Lizzy Acker | The Oregonian/OregonLive

What are the best black leggings money can buy?

One of the best, maybe the best thing, about being alive in 2017 is that we have reached a point in human history when leggings can officially be designated as “pants.”

Sure, the struggle to reach this point has been long and arduous and involved a lot of mean memes. But today, people wear leggings to work with pride. And if there’s one type of leggings that are truly acceptable in all occasions, be it a job interview, a fancy dinner or a zombie battle, it is black leggings.

But now that we have accepted black leggings as an all-occasion clothing item, we come to the bigger problem: Which black leggings are the best black leggings?

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Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian

In May, Girlfriend Collective, a clothing company based in Seattle, expects to release its new collection, which contains a pair of leggings that are in the running for the title of Best Black Leggings in the World (pictured). Over the last year, the company got the word out about their leggings using a pretty brilliant campaign that spread mainly by word of mouth, sending the leggings to customers for “the cost of shipping,” which was $19.95 here in Oregon.

But what other leggings compare to Girlfriend Collective? And where should you put your precious black leggings dollars?

To answer this question, I spent months wearing almost exclusively black leggings and spending most of my money purchasing more black leggings. Which, to be honest, I probably would have done anyway. But, since December 2016, I have done it with a singular purpose: discover the best pair of black leggings.

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Methodology:

I picked which leggings to try in a variety of ways. First, I used the leggings I already owned. Then, I reached out on Facebook and asked for suggestions. I got a lot of suggestions. I decided to use only leggings, not jeggings (denim leggings) for this study. I purchased leggings based on these suggestions, combined with Internet research.

All of these leggings were bought by me (or in one case purchased by my parents as a suggested Christmas gift) because I wanted there to be no question that these were my unbiased opinions. I also wanted to keep them when I was done.

I created a spreadsheet, which you can check out if you want, with 22 factors to consider, including fabric, how they are washed, how they feel, the length, whether you can wear them without covering your butt, price, and, well, a bunch more things. After wearing each pair, I graded them, ultimately giving them a number score out of 10 possible points for work wearability, workout wearability, ethics of the company, and price. The total score came from these numbers.

I also made two of my friends, Jesse Price and Jade Santana, who wear basically the same size as me but are shaped differently and have different priorities, try on all the leggings and give their thoughts.

Here are my findings. And if you want a lot of details, check out my leggings spreadsheet here.

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13: Old Navy Long Leggings for Women

Fact: I do not like these leggings. They are like American Apparel leggings if they weren’t as high waisted and fell down all the time and were made out of less comfy material. They are the cheapest leggings I reviewed, so there’s that. And since they are at Old Navy, you can probably get them quickly and in a pinch. But they just don’t feel good and aren’t pleasant to wear, which is really what black leggings should be.

Best for: Emergency situations that involve zero running around but require black leggings.

Score: 21 (out of 40 possible points) -- Work: 6 | Workout: 2 | Ethics: 3 | Price: 10

Cost: $12.50

Friend thoughts: "Clearly see-through. Typical cheap legging. Very seriously attract lint."

Would I buy them again? No.

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12: Outdoor Voices Studio Skin Legging

If I could turn back time, I would buy a different pair of Outdoor Voices leggings. Because I have heard their more expensive leggings are sooo great and amazing. But these ones? Not great. Not amazing. In fact, very weird. The fabric is like a wetsuit, but a thin wetsuit. And the waistband, while compressive, is the same, exactly the same, all the way around. Like you can’t tell which is the front and which is the back. So, if you have any sort of butt, the back of these is much lower than the front. It’s weird and uncomfortable and honestly, that’s just the beginning. These pants are hard to put on and after a few wears, the crotch seam seems to be giving way. Not awesome.

Best for: Looking good and feeling so-so.

Score: 21-- Work: 6 | Workout: 7 | Ethics: 4 | Price: 4

Cost: $70

Friend thoughts: "These feel like a garbage bag." "I hate them. I feel like there's not enough room for my thighs."

Would I buy them again? No.

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11: Lululemon Wunder Under Crop

Full disclosure: I used the crop version of these because that's what I own and I feel bad purchasing another pair of Lululemon since the founder isn't awesome. On the other hand, they started the athleisure thing, basically, so they deserve a chance. And I've been wearing them for a long time, mainly for actual yoga. They aren't as high-waisted as I would like, which means on me they fall down, and they feel a little scratchy. But they last for a long, long time and they are pretty comfortable.

Best for: Fitting in at a hot yoga class.

Score: 21 -- Work: 6 | Workout: 9 | Ethics: 3 | Price: 3

Cost: $88

Friend thoughts: "I like these because they're comfy but they fall down immediately."

Would I buy them again? No.

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10: Two by Vince Camuto Seamed Back Leggings

I bought these a couple of years ago in a leggings emergency situation and they continue to be effective in a pinch. They cover your butt enough to wear to work and they are pretty comfy. But the fabric isn’t soft and can be a little scratchy over time, and they don’t stay up as well as other pants. Also, they’re a little loose, even in a size medium. And there are several awkward seams.

Best for: People who love seams.

Score: 22 -- Work: 9 | Workout: 2 | Ethics: 3 | Price: 7

Cost: $49

Friend thoughts: "They feel nice. A good length and color but that butt seam is not good."

Would I buy them again? No.

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Photos by J.S.

9: Betabrand High Waisted Work Yoga Pants

Betaband's high-waisted version of their oft-advertised "Work Yoga Pants" are a major disappointment for me and it's basically all because of the waistband, which is weird because other versions of these pants (which I haven't included because I am going with one per brand), have a better waistband but a much worse rise. The waistband on these is thin and the elastic almost immediately twisted and bent over. I still wear these sometimes -- I like the thickness of the fabric for not covering my butt at work -- but only when all my other pants are dirty. I have actually tried three versions of these pants: these high waisted ones, a skinny leg version with a mid-rise and a cropped pair. I actually wore the crop pair many times to work last summer.



Best for: Work on a laundry day.

Score: 22 -- Work: 7 | Workout: 5 | Ethics: 6 | Price: 4

Cost: $78

Friend thoughts: "They go up so high I don't like it. I think if they're that high they have a thicker waist band."

Would I buy them again? No.

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8: Lou & Grey Ponte Leggings from The Loft

There are several people I respect who like these leggings a lot and my hypothesis is that those people have a flatter stomach than I do. For me, with these, the waistband flipped down almost immediately when I wore them, which was frustrating, because otherwise I liked the fabric and the feel and these are one of those pairs you can wear without covering your butt.

Best for: Skinny days.

Score: 23 -- Work: 9 | Workout: 4 | Ethics: 3 | Price: 7

Cost: $49.50

Friend thoughts: "I have a long torso and it hits me at a nice spot. Soft, thick."

Would I buy them again? No.

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7: Torrid Slim Fix Pixie Pant - Black All-Nighter Ponte

Not all black leggings are available to everyone, and that’s why I wanted to try Torrid’s version, which goes up to size 30 and down to size 10. These high-waisted “slimming” leggings were a surprise hit, both with me and my friends, who tried mine and then went online to purchase their own. They are thick enough to wear alone, not remotely see-through, comfortable and have a huge waistband. I’m not sure if they are really “slimming,” but the compression feels nice and the ankle is a perfect length.

Best for: Feeling good about your body.

Score: 25 -- Work: 10 | Workout: 5 | Ethics: 4 | Price: 6

Cost: $58.90

Friend thoughts: "These are great. Might be my favorite."

Would I buy them again? Yes.

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6: French Laundry One Step Up Legging

(Available at Fred Meyer's, usually.)

I wish there was some information available on where these pants are made, beyond “China.” If not for that, they would be ranked above the Target leggings below. My sister-in-law swears by these leggings and I can see why. They are a super affordable option, usually on sale, with a high waist that keeps you in without compressing you at Spanx levels. The matte look and absence of huge seams is nice for a more work-friendly outfit. If American Apparel leggings are gone forever, these are a good replacement. Cons: I find them a teensy bit itchy and your underwear is definitely visible.

Best for: Layering during seasons when you don't want to expose your knees.

Score: 25 -- Work: 9 | Workout: 5 | Ethics: 3 | Price: 8

Cost: $34

Friend thoughts: "I feel it controlling me. I like how matte they are. See through (a little). I like the ankle."

Would I buy them again? Yes.

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5: Freedom High Waist Leggings Long Length Black - C9 Champion

These pants from Target actually cost more than the Girlfriend Collective pants when the GC pants were on their super promotion price. But they feel cheap and the fabric isn’t as breathable as the GC pants. They are definitely going for the same market. They work fine for a workout and can be worn under other something for work, but your underwear will show through. These ended up with a higher score than I would have predicted -- mainly because of their price -- but I won’t buy these again.

Best for: Some sort of physical activity that might ruin your pants. Like, fully-clothed body painting or farm work.

Score: 26 -- Work: 6 | Workout: 7 | Ethics: 5 | Price: 8

Cost: $27.99

Friend thoughts: "Too athletic. Very comfortable. Nice thick waistband. Fabric a little papery."

Would I buy them again? No.

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4: American Apparel cotton spandex jersey leggings

The future of American Apparel leggings is in doubt. American Apparel is closing all its stores and it's unclear what Gildan Activewear, the company that purchased the brand, is planning to do with it. Still, I am including these leggings because they are the leggings I have worn for years, replacing every few months, and I am hoping that Gildan reads this and comes up with a plan to keep creating American-made, comfy, affordable leggings. These are definitely not to be worn without covering your butt, and they aren't really good for working out, but they are great for everyday use and nice and light, so good for layering or warmer weather.

Best for: Wearing under short dresses in the spring.

Score: 27 -- Work: 7 | Workout: 3 | Ethics: 9 | Price: 8

Cost: $28

Friend thoughts: "Decent legging. I would like a little more compression. I like the rise. Wish they had a wider waist band. Feel like they would get stretched out."

Would I buy them again? Yes. I hope.

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3: Girlfriend Collective leggings

My friends don't wear these leggings to work because they are "too athletic," which I get. They are are shiny with obvious seams. But, I am less classy than my friends and I wear them to work, with my butt covered, all the time. They are comfy and great for working out and are made partially from recycled material. They aren't made in the U.S.A but they are made in "certified SA8000" factories, which is "an accountability standard set up by Social Accountability International as a way for garment manufacturers to guarantee that workers are being paid and treated fairly."

Best for: Looking cool and being comfortable on the weekends.

Score: 29 -- Work: 8 | Workout: 10 | Ethics: 7 | Price: 4

Cost: $70

Friend thoughts: "The crotch doesn't smell as bad [as other leggings after multiple wears]. I love them. They are super shiny. I never wear them to work. They suck you in."

Would I buy them again? Yes.

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2: American Giant The Pant

These are the pair of pants I am most likely to wear to work without anything covering my butt. They fit well on the ankle, they are thick and durable and I think they look good. Also, they are made in the United States. And they have a funny little front pocket that magically fits my iPhone or a feminine product. In a funny twist, my friends didn’t like these nearly as much as I did.

Best for: Work that requires you to run from one place to another while still looking relatively put-together.

Score: 29 -- Work: 10 | Workout: 4 | Ethics: 10 | Price: 5

Cost: $69

Friend thoughts: "They do feel a little scratchy. I like the waist band. Too much like a pant, not like a legging."

Would I buy them again? Yes.

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1: Beyond Yoga Take Me Higher Long Legging

These leggings are my all-around favorite for several reasons. One, they are the most comfortable -- cotton-y and breathable but substantial. And they come in sizes up to extra large. Also, they are made in America. One problem: You need to cover your butt with these if and when you wear them to work. They are a little see-through so people will know if there are say, zombies all over your underwear.

Best for: Lounging, work if your butt is covered, basically anything.

Score: 30 -- Work: 8 | Workout: 9 | Ethics: 10 | Price: 3

Cost: $88

Friend thoughts: "Feel great. Too light. They are a straight up yoga pant. The waist is super comfortable. 100% lounge."

Would I buy them again? Yes.

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Chart by Lynne Palombo

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Lynne Palombo/The Oregonian/OregonLive

Top three stand-alone work-appropriate leggings that are more like pants

You can wear these without covering your butt with full confidence that no one is reading the days of the week off your underwear.

1. American Giant The Pant

2. Torrid Slim Fix Pixie Pant - Black All-Nighter Ponte (pictured)

3. Lou & Grey Ponte Leggings from The Loft

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Dave Killen/The Oregonian/OregonLive

Top three under-a-dress work-appropriate leggings

These are best for layering but might reveal a bit more than you’d like if you wear them without a dress or long shirt.

1. Beyond Yoga Take Me Higher Long Legging

2. American Apparel cotton spandex jersey leggings

3. French Laundry One Step Up Legging

Bonus if you don't mind seams: Girlfriend Collective (pictured)

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Top three workout leggings

These are what I wear when I am jumping up and down or imagine that I will at some point think about jumping up and down.

1. Girlfriend Collective (pictured)

2. Beyond Yoga Take Me Higher Long Legging

3. Lululemon Wunder Under Crop

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Photo by Anastasia Greer

Top three lounge leggings

It’s important to stay comfortable while watching TV. These are the options I recommend.

1. Beyond Yoga Take Me Higher Long Legging (pictured)

2. Girlfriend Collective

3. American Apparel cotton spandex jersey leggings

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Lizzy Acker/The Oregonian/OregonLive

Leggings we didn't try, and why.

I couldn't try every single pair of leggings that exist or were suggested to me. I didn't try Lularoe leggings, because they are available only through a consultant and after several attempts to get them and no luck, I figured it wouldn't be fair to recommend them. I drew the line at anything that was dry clean only, because, well, I don't have the budget or time for that and I assume most other people don't either. I didn't include footless tights, which are anything, in my opinion, that are unwearable without butt coverage. And I didn't include jeggings, because that's a whole other category. Finally, as much as I wanted to, I didn't try the $130 Proskins Slim High Waisted Leggings, which have silver and vitamins and all kinds of crazy stuff in them. I had to draw the line somewhere and $130 is just too much for me to spend on leggings, even if they make you healthy and fabulous.

And in related news:

Two girls barred from United flight for wearing leggings

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