Last month, ’s Renata Joffre reported that leggings were officially back on the agenda. “After a summer dominated by capri pants, it should come as no surprise that their longer-legged cousins are right at the top of the trend cycle for the colder months ahead,” she wrote. “We are, of course, talking about leggings, the long-standing autumn staple that were seen far and wide across the autumn/winter 2026 season.” Since then, the sporty staple once confined to spin studios and running Sunday errands – or worse, a relic of a leggings era many had quietly chosen to forget – has now gained renewed credibility.

’s edit of the best black leggings at a glance

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Best high-street black leggings

COS Seamless Merino Wool Leggings

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Leggings were a quiet standout trend to emerge from the autumn/winter 2026 shows. At Balenciaga, a classic matte-black style were paired with a sculptural, high-collar wool coat and a pair of pointed pumps. Hermès, meanwhile, leant into its equestrian roots and debuted uber-high-waisted, jodhpur-style black leggings worn with over-the-knee boots and cinched tailoring.

Elsewhere, at Loewe, sturdy ribbed-knit leggings brought a hint of cosiness, which were offset by oversized leather coats with inflated proportions that echoed technical rainwear. Other key iterations included skin-tight, -esque leather leggings and cropped capri styles, which brought a summer-adjacent spirit to Isabel Marant’s autumn/winter offering.

The most accessible way to experiment with wearing leggings beyond the gym is by turning to a great black pair that fits – and therefore, flatters. Various members of the team can vouch for their brilliance: on any given day at the office, you’ll spy several editors wearing theirs with flat knee-high riding boots or kitten heels, enveloped in cold-weather layers.

Shop 8 Black Leggings Outfits That Prove They’re Not Just For The Gym for more ideas

While there are countless ways to style black leggings, the first (and most important) step is finding the right pair. With the help of staffers, discover the best black leggings for women – and exactly how to style them now.

The perfect solution to comfortable workwear is a pair of stretchy leggings. This high-waisted pair from Wolford is made from a polyamide-spandex mix, which makes them ultra-resilient and durable. Style with a shirt or oversized blazer for an easy office-worthy ensemble.

Made from super-stretchy fabric that is both sweat-wicking and quick-drying, Sweaty Betty’s Power Gym leggings are a favourite amongst team . “Recommendations are great, but until you actually start running in your kit, you never really know if it’s the one,” says senior beauty shopping writer Ellie Davis. “For me, after plenty of trial and error, I’ve found that nothing compares to Sweaty Betty’s leggings. Their Power 7/8’s in particular are my ride-or-die: comfortable, flattering, fast-drying and, most importantly, they do not budge.”

Commando’s control leggings are crafted from a super soft and sculpting stretch-jersey, which sits comfortably on the waist and ensures that they hold their shape wear after wear.

The trick to making a pair of leggings suitable for both day and night lies in the styling. While trainers or flats might be preferable for the day, kitten heels will transform the look into a chic outfit for whatever the night ahead holds. This pair from Toteme boasts a zipped cuff for added flair.

H&M’s leggings have been designed with the mother’s journey in mind, and can also be worn post-birth as well as pre.

The editors swear by Leset for their basic leggings. The brand’s stirrup pair is great for daytime and come evening; dress them up with a party top and heels.

Lululemon’s Align High-Rise pants are so weightless and buttery soft they feel like a second skin.

Strive for maximum comfort with Adanola’s Ultimate leggings. Designed without a front seam, as well as a higher waistline for extra comfort, they support and contour the body for low-impact workouts and everyday activities.

“I’ve found myself living in flat knee-high boots this winter, and so when it comes to styling leggings, I’m going to lean into the equestrian vibe, but with a city twist. I’ll be layering my boots over a pair of black leggings, then adding a hoodie and oversized bomber jacket. Perfect for the pub – or, indeed, the paddock.”

Hooded Cropped Plush-Trimmed Shell Bomber Jacket

“I’m loving the return of stirrup leggings – they’re easy to dress up or down, whether you want something polished or laid-back. One day, they can anchor a high-fashion moment, and the next, they’re perfect for a comfort-first fit. I’d style them with classic Saint Laurent slingback heels and an oversized leather bomber jacket for an off-duty edge. The result feels polished yet relaxed.”

Tiona Open-Back Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater

“I’ve never been one to wear leggings, other than for running or yoga. However, the return of capri pants caught me by surprise this summer – the next thing I knew, I was pulling on a pair of stretchy black cut-offs and pairing them with my favourite ballet flats. Make this look cold-snap-appropriate, by throwing on a cashmere knit and an oversized vintage leather blazer.”

Pedal Pusher Cropped Stretch-Jersey Leggings

“While black leggings were something I thought I’d firmly left in 2016, in recent months I’ve found it impossible to resist their quietly-comfortable pull. When styling my tried-and-true Uniqlo Heattech leggings, I offset their sporty feel with a sweeping wool funnel-neck coat and a striped cotton shirt.”

Leather Flat Round Toe Mary Jane Ballet Pumps

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