When temperatures drop, the right pair of winter leggings becomes more than just a wardrobe basic—it's a cold-weather essential. Whether you're navigating frosty city streets, spending weekends in the mountains, or simply seeking comfort on quieter days indoors, winter leggings should offer more than stretch. In fact, the best winter leggings insulate, move with purpose, and hold their shape over time.
With performance and practicality in mind, our editors tested a range of cold-weather leggings. Some are made for movement—ideal for outdoor runs or hikes—while others prioritize softness and structure for everyday layering or lounging. This edit brings together the pieces that stand out: leggings that balance function with form, and warmth with wearability. We considered how each pair of winter leggings fit, feel, and perform—because great cold-weather gear doesn’t just protect you from the elements, it elevates how you move through them. Read on for our editors' favorite pairs of winter leggings to wear this season.
FAQ:
Which leggings are best for winter?
If you're going for a run in the northeast in January or are headed for a cabin weekend in Vermont, it’s true—your standard pair of leggings may fall short. A pair specifically designed to keep you warm in colder temperatures is best, so you can avoid the struggle of layering two pairs of leggings on top of each other. We looked for leggings that are sweat-resistant—this is especially important if you plan to exercise in them, so you can stay comfortable and dry while you move. We tested out pairs from athletic retailers we trust, like Lululemon, Athleta, Alo Yoga, Vuori, Halfdays, and Under Armour, as well as some lesser-known brands and Amazon finds.
Do fleece-lined leggings keep you warm?
When looking for a reliable pair of leggings for winter, consider a fleece-lined pair. Many of the cold-weather leggings on our list are lined with an ultra-soft, warm layer of fleece that traps heat without weighing you down. Depending on the type used, fleece-lined leggings can be a great option for both exercising and lounging.
Are leggings warm enough to wear in winter?
A standard pair of leggings is usually lightweight and relatively thin, which is great for intense workouts and everyday wear, but means it's not always your best option to wear as a travel pant once winter hits, unless you're layering them underneath sweats or jeans. Cold-weather leggings, like the pairs our editors tested, will keep you warm all season long, even if you're walking around outside for hours or visiting a snowy destination.
What we considered:
- Comfort level
- Warmth
- Opaqueness
- Useful features
- Sweat resistance
The best winter leggings for everyday wear
Tested by: Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I was looking for a go-to winter legging for running errands, light workouts, and everyday wear.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
I love these high-waisted compression leggings from Vuori. They are fleece-lined, offering much more warmth than traditional leggings, and are so soft to the touch. My critique for most winter leggings is that they often feel too thick or too warm for regular wear, but this pair still feels pretty lightweight.
What are these best suited for?
These are versatile enough to wear on outdoor walks, chilly plane rides, running errands, and lounging at home. I've been wearing this pair on long walks by Hoboken's waterfront and they keep me warm without making me sweat a ton.
Pros: High-waisted, stretchy material, buttery smooth
Cons: Interior fleece lining is to warm for intense workout classes
Tested by: Alexandra Sanidad, research director
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
When I was in my teens and 20s, I would happily leave my house in cute but inadequate legwear for the sake of fashion in, shall we say, brisk weather. Those days are long over. I hate being cold, so a legging that can keep me sufficiently toasty while I’m exercising or getting things done in the elements is important. Reliable pockets are a must for ID, a credit card, and some gum, and it’s even better if the leggings are easy on the eyes. This style from FP Movement ticks off all three boxes.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
These guys felt luxe straight out of the package. They’re plush and thick but have a slim silhouette. I appreciate the high waist and interior drawstring waistband, as well as the compression material that keeps your tummy from booping out after lunch. This pair has a light fleece lining that feels like a hug from a teddy bear. The secure side pockets (with zippers!) and reflective details are a nice touch, but the detail I like best are the ankles, which unzip and allow you to roll the pants up to knee-length if the temperature suddenly rises.
What are these best suited for?
These are sleek enough to spill brunch on and will make you feel cozy on planes and trains. They’re definitely outdoor leggings, as wearing them while you’re on the treadmill will get uncomfortable fast.
Pros: Zippered pockets and ankles, opaque, compression fabric, cozy
Cons: Too warm to make the transition from running errands to running indoors
Tested by: Shannon McMahon, senior destinations editor
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I have tons of thin, breathable exercise leggings that I basically live in for both lounging and workouts, so I was looking for a new pair with some warmth to them to wear during the colder months.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
I hoped for a pair that would still be as comfortable as my second-skin ones, and Baleaf's fleece-lined winter leggings delivered. Great for the price, they look sleek and have a comfortable high waist, plus a thin-yet-cozy fleece interior. I've been burned wearing them on a balmy fall day that turned out to be 70 degrees by mid-afternoon (the sweat was real, but luckily so was the sweat-wicking fabric), and they'll be left behind for spin classes and Crossfit. The waistband pocket is also too small for anything except AirPods or some pocket cash and a credit card; don't depend on it for your phone.
What are these best suited for?
They look like all my normal workout leggings, but are much warmer—perfect for a fall bike ride or a long hike. I would absolutely wear these on the cold plane, and I'll use them as a layer under jeans this winter and for cool-weather outdoor adventures.
Pros: Affordable price, sweat-wicking fabric
Cons: Small waistband pocket
Tested by: Emily Newhouse, research contributor
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I’ve had Hot Chilly’s base layers in my life since I was a kid—the brand basically invented winter leggings as we know them. The leggings used to come in a can, so that they really looked like a can of chilis, and the clothes had a bright red chili logo. Perhaps that’s what attracted me to them as a kid? Well, they’re marketing approach worked: I have been loyal.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
When it’s very cold, and I mean, freezing and windy, these keep me warm outside—yet not too warm when I'm back inside. They have a sheen to them which isn’t my favorite, but they are perfect under a midi skirt with boots. They're also thick enough that I can wear them on their own with a cozy sweater. The design is really made to last—my first pair lasted over 10 years.
What are these best suited for?
These are best suited for a quick run out the door when it’s freezing but you need that coffee. They are also ideal for it's cold inside and the heat hasn’t kicked on yet. Of course, though—these were made for skiing and outdoor sports and that's where they shine. I love the feeling of getting off the slopes, taking off my ski pants and jacket, and having hot chocolate with these comfy leggings on. You can lounge all day in these, for sure.
Pros: Heritage brand that has existed since the mid '80s (you will always be able to find these)
Cons: Not high-rise (mid-rise), a little fabric gap behind the knee
The best winter leggings for lounging
Tested by: Madison Flager, associate commerce director
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
Something I could wear to workout classes without having to layer on joggers or sweats.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
These are super cozy leggings—you can really feel the fleece interior, which isn't always the case with winter leggings. I've worn them to a Pilates class, a yoga class, and while running errands, and they've kept my legs fairly warm during windy 30-degree NYC days.
What are these best suited for?
I did get a little sweatier in them than standard leggings, but that's the price you pay for being warmer outdoors. Going forward, I'll still wear them to low-impact workout classes and as loungewear, and can see them being a nice option for winter flights.
Pros: Super-soft interior
Cons: A little long (I'm 5'6"); the wide waistband causes some slippage
Tested by: Paris Wilson, commerce writer
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I was looking for thermal loungewear that could be used for layering during the winter.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
In a winter legging the two main questions I have are: 1) Am I warm in them? 2) Will I be able to use them for layering if need be? I was actually pretty impressed with the Skims Cotton Rib thermal leggings. It’s hard to differentiate hype from a genuine quality product, especially when it’s from a brand that constantly sells out, but these ones get my stamp of approval.
What are these best suited for?
Loungewear. With the ribbed fabric and high-waisted design, they were a little uncomfortable to run in—walking and lounging suits this pair best.
Pros: Ideal for layering
Cons: Slightly see-through, the material bunches at the ankles if you're on the shorter side (I'm 5'3")
Tested by: Jamie Spain, travel bookings editor
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I wanted a legging I could wear outside when walking or running and something that I could also comfortably travel in.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
These leggings were comfortable but not very thick or heavily lined. I wore them to a workout class just to see if I would get overheated and honestly, they felt just like regular leggings. When putting them on they feel a bit thicker than regular leggings and the inside is soft and slightly fleecy, but not very thick. While I probably wouldn't wear them in the dead of summer when it's very hot, they otherwise can be worn for any occasion or outside temperature.
What are these best suited for?
These are best suited for outdoor running if you run warm, but otherwise are better for working out or lounging indoors where it might be a bit colder but not freezing. Although they're similar to regular leggings, I appreciate how comfortable they are and that they don't slide down.
Pros: High-waisted, large phone pocket, don't slide down while wearing
Cons: Not thick enough for very cold temperatures
The best for running and outdoor sports
Tested by: Jessica Chapel, commerce writer
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I was looking for a base layer that would work seamlessly under ski gear; lightweight enough to move in but warm enough for full days on the mountain. Breathability and softness were key, especially for layering during travel-heavy weekends in colder climates.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
The pair quickly became my go-to for winter vacations. The merino-nylon blend is soft against the skin with just the right amount of stretch—no sagging, no itching. They hold their shape all day and feel elevated enough to wear beyond the base layer. Paired with the matching Fay top, they’re sleek, minimal, and subtly chic—perfect for grabbing a drink after hitting the slopes without needing a full outfit change (hello, après-ski wear).
What are these best suited for?
They’re ideal for skiing, snowshoeing, or winter hikes—any cold-weather activity where layering is essential. I also wore them under vintage denim during a 20-degree week in NYC and stayed warm without overheating. They breathe well indoors, making them practical for all-day wear, from slopes to city streets.
Pros: Moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, thermoregulating, ergonomic design lines
Cons: Took a few wears to break-in for stretch and ultimate comfort
Tested by: Pallavi Mohan Kumar, senior visuals editor
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I was searching for a pair of leggings I could wear running this winter.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
These may be my favorite cold-weather leggings. I've gone running in the freezing cold in these and powered through a sweaty Pilates class as well as a Saturday morning full of errands—they were great in all of them. The encased elastic waistband is probably my favorite thing: it's thick and made me feel supported throughout the day without feeling constricting.
What are these best suited for?
The smooth and soft base layer kept me warm and dry on my cold runs. Even though this pair has a fast-drying outer layer, these leggings are soft and comfortable enough to wear all day—not something I can say about many other leggings in my arsenal.
Pros: Encased waistband, sweat-resistant
Cons: Limited colorways
Tested by: Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I've been searching for a legging I could wear on long outdoor walks and to the gym on extra frigid days.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
I love how sweat-wicking the soft, brushed material of these thermal leggings are. They are warmer than my go-to pair for the gym, so I gravitate toward these on snowy and windy days. Similarly to other leggings I've tried from Lululemon, they feel very well-made, aren't see-through at all, and seem to be high-quality enough to last for several seasons to come.
What are these best suited for?
These are a great pair for running in the winter; they're slightly thicker than a regular pair of leggings, so you'll be a little extra warmer without overheating. They have a clear athletic look to them, so I probably wouldn't wear them if I was just lounging around.
Pros: Reflective details, side phone pockets, three small pockets on the waistband
Cons: I wish they were slightly thicker.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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