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The 9 Warmest Tights For Women

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by Braelyn Wood
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Everyone has that one friend who likes to wear skirts despite subzero temperatures. And before you judge, I should admit I'm definitely that friend. When it comes to clothing, I prefer dresses to pants, which is why I'm constantly searching for the warmest tights for women.

A least half of my closet consists of dresses and skirts, and when winter comes, I like to transition my wardrobe while staying cozy by layering up, big time. Thermal tights, fleece tights, and more serve as an ideal layering piece that keeps legs warm under skirts and dresses — and even jeans or other pants — without adding too much extra bulk. So even if skirts aren't your thing, tights will still come in handy in the colder months.

When it's time to choose a pair (or a few pairs), you'll be pleasantly surprised by the wide range of thermal technology you can find in tights these days — and often at a price that's less than $20 a pair.

Best yet, there're plenty of varieties to match both your personal style and the degree of warmth you need. From pairs that use high-performance insulation to non-itch wool tights to classic but cozy cable-knit options, these will bundle you up in comfy warmth. For the sartorially adventurous, many of these cool-weather tights come in a range of colors beyond classic black, too. Pick your favorite and layer at will.

1

The Overall Best Warm Tights

Also available on Walmart, $24

Heat Holders's thick thermal tights use high-performance insulation to protect against the cold while staying thin enough so that they work with almost any outfit. As one reviewer put it simply: "I might have to buy a few more pairs of these. They're indispensable during those cold Swedish winters. Or any winter, really. I love wearing them under my pants or to bed. They don't feel heavy at all on my skin, not unlike some kinds of knitted tights and they feel so fleecy and fluffy on the inside, it's like wearing a fluffy hat all over your legs." The thermal fabric is made from a combination of polyester and elastane for a tight yet breathable fit that moves with you. Each pair has a soft brushed inner that traps warm air close to the skin. Machine washable and of a thick, opaque 140 denier, you can choose between black, navy, or purple for these fan-favorite tights with a 4.6-star rating — and they cost less than $16 a pair!

  • Available in sizes S to XL

2

The Best Fleece-Lined Tights

For extra-cold days Vero Monte's fleece-lined tights are made from 90% fleece to capture warmth and trap it in. The 10 percent spandex helps keep the shape and material comfortable. Designed with an elastic waistband, these footed tights feature a stretch fit that won't sag during wear. The tight's smooth finish also prevents them from clinging to clothes or piling over time. With a 4.6-star overall rating after more than 1,600 Amazon reviews, they're a favorite for being thin enough to wear underpants and warm enough to wear under dresses.

"These are sooo soft and warm. These fit like other fleece tights I’ve had in the past only higher quality. [...] I’d feel comfortable wearing these with a skirt or dress. They also have the double seam on the butt like other fleece tights, but these don’t seem to bug me as much as other tights with the same stitch. They are a little shiny but I think it’s cute because it looks like a very rich black. These are definitely a winter cold weather kind of tights. I don’t find them too hot just warm," raved one shopper.

  • Available in two sizes for 5'3'' to 5'10''

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A Fleece-Lined Pair Of Tights Available In Sizes Up To 4X

Also available at JC Penney, $15

Available in black, gray, brown, and navy, fans love these versatile fleece-lined tights for being cozy and comfortable. "Got these for fall and winter wear under knee and ankle-length skirts and dresses and they’ve been perfect. Incredibly comfortable and warm (without the sweat other tights give) with good stretch and totally opaque," one customer says. Made of a nylon-spandex blend, they hold their shape well and the extra-stretchy waistband provides comfort. With a 70 denier thickness, they cover well but are still thin enough to wear under pants. "These tights ARE fleece-lined and true to the 70 denier appearance that they are marketed as, however, they are not as heavily lined as others that I've seen for sale on Amazon. As a person that works in an office but still has to deal with a cold, morning commute, these are just fine for me. I'm warm enough to be outside but not so warm that I'm sweating inside." another customer raves.

  • Available in sizes petite, medium, tall, 1X-2X, and 3X-4X

4

The Best Cashmere Wool Tights

“I think I purchased these around Arctic vortex time this winter in an attempt to stay warm and sane without resigning to wearing snow pants or bulky trousers. These allowed me to stay warm and still wear skirts and boots and change into hilled shoes in the office,” wrote one reviewer of these luxurious cashmere wool tights that are made in Italy and have the distinction of standard 100 certification by OEKO-TEX. They’re made from a thick blend of viscose, polyamide, cashmere, and elastane, so they have just the right amount of stretch to be comfortable enough for all-day wear. They come in black and wine.

  • Available in sizes Small — X-Large

5

The Best Patterned Tights For Warmth

These tights from Vero Monte are made with a blend of cotton, modal, polyester, and spandex, which makes them stretchy and breathable all while keeping you incredibly warm. They also feature a herringbone pattern to add some texture to your outfit, plus a stretchy waistband and reinforced toe. Pick between three colors, black, navy, or wine.

“The tights are pretty thick as well. In the winter where I live, it doesn't get lower than 40°F, and they keep me sufficiently warm,” one customer said. “They're actually the warmest tights I currently own, and I buy a lot of knit tights from Amazon.”

  • Available in two sizes for 5'3" to 5'9" and 5’7” to 5’11”

6

The Best Sheer Tights For Warmth

While these winter tights look sheer, they’re anything but airy thanks to the cozy fleece lining inside. You can choose from three different fleece weights. To start, there’s the 85-gram pair that’s actually unlined and suitable for spring and summer. Going up to a three-season option, there’s the 220-gram fleece pair featured here. The 300-gram pair is the toastiest yet and is temperature rated down to 23 degrees Fahrenheit. “I’ve gotten “fleece lined” tights before, and they were cozy, but THESE ones specifically are amazing. I bought the 220G and they’re already thicker than my previous pair of fleece lined tights,” one shopper gushed. “They look GREAT under skirts, and so far have been wonderful for the 40degF days in Michigan.”

  • Available in two sizes for 5'1'' to 5'8''

7

The Warm Tights With The Most Colors To Choose From

These super opaque tights are made from an 80 denier knit and are warm enough to wear in chilly temperatures, but light enough not to suffocate legs. They come in nine different colors from coffee and clover green (shown here) to fuchsia and royal blue. The brand also offers a range of sizes the company says can fit those from 4’9" to 5’11" and they are machine washable. Customers are saying things like: "[...] they are soft soft soft soft soft, and the design gives equal support up the leg and over the hips and to the waist, without binding or pinching. They are somewhat opaque, and I ordered the navy, which was just what I was looking for, to go with a navy dress just above the knee, and boots. These are perf!”

  • Available in two sizes: one size (4'9" - 5'9") and one size plus (5'2" - 5'11")

8

Silky Tights That Will Keep You Warm At A Great Price

Also available at Walmart, $18

L'eggs extra soft silky tights are an affordable yet durable wardrobe staple. Best described as opaque with a slight peek of skin, these tights are primarily made out of nylon to keep legs warm year-round. One reviewer raved about the bargain writing, "They fit well, maintained their shape, kept me warm during a very cold winter, and will still be wearable next winter, even though I wore and washed each pair over 30 times."

9

Editor’s Choice: Some Versatile Fleece-Lined Leggings That Are Not At All Bulky

Also available on Target, $30 and Nordstrom Rack, $23

If you’re looking for tights that offer a bit more versatility, why not consider some sleek leggings? Available in a ton of colors and in sizes up to 3X, these fleece-lined leggings have earned themselves a cult following for being both toasty warm and decidedly streamlined (no bulk here). To date, they’ve massed more than 11,000 Amazon ratings. Inside there’s soft brushed fleece and the high-waisted design also keeps you feeling cozy. Choose from options with pockets and without.

BDG Commerce Editor Kate Miller raved, “These are my absolute favorite winter leggings because they're super warm without being bulky. Love slipping them on for everyday wear but they've stood up to some pretty intrepid hikes too. The side pockets are a nice bonus."

  • Available in sizes from X-Small to 3X-Large

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Also Great: This 6-Pack Of Fleece-Lined Leggings That Are An Amazing Deal

This pack of six fleece-lined leggings are a great deal for a high-quality product. "I'm back from my trip to Iceland. It was about 30 degrees F a few times and they kept me warm throughout the trip. I didn't even have to wear them under my pants!! They were perfect and I couldn't believe the price for these," one customer raves. Made of 90% nylon and 10% spandex, these offer plenty of stretch to fit many different bodies while the fleece lining is cozy and comfortable. With more than 4,000 five-star reviews, they're a best-selling Amazon cult-favorite.

  • Available in one size that fits up to an XL

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