As the weather cools, we live in warm, toasty leggings whether we’re working from home or out for a cold jog. We have named the Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Leggings ($98) the best Lululemon option due to the fabric’s breathability and warmth. Warm leggings are essential for winter weather because they keep your legs warm and can improve your performance and recovery when you wear them to workout.Additionally, we would like to recommend the Tracksmith Turnover Tights ($128) as the ideal thermal leggings for running. Food writer Katherine Gillen says the brushed texture feels so silky against your skin, like they’re fleece-lined to keep you toasty, thanks to their temperature-adjusting Inverno mix material. As for our top choice overall, we’ve examined and tested a number of cozy winter leggings that are suitable for both casual wear and exercise.We also looked for leggings that kept our legs warm, both on their own and as a base layer in colder climates. During testing, we also assessed the leggings’ comfort, flexibility, and sweat-wicking properties. We also tried to offer options at a variety of price points.
How to Style Warm Winter Leggings
You can wear warm winter leggings for purposes more than just as a base layer under your ski clothes. If you’re heading to the office, we advise pairing the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings with more business-appropriate layers, such a collared shirt underneath a sweater or an oversized blazer on top. You may dress them down with a nice sweatshirt for lounging or go for a completely athleisure style.
Although it may be true that warm leggings must be lined with fleece, there are a variety of other types available to keep your legs warm.
How We Chose the Best Warm Leggings
Our editors have a few go-to pairs of leggings for staying toasty in the winter, whether it’s trudging against the bitter winds of Chicago in February, swooshing down the slopes of Vail, Colorado, or hiking through the streets of New York City during the hard winter months. Compression, warmth, style, comfort, and material were all tested. While other selections have been tried as base layers during daytime sledding excursions with our children, a number of PureWow editors are serious runners who have evaluated these leggings against long runs and cold temperatures. In order to determine which leggings received the greatest customer ratings, we also examined reviews for some of our favorite brands. Here are the top 13 warm leggings for winter without further ado.
1. Athleta Altitude Stash Leggings
- What We Like: Polartec material, moisture-wicking
- What We Don’t Like: only three colors, may make you hot you wearing indoors
- Material: Polartec
- Size Range: XXS to 3XL
Polartec is used in the construction of these leggings to create a smooth, streamlined exterior that helps prevent chafing and pilling. Sweat-wicking technology, which draws perspiration from the fleece to the surface so it can dissipate, will keep your legs warm without making them overheat. “I wear these constantly in the winter for outdoor walks and workouts because the Polartec is a fleece-lined fabric that wicks my sweat instead of soaking it up,” says Olivia Dubyak, commerce editor. “It can be hard to find fleece-lined material that’s flexible enough to keep up with your workouts, but this material has plenty of stretch and flex to support your movements,” she says.
2. lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tights
- What We Like: soft brushed material, quick drying
- What We Don’t Like: they run a little tight
- Material: Everlux
- Size Range: 0 to 20
According to commerce editor Olivia Dubyak, these leggings are necessary for outdoor training. “I wore these leggings for half marathon training in the Colorado winter and they kept my legs and butt warm during my entire run,” she says. “They also made a great base layer for snowy runs because my second layer would glide comfortably against the material and wouldn’t cling to it.” These shoes are ideal for long winter walks or jogs because of their high waist and tight compression. The supportive and breathable Everlux material is perfect for anyone who wants to stay warm without sweating, and the supportive waistline will keep them from falling down as you work out.
3. Tracksmith Turnover Tights
- What We Like: Inverno blend fabric, lightweight
- What We Don’t Like: brand mentions they run a little small
- Material: Inverno blend
- Size Range: XS to XL
These tights stretch with each stride, making them ideal for long, strenuous runs. The Inverno mix cloth moves with your body since it is extremely flexible and breathable. Additionally, because it adapts to your body temperature, it offers lots of warmth without overheating your legs. “There is nothing better than these Tracksmith pants. According to culinary writer Katherine Gillen, “they are brushed on the inside, almost like fleece, but they still dry quickly and don’t feel heavy or too thick.” “I’ve owned them for a little over a year now and they haven’t gotten that musty sweat smell—even after I’ve worn them a couple times in a row,” she says. Additionally, there is a small zippered pocket along the leggings’ rear waistband where you may keep your cards or keys.
4. Adidas COLD.RDY Leggings
- What We Like: back and side pockets, stretchy material
- What We Don’t Like: only two colors, run a little large
- Material: polyester-spandex blend
- Size Range: XS to XL
Leggings that keep you warm are essential if you run in chilly weather. With their increased stretch, these are made to support your legs during long strides and fit comfortably around your waist for the duration of your journey. Dana Dickey, a senior editor, adores these leggings for her wintertime runs outside.”There’s a knitted waistband that cuddles your waist, as well as side pockets for holding my phone,” she explains. The additional rear pocket is a fantastic place to store your cards, and the COLD.RDY line is designed to keep your body warm and well-ventilated during your exercises. Dickey adds that you might want to size down because these are a little bit on the larger side.
5. Cuddl Duds Fleece Thermal Leggings
- What We Like: fleece material, low rise
- What We Don’t Like: can pill after a lot of wear, not overly fitted
- Material: polyester-spandex blend
- Size Range: XS to XL
Leggings that keep you warm are essential if you run in chilly weather. With their increased stretch, these are made to support your legs during long strides and fit comfortably around your waist for the duration of your journey. Dana Dickey, a senior editor, adores these leggings for her wintertime runs outside.”There’s a knitted waistband that cuddles your waist, as well as side pockets for holding my phone,” she explains. The additional rear pocket is a fantastic place to store your cards, and the COLD.RDY line is designed to keep your body warm and well-ventilated during your exercises. Dickey adds that you might want to size down because these are a little bit on the larger side.
6. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
- What We Like: sophisticated silhouette, sculpting
- What We Don’t Like: fits very tight
- Material: nylon blend
- Size Range: XS to XL
These imitation leather leggings look super stylish and keep you warm if you’re going for a dressier look. Natalie LaBarbera, assistant commerce editor, says, “They have a super soft, silky feeling inside that adds some thickness to them, which is both smoothing and adds warmth.” One reviewer claims that the compression will accentuate and shape your curves. “They are incredibly comfy, stylish, and seductive all at once. They fit all of my curves, including my petite calves and difficult-to-find bigger thighs,” she says.
7. Kari Traa Smekker Baselayer Pants
- What We Like: lightweight, soft material
- What We Don’t Like: may be long on shorter frames
- Material: polyester-spandex blend
- Size Range: XS to XL
Because of the material’s capacity to retain heat, merino wool leggings are a great choice if you’re an experienced skier or snow bunny. Pamela Masin, director of affiliate strategy, claims that when she started skiing, these leggings were well worth the investment. “”I no longer have to struggle with perspiring under my snow pants, which would make me feel cold, because they are breathable and temperature regulating. Additionally, the fit and fabric are quite comfortable—they’re not as tight as standard workout leggings. She adds, “I’ve definitely worn them as pajamas as well.” Be aware that 100 percent merino wool can stretch easily when worn but they will shrink back down after a wash. Make sure to properly launder your leggings so they stay nice and shapely after frequent wear.
8. Nike Pro Therma-FIT Leggings
- What We Like: high compression, thermal
- What We Don’t Like: not great for lounging
- Material: nylon-spandex blend
- Size Range: XXS to 2XL
These thermal leggings will prevent you from shivering when the temperature drops to the single digits if you love working out outside. Therma-FIT technology is used in their construction to help control body temperature. “During the winter, I wear leggings constantly. “I often wear these leggings out and about because they make me feel put together, even when I’m not working out,” says Olivia Dubyak, commerce editor. “I’ve bounced around from Pennsylvania to NYC to Chicago to Colorado, so I am a huge investor in warm weather clothing and can tell you that these are a total win,” she continues. They suit your body well, are high-rise, and feature medium to moderate compression.
9. Baleaf Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings
- What We Like: side pockets, lightweight
- What We Don’t Like: may be too long on shorter frames
- Material: polyester-spandex blend
- Size Range: XS to 3XL
A well-rounded wardrobe must include a reliable pair of leggings that you can wear every day of the week without giving it any thought. These are our choice for the winter. They have side pockets, a soft fleece inside, and enough stretch to be comfortable for lounging.However, just so you know, they offer very little support or compression, so it’s best to wear casual clothing. “They’re comfy, warm, and water-resistant—everything I wanted them to be. According to one Amazon buyer, “[They] do tend to get slightly baggy around the knees through wear, but go back to normal after a wash.”
10. 90 Degree By Reflex Fleece-Lined Leggings
- What We Like: fleece-lined, wide waistband
- What We Don’t Like: run a bit small
- Material: polyester-spandex blend
- Size Range: XS to 2XL
If you want to stay warm while going (and staying) out for the day, fleece-lined leggings are a terrific option. The soft fleece lining will add a little more warmth, but these aren’t overly thick, so they won’t restrict movement. Additionally, they are very elastic, making them pleasant to wear all day. “It’s not a problem if the broad waistline is a little tight. When you bend over, I’d rather have a snug fit than struggle to hold them up. The fleece is soft and velvety, and the length is ideal. One Amazon client claims that they are a “keeper.”
11. On Running Tights Long
- What We Like: made for long legs, sweat-wicking
- What We Don’t Like: run a bit small
- Material: polyester-spandex blend
- Size Range: XS to 2XL
Wintertime outdoor running is not for the weak of heart. Fortunately, these leggings will wick away perspiration and perform an amazing job of keeping your legs warm as you log miles. If you have long legs, you won’t have to worry about them ever riding up above your ankles because the thighs include additional stretchy panels that lengthen with each stride.
12. The North Face Winter Warm Essential Leggings
- What We Like: quick-drying material, contoured waistband
- What We Don’t Like: run a bit small
- Material: polyester blend
- Size Range: XS to 2XL
The contoured style of these leggings, which sit higher in the back to highlight your booty, is even more appealing to us than their thick, high waistbands. Additionally, they are constructed with FlashDry-Pro material to efficiently wick perspiration and include a triangular gusset for maximum elasticity and mobility.You should be aware that they are not extremely thick, but they are high rise, have a really flattering cut, and are somewhat compressive, which is fantastic. Therefore, [you] will be cold if you intend to wear them at -30 degrees.
13. Under Armour Cold Weather Leggings
- What We Like: high compression, side pockets
- What We Don’t Like: runs a bit large
- Material: polyester blend
- Size Range: X to 2XL, short, regular and tall
For athletes who are constantly working out outside, leggings designed to tolerate cold temperatures are ideal. These are constructed from two layers of ColdGear fabric, which protects your legs from freezing temperatures. For added smoothness on your skin, the inside is also brushed. Finally, while they are designed to be quite compressible, they include side pockets to store your items and fit rather securely.
Tips to Consider While Shopping for Warm Leggings
The Best Materials
These days, many brands have their own technology that sets their leggings apart from competitors, so the names of the fabrics used can vary. That said, these are the best materials to keep an eye out for when shopping for the best leggings for cold weather.
- Fleece: Obviously we immediately associate fleece with being warm and cozy, whether it’s on your favorite PJs or blanket. This material is insulated to keep warmth in, while also being ultra-soft to the touch.
- Merino Wool: Whether it’s a wool or wool-blend legging, this fabric is especially great in activewear because it’s sweat-wicking.
- Blends: Synthetic blends are a top pick for keeping your legs warm in the winter. A little merino wool here, a little nylon there and whatever else is included will ultimately offer plenty of warmth that’s not too suffocating against your skin.
What Are You Wearing Them For?
To make sure you can maintain your performance during your exercises, check for features like sweat-wicking technology, hidden pockets, and flexibility/stretch if you’re looking for workout leggings to add to your collection of gear. They should be soft on your skin and breathable if you’re wearing them as a base layer for winter sports like snowboarding or skiing. (Perhaps you’d be better off with a set lined with fleece?) In order to blend in with dressier ensembles, workwear leggings should have a streamlined appearance without too many athletic elements, such as large pockets or mesh paneling on the sides.
How to Wash Fleece-Lined Leggings
Examine the directions on the inside tag first, even if it might seem obvious. You should also check the brand’s website to see if there are any other ideas for prolonging the life of your leggings. Each brand has its own peculiarities depending on how the leggings were created, even if some materials may have comparable laundering instructions. Generally speaking, to keep the fleece warm and supple (and avoid shedding or matting), leggings lined with fleece should be gently washed in warm water. To preserve the texture and shape of fleece goods, follow any additional washing and drying recommendations, such as hand washing and hanging.
