12 best thermal leggings for wrapping up warm this winter
IT’S well and truly cold, but just because the weather isn’t playing ball doesn’t mean we can’t still get our sweat on with the best thermal leggings.
Whether you like running outdoors, practising yoga in your living room, or even horse riding, there’s a pair of thermal leggings to fit the bill.
Often lined with fleece, thermal leggings keep the heat in to make sure your body feels warmer overall which is a godsend in sub-zero temperatures.
But they’re not just for exercise. Feeling chilly watching tv and can’t bring yourself to turn on the heating? (We’re with you there) Thermal leggings will work to keep your legs toasty when the cost of living crisis has other plans.
But which to choose? We’ve rounded up 10 of our favourites to get you started.
Best thermal leggings at a glance:
- Best value running leggings: Kalenji Women’s Running Leggings Warm
- Best for luxury: John Lewis Thermal Silk Leggings
- Best multipack: M&S 2pk Heatgen Thermal Leggings
- Best high end: Lululemon Keep the Heat High-Rise Tight 27″
- Best under £20: Emooqi High Waist Leggings
- Best for horse riding: Holland Cooper Burghley Thermal Riding Legging
M&S 2pk Heatgen Thermal Leggings
- M&S 2pk Heatgen Thermal Leggings, £25 from M&S – buy here
Why buy one pair of thermal leggings when you can buy two for a hugely reasonable price?
When broken down, each set costs £12.50 in this two-pack and they combine soft, stretchy fabric with Heatgen technology to keep you toasty while you relax or exercise.
We’ve tested: Kalenji Women’s Running Leggings Warm
- Kalenji Women’s Running Leggings Warm, £14.99 from Decathlon – buy here
These great-value running leggings are perfect for long and short winter runs. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and they’re still going strong.
The inside is brushed, so the leggings feel warm as soon as you put them on, but it’s when you’re outside you really feel the benefit. They’re also lightweight and don’t restrict your movement.
I’ve found they’re great for yoga and for general wear, as well as for running. The zipped pocked on the back of the waistband is a bonus.
Made from 91% polyester and 9% elastane. Machine washable at 30°C. Available in sizes XS, X, M, L, XL and 2XL.
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Emooqi High Waist Leggings
- Emooqi High Waist Leggings, £19.99 from Amazon – buy here
Another multi-pack, these grey and black thermal leggings are high-waisted for extra comfort and warmth.
Made from stretchy material, these work well worn under jeans or trousers or wear them on their own for exercise, lounging around or popping to the shops.
Lululemon Keep the Heat High-Rise Tight 27″
- Lululemon Keep the Heat High-Rise Tight 27″, £118 from lululemon – buy here
Okay, so these are expensive. But they have been specially designed for running and training which means technology that will get you feeling your best.
Think breathable material that keeps sweat to a minimum but still keeps the heat in and a wool blend fabric that dries quickly and keeps you warm even when wet.
We don’t know about you, but we think these sound like perfect winter training leggings.
MP Activewear Women’s Velocity Graphene Seamless Leggings
- Velocity Graphene Seamless Leggings, from £24.99 at MP Activewear – buy here
We love the extra deep waistband on these leggings, which adds to the comfy fit. They have thermal properties and they’re full length as well, so no cold ankles.
No matter how cold the weather, it is possible to be too hot while running in winter so the addition of open mesh-type material in strategic places helps keep you cool. Also, the flat seams prevent chafing.
Reflective detailing is a must for visibility on dark nights and the addition of a zipped pocket is perfect – no lost keys here.
You can of course wear these leggings when you’re not running – they look great no matter what the activity.
Made from 96% nylon and 4% elastane, waistband is 86% nylon and 14% elastane.
Available in shadow blue and black, in sizes XS, S, M, L and XL.
John Lewis Thermal Silk Leggings
- Thermal Silk Leggings, £45 from John Lewis – buy here
Choose luxury with these 100% silk thermal leggings from John Lewis.
The rib design ensures a close fit, and while the leggings are lightweight, according to reviewers they are very warm.
Wear under jeans to stay warm in the coldest weather.
Burghley Thermal Riding Legging
- Holland Cooper Burghley Thermal Riding Legging, £125 from Holland Cooper – buy here
If you’re a horse rider then you’ll know that a good pair of leggings is essential and that becomes even more crucial in winter.
These are a hybrid between breeches and leggings and are both waterproof and thermal.
With grip on the back and insides of these leggings, you’ll be comfortable, warm and dry when out for a hack.
AIMTOP Two Pack Women’s Leggings
- AIMTOP Two Pack Women’s Leggings, £19.99 from Amazon – buy here
Simple and affordable, this two-pack is a basic but effective thermal legging option.
With a design that slips under the foot to ensure they stay put, the stretchy material and soft inner fleece keeps you warm in the icy weather.
ACAI Thermal Outdoor Leggings
- ACAI Thermal Outdoor Leggings, £60 from ACAI Outdoors – buy here
Of course, an outdoor brand is going to know exactly how to make a really good pair of thermal leggings.
ACAI’s leggings come in a choice of five earthy colours and are high-waisted, quick-drying, seamless and insulating.
Throw these on for your next country walk or just chill at home and appreciate the heat-grabbing qualities. We’re not surprised these are bestsellers.
New Look fleece-lined leggings in grey
- New Look fleece lined leggings in grey, £10.99 from ASOS – buy here
If you’re on a budget, or you really do just want a pair of thermal leggings for lounging around the house then these fleece-lined ones from New Look are a must.
Comfortable material and a bodycon fit pair with the high-waisted cut of these leggings to make sure they not only look good but feel good too.
JOYSPELS Women’s Thermal Leggings
- JOYSPELS Women’s Thermal Leggings, from £24.64 at Amazon – buy here
PSA: these leggings have pockets. Granted, it’s just about big enough to fit your phone into but a pocket is a pocket.
Plus these thermal leggings are warm and fuzzy inside and are made from non-pilling material so they’ll last.
For under £30, we think that’s pretty good going.
LUXE DIVA Thermal Leggings
- LUXE DIVA Thermal Leggings, from £5.99 at Amazon – buy here
These may not be the prettiest leggings of all time but they sure are affordable.
Lined with fleece and with cuffs around the ankle to keep in the heat, these start from only £5.99 and are perfect for wearing at home.
An elasticated waist keeps them in place and flexible material ensures they’re nothing but comfortable.
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