways, so there's plenty of choice. My favourite is the black camouflage (pictured). The patterned colourways often also get reduced in the Sweaty Betty sale, so it's worth keeping an eye out for them.

I've had my Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings in black for over two years and work out in them at least once a week - and I'm yet to see any sign of colour fading. The polyamide elastane fabric is durable while still feeling soft and lightweight. When sweaty, they develop a second skin-like feel that means they hold to the body comfortably.

They aren't as high-waisted as other options on this list, but they do come up to the belly button, offering enough support for running, walking, gym workouts, and any kind of exercise where you're jumping up and down, and need your leggings to go with you. The drawstring in the waistband offers additional reassurance.

Not exactly a gripe, but one thing to be aware of with the Sweaty Betty Power Gym leggings is the seam construction on the front of the leggings, which can give you a bit of a camel toe if you pull them up too high. You have been warned.

Read our full Sweaty Betty Power Gym Leggings review here.

The best black gym leggings for yoga

Lululemon is one of the biggest names in the fitness industry for a reason. There are three main collections, but Align is the best for yoga, Pilates, barre, and other low-impact workouts.

The materials and four-way stretch are the highlights, offering a weightless and buttery-soft feel against the skin, so soft and comfortable, I sometimes forget I'm wearing anything at all. They also have a higher waist compared to the Sweaty Betty Power leggings and come without a drawstring, so there's less compression against the stomach, making them a good option for lower-impact workouts.

The Align High-Rise 28" Leggings are also a favourite of Kerrie Hughes, woman&home's digital editor. "These are my go-to everyday leggings. I wear these everywhere, from rowing and CrossFit workouts to casual Sunday mornings. They're so comfortable, and the quality means I never have to worry about them being see-through," she says. And while these leggings sit towards the upper end of the price spectrum, you can often find alternative Align darker colourways in the Lululemon sale.

However, these suffer from the same problem as the Power leggings: they have a front seam. They also highlight the difference between yoga leggings and running leggings. As they don't have a drawstring waistband and the super soft, lightweight feel means they are more prone to slipping down than other black gym leggings, it's best to opt for the Gymshark Vital or Uniqlo AIRism leggings instead.

The best high waisted black gym leggings

With a waistband that sits slightly higher than many, the Gymshark Vital Sculpt leggings are a top pick if you're looking for a flattering fit that offers more support above the waist. I have two pairs of these and they're in my regular rotation for workouts, simply because they're so easy and practical to slip on, they don't bunch up, and they feel so lightweight I barely notice they're there. They also have a subtle bum scrunch design, which is a nice addition for some, but might put others off.

For Tamara Kelly, woman&home's digital lifestyle editor, they're a winner for similar reasons. "They are a tight fit, but with that, they offer a shaping element that makes you feel sculpted, which is a valuable asset when you feel somewhat exposed during exercise. The fabric is thick enough to hold you in and feel supported but lightweight enough to feel comfortable and not cause you to overheat."

When it comes to the best black gym leggings, these Gymshark leggings lack the variety of black colourways offered by brands like Sweaty Betty. However, as Tamara says, if you know how to wash gym clothes, these leggings will last a long time. "After a year of washing my leggings every week, the colour has stayed and they are still as good as new."

The most comfortable black gym leggings

Comfort is key when it comes to working out, whatever your activity. Rich in colour and super soft in material, these H&M SoftMove leggings are one of the best Lululemon alternatives around - and possibly the most comfortable leggings I've ever owned.

While I wouldn't wear these for high-intensity activities like running, spinning, or HIIT workouts as they tend to collect sweat marks, they are perfect for gym workouts like strength training, yoga for beginners, and a full-body Pilates workout. The high, wide waistband offers good support and the length stretches to the ankle, even if you're a little taller than average (like me). They are also lightweight and breathable, and they sit on the lower end of the price spectrum compared to other popular leggings from Sweaty Betty and Lululemon, making them a great buy for those on a budget.

I'm normally a size large in leggings and didn't find the need to size up. However, reviews from other verified buyers have noted this as a common problem, so it's worth checking out the size guide before buying.

Best budget black gym leggings

The M&S Go Move High Waisted 7/8 Gym Leggings are a great pair of black workout leggings if you're looking for a pair under £30 - and our top pick isn't for you. At 7/8 length, these are particularly suitable for anyone 5 foot 6 inches and under, and anyone looking for a shorter style for whatever reason. Otherwise, they are more or less the same as full-length gym leggings.

I've had my M&S Go Move 7/8 leggings for several months, although I wore them more during the warmer spring and summer months. They work for the gym best, I believe, whether that's Pilates every day or spinning a couple of times a week. The have a high-waisted fit reaches just above the belly button and a drawstring waistband adds support during cardio workouts, which I love. Although, the back pocket has a zip that I found digs slightly into the lower back when lying down on a mat if not positioned correctly, so it's perhaps not the best pair for yoga mat workouts.

I've found them to be quick-drying and they wick away moisture just as well as some of the more premium options. They're also very breathable, so I don't feel myself overheating during sweaty workouts, which is a bonus.

It's worth noting, however, that the M&S Go Move High Waisted 7/8 Gym Leggings do come up a little small. When buying leggings with a shorter leg, this is definitely something to be aware of - otherwise you could end up with capris. I noticed it with my pair, needing to size up from my regular 12 to a 14, and other verified buyers have said the same thing.

The best black gym leggings for sculpting

While all the best black gym leggings are going to have an effect that makes you look slimmer and taller, as darker colours draw attention away from the body and to the head, hands, and feet, the block panelling on these TruePurpose Optime Training 7/8 Leggings work to sculpt the thighs, hips, and glutes. So, if you're looking to create a sculpted silhouette with your pick of the best black gym leggings, these are the best choice.

Above all else though, the TruePurpose Optime Training 7/8 Leggings made it onto my list as they are some of the most comfortable gym leggings I've ever worn. They have a four-way stretch and seamless design that has a second-skin-like feel when the leggings get sweaty, meaning they get more comfortable as you get uncomfortable. The high waistband is secure and supportive, with full coverage up to the base of the ribs, and small vents in the legs mean I never overheat.

Like other leggings on the list, the Adidas by Stella McCartney range is produced with 100% recycled materials, making them a great option for those looking to be more sustainable in their activewear choices.

Best black gym leggings on Amazon

While not available with Prime Delivery, the CRZ YOGA Women's Workout Leggings are for sale on Amazon almost exclusively. As well as a standard black colourway, much like lululemon and Sweaty Betty, CRZ YOGA offers unique black designs like tie-dye, marble, camouflage, and various shades of black in these leggings. So whether you want something to stand out in class or blend in, there's an option for you.

"I never thought I would say this about a brand from Amazon, but I love my CRZ Yoga leggings almost as much as my Lulus," says w&h Acting Digital Editor Kerrie Hughes. "They are unbelievably soft, comfortable and supportive. The black pair I own pass the squat test, but I would always opt for the quality of my Lulus on squat day, just to be on the safe side."

With sizes available between 6 and 16, there isn't a huge range of options available. There are also no longer or shorter length options. However, these leggings are just over £23 and one of the best lululemon alternatives you can buy, so they're a good option. CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings also come in a variety of colours, if you want to add a pop of colour to your workout wardrobe.

In testing

How we tested the best black gym leggings

• Durability: Each of the leggings listed in this guide was worn over several weeks, with several washes between wears, which is how we know the rich black colour of these leggings doesn't fade quickly. Some pairs, like the Sweaty Betty Power leggings and Gymshark Vital Seamles 2.0 leggings have a colour wash that's stood up to many years of wear and washes.
• Squat-proof: You want to feel secure and covered in any pair of gym leggings you own, given that they are tighter to the body than regular trousers. I wore each pair of these leggings to the gym, squatting and deadlifting without an issue. I've also worn them on several longer-distance runs and stand by the squat-proof, sweat-proof status I've given them.
• Comfort: Whether you're wearing your black gym leggings during a workout or on a recovery day, you want them to be supportive, while also being comfortable over at least two hours. I wore each pair of leggings for several hours at a time in different scenarios, from HIIT workouts to Sunday recovery brunches, to make sure the waistbands were comfortable, the seams scratchless, and the stretch was as good as the brand suggested.
• Availability: Every body is different, so it makes sense for brands to produce leggings in various sizes - including tall and petite ranges, with various leg lengths. When choosing my pick of the best black gym leggings, I ensured each had alternative options for different sizes where possible. Naturally, some leggings on the cheaper end of the price spectrum only offer one size.
• Materials: I also assessed the materials of each pair of leggings. Were they sustainably produced with at least 30% recycled materials? Were they a little more polyester than elastane or not? In each case, I highlighted the makeup of the materials and what this means for comfort, stretch, and coverage.
• Moisture-wicking: Needless to say, you'll be sweating in these leggings if you wear them to the gym. So, each pair needs to be lightweight where possible and made from breathable materials. I've also highlighted additional features that add to the moisture-wicking designs when I've spotted them.
• Supporting features: These are 'nice to have' features, like drawstring waistbands (for additional support during high-energy cardio workouts) and pockets. Where I spotted them in my collection of the best black gym leggings, I noted them down.

How to find the best black gym leggings for you 

• Fit and fabric: "I recommend focusing first on fit and fabric," advises Sarah Campus, a personal trainer, nutrition coach and founder of holistic wellness platform LDN MUMS FITNESS. "The waistband should sit comfortably without rolling or digging in, while the leggings should feel snug but not restrictive. Compression can also help support your muscles and improve circulation which can benefit performance and results."
• Activity: "The type of activity you do matters a lot. For high-intensity workouts like HIIT or running, you want to be looking for sweat-wicking, quick-dry materials such as nylon or polyester blends that keep you cool and comfortable. For lower-impact activities like yoga or Pilates, softer, stretchier fabrics such as spandex or elastane offer greater flexibility," says Sarah. If you're a treadmill enthusiast, you'll likely prefer the Nike Go leggings over the lululemon Align, as they are made with more cardio-safe materials and have a drawstring waistband to prevent slipping. The Align collection is better suited to those doing strength training, yoga, and Pilates.
• Size: If your fit is outside of standard, regular sizing, you may find you need alternative options. For example, I find the Nike Go leggings to be the perfect full-length option, but for those who shop petite sizes, Sweaty Betty or M&S Go Move may be better since the black leggings come in 7/8 lengths too, which are suitable for those 5'4" or under.
• Brand: When considering which black gym leggings to buy, it's a good idea to think not just about the style but also the brand you're buying from. Consider Sweaty Betty vs Lululemon before making a purchase, for example, and don't just presume that because one brand is more popular than another, it will have the right pair of leggings for you.
• Seams: Do seams on leggings tend to make you itch and scratch? The material and construction of the leggings you choose should be considered. Where possible, try on the pair you're planning to buy before purchasing to make sure they are comfortable for you - otherwise, make sure the brand has a good returns policy.
• Durability and opacity: "Finally, consider durability and opacity. Look for leggings with flat seams and a thick, high-quality fabric that won’t go see-through when stretched," advises Sarah. "If possible, check product reviews or ask gym trainers which brands hold up best after repeated washes and workouts." These criteria were essential for us when building this list.

What is the benefit of black gym leggings?

Black gym leggings won't show sweat marks as easily as lighter-coloured options, making them a fail-safe option for sweaty workouts and grab-and-go gym bag packing. This means they also tend to last longer per buy than others, since you can't see the wear and stain marks that tend to cling to gym leggings of all kinds, given their elastane and polyester-heavy materials.

You'll find that you'll be more likely to wear black gym leggings outside of exercise too, more so than lighter-coloured options or pastel colourways, as they blend into the background and offer a flattering fit.

What can I wear black gym leggings with?

The great thing about black gym leggings is that they go with almost anything, from your brightest pick of the best high-impact sports bras and t-shirts to low-key jackets and sweatshirts.

They make for a great base for any outfit, allowing you to accessorise with brighter shades when you want to.