The 12 Best Winter Leggings, Tested and Reviewed

Tested by: Alexandra Sanidad, research director

What were you looking for in a winter legging?
When I was in my teens and 20s, I would happily leave my house in cute but inadequate legwear for the sake of fashion in, shall we say, brisk weather. Those days are long over. I hate being cold, so a legging that can keep me sufficiently toasty while I’m exercising or getting things done in the elements is important. Reliable pockets are a must for ID, a credit card, and some gum, and it’s even better if the leggings are easy on the eyes. This style from FP Movement ticks off all three boxes.

What was your overall impression of these leggings?
These guys felt luxe straight out of the package. They’re plush and thick but have a slim silhouette. I appreciate the high waist and interior drawstring waistband, as well as the compression material that keeps your tummy from booping out after lunch. This pair has a light fleece lining that feels like a hug from a teddy bear. The secure side pockets (with zippers!) and reflective details are a nice touch, but the detail I like best are the ankles, which unzip and allow you to roll the pants up to knee-length if the temperature suddenly rises.

What are these best suited for?
These are sleek enough to spill brunch on and will make you feel cozy on planes and trains. They’re definitely outdoor leggings, as wearing them while you’re on the treadmill will get uncomfortable fast.

Pros: Zippered pockets and ankles, opaque, compression fabric, cozy
Cons: Too warm to make the transition from running errands to running indoors