Winter is here! You love your leggings — they’re comfy and stretchy and super soft. But how, when it’s chilly out, do you actually wear them without freezing? And it’s all in the layering and selecting the best type of leggings!
Your favorite cozy pants don’t have to go into cold storage this season. Now you know how to wear your leggings all winter and not freeze!
The Secret to Staying Warm: Choosing the Right Leggings
The first step in wearing leggings in winter is choosing a fabric. Leggings are not all created to keep you warm.
1. Fleece-Lined Leggings (The Best Choice!)
These are the number one for cold weather warmth.
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What they are: Leggings lined with a plush, fuzzy layer of fleece, like a cozy blanket for your legs.
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Why they work: The fleece is trapping your body heat, which will keep the cold air out.
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Tip: Check the package for the words “thermal” or “fleece-lined.”
2. Wool or Cashmere Blend Leggings
They are wonderful if it’s extremely cold out and downright luxurious.
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What they are: Leggings made of a natural fiber such as wool, which retains heat very well.
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Why they work: Wool breathes very well, so you’ll stay warm without getting too sweaty.
3. Thick, High-Quality Fabric
If you don’t have fleece, find a thicker legging.
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What they are: Thick, non-see-through leggings.
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Why they work: Anyway thicker material will serve as a good wind block. Steer clear of thin, cheap materials that will do nothing to keep you warm.
Smart Layering: The 3-Step Method
The best way to stay warm in winter is by wearing layers. You can always take a layer off if you go inside and get too warm.
Step 1: The Base Layer (Underneath)
Your base layer is what you wear under your leggings. This is a very important winter trick!
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Wear Tight Shorts: If your leggings are thin, wear a pair of tight, warm athletic shorts or bike shorts underneath for extra warmth over your bottom and upper thighs.
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Wear Pantyhose or Tights: For a simple layer, put on thin tights or pantyhose first, and then pull your leggings on top. This thin layer makes a big difference in blocking cold air.
Step 2: The Main Layer (The Leggings)
This is your fleece-lined or thick, high-quality leggings. They should fit snugly against your skin.
Step 3: The Outer Layer (On Top)
If it's extremely cold, you need to wear something over your leggings.
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Wear a Skirt or Dress: Put a long, warm skirt or a sweater dress over your leggings. This adds a third layer of fabric over your legs.
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Wear a Long Sweater or Tunic: Choose a tunic (a shirt that goes past your hips) or a very long sweater. The extra fabric covering your upper legs keeps your most sensitive areas warm.
Keeping Your Feet, Ankles, and Knees Warm
Cold air loves to sneak in through small gaps, especially around your ankles and knees.
1. Warm Socks and Boots
Your socks and shoes are essential for wearing leggings in winter.
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Thick, Tall Socks: Wear wool or thermal socks. They should be long enough to go over the bottom of your leggings.
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Wear Boots: Choose boots that cover your ankles, like ankle boots or tall winter boots. The boots should overlap with your socks and the bottom of your leggings, leaving no skin showing. This blocks the wind and snow.
2. Knee-High Socks or Leg Warmers
If your knees are cold, you can layer on the extra here.
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Leg Warmers: Wear leg warmers pulled up over your leggings from your ankles to your knees. This is a simple, easy-to-add layer that you can take off when you go inside.
Styling Your Outfit: What to Wear on Top
Because leggings are tight, its best to wear something loose and long on top. And this is just the part of wearing leggings that’s stylish.
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Long and Flowy Tops: Opt for a tunic or an oversize sweater. They are long enough to cover your butt and hips, which looks really nice with tight leggings.
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Layer with a Coat: A long, heavy winter coat — or even better, a parka that goes below your hips — provides further insulation over the legs.
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Add a Scarf and Hat: Make sure your neck, head and ears are warm! When you wear a warm hat and a chunky scarf, it can help keep your whole body warm, including your legs.
Simple Do's and Don'ts for Winter Leggings
Follow these simple rules to make sure you stay warm and look great!
| DO | DON'T |
| DO choose fleece-lined leggings. | DON'T wear thin, athletic-style leggings on a cold day. |
| DO wear long shirts, tunics, or sweaters. | DON'T wear a short shirt that stops at your waist. |
| DO wear high, warm socks and tall boots. | DON'T let any skin show between your leggings and your shoes. |
| DO add a layer like tights underneath when it is very cold. | DON'T wear white leggings in wet or snowy weather (they can get dirty easily). |
Key Takeaways for Winter Warmth
So, wearing leggings in winter can be relatively simple if you follow the basic rule: layer, layer and layer.
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Buy Fleece: Get yourself at least one pair of fleece-lined leggings.
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Cover Up: Wear a long top (Tunic Dress or long sweater) every time.
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Seal the Gaps: Ensure there’s overlap between your socks and boots to avoid cold air sneaking in through your ankle.
With these simple hacks, you can don your favorite warm leggings all winter long and remain cosy and cheerful! Enjoy the cozy season!