Whether you enjoy a daily hike during the winter months, are jet-setting off to the Alps for the season, or (like us) simply refuse to turn your heating on at home – you might already be intimately familiar with thermal leggings.
Often worn as a base layer for outdoor alpine activities, thermal leggings are a necessary staple in any winter wardrobe. Paired with additional thermal underwear staples such as a merino wool camisole and some knee-high, sweat-wicking socks, the often unbearably cold winter season will feel like a breeze with the right clothing in your arsenal.
However, thermal leggings come in an array of styles and materials so it’s worth specifying what kind of activity you’ll be wearing them for, before embarking on your shopping journey. Luckily for you, we’ve outlined some simple specifications below…
Running, hiking and outdoor workouts
If you cannot stand the thought of running on a treadmill, but the temperatures outside have surpassed sub-zero, you’ll want to invest in a solid pair of thermal leggings to accompany your winter running wardrobe.
You’ll want something sweat-wicking, breathable and unbeatably warm. Enter: Merino wool. Naturally moisture-repelling, unbelievably insulating with flexibility to boot, Merino wool is the best thermal material on the market.
However, Merino is also the most expensive insulating material on the market. As such, pure cotton, wool, and cotton blends (think: viscose, polyester and acrylic) are also fantastic alternatives for retaining heat, flexibility and breathability.
Snap up a pair of running leggings woven or lined with any of the above materials and you’re good to go for that 5K, snow-trodden run.
Skiing and snowboarding
Same, same – but different. The perfect alpine base layer is going to be something spun from that magical Merino wool. Likewise, cotton-blend alternatives are also going to keep in that essential heat and retain flexibility.
The only real difference is that you should avoid the nylon and spandex-heavy materials you get with most work-out leggings. While great on their own, layering up a pair of thick gym leggings for a day on the slopes will only incumber your circulation and reduce sweat-wicking, making you colder than when you set off in the first place. A little bit of the stretchy-stuff is great, but too much and you’ll want to snow-plough all the way home.
Relaxing at home
If it’s ultra-soft, ultra-warm comfort you want, you can’t really go wrong with cashmere. Cashmere fibres are longer, smoother and straighter than other forms of wool. They grow even longer as the seasons grow colder, and in Inner Mongolia, where Cashmere-producing goats are bred - temperatures drop to well below minus 40 degrees Celsius.
Want to channel the warmth of those luxurious Mongolian goats? Then Cashmere is the material you want in your thermal leggings.
Keep scrolling for a rundown of our favourite thermal leggings for all your winter needs.
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Icebreaker Women's MerinoFine Thermal Leggings
For the most premium Merino-wool base layer on the market, look no further than Icrebreaker. Made from 15.5 micron Merino fibres, these temperature-regulating and odour-resistant leggings are the perfect addition to your alpine capsule collection.
Micron count refers to the diameter of the wool fibre. The lower the micron count, the less likely it is you’ll suffer from itchiness or discomfort. At an extremely impressive 15.5 microns, this ultra-fine Merino is guaranteed to provide supreme softness, warmth, and comfort.
These leggings also feature a high waist for extra coverage, as well as a gusset for that essential mobility and breathability.
Buy now £150.00, Icebreaker
Uniqlo Heattech Thermal Leggings
Uniqlo’s HEATTECH clothing items are a cult favourite for a reason. They’re made from a combination of all of the above synthetic fabrics that we just made so much noise about: polyester, acrylic and viscose – plus some elastane for some extra stretch where it matters. We’re not sure how Uniqlo did it, but it has resulted in some truly magical warmth.
Buy now £14.90, Uniqlo
Sweaty Betty Merino Fairisle Base Layer Legging
Whether you’re on the slopes, or prefer relaxing by a warm fire, these merino blend leggings from Sweaty Betty will be your saviour. They’re lightweight, sweat-wicking, temperature-regulating and simply great to look at – what more could you possibly ask for?
Buy now £95.00, Sweaty Betty
Ewedoos Fleece Lined Leggings
Highly rated and available in sizes S-XXL, these polyester-spandex blend leggings are lined with an unbelievably warm fleece, yet remain entirely flexible. Best suited for outdoor runners and hikers, you can’t go wrong with these value for money thermal leggings.
Buy now £28.99, Amazon
Regatta Zimba Women's Gym Leggings
Made from 50 per cent Merino wool for unbeatable warmth, 50 per cent polyester for essential flexibility, and currently on offer at a whopping 50 per cent off at Sports Direct – these thermal leggings from Regatta are a winner. Expect the natural odour control and sweat-wicking that Merino wool provides paired with stretchy, flexible goodness.
Due to the fact that they’re not heavy on the spandex and contain a very decent amount of merino, these leggings make the perfect base layer.
Buy now £30.00, Sports Direct
Calzedonia Leggings with Cashmere
A wonderfully cosy addition to your loungewear collection, these cashmere-blend leggings from Calzedonia would look great paired with a piping hot chocolate and a good movie. The non-elasticated waistband makes them perfect for relaxing on the sofa without digging in.
Buy now £17.50, Calzedonia
Sweaty Betty Therma Boost Running Leggings
We couldn’t help but include another Sweaty Betty option for all our winter runners and cyclists out there.
Made from recycled materials, these thermal leggings are water-resistant and lined with a brushed fleece. With a side pocket, additional zip-up back pocket and reflective dots for visibility during those gloomy months, you’ll be thankful you picked up a pair of these next time you embark on an outdoor activity.
Buy now £100.00, Sweaty Betty
Gobi Silk Cashmere Leggings
Another one for our stay-at-home during the winter and never leave the house girlies, these silk cashmere leggings from Gobi are a literal dream. They’re knitted with durable and stretchy fukuro stitches, meaning you can wear and tear them as much as you like for maximum coziness and minimal damage.
Buy now £126.49, Gobi
Acai Thermal Outdoor Leggings – Forest Green
Run, walk, jump, skip and hike in these specialist outdoor leggings from Acai – featured here in an attractive and appropriate forest green. Woven with thermal, sweat-resistant yarn and boasting a seamless non-chafe finish, these are ideal for outdoor winter activities.
Buy now £60.00, Acai
Skims Cotton Rib Legging
Don’t be fooled by the attention these leggings from Skims are getting on the streetwear front - they also make a fantastic base layer for all your winter needs. Made from 95 per cent cotton and 5 per cent spandex, they’ll keep you warm while allowing you to retain breathability on the move. Extra points for extreme style.
Buy now £62.00, Selfridges
