Whether we’re working for home or heading out for a chilly, mid-February jog, we basically live in leggings at this point. Warm leggings are a winter weather essential because, let’s face it, as temperatures plummet, our poor legs deserve all the coziness we can give them.
19 of the Best Warm Leggings for Winter Workouts, Brunches & Everything in Between
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The Best Warm Legging Materials
These days, a lot of brands have their own technology to set their warm winter leggings apart from competitors, so the names of materials can vary, but overall, these are the best materials to pay attention to:
- Fleece: Obviously we immediately associate fleece with being warm and cozy, whether that's the material of 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 totally natural and merino wool especially is great for activewear because it's sweat-wicking.
- Blends: Synthetic blends especially 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 warming properties atop your skin.
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-appropirate layers on top. Perhaps a collared shirt under a sweater and an oversized blazer on top? For lounging around, 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. Here, the 19 best warm leggings to grab this winter.
The Best Warm Winter Leggings At A Glance
- Best Overall: Adidas Cold Rdy Winter Running Leggings
- Best Pattern: Sweaty Betty Fair Isle Base Layer Leggings
- Best Running Tights: Tracksmith Turnover Tights
- Best for Hiking: lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Tights
- Best Low-Rise Leggings: Cuddl Duds Fleece Thermal Leggings
- Most Comfortable: 90 Degree by Reflex Fleece Lined Leggings
- Best Lounging Leggings: Baleaf Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings
- Best Ribbed Leggings: lululemon Base Pace Ribbed Tights
- Best Flare Leggings: Alo Yoga Airbrush Flutter Leggings
- Best Double-Knit Leggings: UGG Ashlee Leggings
- Best Faux Leather Leggings: Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
- Best Petite Option: Vuori Clean Elevation Leggings
- Best for Tall Women: On Tights Long
- Best for Outdoor Workouts: Athleta Altitude Stash Leggings
- Best for Skiing: L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Fleece Tights
- Best for Camping: The North Face Winter Warm Essential Leggings
- Best for Layering: Nike Pro Therma-FIT Leggings
- Best High-Waist Leggings: Stoic Tech Fleece Leggings
- Best High-Compression Leggings: Under Armour Cold Weather Leggings
- Why We Love It: Back and side pockets, stretchy material
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 yet well ventilated through your workouts, and the extra back zipper pocket is great to hold your cards. Dickey also mentions these run a smidge on the larger side, so you may want to size down.
- Why We Love It: Cute pattern, warm merino wool blend fabric
These thermal leggings are made of a merino wool blend and are the perfect base layer to go under your ski pants. We love the wintery design on the bottom and the fact that they’re seamless. "Every year, I love getting my base layers from Sweaty Betty. [They're] super cute and keeps you super warm. They are a thicker fabric with tons of stretch," says one happy customer.
- Why We Love It: Inverno blend fabric, lightweight
Made for hard, long runs, these tights ensure they stretch with every stride. The Inverno blend fabric is incredibly breathable and flexible with your body movements and it offers warmth without overheating your legs.
- Why We Love It: Water-repellant, brushed fleece
These leggings are perfect for cold runs. The brushed fleece fabric feels lightweight and breathable while still providing tons of warmth. They have four way stretch for optimal flexibility and the smooth, sleek outer material helps avoid any pilling and chaffing.
- Why We Love It: Super-soft fleece, stretchy
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. They're available in nine color options.
- Why We Love It: Fleece-lined, lightweight
Fleece-lined leggings are a great choice if you’re going out and about for the day and just want to stay warm. These aren’t too thick (so they won’t hinder mobility), but the soft lining of fleece will provide an extra bit of warmth. They're incredibly stretchy, so they'll be comfortable to wear all day long.
- Why We Love It: Handy side pockets, 19 colors
A trusty pair of leggings you can throw on every day without thinking 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, plus, they have side pockets. Just a heads up, though: They have little to no compression or support, so they won't be a great pick for working out.
- Why We Love It: Ribbed fabric, quick drying
Ribbed material is a great choice for extra warmth because it’s typically a bit thicker. This pair has a high waist and great compression to stay snug—ideal for going out on long winter walk. The Nulux material is breathable and lightweight which is great if you end up getting a little sweaty.
- Why We Love It: Thick material, flared silhouette
We’re pairing these ultra-chic leggings with a puffer jacket (preferably of the cropped variety) for a winter look that’s equal parts warm and trendy. The material of these leggings is nice and thick, offering a lot of support and warmth. The material is made to sculpt and smooth your shape. Plus, the seams down the center will elongate your legs.
- Why We Love It: Double-knit fleece, butt contour
Whether you have a long walk to work or you morning commute entails standing on a train platform, wear these double-knit fleece leggings to keep you warm and switch into your real work outfit when you get to the office (or wear these under wide-leg trousers—no one will know the difference). There isn't much compression to these leggings—and they're super soft—so they likely won't be great for working out.
- Why We Love It: Sophisticated silhouette, sculpting
If you’re going for a more dressed-up look, these faux leather leggings do a magnificent job at keeping out the cold. According to one reviewer, the compression will sculpt your curves, plus they’re super comfortable. "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.
- Why We Love It: Shorter length for shorter legs, soft, suede-like material
These leggings are made two-inches shorter than the regular version of this style to fit the petite ladies out there. They're made with a soft, suede-like material for warmth and comfort while offering a good bit of support for a workout. And the fact that they also wick moisture to keep the sweat beads from building up is a great feature for higher intensity exercising.
- Why We Love It: Made longer for long legs, sweat-wicking
Outdoor running in the winter is not for the faint of heart. These leggings will do a phenomenal job at keeping your legs warm while you get your miles in and will help wick sweat at the same time. The thighs have extra stretchy panels to lengthen with your legs with each stride, so if you have long legs you won't have to worry about the leggings riding up above your ankles.
- Why We Love It: Polartec material, moisture-wicking
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.
- Why We Love It: PrimaLoft yarn, stretchy fit
These leggings have a low-rise fit and come in regular, petite and plus sizes as well as an additional medium-tall inseam. You can find a back zip pocket to hold your belongings and reflectors on the ankles if you're out and about at night, too. The PrimaLoft material is sensationally warm for spending time on the slopes and, not only that, it's very comfortable.
- Why We Love It: Quick-drying material, contoured waistband
We love thick, high waistbands, but what we love even more is this contoured design that's higher in the back to emphasize your booty shape. These leggings are made for movement and are a great option for the adventurous type. They have a triangle gusset for optimal stretch and movement and FlashDry-Pro material that effectively wicks sweat.
- Why We Love It: Fleece-lined, high compression
Pop these leggings under sweats or jeans on super cold days. "[They're] the perfect winter leggings. They stay in place, keep me warm and have pockets. Can't ask for anything more?" Says one reviewer. They're mid-rise and have medium to high compression and are a very fitted to sit snug on your body as a base layer.
- Why We Love It: Great color options, drawstring waistband
With an adjustable, high-rise waistband that's also double-lined, you can't go wrong with this pair. You can cinch the waist tight if you need them to stay snug during a workout, or let out the drawstring if you need some extra room. The leggings are made of a performance fleece that keeps you warm while wicking sweat, which is great for outdoor workouts.
- Why We Love It: High compression, side pockets
Leggings that are made to withstand cold climates are great for athletes who are always working out outdoors. These have side pockets to hold your belongings and fit quite tightly as they're made to be ultra-compressive.
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