WH editors are constantly putting activewear, including leggings, to the test. And to help you prepare for the frigid temperatures ahead, we evaluated the best cold-weather tights on the market during all kinds of activities, including cold-weather runs, ski trips, and early morning errands. We tested upwards of 30 leggings and narrowed down our list of the seven absolute best pairs.
From brands you know and love—like Lululemon and Alo Yoga—to budget-friendly Amazon options, these top-tested winter leggings meet our editors’ high workout gear standards and keep legs super warm and protected. Ahead, shop our favorite stylish and functional leggings designed to carry you through the entire cold weather season.
What to consider
Materials
Because lingering sweat can make you colder faster, look for man-made fabrics, like polyester and nylon, that are great for wicking sweat away from skin, says Kristen Hislop, a high school run coach, certified triathlon coach, and personal trainer. Merino wool is another great option in the winter, says Hislop. “It is naturally warm, wicking, and has antibacterial properties.”
Warmth features
A wind-stopper, like Gore-Tex (a waterproof, breathable, and windproof fabric), is important for the cold weather, because it helps with temperature control, says Hislop. Water-resistance is also a nice feature to have if you live in a climate that’s prone to snow and slush. “Another feature I like is when the tights are slightly fleece-lined,” says Milica McDowell, certified exercise physiologist, and VP of operations at Gait Happens, noting this makes them more comfortable and cozy, noting these options are particularly good from temps 15°F or below.
How we chose
As a beauty and fashion writer and an avid year-round runner, I’ve put a lot of activewear to the test—leggings included. I wear them daily, no matter the season, and some of my all-time favorites for winter weather grace this list. I also consulted three professional athletes and trainers on what to consider when shopping for the best winter leggings. They emphasized that material, warmth features, and length are key when braving cold weather in tights. WH fitness and commerce editor Nicolette Accardi, Hearst Fashion Director Kristen Saladino, and Hearst commerce editor Ellen McAlpine also weighed in on their favorite options.
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Best Overall
Alo Yoga Airlift Winter Warm High-Waist Legging
Pros
- Compressive, sculpting fit
- Moisture-wicking material
- Highly versatile
Cons
- One of the more expensive options
We’ve long been fans of Airlift, Alo’s OG fabric, a blend of polyester and elastane that’s designed to be supportive and sleek, because it’s compressive, moisture-wicking, and adds a stylish sheen to your gym fit or on days you’re not actually working out. For colder weather, you don’t have to venture far from the original—the brand makes a winter warm edition that boasts a brushed interior to make them just the slightest bit thicker and fuzzier inside without detracting from the sculpted, tight-fit feel.
If you are working out, the thick material is not at all see-through when squatting but not so thick that they feel constrictive. They also stay in place during a wide range of other moves—we’ve put them to the test during weight-lifting, barre, and running workouts. And the waist? It hugs you in all of the right places, leaving you looking super snatched.
Hearst commerce editor Ellen McAlpine has tried both versions of the legging, and says the brushed interior doesn’t feel quite as sleek as the original fabric. However, it is still comfortable and sweat-wicking, whether you’re running outside or sweating from a lifting session. “They’re compressive but still allow for a full range of motion throughout your routine,” she says. She says that she can wear these to stay warm on early morning walks to the gym but still feels comfortable throughout training sessions. A win-win in her book.
Read More: Best Leggings With Pockets
| Materials | Signature, micro-performance, double-knit Airlift fabric |
|---|---|
| Warmth features | Brushed interior |
Best Value
Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings
Now 10% Off
Pros
- Drawstring for a tailored fit
- Seamless inner legs
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Tends to collect lint
This budget-friendly Amazon pair is made with weather-resistant fabric and they’re fleece-lined for warmth in the coldest temps. Plus, they have a high waistband with a built-in drawstring that allows you to get a snug fit that keeps the elements out.
The leggings also have a seamless inner-leg construction that our testers found extra comfortable. Because the fabric on the legs is flat, we didn’t run into any issues with chafing—even during high-friction workouts like running. They rave about the stretchy multiple pockets, too, noting that they were perfect for stashing small essentials like phone, keys, and a slim wallet. The pair also comes in a whopping 36 colors so you can grab a few to keep on hand all season long.
| Material | Polyester, spandex |
|---|---|
| Warmth features | Fleece-lined, water-resistant |
Best High-Rise
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight
Pros
- Soft, brushed fabric that’s still ultra-stretchy
- Reflective details
- Plenty of pockets without adding bulk
Cons
- May run a bit small
Both Hislop and McDowell count this pair among their favorites for running in cold weather. “While lightweight in feel, these are cozy and warm tights,” says Hislop. The soft, brushed fabric is sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and made for running in cold temperatures. We love lululemon’s commitment to using more sustainable fabric, too. This pair is made from 100% recycled polyester that has excellent stretch and shape retention. In other words,you certainly won’t be constantly yanking these up.
There aren’t any inside seams for chafing, either. And Hislop loves the two side pockets on the legs for small essentials like your phone. There are also three pockets in the continuous drawcord waistband. The reflective details are a nice touch for those before- or after-dark runs, too. Take note: They do run on the small side.
| Materials | Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Warmth features | Moisture-wicking, quick-drying, brushed fabric |
Most Versatile
Vuori Chilled Out Legging
Pros
- Super soft brushed fabric that moves with you
- Flattering V-shaped detail on the waist
- Breathable enough for indoor exercise
Cons
- May be a bit short on taller individuals
Editors and professional athletes alike agree that Vuori makes some of the best workout clothes for women, whether you’re popping into a yoga class or hitting the track in the dead of winter. For the latter, Elizabeth Kaplanis, co-founder of RTA Triathlon and a two-time IRONMAN World Championship finisher, calls the brand’s Chilled Out style “a game-changer for when you’re running around– inside and out—and you can’t let the cold weather stop you.”
They are high-waisted and full length, which is essential when you’re moving around outside and want to stay warm, she says. “And I find the thicker ‘brushed’ stretch knit is what really separates them from my summertime leggings.” She says they’re like velvet to the touch. Still, the pair is versatile enough to wear in studios. “I find the thicker knit doesn’t wear any warmer when exercising inside,” says Kaplanis. “They still breathe great and hug my body with the same support as my thinner leggings.” Our only complaint? With a 27-inch inseam, they may be a bit short on taller individuals.
| Materials | Recycled polyester, elastane |
|---|---|
| Warmth features | Brushed fabric, moisture-wicking |
Best for Running
On Performance Winter Tights
Pros
- Super thick, warm fabric
- Sweat-wicking
- Reflective detailing for safety
Cons
- May be a bit long for petite individuals
If you’re running in below-freezing temperatures, you need thick leggings that will keep your legs warm, and these tights are about as good as it gets. “I’m super sensitive to the cold, and the softer interior fabric locks in the warmth while wicking away sweat so I don’t freeze,” says fitness commerce editor Nicolette Accardi. They’re not actually fleece-lined, but since the fabric is almost eight ounces, they definitely feel like they are, she says. This small differentiation can actually be a good thing for anyone who’s worried about overheating during a more intense workout. “The high waist also offers extra warmth in the midsection,” says Accardi.
We also like that the pair has an essential feature for running during the winter season: reflective detailing for extra visibility during dusk or dawn, when it can be hard to spot athletes on the road. Just be aware: The pair is quite long—great for covering those ankles, but not ideal for the more petite runners, since they may experience bunching.
| Materials | Recycled polyester, elastane |
|---|---|
| Warmth features | Moisture-wicking, ultra-soft and cozy interior fabric |
Best Casual
Uniqlo Heattech Leggings
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Not restrictive at the waist
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not as suitable for workouts
Sometimes you need winter leggings for purposes beyond working out—like hanging around the house, running errands, or even to wear skirts for work or social events. “I love wearing skirts year-round, and the Uniqlo HeatTech Leggings make that possible,” says Accardi. “They keep my legs super warm and are an extremely comfortable alternative to fashion tights (my least favorite thing to wear).”
Unlike fashion tights, they’re not restrictive at the waist. They are, however, snug enough to stay put all day, says Accardi. “They literally feel like pajamas!” Still, they have all of the bells and whistles you could want, including the brand’s proprietary Heat RETENTION and DRY technologies (a fabric designed to be ultra-lightweight yet warm for a full range of movement), as well as odor-control—all at a very budget-friendly price point. On the downside, they aren’t quite squat-proof, so these aren’t the ideal pair for workouts.
| Materials | Polyester, acrylic, rayon, spandex |
|---|---|
| Warmth features | Heat retention, heat absorption, dry technology, moisture-wicking |
Best Seamless
Adanola Seamless Leggings
Pros
- Compressive and sculpting
- High waist band doesn’t slip
- Doesn’t chafe
Cons
- Runs a bit small
I’m very easily bothered by seams in my leggings, particularly when running. Chafing is the last thing I want to be thinking about while trying to crush my workout goals. But this pair of seamless, compressive leggings from Adanola is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. Hearst’s executive fashion director Kristen Saladino is a fan, too. “I love these leggings because they’re thicker than my other pairs, making them great for the colder months,” she says.
They have a super high waistband that prevents any skin from peeking out between your top and bottom layers. Our editors find they stay squarely in place during workouts, too—no sliding down. And because of that seamless construction? “You never have to worry about them riding up in uncomfortable places (IYKYK),” says Saladino. Importantly, they’re sweat-wicking, anti-bacteria,l and anti-odor, too. However, they do run a size small, so go up a size if you want them to be a bit roomier.
| Materials | Recycled polyamide, elastane |
|---|---|
| Warmth features | Sweat-wicking, thick fabric |
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Milica McDowell is a doctor of physical therapy, certified exercise physiologist, and VP of operations at Gait Happens.
- Kristen Hislop is a high school run coach, a certified triathlon coach, and personal trainer.
- Elizabeth Kaplanis is the co-founder of RTA Triathlon and a two-time IRONMAN World Championship finisher.
- Nicolette Accardi is the WH fitness and commerce editor.
- Kristen Saladino is the Fashion Director for the Hearst Style Group.
- Ellen McAlpine is a commerce editor for Hearst.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
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