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Marcella, Everlane, Talia Ergas/Business Insider
When it’s cold out, my workwear options tend to dwindle. Yet you can never really go wrong with some black leggings.
If your office dress code lets you get away with wearing leggings instead of “hard pants,” then consider yourself lucky and take advantage. There’s a distinction between athletic leggings and leggings made for the office, though. The best leggings for work we’ve tested are totally opaque and come detailed with front seams or belt loops to give the illusion of a “real” work pant.
Beyond this illusion, the fit and feel of your work leggings is what makes them the superior alternative to slacks. They ought to have supportive features like a high-rise waistband, and stretch enough to accommodate any post-lunch bloat.
Our favorite pairs look great when tucked into some knee-high boots, or you can wear them with sneakers as you transition to the weekend. Below are some of our top tested picks, and for more stretchy work pants, see our guide to the best work pants for women.
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
Pros: Affordable, wide color variety, 4 inseam options
Cons: Not wrinkle resistant, light colorways look flat in person
I tested some wide-leg pants from Quince’s Ponte collection, which now become a staple in my workwear wardrobe. The stretchy work pants feel like leggings, but have the polished appearance of slacks with their front seam. They pull on effortlessly, and the extra high-rise waistband is comfortable enough to sit in all day. It also has belt loops if you want to further the illusion that you’re wearing “hard pants.”
I’m five-foot-nine so I was pleased to learn that the Straight-leg version comes in a 32-inch inseam that might actually go past my ankles. I will say Quince’s Ponte material is quite thin, so these may not work for you if your office is drafty. They’re not entirely wrinkle-resistant either, but I’d still recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a solid pair of black work leggings they can lounge in. —Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Amazon
Pros: Four-way stretch, sculpting technology
Cons: Limited sizing options, no pockets
Clocking in at under $30, these budget-friendly leggings from Conceited are perfect for work thanks to their four-way stretch and an elastic waistband, both of which offer supreme comfort. They’re constructed from an ultra-soft and stretchy fabric, making them both durable and lightweight. Fortunately since the material is fairly thick, you don’t need to worry about your undies showing through the leggings as you make the rounds around the office.
Despite this, the leggings are designed to be ultra-soft and breathable, so you won’t be sweating (or worse, feeling suffocated) while wearing them. It’s also worth mentioning that these leggings are specially designed to be tight through the waist and hips to smooth and shape.
Sarah Chiwaya/Business Insider
Pros: Supportive waistband, wide size range
Cons: Run slightly large
In her guide to the best plus-size leggings, freelance writer and plus-size fashion expert Sarah Chiwaya praises this Anthropologie pair for their comfortable high-rise fit, supportive waistband, and soft fabric.
“The soft black fabric is completely opaque, feels great to the touch, and retains its shape through multiple days of wear,” writes Sarah.
“Style-wise, I appreciate this pair’s slightly wider leg opening. It gives a more modern, straight-leg look that feels closer to a pant while keeping the stretch and comfort of true leggings,” she continues. They run slightly large, so size down if you’re between sizes.
Alo Yoga
Pros: Sculpting waistband, stretchy material
Cons: Conspicuous calf logo
Style editor Samantha Crozier likes to pair her Alo Airbrush leggings with a sweater and knee-high boots, even if they’re designed for yoga. And for what it’s worth, she says their seat compression gives you a flattering boost in the rear, too.
“I love the fact that the material is matte, not a shiny, athletic fabric,” writes Samantha. “Lots of leggings have a touch of shine to them that makes them look more like sweat-wicking sportswear instead of something that you could wear to brunch. But the fabric on these is matte and (despite being made from nylon and elastane) almost looks and feels like a cotton blend. I find that this makes them look so much more natural when paired with a sweater — although you can absolutely wear them to yoga, too.”
Everlane
Pros: Breathable, soft, and stretchy fabric
Cons: Too thin for cold weather
These leggings feel like a second skin. Plus, they’re just under $80, which is a good deal compare to other leggings that are of a similar quality. “The leggings were made from some of the most lightweight material I’ve ever put on,” writes former style editor Maria Del Russo. “The slick material ensured there was no chafing between my thighs as I walked, too, which is always a bonus. I loved the high waistband, and how it didn’t roll down.”
Marcella
Pros: Relaxed fit in the legs, high-rise waistband, leather piping detail
Cons: Only one inseam length
Marcella is featured on our guide to the best women’s basics for being a source of cool, minimalist clothing with a slight metropolitan edge. The Joni leggings are made with a European Ponte fabric that is neither too loose nor very compressive, so these offer more breathing room if you have a soft belly. What makes them stand out is their vegan leather piping detail down each leg and the fact that it’s made by workers who earn a living wage, according to its sustainability claims. The main drawback is their single inseam length.
Spanx
Pros: Glossy finish, sculpting technology
Cons: Some reviewers report they run small
The Spanx Faux Leather Leggings is one of our favorite pairs in our guide to the best faux leather leggings. And despite their name, the leggings aren’t actually made with artificial leather; instead, they feature a combination of nylon, polyester, and elastane. Like most Spanx shapewear, these leggings offer compression to smooth and sculpt.
Other highlights include a shaping waistband and a contoured design to lift the buttocks. Most importantly, these faux leather leggings don’t feel constricting, meaning you can easily move around in them without worrying about ripping them or feeling uncomfortably restricted.
Read more in our full Spanx Faux Leather Leggings review.
American Giant
Pros: 4-way stretch, comes in both high-rise and mid-rise
Cons: No pockets, tall sizes only available in black
These leggings from American Giant are made from a Ponte knit fabric that’s thick and supportive, so you’ll never have to worry about your pants looking see-through. Thanks to the slight crop and the understated kick flare, they look like real trousers but feel just like loungewear.
The Ponte Legging Kick Flares feature a no-droop waistband, so you can wear them all day long without them stretching out. And while other leggings feature more pockets than these ones, they do have a small front pocket that’s big enough for your phone and a credit card.
The real beauty of this pair is in the details, like their thick hem that makes them look tailored and polished. From the knee down, they’re your perfect work slacks. And from the knee up? Some of the coziest leggings you’ve ever worn.
Époque Évolution
Pros: Front slit detail, back pocket
Cons: Expensive
The Jet Setter Trouser by Époque Évolution may be expensive, but we think of them more as a real pair of work trousers that just so happen to be comfy enough to wear on the weekends.
The front slit adds a touch of sophistication and a unique twist, but it also means you can wear the leggings over a pair of ankle boots, which looks a lot more sophisticated than just tucking regular leggings into a boot shaft. The material is slick and stretchy, and it pairs really well with oversized blazers or white button-downs. Plus, a back pocket makes them more practical than plain leggings.
Executive Editor Sally Kaplan calls these her favorite leggings for work, and though she acknowledges the price isn’t ideal, she will passionately tell you that they’re worth the cost if you have the budget — especially if you’re someone who prefers to maintain a more edited “better, not more” kind of closet.
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
Pros: Super soft fabric, split hem lets you show off your shoes
Cons: Too thin for cold weather, limited size range
When testing all the best travel pants, freelance writer Talia Ergas dressed up this moisture-wicking pair for a night out and found them a stylish option when paired with some comfortable heels.
“I wore these during the daytime with sneakers and an oversized sweater. For dinner and drinks, I threw on a blazer, changed into pumps, and swiped on a red lip. The pants looked polished in both scenarios,” writes Talia.