Content written by Forbes Vetted Contributors is assigned, reviewed and edited by Forbes Staff
Hayley Helms is an outdoors writer and editor from San Diego.
Leggings are one of the most versatile, hard-working pieces of apparel in any wardrobe, but they may not be enough for winter weather. To keep this comfortable mainstay in rotation all year long, look for leggings that are thick and lined to keep the chill at bay, whether you’re traveling, lounging or working out. The warmest winter leggings are as soft and comfortable as their warm-weather counterparts, but still keep you cozy. Our pick for the warmest winter leggings overall is the Athleta Altitude Edge Stash High-Rise Legging, as they are moisture-wicking, come with pockets and are available in a wide range of sizes. Our most affordable pick, the Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings, balance toasty vibes and a reasonable price point.
We narrowed a list of more than 30 options down to the top six warmest winter leggings to keep you cozy.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
The warmest winter leggings usually feature fleece linings, thicker fabrics and are often double-layered to capture and retain heat. We considered more than 30 pairs of leggings to bring you our final recommendations of the top six picks for the warmest winter leggings for every budget, activity and style.
These breathable yet substantial leggings are the ideal mix of warmth, softness and comfort, and are my top pick for the warmest winter leggings. Wear these alone on winter runs, hikes or errands, or layer them underneath a shell for rainy, cold days. The Athleta Atltitude Edge Stash High-Rise leggings are a blend of hard-working polyester, nylon and elastane, and have a cozy fleece lining perfect for chilly days.
These leggings aren’t just warm—they’re also moisture-wicking and breathable, so you can wear them during high-output activities and not worry about generating sweat and then cooling down even further. To top it all off, Athleta’s sizing is some of the most inclusive among activewear brands, and you can choose between four wintery colors.
These leggings are less than $50 even when they’re full price, but they’re often on sale, making them an even sweeter deal. Available in 33 color options, from Army Green to Rose Red, the Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings are designed using a blend of stretchy and supportive polyester and spandex.
The material is stretchy, but thick enough that it keeps you warm on frosty days. The lining is a thin, soft fleece, and the leggings feature one or three pockets so you can stash your phone and keys with ease. I like that these leggings are a mix of affordability and style, and that they maintain warmth without breaking the bank. Because they’re a budget pick, some of the colorways can fit differently than one another, so you may want to try a few pairs until you find the right fit for you.
Made by a running-specific brand, so fit is accurate
Thoughtful features including zippered pockets
Cons:
Not a ton of colors to choose from
Fleece-lined leggings are thicker than standard options so can sometimes feel like they’re restricting movement during wear. Janji’s fleece-lined option maintains a slim and comfortable silhouette, all while featuring a thick, cozy fleece lining that I’ve determined is the best in the game.
Featuring a blend of recycled polyester and spandex, the Aurora Fleece Tight was created by the running brand to maintain warmth on winter days, without needing to bulk up. The 28-inch inseam fits most heights, and the zippered side pockets add an extra touch of security. At under 5 ounces, these tights are winterized without being weighty, and the drawstring waist keeps them in place whether you’re running, walking or lounging. These leggings are available in four colorways, and although there aren’t any bright color options, the neutrals are covered, meaning these will go with just about everything you already own.
Warmest Winter Leggings In Wool
Stay Warm In Natural Materials
WoolX
WoolX Stella Leggings
Materials: 85% Australian merino wool, 12% nylon, 3% spandex | Sizes: XSM to 3X | Colors: 4
Pros:
High percentage of wool
Maintains shape throughout the day
Cons:
Not as durable for working out as synthetic options
If you’re a fan of wearing natural fabrics, you already know it can be a challenge to find leggings that aren’t made with synthetic materials—and even more of a challenge to find a pair that fits as well and performs up to par. That’s where the WoolX Stella Leggings come in—they’re made with a whopping 85% wool, but still manage to maintain their shape after all-day wear and look great while doing it.
Wool is one of the most effective insulators available, so these tights aren’t just comfortable; they’re also naturally anti-microbial, moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating. These qualities, in addition to the process used to obtain the wool, help to justify the higher price point. Be aware that although these leggings in particular do a great job of maintaining their shape and not sagging, they aren’t as durable during workouts as materials like polyester, spandex and nylon. But, if you’re looking for a pair of (mostly) natural leggings to keep you warm this winter, it’s hard to beat these.
Boutique running brand Tracksmith knows a thing or two about crafting high-quality leggings—and its NDO Tights (No Days Off) are a masterclass in winterized leggings. The NDO Tights are expensive, but that’s due in part to their construction—they’re made with double-layered, wind-blocking materials. The body of the leggings are made with a blend of Lycra, polyester and nylon, while the wind-blocking lining is made with polyamide, elastane Lycra and polyurethane.
The NDO Tights feature thoughtful details like panels of wind-blocking material on the thighs, a high-rise fit, a wide waistband for comfort and a drawstring for security. Zippered cuffs make it easier to put these leggings on and take them off, and reflective details keep runners safe on winter evenings when the light is low.
If you’re a four-season runner and want a pair of winter leggings that are warm, supportive and high-quality, these should do the trick.
Materials: 79% recycled water bottles (RPET) and 21% spandex | Sizes: XXS to 6XL | Colors: 5
Pros:
Inclusive sizing
Comfortable fit
Cons:
Seasonal colors sell out fast
Many brands talk the sustainability talk, but Girlfriend Collective actually walks the walk. The brand’s Compression High-Rise Leggings are made from almost 80% recycled water bottles, making use of recycled material and keeping plastic out of the landfill. Along with their sustainable ethos, the leggings are also compressive, comfortable and warm—perfect for winter workouts. The material is thick enough that you don’t have to worry about see-through squats, and the four-way stretch means you can conquer any workout. I also love that the sizing is very inclusive, and fits a wide variety of bodies. If you’re an eco-conscious athlete or simply want a pair of leggings for the winter that have a positive impact on the planet, this is a quality pair to consider.
Hayley Helms is a contributing editor at Forbes Vetted and a full-time freelance editor and writer who has been covering outdoors and wellness topics for years. She’s also written for publications including Outside, Gear Patrol, Field Mag and Shape. She selected every pair of winter leggings in this guide.
In addition to Helms’ professional background, she is a dedicated runner who runs an average of 30 miles a week. She’s tried leggings from various brands over the years, and currently wears the Tracksmith NDO Tights when temperatures drop and she needs extra warmth.
Cameron Vigliotta is the gear editor at Forbes Vetted and oversees this article. He is an avid outdoor adventurer and holds a degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
We regularly revisit our articles to ensure information, availability and prices are up-to-date. This article was first written and published in November 2024.
How We Chose The Warmest Winter Leggings
To identify and recommend the warmest leggings for winter wear, we relied on our own expertise and consulted customer reviews to ensure that our favorites also received overwhelmingly positive reviews.
We gathered a list of more than 30 leggings from a variety of brands before analyzing their features, taking into consideration materials, intended use, sizing and durability. That list was then cut to a total of the six best and warmest winter leggings, all featured in this guide.
We leaned on our own personal experience wearing cold-weather leggings to recommend ones that have never let us down.
We read through countless consumer reviews, determining which leggings offer the most warmth, flexibility and comfort, and which fell short. We only included options that received rave reviews from consumers.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Warmest Winter Leggings
Even if you already have a favorite legging brand, there are factors and attributes to consider when selecting the warmest winter leggings.
Materials
Why it matters: The warmest winter leggings utilize specific materials to ensure warmth and comfort. If you plan on wearing leggings in the winter, make sure the materials can stand up to chilly to downright cold temperatures.
Key consideration: Keep an eye out for fleece-lined options, as well as double-layered or wool leggings. Any of these options will do a good job of keeping you warm as you work out, run errands or travel.
Fit And Sizing
Why it matters: A good fit is everything when it comes to leggings, especially when it comes to proper temperature regulation. Winter leggings should be tight but not uncomfortable, whether you’re sitting or standing.
Key consideration: Be sure to check each brand’s sizing chart before you buy. A snug but comfortable fit is key to both keeping you comfy and warm. Leggings should never be hard to put on, nor should they be see-through when you’re wearing them. If either applies, you should consider sizing up.
Intended Use
Why it matters: Leggings are extremely popular for year-round wear, and as such, there are a ton of options to parse through. If you’re buying online and are unable to feel the fabric prior to buying, it’s important to read up on the intended use of your pick. Many leggings are too thin for winter, and to stay warm when the temperatures drops, look for options specifically designed for cold weather wear.
Key consideration: When reading the product description on leggings, make sure to keep an eye out for fleece or wool in the materials section. Also, make sure the product description specifies that your leggings are meant to be worn in cold temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The warmest leggings will be double-layered or fleece-lined. The warmest materials for leggings include wool, fleece and double-layered polyester or nylon. Fleece-lined leggings are the warmest leggings available, and can regulate temperature while simultaneously wicking away sweat and built-up moisture.
Generally speaking, fleece-lined leggings are going to be warmer than jeans. Fleece is one of the most effective synthetic materials on the market and is designed specifically for insulation and to retain heat. While denim can vary in thickness, it is not designed to insulate against the cold.
The best way to care for your fleece-lined leggings is to turn them inside-out, wash them in a mesh bag designed to trap microplastics, and air-dry or lay them flat to dry. This is to protect them from damage during washing.
