Warmest leggings for winter - the 15 comfiest, cosiest styles

In this guide you will find the 15 warmest leggings that are designed to keep the cold at bay winter months. Some are fleece-lined and others use thermal technology to increase your body temperature. Whether you are working outdoors, walking the dog or relaxing at home, these leggings will ensure you stay warm and comfortable, whatever the weather.

There are plenty of chilly months ahead, so there's no better time to begin planning your seasonal legging outfits. Although winter throws up countless joyous elements - think roast dinners, log fires, and cosy nights in - it can also make getting dressed a bit of a mission. Comfort is a major factor when putting together our wardrobe for chilly days, so a pair of reliable and stylish leggings is a non-negotiable in any winter capsule wardrobe.

"As a busy mum of two, leggings are the sartorial hug I need to get me through the school run, food shop and day-to-day running around," says Carly Stevens, Digital Creator and former magazine fashion editor. " Soft, stylish and easy to move in, they allow me to run around after my small people, clamber through soft play and get through my to-do list everyday in style. Leggings are also a great way to embrace the sports luxe look that never goes out of fashion - just add some socks, trainers and a sweatshirt and you're good to go." We put leggings to the test and have rounded-up our favourite pairs that look good and will keep you warm.

The warmest leggings to shop now, chosen by our fashion experts

Looking to take the plunge and invest in some new winter leggings? We’ve done the hard work for you and found the warmest leggings to invest in this season. Whether you're looking for everyday winter outfit ideas or need something extra warm that will work for what to wear skiing, you can't go wrong with these picks.

Whilst testing and choosing the warmest leggings, I looked at everything from the quality and thickness of the fabric to colours and sizes available. While trying on the leggings I observed how comfortable I felt in them and wore them outdoors to test how warm they made me feel. I asked fashion experts to recommend their favourite brands and I read the reviews and customer comments for additional styles to include.

Warmest leggings - thermal

If you are looking for a pair of leggings to keep you warm in the most extreme weather conditions you will need to invest in a full-length pair that are made using the very latest thermal insulating technology.

Warmest leggings - Active

If you are looking for leggings to wear for winter workouts and outdoor sporting activities during the colder months you'll need a pair that have all the functional design features you expect from the best sportswear brands with added warmth.

Warmest leggings - Fleece Lined

The soft and fluffy lining of these winter leggings are the ultimate in cosy comfort. The opaque nature of the fabric makes them ideal for wearing alone as they are super thick and not at all see-through. Great for travelling and lounging around the house as well as winter walks or ice-skating!

Warm leggings - Everyday

These are the leggings that you can pull-on in the morning and add a sweatshirt or your best cashmere jumper and you have an outfit that is easy-to-wear and as comfortable as your favourite pyjamas. Wear with calf-length socks (worn on the outside if you want to look cool and trendy) and just add your most comfortable trainers to complete the look.

Best Warm Leggings - For Layering

Ideal if you are looking for a way to keep warm while still wearing your best jeans or smarter trousers - these leggings are made from thinner materials and work well under your everyday clothes. These stylish designs are a far cry from the old-fashion baggy long-johns and are a useful addition to your lingerie drawer.

FAQs

How do I find the perfect pair of leggings?

"The perfect pair of leggings should have just enough stretch that holds you in without going baggy after a days wear," says fashion expert Carly Stevens. "I prefer high waisted leggings to cover my mum tum and a little pocket on the leg is a bonus for popping my phone into. I look for fabrics that have a technical feel to them and are made for sports as they tend to be thicker with a lovely sheen to them and they usually sculpt your bum which is never a bad thing! Obviously they also need to wash well too."

How do I style the warmest leggings?

Not sure what to wear with leggings? Need some legging outfit inspiration? Leggings are one of the most versatile pieces you can add to your wardrobe this season. Acting somewhere between tights and trousers - depending on how you wear them, a pair of leggings can be both stylish and practical. For wearing under trousers, opt for a lighter-weight pair, as these won't add bulk and you can still squeeze into your best slimming jeans. If you are planning to wear leggings as an alternative to trousers you should be aware that some thinner fabrics will be see-through. You may wish to layer a longer top over your bottom area to avoid this problem. If you want to show off your leggings (and let's face it, if you've invested in some high-quality ones, why not?) team with slim fitting top and add a blazer for a smart look.

What are warmer, tights or leggings?

Leggings and tights both offer added warmth in winter, but they serve slightly different purposes. Leggings are typically thicker and often come with fleece or thermal linings that will keep you extra cosy. Although you can get fleece-lined tights, these are less common and can also be pretty bulky. Standard tights won't keep you as warm as leggings due to the thinner fabric, so if it's warmth you're looking for above all else, leggings are the best way to go.

Do leggings keep you warmer than jeans?

Jeans are made of cotton, despite their weight they are pretty breathable and the wider weave allows cool air to travel through the fabric more easily. Leggings have a much tighter knitted jersey construction (even those made of cotton) and so are naturally warmer. Leggings also can be crafted from a host of different fabrics including wool, cashmere, spandex and those with thermal properties which trap heat well.