Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. As someone who tests activewear for a living, I essentially live in leggings. But once the temps drop, my usual pairs simply don’t cut it.
That cold air seeps right through, leaving me chilled to the bone. That’s when I reach for a pair of winter leggings to keep me warm, whether I’m staying at home or braving ice and snow. When it comes to layering for winter, a warm legging is often step number one—but lots of my favorite leggings are also great on their own for cold-weather workouts and lounging.
To help you prepare for the frigid temperatures ahead, I evaluated the best cold-weather tights on the market during all kinds of activities, including cold-weather runs, casual days, and even a few trips above the Arctic Circle. Along with other Women’s Health editors, we tested upwards of 30 leggings to find the only pairs worth adding to your winter wardrobe. From brands you know and love—like lululemon and Alo—to budget-friendly Amazon options, these top-tested winter leggings meet our editors' high workout gear and comfort standards, keeping legs super warm and protected.
Ahead, shop our favorite stylish and functional leggings designed to carry you through the entire cold weather season. We’ve long been fans of Airlift, Alo's OG fabric, a blend of polyester and elastane that's designed to be supportive and sleek. It’s compressive, moisture-wicking, and adds a stylish sheen to your gym fit or on days you’re not actually working out.
For colder weather, you don’t have to venture far from the original—the brand makes a winter warm edition that boasts a brushed interior to make them just the slightest bit thicker and fuzzier inside without detracting from the sculpted, tight-fit feel. If you are working out, the thick material is not at all see-through when squatting but not so thick that they feel constrictive. They also stay in place during a wide range of other moves—we've put them to the test during weight-lifting, barre, and running workouts.
It hugs you in all of the right places, leaving you looking super snatched. Hearst commerce editor Ellen McAlpine has tried both versions of the legging and says the brushed interior doesn't feel quite as sleek as the original fabric. However, it is still comfortable and sweat-wicking, whether you're running outside or sweating from a lifting session.
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