SPORTS halls and fitness studios can be very cold places in winter, while running or even walking the dog becomes more of a chore when you’re freezing, so it can pay to have the right thermal clothes.
The best thermal leggings keep you warm but without adding weight, fit close to your legs without bagginess, and incorporate those all-important attributes of being squat-proof, as well as supportive.
When buying a pair for yourself, look for fabrics containing elastane so you know the leggings are going to flex and won’t restrict your activity, whether that's running, a step class, spinning or something else entirely.
It's also worth checking the finish on the inside; all of the leggings I tested were brushed inside, which helps trap warm air close to your body as well as being incredibly soft.
A bonus feature for thermal leggings are pockets, which are super-useful and I'm surprised all leggings don't yet have this feature. Also a wide waistband will add extra support without digging into your navel.
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Finally, choose a size that ensures a tight – though not too tight – fit to add lift and smooth wobbly bits. I found those leggings that were more of a struggle to put on looked the best and felt the most supportive.
Best thermal leggings at a glance:
- Best thermal leggings overall: Acai Thermal Altitude Leggings 7/8
- Best thermal running leggings: Helly Hansen women’s Verglas Warm Running Tights
- Best thermal casual leggings: Lovall Extreme Fleece Lined Leggings
- Best value thermal leggings: M&S Thermal High Waisted Leggings
Acai Thermal Altitude Leggings 7/8
- Acai Thermal Altitude Leggings 7/8, £75 from Acai – buy here
Pros: Look great, close fit without being restrictive, very soft on your legs, high waist with wide waistband, very warm
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
These have to be among the most comfortable leggings I have ever worn! They fit closely, have great stretch and look fab on. They’re warm (tog rating 1.1), with a super-soft inside and they are equally good for walking or running.
The fabric feels durable but is incredibly light and there's a deep pocket on one side that’s big enough for my phone and a further zipped pocket in the waistband.
I tested the 7/8 length in black, which reached almost to my ankles. I found the size 14 a squeeze to get into at first (like many good fitness leggings) but they were definitely my size and their compression effects were impressive. They’re easy to wear, with a high waistband that doesn’t roll down or move, and they make my bum look great. I love them!
They’re also available in full length if you prefer full leg coverage.
Sizes: 8 – 18; Material: 86% polyester and 14% Spandex; Colours: Black, mulberry, deep navy and petrol blue
Helly Hansen women’s Verglas Warm Running Tights
- Helly Hansen women’s Verglas Warm Running Tights, £70 from Helly Hansen – buy here
Pros: Warm, close fit, pocket in back of waistband
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Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
I received the black leggings in large and wore them when I went out running with my dog, Dilly. I found them super comfortable and they were probably the warmest running tights I’ve ever tried, which is impressive because they're also incredibly light.
The waistband is wide and doesn’t roll down and the leggings generally stay put, which was great during our run. They’re not the most high-waisted leggings I’ve worn but they were comfortable and didn’t slip.
Flat seams prevent any chafing on the legs and there’s a pocket on the back of the waistband that is big enough for a door key, though sadly not a phone.
The fabric has a four-way stretch and it certainly moves with you for unrestricted movement. These will definitely get lots of use as Dilly and I increase our canicross efforts.
Sizes: XS – XL; Material: 88% recycled polyester and 12% elastane; Colours: Black, ocean, hickory
READ MORE:
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M&S Thermal High-Waisted Leggings
- M&S Thermal High Waisted Leggings, £22.50 from M&S – buy here
Pros: Warm, great price, soft inside, look great on
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
I wore these for walking my dogs on cold days and I was surprised by how warm they are. They are also incredibly comfortable and the brushed inside felt so soft against my skin.
The high waistband is somewhere between regular and wide, and importantly, it doesn’t roll down. There’s also a good amount of stretch so the fabric doesn’t go baggy around the knees.
I tested the navy leggings in regular length, but they’re also available in petite and long, and in charcoal and black.
Though they’re casual, they’re rather smart at the same time and I will definitely wear them for more than dog walking.
Sizes: 6 – 20; Material: 62% polyester, 35% cotton and 3% elastane; Colours: Navy, black and charcoal
Lovall Extreme Fleece Lined Leggings
- Lovall Extreme Fleece Lined Leggings, £32 from Lovall – buy here
Pros: very warm, really comfortable, close fitting, three different lengths, wide range of sizes
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
I loved the rib design of these leggings and with the fleece lining, they certainly kept me warm. They were close-fitting but not too tight and they didn’t go baggy at the knees even after wearing them all day.
The high waist is comfortable and doesn’t roll down, and they’re substantial enough to wear while walking the dogs or shopping.
I’m really impressed with the large size range and also the fact they’re in three lengths – regular, petite and tall – so they’re going to look good on you no matter what your body shape.
They also wash well in a 30° wash.
Sizes: 6 – 28; Material: 93% cotton and 7% elastane outer with 95% polyester and 5% elastane lining; Colours: Black and dark grey
Magic Bodyfashion Stay Warm Shaping Thermal Leggings
- Magic Bodyfashion Stay Warm Shaping Thermal Leggings, £70 from La Redoute – buy here
Pros: Velvety soft, close fitting, very comfortable, hold in your tummy
Cons: Price
Rating: 4/5
Both the inside and the outside of these leggings are buttery soft and they feel like a second skin. They’re figure hugging but without being tight, thanks to the high elastane content.
I had a bit of a struggle getting the waistband over my hips but once I did, they felt great on. Though the fabric isn’t thick, these leggings are deceptively warm and the length was perfect for me.
The wide waistband holds in your tummy for a flatter shape and it doesn’t roll down. I didn’t feel restricted by it though and overall, the leggings were comfortable.
Wash at 30°C.
Sizes: S – XXL; Material: 89% polyester and 11% elastane; Colours: Black
George Black Extra Warm Thermal Leggings
- George Black Extra Warm Thermal Leggings, £12 from George at Asda – buy here
Pros: Great price, don’t bag at the knees, quite warm
Cons: Rather thin
Rating: 4/5
Though these leggings feel a little thin, they’re still warm, just not really warm enough for outdoors when it’s cold.
I wore them while walking the dogs and to be fair, they were better than I thought they were going to be from my first impressions of the fabric thickness. I think they’re more suited to spring than winter weather.
However the length is great, the waistband is slightly wider than normal, which I find stops the irritating roll-down you get on narrow waist leggings and the brushed inside is soft.
They’re also a great price.
Sizes: 6 – 22; Material: 56% acrylic 38% viscose and 6% elastane; Colours: Black
Acai Thermal Outdoor Leggings
- Acai Thermal Outdoor Leggings, £65 from Acai – buy here
Pros: Good stretch,shaped for a better fit, zipped pocket on one side, great style
Cons: Price, not very warm
Rating: 3.5/5
These leggings have been shaped at the hips for a better fit, they’re not just straight up and down. The waistband is wide for tummy support and doesn’t slip – so no dreaded roll-down.
An added bonus is the zipped pocket on one side, which was big enough to accommodate my phone and house key; handy!
They’re quite comfortable and there’s a good amount of stretch, but I didn’t find them particularly warm to wear and they are very tight.
These are better suited to spring than winter walks I think, when the temperatures are higher. I’m also going to try them out running as I heat up quickly when on a run so don’t want anything too warm.
Sizes: XXSmall (6) – XXLarge (18); Material: 79% polyester and 21% elastane; Colours: Black, aubergine, blueberry, forest green and charcoal
