Updated Mar. 14, 2022
Fitness experts share their top picks for the best pair of black leggings with pockets. These leggings offer both workout fashion and function, and are ideal for walking, running, yoga, or even just hanging out.
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You can never have enough black leggings. Especially now, when loungewear and activewear have become a part of almost everyone’s daily wardrobe, chances are that your black leggings are getting a lot of use. “Black leggings are the best because they match everything,” says Roxie Jones, personal trainer in New York City. But wearing them can be a nuisance when you have your phone, wallet, or keys in hand but no pockets to put them in during your walk or run.
Luckily, there are black leggings you can buy with pockets to meet all of your life needs from working out to even lounging around the house. “I love having workout leggings with pockets because I have a place to store things, like my phone, chalk for my hands when I’m working with kettlebells, or my keys if I’m out for a bike ride,” says Colleen Conlon, group fitness instructor at Equinox in New York City.
There are numerous brands that make black leggings with pockets, so to take the guesswork out of the equation, we reviewed several pairs to see which were the best when it came to both fashion and function. Below we’ve rounded up our tried and true best black leggings with pockets. Try any—or a few—of the pairs listed for maximum comfort and support.
$98
Imagine a legging and a sweatpant combined, and you’ll get this pair of pants. They’re the perfect blend of hug-you-in with that slightly more relaxed feel. “I love the style of Alo leggings,” says Jones, who finds the waistbands to lie just right. Adjust the drawstring for a personalized, snug fit. You’ll love the high-rise waist and the deep pockets on each side. (Working out at home? These are the best leggings for indoor exercise.)
$60
Feel completely secure thanks to the full coverage, thick, high waistband in these leggings. The fabric wicks moisture away from your body as you work out, keeping you as dry as possible. The side pocket can fit belongings or your cell phone. A plus: the flattering ankle bone hem. (Here are some more high-waisted leggings you might like.)
$110
“If leggings have too tight of a fit around the waist and the material is too thick, I’m not a fan,” says Jones. If it’s hard to find a waistband that you enjoy, how about a pair with no waistband at all? That’s’ part of the appeal with these leggings. The higher price point is for the technology in the fabric that targets your tummy and tucks everything, without making you feel uncomfortable—like a tight hug, where you’re still able to move. Wear them to work out, bike, or go for a stroll. The high-rise lightweight material wicks sweat. You can put your belongings in the side pocket.
$89
You’ll love the ribbed fabric of this pair, as it gives them a more textured feel and heathered look. The leggings have UPF 50+ sun protection in them, which will protect you if you go for a long walk or exercise outside. They’re also a great transitional legging, from exercise to coffee or lunch with a friend.
$95
If you’re in search of a breathable pair of black running tights, that have ample amount of pockets to stash your belongings while you’re logging miles, look no further. This lightweight, compressive pair has a small pattern of perforations at the bottom to allow for ample airflow, as well as five pockets throughout. Create a unique fit using the drawstring, so that the waistband adjusts to your body and won’t move or shift. “I like the Nike Epic Luxe a lot,” says Jones. (Leggings are one of the many gifts for a fitness lover.)
$98
Not only do these leggings have two deep pockets on either side, but the pockets also have zippers, keeping whatever you put in them more secure, so you won’t have to worry about anything falling out mid-walk or mid-workout. The thick waistband sits high on your midsection, and the pants’ proprietary fabric has the ability to regulate temperature, making these versatile enough for warmer and cooler workouts.
$118
If you like pockets, this pair of tights has multiple: outer ones on both sides, and both front and back internal ones, too. “It’s helpful when running and you need a place to put your keys or phone,” says Jones. The sleek fabric has a super soft hand and feels delightful against the skin, but is also supportive enough to provide some compression to your muscles. Plus it has a slight sheen to it that can make your legs look long and lean, giving then a more luxurious look.
$55
These no-nonsense leggings will provide you with a solid pair of black pants with pockets at a great price point. They’re thick enough that you never need to worry about them being see-through, and the wide waistband stays in place so you won’t have to readjust them mid squat. “I expect my leggings to stay in place regardless of what exercise I’m doing,” says Conlon. “It’s important to me that they don’t shift and move.” The material is antimicrobial, too, keeping body odors at bay. The left side pocket is large enough to fit your phone.
$98
With these leggings, the company nailed the blend of a fabric that feels soft against the skin, but is still thick enough to support your muscles as you move and hold you in. While they do have some seams, they’re kept to a minimum, which just enhances the comfort level and amount of time you’ll want to spend wearing them. Conlon is a huge fan of this pair. “I have them in multiple colors, including black,” she says. “They’re super soft, flattering, and they stay in place once they’re on.” With two large pockets on either side, these are bound to become a part of your weekly rotation.
$88
The white piping on these leggings highlight all your accents, making your legs look long and lean, and your butt lifted and shaped—hence the name. (You can try these booty-specific workout moves, too.) The ankle-length crop is flattering on all heights, too. The compression material keeps everything in place, while the high-rise, reinforced waistband has a large pocket in back for you to keep your credit card, keys, and any other belongings. They have reflective trim, too, in case you’re exercising outside.
$99
The look and feel of these high-rise leggings is the perfect example of fashion and function. The whole Spacedye collection from this brand has an insanely soft feel, and the heathered look adds a bit of texture, which makes them look even more chic. The leggings are tight enough to hold you in up top (thanks to a five-inch waistband) while you exercise, but comfortable enough that you’ll want to wear them lounging on your couch as well. Bonus: They have deep side pockets. (Find out if you should wear underwear with workout clothes.)
$70
Not only are these black leggings extremely comfy, but the buttery fabric is also designed to wick sweat and dry quickly, making them great for higher intensity workouts. The thick waistband holds firm against your torso, while you stretch, lift, or jump without any constraints thanks to the four-way stretch fabric. The side pocket is big enough to hold a cell phone.
$128
The soft, silky fabric of these leggings won’t cause any chafing against your skin while you run. We love that while the waistband holds you in, the extremely lightweight material gives you a full range of motion, so you won’t feel restricted at all. You can stash your phone in one of the side pockets, and there are hidden pockets in the waistband as well. “I like having the pocket concealed in the waistband,” says Jones. (Beware of the fitness myths that can damage your health.)
$84
We love the mission behind this brand—everyone deserves access to a joyful moment and body positive fitness. The brand supports plus-size athletes with premium activewear designed to help them feel confident. The trademarked superhold fabric provides a secure, no-slip grip, and pulls moisture away from your body as you exercise and move. Flat-lock seams prevent any uncomfortable rubbing against your skin, too. You’ll love the high, supportive waistband, as well as the full size side pockets for storage.
Originally Published: August 20, 2020
