We Tested Dozens of Winter Leggings—These Pairs Actually Held Up in Cold Temperatures

Tested by: Jessica Chapel, commerce writer
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
Warmth without bulk, a secure high-rise fit, and a fabric that feels supportive but comfortable enough for long days. I also wanted a pair with pockets that could hold my phone or key on outdoor walks, and something that would hold its shape through repeated wear.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
These feel thoughtfully designed and practical. The brushed interior adds noticeable warmth, while the fabric remains breathable and flexible. They strike a nice balance between performance and everyday wear, with a more polished look than your typical activewear.
What are these best suited for?
These are best suited for cold-weather walks, light hikes, and everyday errands as an easy-to-wear base layer. They’re warm enough for winter outings but streamlined enough to wear casually with sweaters or boots.

Tested by: Hannah Chubb, senior commerce editor
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
All I really want is to stay warm while doing all the winter activities—sledding, skiing, skating, you name it!
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
I got all that I was looking for and more with these bad boys. The fabric is somehow incredibly stretchy despite being thick and cozy, and they kept me warm for a below-freezing evening full of ice skating and Christmas market wandering. The straight-leg design is a little more elevated than your classic legging too.
What are these best suited for?
Cold-weather adventures or everyday winter wear—really, for when you want to look more polished than sporty.

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’ve been living in these leggings from Vuori now that winter is in full-swing. The Chilled Out leggings are much warmer than my usual pair 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. I’ve had these leggings for two years now, and they are still my go-to choice for extra-cold winter days.
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 occasionally wear them to the gym if I’m planning  on doing something simple like walking on the treadmill, but I wouldn’t recommend them for running or high-intensity workouts. They aren’t too tight either—which is why they’ve come in handy for long flights when I just want to be comfy and warm.

Tested by: H.C.
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I run pretty hot in general, so my ideal pair of winter leggings is soft and thick but still breathable. I also hate when leggings are so tight that they dig in at the waist, so I always prioritize pairs with stretch all the way through too.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
I want to say these feel like a second skin—but I wish my skin was this soft! They move with your body while still being supportive, and somehow feel plush despite being relatively thin.
What are these best suited for?
These are ideal for people who want an extra layer under snow pants or just want a comfortable thing to wear under a baggy sweater or jacket on a crisp day. They’re not fleece-lined or insulating, but they feel like a warm cuddle on a cold day.

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.

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.

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.

Tested by: Madison Flager, commerce director
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
Something cozy to wear underneath pants or around the house during the winter.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
When I first opened these, I worried the Alpaca wool fabric might be a little itchy, but I was pleasantly surprised by the feel once I put them on, and I have noticed them getting even softer after a few washes. They’re a great base layer for extra-cold days, and I could see myself wearing them as a layer under a ski bib (so far I’ve just worn them at home and under cargo pants). I really like how lightweight they are—a plus for packing them on trips—and appreciate that the fabric is opaque, even if I don’t plan to wear them solo.
What are these best suited for?
As a super versatile pair, these bad boys are for loungers just as much as they are for skiers and hikers.

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.

Tested by: M.F.
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.

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.

Tested by: M.F.
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
A pair to wear on outdoor runs (ranging from 3 to 10 miles) during the winter.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
These are my favorite winter running leggings I’ve found so far. They strike the perfect balance of offering warmth (thanks to the brushed interior) without being so thick that they interrupt my stride. They also have two zippered side pockets big enough to hold my phone (and I have a Pro Max, so it’s bulky) or keys. Best of all, they stay in place without needing to be pulled up or adjusted, even on my longest runs.
What are these best suited for?
Outdoor workouts or walks in cold winter temperatures.

Tested by: J.C.
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.

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.

Tested by: M.K.
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.