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A good pair of leggings is a staple in every traveler's wardrobe, but on certain trips and in certain temperatures, your tried-and-true pair just won't cut it. The solution for those extra-cold days: A pair of the best winter leggings. Whether you're headed on a ski trip, training for a half marathon, or just want to be a little toastier on the couch this season, cozy winter leggings are a must. A good pair is typically lined with fleece or double layered to lock in heat and help you withstand those colder-than-usual temperatures.
There are plenty of cold-weather leggings on the market that claim to keep you warm, so we had several Condé Nast Traveler editors put some of the most popular to the test. Our editors each tried out a different pair of warm leggings (or two) for a month and are here to let you know exactly what we think. We're also including several of our favorite winter leggings from last year, meaning we've had a full year to consider how they've held up. We're sharing our overall impression of each pair, what they are best suited for, and what we like (or don't like) about them. These winter leggings range in price, style, material, level of warmth, and purpose—some are best for running, some for walks outside, and others for lounging by the fireplace. Before we give you our honest reviews, here's exactly what we looked for while testing them out.
What we considered while testing:
- Comfort level
- Warmth
- Opaqueness
- Useful features
- Sweat resistance
FAQ:
Which leggings are best for winter?
Let's face it—if you're going for a run in the northeast in January or are headed for a cabin weekend in Vermont, your standard pair of leggings may fall short. A pair specifically designed to keep you warm in colder temperatures are 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, 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, definitely 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 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.
Shop the best winter leggings by category:
The best winter leggings for everyday wear
The best winter leggings for lounging
The best for running and outdoor sports
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
