12 Best Winter Leggings 2022: Tested and Reviewed by CNT Editors

By Meaghan Kenny

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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 of basic leggings just won't cut it. The solution for those extra-cold days outside: 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 more toasty on the couch this season, winter leggings are a must. A good pair of winter leggings are 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 more than a dozen 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 several weeks and are here to let you know exactly what we think. We're sharing our overall impression of each pair, what they are best suited for, and what we liked (or didn'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 this season. Before we give you our honest reviews, here's exactly what we looked for while testing them out:

Let's face it—if you're going for a run in January or are headed for a cabin weekend in Vermont, your favorite 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 important if you plan to exercise in them, so you can stay comfortable and dry while you sweat. We tested out pairs from retailers we love, like Lululemon, Lunya, Alo Yoga, Nike, and Under Armour, as well as some lesser-known brands.

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.

A standard pair of leggings is usually lightweight and relatively thin—which is great for 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 outside for hours or headed to snowy cities.

Tested by: Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor

What were you looking for in a winter legging?

Over the last few years, taking long walks around my neighborhood has become an almost daily ritual. Unfortunately, as the cold weather creeps in, my motivation for outdoor walks declines. This season, I’ve been looking for some new gear that will help keep me warm during my hour-long walks, without slowing me down.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?

I’ve been wearing these Lululemon Fast and Free high-rise fleece tights for about a month now and they have been saving me during the colder days. The fleece lining locks in heat, keeping me much warmer than any other pair of leggings ever has, but they don't feel too thick and bulky to wear while working out. They have just the right amount of stretch—they give me some room to move, while still giving that supportive and slimming effect of traditional Lululemon leggings that everyone knows and loves. This pair features two side pockets, which I can store my phone, key, and ID in so I don't need to bring a bag with me.

What are these best suited for?

This is definitely the pair I’ll be grabbing from now on for outdoor walks, runs, and even my next flight (I’m always freezing on airplanes). This probably wouldn't be the pair of leggings I’d lounge in or wear while running errands, since the fleece lining is a bit too much for everyday wear.

Pros: Two side pockets that fit your phone, small key pockets on the waist, thick band that keeps them from sliding down

Cons: Pricey

Tested by: Arati Menon, global digital director

What were you looking for in a winter legging?

A warm pair of performance leggings.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?

They're an extremely flattering fit with a high waist and a fabric and construction that sculpts and lifts. Other positives: Only a teeny logo and no side seams—I love a clean, streamlined style. I will say that as a person who runs hot, I'm saving them for peak winter—their brushed interior makes them so well insulated they're best suited for the chilly nights to come.

What are these best suited for?

These are great performance leggings: for yoga, running, or long walks. And if looking good while working out is important to you, you'll love these.

Pros: No side seams, sculpting

Tested by: Paris Wilson, commerce producer

What were you looking for in a winter legging?

I was looking for thermal loungewear that could be used for layering this winter.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?

In a winter legging the two main questions I have are: am I warm in them and 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.

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: Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

What were you looking for in a winter legging?

I was looking for a pair of running leggings to wear in NYC during the winter.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?

These have quickly become a go-to for winter runs. They’re moisture-wicking and stay in place, without being uncomfortably compressive. They are on the thinner side, which I like for exercising, but it means that once you slow down, they’re not as warm as a thicker or fleece-lined pair. On the flip side though, that means I'll likely be able to wear them throughout the year.

What are these best suited for?

I’ll wear them most on hikes and runs this season, but I can see them being a good plane legging past that, too.

Pros: Reflective side seams, deep side pockets, small key pockets, quick drying

Cons: Not super warm when you're not exercising

Tested by: Arati Menon, global digital director

What were you looking for in a winter legging?

A pair that would be great for workouts—warm, yet sweat-resistant.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?

I am by no means a capsule-wardrobe person, but come winter, I get incredibly lazy, reaching for the same few items on repeat. These Nike Therma-Fit One leggings are definitely going to be one of those steady winter companions. Firstly, they’re incredibly warm and cozy, but never restrictive: I love how they go from the cozy indoors to the frigid outdoors and a sweaty gym room seamlessly—shape-shifting as the occasion demands. Next, the fabric is thick enough to not be sheer—a personal pet peeve—and offers incredible support.

What are these best suited for?

As far as black leggings go, they occupy that sweet spot between being sporty but not too sporty—and look great with cute sweaters. I even paired mine with a blazer one evening—it worked.

Pros: Supportive, mesh inside panels that let moisture escape, side pockets

Cons: Don't have too much give—size up if you're in between sizes

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 new favorite cold-weather leggings. I've gone running in the freezing cold in these, powered through a sweaty Pilates class, a whole Saturday morning full of errands—and 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

Tested by: Andrea Edelman, associate photo director

What were you looking for in a winter legging?

A warm and comfortable pair of winter leggings to lounge in.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?

My favorite part about winter is the excuse to wear anything cozy and soft all day long. These ​​Ugg Ashlee double knit leggings did not disappoint in those two categories. The thick, fleece lining kept me comfy and warm when relaxing around the house as well as running errands in the freezing temperatures of December. The casual fit and look of these leggings pair perfectly with a Classic Ugg Mini to lounge around and feel snug when it's too cold for anything else.

What are these best suited for?

These are best suited for lounging at home or running some errands when it's freezing outside.

Pros: Casual fit, fleece lining

Tested by: Shannon McMahon, 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 recent 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: Megan Spurrell, senior editor

What were you looking for in a winter legging?

I first began running in the dead of winter during the pandemic (those mental health benefits are no joke!), so my running journey has been paralleled by an ongoing search for warm athletic wear. I've been looking for something breathable that I can do long, sweaty runs in, while keeping my muscles warm even in 20 degree weather.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?

I loved these leggings at first sight, because the exterior is wind- and water- resistant, and the inner lining is cozy fleece. I wasn't sure how they would wick sweat but somehow they keep heat in without getting too sticky. They are genuinely very warm, flattering in cut, and feel comfy even after a six-mile run.

What are these best suited for?

I love these for being active when temperature drops—running but also hiking. I probably wouldn't lounge around the house in them as the water-resistant exterior feels a little technical for a couch hang.

Pros: Ample pocket space, sweat-wicking

Cons: Have a slightly cropped fit (I'm 5'6")

Tested by: Scott Bay, associate editor

What were you looking for in a winter legging?

I am a wimp in cold weather but I am also too stubborn to opt for a subway ride when I would normally (in good weather) walk 30 to 40 minutes. That goes for running outdoors versus the treadmill, too. Consequently, I have learned how important layering with the right piece is.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?

From the second I looked at these space-suit-like reflective diamonds on the interior of the leggings, I knew I wanted to like them. And sure enough, these babies kept me the perfect amount of warm, whether it be lounging in my radiator-heated (in other words: Hellishly hot) apartment or walking my dog after dark through Central Park—all without overheating me or making me sweat.

What are these best suited for?

I would say these leggings, while extremely technical to keep one warm in extreme situations, are quite versatile. I'd lounge, hike, or winter-camp in them.

Pros: Very breathable

Cons: A bit technical for all-year wear

Tested by: Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant

What were you looking for in a winter legging?

A warm pair of leggings to run in that won't be overly hot to wear.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?

I cannot stop wearing these leggings. I wear them absentmindedly around the house, I wear them on my runs, I only take them off to wash them, etcetera—they are well-suited for just about every activity. They even function as a very comfortable long underwear for the days when pants just aren't enough. I'll note that, as a person who runs very hot and rarely needs warm gear of this sort, I always feel well-insulated and never too hot.

What are these best suited for?

This pair is best for running, but also work well for other active days.

Pros: Two side pockets, compression, longer length goes right into your socks, affordable

Tested by: Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

What were you looking for in a winter legging?

A pair of comfortable leggings that I could lounge in on those coldest of winter days.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?

These are the platonic ideal of comfy winter leggings. Made of merino wool and nylon, they’re thick but not super compressive, and have kept me warm on several cold and rainy NYC days this month.

What are these best suited for?

I’m not a skier, but these are the type of leggings I’d imagine wearing under ski pants, or more realistically for me, around the ski lodge with an oversized sweater. On the coldest of days, I’d layer them underneath sweatpants.

Pros: Wide no-dig waistband, side pockets

Cons: They bunch a bit at the ankles (I’m 5’6"), no waist pockets

Editor's note: These are temporarily out of stock in some sizes and colors, but more options will be available soon.