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

Tested by: Pallavi Mohan Kumar, senior visuals editor
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
Something I could pull on every day without thinking about it. I wanted a pair that’s easy to wear, sculpts a little, and looks smart—without the uncomfortable squeeze you often get from thicker workout leggings. Warmth and structure, obviously, but I also wanted a pair I could sit in for hours.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?
These are the leggings I live in, and I own multiple pairs for a reason: The softness is almost unreal. The material is buttery and smoothing, with just enough structure to feel pulled together and none of the uncomfortable compression. The flare-leg also makes them dressier than a standard legging. In the winter, I add a pair of toasty socks and I’m set for most days.

What are these best suited for?
Walks in Central Park, long road trips, errands, and full days on the couch. These move easily between all, which is really the point, and they look polished enough to wear out with a sweater and boots. They might feel chilly if you’re outdoors for a long time in the cold, but they layer well under something heavier.

Tested by: Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I was looking for a pair of leggings that can actually keep me warm on chilly walks around the neighborhood this season.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?
These are the best winter leggings I’ve ever owned. I’ve always loved the idea of thermal leggings, but I’m usually disappointed by their performance; some are way too thick, others still too thin—and then there are the ones that don’t actually hug the body and feel uncomfortably loose. These are just right: They’re compressive and form-fitting, while offering a nice level of insulation. Best of all? They’re not too warm, so there’s no overheating during a walk or light exercise. They’re buttery soft, smoothing, and affordable.

What are these best suited for?
Think of these as your favorite everyday leggings with just a touch of something extra for cold days. These leggings can do it all, from early morning walks to chilly plane rides to low-intensity workouts. I wouldn’t wear them to a Pilates class or a very sweaty workout, but that could be said for any pair of winter leggings in my opinion. These will be my go-to this fall and winter for those cold days outdoors when that thin pair of leggings just isn’t going to cut it.

Tested by: ElleAnna Revell, commerce producer
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I was looking for a pair I could layer underneath jeans, but could also wear on their own without the thermal fabric being completely obvious. I have some winter travel coming up, and there’s nothing worse than being miserably cold while trying to fully dive into vacation mode.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?
They are warm: I started sweating while just wearing them around my apartment for a quick try-on. I later wore them on a very chilly and windy walk along the West Side Highway, and my legs stayed perfectly toasty. The fabric is so soft and comfortable, and the inside is a fleece-like material, which hasn’t caused any irritation. I’ve had too many scratchy wool thermals that I want to throw out the window after wearing for an hour—these could not be more different.

What are these best suited for?
The Uniqlo Heattech Ultra-Warm leggings are so versatile. They look like regular leggings that you can wear to the grocery store on a chillier day, and aren’t too thick to layer under a cute pant for a city stroll. I am not sure they would be super durable for extreme outdoor activities, but they’re the perfect pair to layer under snow pants on a ski weekend.

Tested by: Madison Flager, 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.

Tested by: M.K.
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?
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 one of my go-to picks 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. Due to their warmth level, I wouldn’t recommend them for heated classes 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: Hannah Chubb, senior commerce editor
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 base to wear under a baggy sweater or jacket on a crisp day. They’re not fleece-lined or insulated, but they feel like a warm cuddle on a cold day.

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: J.C.
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
As someone with more technical gear for ski trips (admittedly, with most of those layers from Halfdays—I highly recommend), I was in search of a simple, warm pair to wear comfortably at home in NYC.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?
While still new in my rotation, this pair of flared leggings fits the bill of pretty much everything I was in search of. The soft-brushed fabric is thicker and warmer than most yoga pants I own. They’re ideal for lounging around the house while still feeling put together—but most of all, nice and toasty. One of my favorite touches is the extra-tall waistband that can be folded over for a customizable fit, letting you wear it mid-rise or low-rise. This look also makes me feel splendidly nostalgic of the old Pink yoga pants from the 2010s. (It appears Victoria’s Secret might be pushing for the once-popular style to make a comeback.)

What are these best suited for?
I wouldn’t wear these leggings to exercise in due to the thicker fabric, nor would I layer them underneath another pair of pants due to the flared design. These are best for working from home in the winter and running to the supermarket on a whim when it’s super cold, but not snowy—unless you have a high pair of boots or snow shoes to keep you covered.

Tested by: M.F.
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. I’ve owned them for over two years now, and they’ve only gotten softer overtime.

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. After owning them for around two years now, I’ll say that they wash well and have held up (but I do always wash them on cold and hang dry).

Tested by: Paris Wilson, former staffer
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’ve remained 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 earn my stamp of approval.
What are these best suited for?
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: 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 working out, 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: H.C.
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: P.K.
What were you looking for in a winter legging?
I was searching for a pair of leggings I could wear running in the winter.
What was your overall impression of these leggings?
These are one of my absolute favorite cold-weather leggings. For two winters now, 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.