The 13 Best Warm Leggings for Winter, Tested and Reviewed By Editors and Customers
PureWow Editors select every item that appears on this page,, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Read the original article on Purewow.
Whether we’re working from home or heading out for a chilly jog, we live in comfortable, cozy leggings as the temperatures cool down. Warm leggings for winter weather are essential because they keep your legs warm and can help with your performance and recovery when you wear them to workout in, which is why we've dubbed the lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Leggings ($98) as the best lululemon option because of the breathability and warmth of the fabric. And if you're looking for the best warm leggings for running, we'd like to point you to the Tracksmith Turnover Tights ($128). Thanks to their Inverno blend material that adjusts to the temperature, food editor Katherine Gillen says the brushed material feels so soft against your skin, it's like they're fleece-lined to keep you toasty. As for our best overall pick, we've tested and vetted quite a few warm leggings for winter that could be worn casually or for working out. We also looked for the leggings that kept our legs warm on their own and as a base layer in snowier climates. Other qualities we assessed when testing were how flexible, comfortable and sweat-wicking the leggings were, and we tried to pull options in varying price ranges.
The Best Warm Leggings for Winter At A Glance
How to Style Warm Winter Leggings
A pair of warm winter leggings doesn't just have to be a base layer under your ski clothes. If you're headed to the office, we recommend trying the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings and pairing them with more work-appropriate layers like a collared shirt under a sweater or an oversized blazer on top. For lounging around, you can dress them down with a cute sweatshirt or go for a full athleisure vibe.
Our brains automatically assume warm leggings have to be fleece-lined, and while that can be true, there are so many other kinds out there to keep your legs toasty.
How We Chose the Best Warm Leggings
From trekking through the streets of NYC during the brutal winter months to swooshing down the slopes of Vail, Colorado and walking against the harsh winds of Chicago in February, our editors have a few pairs of leggings we stand by for staying warm in the winter. We tested for comfort, material, warmth, style and compression. Several PureWow editors are avid runners, who have vetted these leggings against long runs and low temps, while other picks have been tested as base layers during day-long sledding excursions with our kids. We also looked at reviews for some of our favorite brands to scope out which leggings had the highest customer ratings. Without further ado, here are the 13 best warm leggings for winter
25 Pairs of Leggings with Pockets That Are Big Enough to Hold All Your Essentials
1. Athleta Altitude Stash Leggings
These leggings are made with Polartec for a sleek, smooth outer that's great for avoiding pilling and chafing. The fleece interior will keep your legs warm but won't cause them to overheat, thanks to the sweat-wicking technology made to pull the sweat from the material to the surface so it can evaporate. "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 commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. "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 mentions.
2. lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tights
According to commerce editor Olivia Dubyak, these leggings are a must-have 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." This pair is also ideal for going out on long winter walks or jogs, thanks to its high waist and snug compression. The Everlux material is breathable and supportive, which is great for anyone who wants to keep warm without sweating their butts off, and the supportive waistband will keep them from falling down while you workout.
3. Tracksmith Turnover Tights
Made for long, hard runs, these tights stretch with every step. The Inverno blend fabric is incredibly breathable and flexible, moving with your body. Plus, it provides plenty of warmth without overheating your legs since it adjusts with your body temperature. "These Tracksmith leggings are just so good. They’re brushed on the inside, almost like fleece, but they still dry fast and don’t feel heavy or too thick," says food editor Katherine Gillen. "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 mentions. You can also find a little zippered pocket along the back waistband of the leggings to store your keys or cards in.
4. Adidas COLD.RDY Leggings
If you're a cold weather runner, leggings that keep you toasty are a must. These are designed with extra stretch to support your legs through long strides and stay snug around your waist for all of your miles. Senior editor Dana Dickey loves these leggings for her outdoor winter runs."There’s a knitted waistband that cuddles your waist, as well as side pockets for holding my phone," she says. The COLD.RDY line is made to keep your body warm and well-ventilated through your workouts, and the extra back pocket is great for holding your cards. Dickey also mentions these run a smidge on the larger side, so you may want to size down.
5. Cuddl Duds Fleece Thermal Leggings
Commerce editor Olivia Dubyak loves the feel of these soft fleece leggings, which she wears constantly. "These are always my base layer for my wintery Colorado outings, and I love that the fleece is incredibly soft without feeling too thick or bulky under other clothes," she says."Now that I'm very pregnant, I can't wait to wear these as it gets colder because the low-rise waist sits beneath my belly comfortably," Dubyak adds.
6. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
If you’re going for a dressier look, these faux leather leggings do a magnificent job of looking chic, while keeping out the cold. "They have a super soft, silky feeling inside that adds some thickness to them, which is both smoothing and adds warmth," says assistant commerce editor Natalie LaBarbera. According to one reviewer, the compression will sculpt and flatter your curves. "They're sexy, chic and so comfortable all in one. They hug every curve—even my small calves and thicker thighs, which is hard to find," she says.
7. Kari Traa Smekker Baselayer Pants
If you're an avid skiier or snow bunny, you're going to want to opt for a pair of merino wool leggings because of the material's heat retention capabilities. Director of affiliate strategy Pamela Masin says these leggings were worth the splurge when she got into skiing. ""They are breathable and temperature regulating, so I no longer deal with sweating under my snow pants, which would end up making me feel cold. Plus, the fabric and fit are incredibly comfortable (they aren't skin-tight like traditional workout leggings). I've definitely worn them as pajamas, too!" she says. 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
If you're an outdoor workout fiend, these thermal leggings will save you from shivering when temps drop to single digits. They are made with a therma-FIT technology to help regulate your body temperature. "I wear leggings religiously in the winter. Even when I'm not working out, I like the compression of these leggings so I frequently wear them out and about because they make me feel put together," says commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. "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 adds. They're high-rise and have medium to high compression and are fitted nicely to your body.
9. Baleaf Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings
A trusty pair of leggings you can throw on any day of the week without having to think about it is essential to a well-rounded wardrobe, and these are our pick for the winter. They have a light fleece lining and are stretchy enough for lounging around in—plus, they have side pockets.Just a heads up, though: They have little to no compression or support, so casual wear is best. "[They're] water-resistant, warm and comfortable—everything I wanted them to be. [They] do tend to get slightly baggy around the knees through wear, but go back to normal after a wash," reports one Amazon customer.
10. 90 Degree By Reflex Fleece-Lined Leggings
Fleece-lined leggings are a great choice if you’re going (and staying) out for the day and want to stay warm. These aren’t too thick (so they won’t hinder mobility), but the soft fleece lining will provide an extra bit of warmth. And they're incredibly stretchy, so they'll be comfortable to wear all day long. "The wide waistband is a bit snug, but that's not an issue. I'd rather have a snug fit instead of fighting to keep them up when you bend over. The length is perfect, and the fleece is soft and plush. They're a 'keeper'," says one Amazon customer.
11. On Running Tights Long
Outdoor running in the winter is not for the faint of heart. Thankfully, these leggings will do a phenomenal job at keeping your legs warm while you get your miles in and wick sweat at the same time. The thighs have extra stretchy panels to lengthen with each stride you take, so if you have long legs you won't have to worry about them ever riding up above your ankles.
12. The North Face Winter Warm Essential Leggings
We love thick, high waistbands, but what we love even more is the contoured design on these leggings, so they sit higher in the back to emphasize your booty. They also have a triangle gusset for optimal stretch and movement and are made with FlashDry-Pro material to effectively wick sweat. "What you should know: they are somewhat compressive, which is great, they are high rise and have a very flattering cut, however they are not very thick. So it you're planning to wear them at -30 degrees, [you] will be cold. [Worn] with a base layer doing an active sport, they will be wonderful," says one North Face customer. Some reviewers note that these leggings run a bit small, so be sure to consult the sizing chart before you order.
13. Under Armour Cold Weather Leggings
Leggings that are made to withstand cold climates are great for athletes who are always working out outdoors. These are made of a dual-layer ColdGear fabric that keeps your legs warm against bracingly cold air. The interior is also brushed for extra softness against your skin. Last but not least, they have side pockets to hold your belongings and fit quite securely, as they're made to be ultra-compressive.
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.
What Are You Wearing Them For?
If you're looking for workout leggings that add to your activewear selection, you should look for features like sweat-wicking technology, hidden pockets and flexibility/stretch to ensure you can keep your performance strong during your workouts. If you're popping them on as a base layer for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, they should offer breathability and feel soft against your skin. (Perhaps a fleece-lined set would be a good choice for you?) With workwear leggings, they should look sleek without too many activewear features like bulky pockets or mesh paneling on the sides, so it doesn't clash with dressier outfits.
How to Wash Fleece-Lined Leggings
While this may seem like a no-brainer, the first thing you should do is assess the instructions on the interior tag (and check the brand's website to see if they have any additional tips for extending the longevity of your leggings). Not all leggings are made the same, so even though some materials may have similar laundering steps, each brand has their quirks based on the way the leggings were made. As a general rule, fleece-lined leggings should be washed gently in warm water to keep the fleece soft and warm (and prevent shedding or matting). Follow any other instructions for laundering fleece items, so you're maintaining its texture and shape, including hand washing and hang drying them.
The 9 Best Dumbbells to Help You Smash Your 2023 Fitness Resolutions
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
