The morning are now a bit darker and cooler, but that shouldn't deter you from jumping out of bed and into your regular workout. And though your comfy, breathable summer pants may be your first pick, they're not exactly going to work once the wind starts cutting through to your legs.
Thermal pants or leggings — also referred to as a base layer — do the crucial job of sealing in body heat during your winter run, hike, outdoor HIIT class, or yoga flow. Plus, when the weather moves beyond blustery fall wind and into freezing rain, sleet, and snow, you need a pair that repels water in order to keep you warm and dry.
There are plenty of options for both men and women that are suitable for all different workouts. A pair of the right thermal pants will make your exercise plan of choice so much easier to achieve. No more excuses!
Material should be top of the list when shopping for thermal pants and leggings. Look primarily for those that are moisture-wicking, as these fabrics move and dissipate sweat off skin evenly, preventing cold spots. (Remember: Staying warm means staying dry!)
Synthetic fabrics: Polyester, rayon (or viscose), nylon, polyamide, and polypropylene dry quickly and are great for athleticwear or frequently used thermals, as they're more durable and elastic.
Merino wool: Though it takes longer to dry, merino wool is more flexible than traditional wool. Merino sheep are renowned for producing the softest, finest kind of wool in the world, which means your pants won't be short on comfort. Both synthetic fabric and wool also have higher levels of resistance against odor-causing bacteria.
Silk:Silk thermals are a famously comfy bet, especially if your activity level is on the less intense end of the spectrum — i.e. low-key evening dog walks, or even indoor lounging. It's a lightweight option that's great for moderately cool weather, seeing as it's also slower to dissipate moisture and less odor-resistant.
Warmth technology:Textile innovations such as warmth technology fabrics (or “warmth tech”) have also been dominating in recent years. These can vary widely, and are oftentimes the brand’s own proprietary tech, which usually features a mix of standard synthetic fabric, silk, or merino wool treated with cutting-edge add-ons like ceramic or other trademarked antimicrobial treatments. You can find a variety of these engineered textiles and blends out in the market. The engineering you go with is usually fairly effective in its own right, so choose the one that best aligns with your intent of use.
Fit
Fit should also be a top priority with thermal pants. Look for those that are snug yet non-constrictive, with flatlock seams that don't chafe or irritate — particularly in sensitive areas like the inner thigh and groin areas. Ill-fitting thermals, whether too tight or too loose, can also create uneven heat distribution or air pockets that can render the layer ineffective.
Weight
Thermal pants and base layers typically come in three weights: lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. These provide warmth against cool, cold, and freezing temperatures, respectively.
Also consider the warmth-to-weight ratio, which measures how much warmth a fabric provides against its own weight, with the goal being choosing the warmest at the lightest.
Everything about these thermal leggings was made to help you perform at your peak. Nike’s ProWarm fabric keeps your muscles warm, while strategically placed compression helps key muscle groups recover before you’re even done working out.
They're also moisture-wicking for when you do start working up a sweat. These are serious tights for dedicated athletes who can't imagine training indoors.
They're a splurge, but we love these pants for cold-weather outdoor training, whether you're running, hiking, biking, or just taking the dog for a walk — they're a total investment piece for athletes.
The company's DriLayer Threshold thermal fabric keeps you plenty warm, and it even moves with you. But don't worry: The oversized waistband keeps these thermal leggings exactly where they belong, no matter how fast you're sprinting.
Helly Hansen makes clothing for some pretty harsh conditions, so you know cold weather is basically a nonissue when you're wearing their warmest base layer. The merino-wool construction of these thermal leggings keeps you warm, but it also lets excess heat escape. As a bonus, the material feels super soft next to your skin.
Wear these under your outer layer while skiing or snowshoeing when temperatures drop below freezing.
If you need a high-performance tight that can repel late afternoon raindrops, this is the pair. The brand's PI Dry technology lets moisture out but not in, and the thermal fleece interior traps just the right amount of body heat.
Wear these thermal leggings over some padded bike shorts and start pedaling this winter for some early triathlon training!
5
Best Reflective
Columbia Heavyweight II Men's Stretch Base Layer Tight
These heavy, four-way-stretch tights from Columbia are great for an all-day adventure. Let the company's awesome Omni-Heat thermal reflective construction trap your body heat inside this base layer so you're warm and comfy ... starting from the bottom.
6
Best Odor-Wicking
ColdPruf Women's Quest Performance Base Layer Leggings
We love how the comfort-fit wide waistband keeps your tights exactly where they need to be. Plus, we can't get enough of
the ColdPruf Technical Fiber, which is formulated with Silvadur Intelligent Freshness to minimize odor and odor-causing bacteria on fabric.
7
Best Everyday
Hanes Men's X-Temp Thermal Waffle Pant with FreshIQ
If you're looking for a basic first layer, try this pair of cotton thermal leggings from Hanes. The fabric is soft against your skin, and the flat seams won't rub at all. They're the perfect winter PJs, but can also be worn under khakis for a brisk night on the town.
8
Best for Cross-Training
Under Armour Men's ColdGear Armour Compression Leggings
Whether you're on the soccer field, running in a race, or training for a triathlon in the coldest winter weather, these thermal leggings have you covered.
Under Armour's ColdGear dual-layer fabric insulates your legs to seal in warmth (but not your sweat), making them versatile enough to wear wherever your workouts take you. Plus, the fast-drying fabric is perfect for bone-chilling rainy runs.
You won't have a problem exercising outside on cold days with these pants. They even have graduated compression to help your muscles recover faster. The leggings give even more support to the lower leg muscles, which is important if you're running or doing tons of jumping in the chilly weather.
Throw on this budget-friendly, form-fitting bottom layer for any low-impact activity. It's made of cotton, though, so know that it won't wick insane amounts of sweat. However, this thermal double layer will keep you feeling nice and toasty.
Eunice Lucero-LeeSenior EditorEunice Lucero-Lee is the Senior Editor for Best Products, and is a beauty, astrology, and pop culture obsessive whose work has been featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, The Numinous, and woman&home, among many others.
Mara SantilliMara is a freelance writer and editor specializing in culture, politics, wellness, and the intersection between them, whose print and digital work has appeared in Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Airbnb Mag, Prevention, and more.
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