The actual color is charcoal. I bought it 4 years ago and have worn the black one frequently. It has a back cross design, so it was useful when wearing clothes with an open back. I wore pants as an inner layer for skirts to prevent diapers and underwear from being visible. The size is M, but it's a small fit. I think it's the perfect size for 1-year-olds and up. The fabric stretches quite a bit.