Running tights to keep you warm and training during the winter months.
Best Cold Weather Running Tights for Women. When it comes to cold weather running, there’s no question it can be extremely grueling both mentally and physically.
** I may earn a commission when you purchase through a link on this page. **
A brisk morning or rapidly fading daylight in the evening, winter always presents us with a few extra challenges.
However, you’re much more likely to enjoy your run if you have the right gear, no matter what the weather may be. In the winter, a great pair of running tights makes all the difference.
In order to help you out, I’ve put together a list of the best cold-weather running tights for women. Don’t let those rough winter months keep you from getting a pair. Check it out, purchase a pair, and keep pushing forward.
Deciding on the Best Running Tights for Cold Weather
In order to compile my list of the best winter running pants, I’ve used the following criteria:
Function Construction: The cold makes it even more important to choose tights that won’t let you down. A waistband that stays up will keep us from getting cold, full mobility will allow us to perform at our best, and breathability will prevent us from getting sweaty.
All Day Comfort: Our goal is to find tights that don’t sacrifice comfort for warmth. It is important these two factors work together. Running tights that are uncomfortable won’t do for your cold-weather activities.
Extreme Cold Weather Design: While compression tights do better in the cold than other fabrics, we’re looking for tights specifically designed to fight the elements. In cold weather activities, you need more than a thicker fabric. You need a product with technology to keep you warm.
1. Under Armour ColdGear Compression Tights
The Under Armour ColdGear Compression Tights feature a dual-layer fabric with a fast-drying exterior and a brushed interior for extra warmth. These tights implement a super thin encased elastic waistband to deliver a smooth, more streamlined silhouette.
Shop Under Armour: Under Armour ColdGear Compression Tights
Under Armour’s ColdGear Compression Tights utilize a 4-way stretch construction to prevent bunching and to move with you during your most intense workouts. These tights have flattened seams in high-stress areas to eliminate chafing where it matters the most.
2. Nike Therma-FIT One Tights
The Nike Therma-FIT One Tights are an extra warm and versatile option great for both workouts and everyday wear. Nike leverages its proprietary Therma-FIT moisture-wicking technology to manage your body’s natural heat for warmth and to keep you dry.
Shop Nike: Nike Therma-FIT One Tights
Nike’s Therma-FIT One Tights feature seamless sides, a contoured waistband, and non-sheer fabric (squat proof) for confident training and workouts. These tights showcase a tight fit for a body-hugging shape and 2 hidden pockets large enough for a phone or other personal items.
3. Baleaf Laureate Fleece Lined Thermal Tights
The Baleaf Laureate Fleece Lined Thermal Tights utilize a brushed fleece interior to seal in warmth for dry heat, while the flexible fabric provides you an unrestricted range of movement.
Shop Baleaf: Baleaf Laureate Fleece Lined Thermal Tights
Baleaf’s Laureate Fleece Lined Thermal Tights feature a gusseted crotch for a greater range of motion. These tights also have a large hidden pocket for convenient storage, a long inseam for ultimate coverage, and a wide waistband to prevent a muffin top.
4. Adidas Own the Run Tights
The Adidas Own the Run Tights utilize water-absorbent fabric designed to wick moisture away from your body for a super comfy fit. These tights use Adidas AEROREADY technology to keep you feeling dry as you work out.
Shop Adidas: Adidas Own the Run Tights
Adidas’ Own the Run Tights feature a sweat-guard pocket that can hold your phone, moisture-absorbing AEROREADY helps you stay dry, a drawcord on an elastic waist, and reflective details to keep you safe during your training runs.
5. New Balance Impact Run Heat Tights
The New Balance Women’s Impact Run Heat Tights feature NB HEAT technology to help keep your body warm while wicking away moisture. These tights are made with comfortable poly knit fabric and provide an excellent range of movement.
Shop New Balance: New Balance Women’s Impact Run Heat Tights
New Balance’s Women’s Impact Run Heat Tights feature a fitted silhouette designed to hug your body at the hip and thigh. These tights have side hip pockets with zippered back waistband pockets and pull-on closure.
6. 2XU MCS Run Compression Tights
The 2XU MCS Run Compression Tights feature MCS mapping focused to quad and calf areas to help reduce strain and soreness to muscles. These tights utilize full leg compression using lightweight and powerful PWX fabric.
Shop 2XU: 2XU MCS Run Compression Tights
2XU’s MCS Run Compression Tights are constructed using flexible and breathable fabric and provide is a perfect base layer for outdoor training activities. These tights utilize flatlock seams to reduce irritation and include reflective logos for greater visibility and a convenient rear pocket for storage.
7. Adidas Believe This 2.0 Long Tight
The Adidas Believe This 2.0 Long Tights feature a compression body fit that molds to the body for a supportive feel and lock-in warmth. These tights utilize moisture-absorbing AEROREADY to keep you dry even during your hardest runs.
Shop Adidas: Adidas Believe This 2.0 Long Tights
Adidas’ Believe This 2.0 Long Tights are perfect for training runs or daily wear. These tights have mesh inner waist pockets for secure storage and gusset for comfort.
8. NAVISKIN Fleece Lined Thermal Leggings
The NAVISKIN Fleece Lined Thermal Leggings feature a fleece inner layer fabric that helps reduce the loss of body heat and provides warmth without the bulk. These leggings wick moisture away from the skin for drier comfort, ideal for cold days wear and outdoor activities.
Shop Naviskin: NAVISKIN Fleece Lined Thermal Leggings
NAVISKIN’s Fleece Lined Thermal Leggings have an elastic waistband and inner waist drawcord for better tummy control and a personalized fit. These leggings also have large side pockets large enough and a back zippered pocket to keep valuables secure.
9. CW-X Stabilyx Joint Support Compression Tights
The CW-X Stabilyx Joint Support Compression Tights feature targeted support areas for hip and knee joints, as well as an abdominal panel for extra core support. These tights utilize breathable and moisture-wicking fabric to stay dry.
Shop CW-X: CW-X Stabilyx Joint Support Compression Tights
CW-X’s Stabilyx Joint Support Compression Tights have a flat drawcord waistband for an adjustable fit and low-profile seam construction to minimize chafing. These tights also feature a reflective logo for low-light workouts and a small waistband pocket for secure storage.
10. RBX Active Fleece Lined Leggings
RBX Active Fleece Lined Leggings feature an advanced fleece lining with X-Heat technology to keep you warm during those frigid weather training sessions. These tights incorporate moisture-wicking fabric that pulls sweat away from the body and keeps you dry.
Shop RBX: RBX Active Fleece Lined Leggings
RBX’s Active Fleece Lined Leggings feature a fitted silhouette and a high waistband for a shapely and flattering look. These leggings have a full-length inseam and two tech products for safe storage.
11. Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tights
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tights feature an ultra-strength fit for that perfect body fit as well as no see-through construction. These tights utilize a gusset crotch for maximum range of motion and movement, and to reduce chafing and rubbing.
Shop Lululemon: Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Tights
Lululemon’s Fast and Free High-Rise Tights have moisture-wicking with a four-way stretch material that increases both compression and support. These tights also feature two big pockets on both sides and a hidden inner pocket in the back waistband for discreet storage.
12. THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High-Waist Tights
THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High-Waist Tights utilize a super soft material that provides added warmth and a no-see-through ultra-stretch fit. These tights also provide breathable, and moisture-wicking performance for superior compression and support
Shop THE GYM PEOPLE: THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High-Waist Tights
THE GYM PEOPLE’s Thick High-Waist Tights have a wide waist elastic waistband for tummy control. These tights also feature two large pockets for convenient storage, big enough for your phone or wallet.
What to Wear for Running in Cold Weather?
When it comes to running in cold weather body temperature regulation is critical. By wearing compression garments, such as running tights, you are able to preserve your muscle and body heat without overheating.
How to keep the body warm naturally is more complicated than just wearing thick clothes when you are running or involved in other athletic activities. These garments can allow you to overheat, even in frigid cold temperatures.
Compression garments provide breathability, by allowing sweat and excess heat to pass through the fabric. This moisture-wicking action removes sweat from your skin to keep you dry, while still keeping your warmth enough, but not overheating.
Compressive pressure is another helpful factor, which stabilizes and reduces excess vibration and shivering. By conserving this energy, your body can stay warm and your endurance can be extended.
In addition, many cold-weather compression garments are lined with brushed or thermal fabric for superior performance.
You’ll enjoy consistent body warmth, even during the worst in extremely cold and damp outdoor conditions.
Tips for wearing compression clothing in cold weather
While athletes are no strangers to running in cold weather, compression gear can provide increased comfort and boost your performance.
If you’re looking to stay warm in cold weather, it’s essential you understand how to layer clothes for cold weather the proper way.
For clothing closest to the skin, this will be your compression gear or baselayer. Compression clothing is designed to remove sweat and excess heat away from your skin.
This will keep you warm and dry, which is important if you plan on being in cold weather for any length of time.
When it comes to the benefits of compression clothing for cold weather, it only applies if there are used properly.
Staying warm in winter conditions starts with an understanding of how to retain your body heat. The use of compression gear in cold temperatures is extremely helpful.
For outdoor sports, layering is a necessity. It begins with a compression tank top or shirt for the upper body, followed by a compression shirt. Your first layer should never be a cotton garment or t-shirt, as they trap moisture on your skin during your workout.
For the lower body, you should start with compression shorts or undergarments, followed by compression tights or pants. This base layer will remove excess heat and moisture from your skin and prevent chills and chafing.
When properly worn, women’s cold weather running tights significantly reduce discomfort from rubbing and chafing often encountered as a result of wet clothing.
Are you an outdoor warrior? Be sure to learn more about the benefits of running in cold weather.
FAQs
What material is best for cold weather running tights?
Cotton thermal running tights are ideal for cold weather due to their breathability, comfort, and insulation. Cotton blends offer added durability while maintaining these benefits. Other materials like wool or fleece, though warm, may not be suitable for long-distance running due to lesser breathability.
What are the best features to look for in winter running leggings, such as pockets or reflectivity?
When choosing winter running tights, prioritize reflectivity for visibility in low-light conditions, reducing collision risks.
Also, look for tights with pockets to securely store essentials like your phone, keys, or wallet, and carry extra water or snacks conveniently without needing a bulky pack.
Should I wear underwear under my running tights?
You don’t need to wear underwear with running tights. Their thick fabric wicks away sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable.
For concerns like chafing, consider anti-chafing lubricants or moisturizing lotions instead. Simply put, skip the underwear with your tights.
Summary
Shopping for the best cold-weather running tights for women requires careful attention to a few key factors.
Look for tights made from appropriate materials, with features such as insulation, sweat-wicking, and reflectivity.
Choose the right size for a comfortable fit to ensure the best comfort and protection from the elements.
Additionally, proper care and maintenance will help ensure the longevity of the tights.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently select the best running tights to keep them warm and comfortable during their workouts.
Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.
