The Best Thermal Leggings for Women
When your mission is to enjoy the Great Outdoors, staying warm is a must. It’s amazing how quickly a ski trip, hike or any other outdoor activity can be ruined if you don’t have the proper attire. For women who are looking to stay warm but cut down on the number of bulky layers they wear, thermal leggings are a great option. They work great on their own in higher temperatures, or under additional layers when the temperatures drop. There are a variety of different leggings to choose from, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. To make your hunt for the best thermal leggings easier, we’ve rounded up the top choices, so read on to discover our favorites.
Mancyfit Fleece-Lined Thermal Leggings
One-Stop Legging Shop
Heading outside where temperatures will be on the low side? Grab yourself a pair of these Mancyfit thermal leggings to stay warm. These are lined with fleece that helps to maintain your body temperature by preventing you from losing heat. That is mostly thanks to the seam that is tightly-knitted to keep you warm. If you’re heading skiing or going somewhere where you may get wet, you’ll love that these pants wick moisture and will keep you dry. The 95% polyester with 5% spandex in these leggings means they’re extra soft and stretchy to fit you just right.
Pros:
- 4-way stretchable construction allows you to move easily and freely
- Fleece lining is warm without being overly thick
- Work great alone or as a base layer
Cons:
- Piling may occur earlier than expected
Iuga Fleece-Lined Yoga Pants with Pockets
Pockets For the Win
No matter what you’re using these yoga pants for, you are going to love the fact that they have pockets. These pockets are perfect for your cell phone, your keys, or anything on the smaller side that you want to have on you. Pockets aside, these leggings will keep you nice and toasty. They’re perfect for outdoor activities that require movements, such as ice skating or a chilly outdoor run. The high-waisted top on them has a great “Tummy Control” feature that will keep you feeling comfortable. Though the pants are great for warmth, they aren’t too heavy or bulky and are easy to move around in.
Pros:
- Provide both compression and support
- Feature a gusset crotch that allows more free movement
- Lined with brushed fleece to keep you warm
Cons:
- Fabric gets rough spots after a few washes
Indera Women’s Warmwear Traditional Thermal Underwear Pant
For a more classic take on thermal leggings, go for this Indera pair. They are 65% cotton/35% polyester, so the stretch is minimal, but they get the job done. They sport the fan-favorite waffle-knit pattern and provide a layer of comfort and warmth when it gets cold outside. You’ll love the tagless label that ensures no itching occurs, and the ribbed cuffs give you additional protection from the cold for your feet and legs. These pants work best as a base layer underneath others and can withstand some cold temperatures when worn with other pants on top.
Pros:
- Machine-washable
- Ideal as a base layer
- Waffle patterns help to retain body heat
Cons:
- Not as stretchy as we’d like
Thermajane Ultra-Soft Thermal Long Johns
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
This form-fitting thermal set is perfect for keeping you comfortable and warm when you’re enjoying the Great (yet cold) Outdoors. Both pieces are made of a polyester/spandex material that gives them some stretch so that they fit you well. They have a moisture-wicking feature that keeps you dry and cool from any sweat while working out, as well as protecting you from outside forces like snow or rain. The best part about this set is that the pieces are lightweight and machine-washable. They won’t weigh you down while wearing them, but they will keep you warm. You’ll also love that they are thick enough to not be see-through.
Pros:
- Lightweight material that is not see-through
- Form-fitted, yet comfortable
- High level of mobility and flexibility
Cons:
- Thinner than expected
Rocky Thermal Underwear Set for Women
Quality is Key
The materials used to make these leggings are the quality you need to enjoy the outdoors and stay warm. They are made of a polyester/spandex mix and come in both regular and heavyweight options. The heavyweight version has a fleece lining and is made of 90% ultra-soft polyester and 10% spandex. The outside layer is silky smooth, so it’ll be hard not to ultra-comfortable while wearing them. You can choose the thickness of your leggings to determine whether they will serve as a base layer or as a standalone layer.
Pros:
- Made of quality material that is built to last
- Tailored for a better look
- Shrinkage control helps keep these from getting smaller with washes
Cons:
- The sizing is a bit off
Frequently Asked Questions
What do thermal leggings do?
Thermal leggings help to regulate your body temperature. When your body temperature rises during a workout such as skiing, thermal leggings will help keep you cooler. They also work to wick away any moisture such as sweat, and they keep you warm as the moisture evaporates.
At what temperature do you need thermal leggings?
If the indoor temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you may want to put thermal leggings on. You can use them as your only layer for your legs. If the temperature drops further, then you will want to use them as a base layer.
Why are thermals so warm?
Thermal leggings are made up of 2-ply fabric. Because of this, they are able to trap more body heat than just one layer of clothing. This extra layer provides extra heat, which protects against cold air and prevents the loss of heat. When worn under other layers, thermal leggings do a great job of keeping a person warm for hours.
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