When the temperature drops, staying warm without sacrificing style can feel like a challenge. Enter, winter leggings. Whether you’re deep into your winter arc and outdoor runs are still a priority, heading to the mountains to ski or hike, or you just want to be a little warmer when curling up at home on the sofa, cozy winter leggings are a must.
Transitioning into the colder seasons means choosing winter leggings designed specifically for warmth and comfort. A good pair of cold-weather leggings are often fleece-lined to keep you warm, or thicker than regular leggings to help lock in heat, help you reach your goals and enjoy the outdoors, no matter how chilly it gets.
Cold-weather leggings are versatile enough for multiple styling occasions, but when searching for the perfect pair, you’ll want to consider whether you’ll be wearing them for layering purposes - under clothes like jeans or skirts, spending an extended time outdoors (dog walkers we see you), or simply lounging in ultimate comfort without running up the heating bill.
No more underestimating the chill and not dressing warm enough. Cold-weather leggings will keep you prepared and warm enough wherever you are, making them a great addition to your winter wardrobe. Let’s take a look at how to choose the best winter leggings and when to wear them in the colder months ahead.
Which leggings are best for winter?
Thick, fleece-lined, full-length and high-waisted styles are the best leggings for winter to keep you warm and toasty for outdoor activities, running errands or simply staying cozy in the house.
Winter brings its own charm in many ways, frosty walks, crisp mornings and festivities to name a few. But to enjoy the cold weather properly, levelling up your layering game is crucial, and winter leggings are a must. Let’s take a look at which leggings are the best for winter and how to style them for the colder months ahead.
Fleece-Lined Leggings
When you switch to fleece-lined leggings in the winter, there’s no going back. The comfort, and warmth they provide is superior, and you can leave the house knowing full well your legs won’t be feeling a chill. These leggings feature a soft-fleece interior that adds extra insulation to your outfit by trapping heat, without adding too much bulk. They’re ideal for hiking, walking or layering under dresses and skirts so you can get your wear out of your wardrobe all year around, but still stay warm.
Thick Gym Leggings
When the temperature gets colder, completing your workout - whether that’s an outdoor run or a session in a cold gym, can be much more challenging if you’re not wearing warm enough workout gear. Thick gym leggings offer warmth due to their high-quality fabrics and comfortable stretch. Besides working out, they can be a great choice for layering them under wide-leg trousers in the winter. With sweat-wicking technology, they’re designed with added breathability meaning they’ll provide comfortable all-day wear, even if you are wearing several layers. For the cold-weather seasons, it’s time to say goodbye to your lightweight leggings and hello to thick gym leggings.
High-Waisted, Full-Length Leggings
Your cold-weather leggings can’t be exposing your ankles! Look for full-length options that extend to your ankles for full coverage from the chill. Alongside this, high-waisted leggings that fit snugly (but comfortably) around the waist will provide extra warmth to the tummy, and help keep the warmth locked in. Additionally, a sleek high-waisted design makes them perfect as a base layer, so that you can layer your trousers over the top without any bunching up or discomfort around your waistbands.
Top Picks: Best Cold Weather Leggings
When To Wear Thick Leggings In Winter
There are a few styling scenarios that may call for a few more layers during the winter, and this is where your cold-weather leggings become a seasonal staple. From winter walks to subtle everyday layering, and cosy lounging, here's when to layer up and wear thick leggings in winter.
For Winter Walks And Hikes
With beautifully changing landscapes, lakes freezing over mystically, and trails becoming quieter, hiking in the winter months grows drastically appealing. But making sure you’re kitted out for the colder temperatures can be daunting, especially if you’re a hiking newbie. You want activewear pieces that are designed with insulating elements that won’t negatively impact the way you move. Our thick leggings are perfect for getting active and hitting the trails on a colder day, especially leggings with pockets for storing your essentials while you walk.
We know we’ve said these leggings are made for hiking, but honestly, they’re perfect for any outdoor activity. So if your winter ritual is taking frost-kissed morning walks, or you’re out for your daily dog walk, then a pair of thick leggings is also a must-have for your wardrobe this season.
Still hitting the sidewalks for your weekly runs in winter? Take a look at our guide to cold-weather running gear, for how to layer correctly during the dropping temperatures.
For Layering Under Dresses And Skirts
Although the colder seasons offer us unending potential for layering clothes, if we’re being candid, the last thing we tend to reach for on colder days is a floaty skirt or dress. We want to feel warm and cozy, and having our bare legs out isn’t in that equation. Tights don’t even offer the warmth we’re seeking when the frost starts to set in.
Well, we have the perfect solution for staying warm while getting the wear out of your favorite midi skirts and dresses, even in the cooler months. Cold-weather leggings provide that crucial base layer you need if you still plan to dazzle in your silky satin midi skirts and long dresses whatever the weather. Designed to be functional yet discreet; fleece leggings can be popped on under your dresses and tucked into your knee-high boots for a sneaky heat-trapping solution that people will be none-the-wiser to!
For Lounging And Casual Fits’
The third way we like to style thick winter leggings is exactly the way you’re used to wearing leggings. Style your leggings for maximum comfort with a casual, winter-ready fit, comprised of a pair of warm leggings with an oversized hoodie, or a chic chunky knit. But instead of feeling the goosebumps on your legs through your leggings, you can enjoy the insulating feel of the soft fleece lining on your skin.
Pop your fleece leggings on to keep cozy and warm on your rest days, and if you need to pop out on a quick shop run, you’ll know you’re prepared for the elements.
Winter Leggings FAQ
What are fleece lined leggings for?
Fleece-lined leggings are a thermal layer designed to keep your legs warm in the colder months. They can be worn for a range of outdoor activities like hiking, walking, camping, and skiing, but they’re also a great option for exercising and lounging. Simply swap out your regular leggings for a pair of fleece-lined winter leggings when you need to ramp up the warmth of your outfits.
Heading to the slopes for the start of ski season? Our fleece-lined leggings can be worn as a thermal layer under your ski trousers, or as a cute loungewear look when you’re back chilling at the chalet.
What are the best leggings to wear under jeans and sweats?
Although winter is the time for your thicker leggings to shine, if you’re looking to double up on warmth when wearing pants that are more fitted, you might find a thinner pair of leggings more comfortable to wear.
Opt for lightweight leggings with sweat-wicking technology when wearing layers that fit close to the body and avoid cold-weather leggings that are too thick as they’ll feel quite tight and uncomfortable under jeans or joggers.
These lightweight leggings are designed for versatility in the gym and are perfect for layering under clothes in the cold weather.
What’s the difference between fleece-lined and thermal leggings?
The main difference between fleece-lined and thermal leggings are in the fabrics and the technology used.
Fleece-lined leggings are deigned with a soft, fluffy fleece interior for added warmth, while thermal leggings are typically made from insulating fabrics that retain heat while keeping you dry. Fleece-lined leggings tend to feel cosier and softer against the skin, while thermal leggings prioritise moisture-wicking properties for active wearers.
You might opt for fleece-lined for daily wear and warmth, and thermal leggings for outdoor activities in the freezing cold as they usually have a tighter fit that provides better insulation than fleece-lined leggings.
Are fleece-lined leggings warmer than jeans?
Fleece-lined leggings are a warmer alternative to jeans as they provide better insulation than traditional denim. The fluffy fleece traps heat close to your body and will feel soft on your skin during winter days, while jeans can often feel cold and stiff, and make your legs feel even colder. They do offer completely different looks though, so if you still want to stick to your jeans throughout winter, consider your layering options to keep you warm.
Are regular leggings warm enough in winter?
Regular leggings are typically made from cotton blends, which may suffice for mild winters but aren’t quite going to cut it for colder climates. They lack the insulation and additional warmth that a pair of winter leggings bring, so opt for fleece-lined or thicker leggings to keep you warm, especially if you plan to spend an extended amount of time outdoors.
Prepping your winter wardrobe? Check out our selection of women’s sweatsuits to keep you cozy this season.
Or if yoga pants are your winter wardrobe style, head over to this styling guide for some inspo on what to wear with flare leggings.
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