11 Best Wool Leggings To Beat The Chill In Style
Keep yourself protected with winter clothing that is fashionable and comfortable.
Raluca Oita is a fashion designer with an experience of over 8 years. She has a bachelor’s degree from Westminster University, London. After graduating, she started working as a fashion designer for various brands. It was during this time that she realized that there was a lack of high-quality sewing patterns available on the market, so she co-founded Georgette Patterns, a sewing patterns boutique, to bridge the gap between high fashion and dressmaking.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Are you someone who loves the winters and gets all excited instantly when the season comes knocking at your door? It is that time of the year when you get to wear all those statement jackets, trench coats, hoodies, and boots. However, to keep your lower body warm and toasty, you need to wear the best wool leggings.
This article discusses the 11 best wool leggings you can wear during freezing temperatures. Our top picks are designed with high-quality merino wool for your comfort. Raluca Oita, a fashion designer with a bachelor’s degree from Westminster University, London, says, “World-renowned for its fineness and softness, merino wool is one of the best wool available. It has natural thermal insulation properties, which makes it a perfect fabric to wear in cold weather conditions. It is soft, breathable, yet warm, does not itch like other wool varieties and stays naturally comfortable. They can be worn with a variety of different outfits.”
Merino wool leggings are ideal for times where you have to walk to work in the cold. It is an exceptional fabric that helps regulate the skin temperature and keeps itching and discomfort at bay. When considering sustainable materials, merino wool stands out as the best eco-friendly choice for the winter. It also absorbs all the moisture and odor if you are hiking or skiing. There are countless options available, and to help you out, we have done a stylistic evaluation and curated a list of the bestselling ones by trusted brands that are available in the market. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
11 Best Wool Leggings That Pack In Warmth For The Winter
1. Best Sun Protection:Minus33 Merino Wool Women’s Midweight Bottom
Minus33 offers 100% merino wool leggings that have an interlock knit construction with flatlock seams for a clean finish. Soft and comfortable, the thermal pants can be worn under your clothing or as part of outerwear for warmth during winters. With moisture-wicking properties, Minus33’s high-performance leggings absorb sweat, use less water, and dry quickly. As these are midweight thermal pants, the UPF rating of 50+ offers sun protection and great insulation. It is available in 6 colors, so you can put together a stylish outfit even in the chilly weather.
- Offers sun protection
- Can be used as base layer or outerwear
- Moisture-wicking
- Travel-friendly
- All-day comfort
- Provides thermal insulation
- Available in 6 colors
- Quick-drying
- Some may find the waistband to be too thin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,113 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2. Best Odor-Resistant:tech Merino Wool Leggings
These wool leggings for winter regulate your body temperature to keep you toasty during the colder months. Made with 100% superfine micron, this lightweight pair of pants doesn’t cause itching, rubbing, or overheating as with other synthetic fabrics. Their moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties keep you fresh and dry as you indulge in some of your favorite outdoor sports, like snowboarding. Blocking out the harmful rays of the sun, these women’s wool tights keep the skin well-protected. It has received rave reviews for its true-to-fit sizing and soft silky finish.
- Anti-itch
- Odor-resistant
- Moisture-wicking
- Offers UV protection
- Lightweight
- Regulates body temperature
- Some might find the crotch area to be baggy
3. Best For Chafing Prevention:Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms
These chafe-free tights are made with Smartwool that traps the body heat to keep you protected in freezing temperatures. Using 100% merino wool in an interlock knit pattern, this outdoor clothing is still breathable and wards sweat away from the skin. The flatlock seam construction helps prevent chafing and the stretchy Smartwool leggings give you a wider range of movement. With a merino-covered waistband the fit is comfortable and leaves no marks. Reviewers praise the softness and the product’s ability to remain odorless after prolonged wearing.
- Odor-resistant
- Doesn’t cause chafing
- Breathable
- Soft waistband
- Lightweight with a clean finish
- Moisture-wicking
- Might not be anti-itch
4. Best Dirt-Repellent Fabric:Engel Women’s Leggings
Engel’s wool tights are made with a blend of 70% organic merino wool and 30% silk for softness and warmth. Available in 5 colors, these woolen leggings can be a great addition to your winter wardrobe. The fabric is strong owing to the blend of sturdy fibers and also repels dirt, which makes it super easy to clean. As this pair of athleisure leggings is lightweight, you can don this pair as a base layer or rock them solo.
- Lightweight
- Dirt-repellent
- Soft and warm
- Available in 5 colors
- Stretchable
- Might cause itching
CautionFor long-lasting wear, wash this very gently, by hand, in lukewarm water, and lay flat to air dry. Do not rub or wring, as it may cause felting.
5. Best Moisture-Wicking Fabric:PARADOX DRI-Release Performance Women’s Base Layer Pants
84% polyester, 11% merino wool, and 5% spandex is used in making PARADOX’s wool outdoors pants that helps enhance your performance. The DRI-Release fabric pulls moisture and sweat away from the skin to keep you dry and releases it into the air. Drying 4 times faster than materials like cotton, this fabric makes cleaning easy. With a FreshGuard that operates as odor control and the anti-itch benefit, you need to get your hands on these lightweight wool pants for cold weather.
- Anti-itch
- Moisture-wicking
- Quick-drying
- Wind-resistant
- Controls odor
- Durable stitching
- Lightweight
- Might not be warm enough for extreme winters
6. Best Lightweight Material:MERIWOOL Ladies Wool Pants
With no itching, MERIWOOL’s wool knit leggings dry quickly, are breathable, and prevent overheating. They not only wick away moisture but are also resistant to odor to keep you insulated while smelling good. Available in 10 colors, MERIWOOL’s warm winter leggings are designed to flatter your body shape, so you can feel confident. Light enough to be worn as a base layer, these leggings also complement other outfits.
- Odor-resistant
- Moisture-wicking
- Quick-dry
- Anti-itch
- Flatters body shape
- Lightweight
- Might stretch out quickly
Pro TipUse this product with Merino Wool Long Crew Socks and MERIWOOL Women’s Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Heavyweight 400g Thermal Shirt for extreme comfort in the cold.
7. Best Anti-Itch Fabric:Eizniz Naturwool Women’s Thermal Leggings
Made with 100% merino wool, Eizniz’s wool yoga pants provide your skin with top-notch insulation to fight off the cold. Even if you’re active all day long, you can count on these ultra-soft leggings to keep you fresh owing to their odor-resistant properties. And to keep you dry, the merino wool base layer fabric naturally wicks away all sweat, keeping you dry through all kinds of movement. Both non-itchy and non-clammy, these woolen leggings are available in 16 colors.
- Odor-resistant
- Moisture-wicking
- Hypoallergenic
- Insulated base layer
- Non-itchy
- Available in 16 colors
- Smooth finish
- Some might find the waistband too small
8. Best Eco-Friendly Material:Icebreaker Women’s Everyday Leggings
These Icebreaker leggings are silky soft to touch and offer thermal regulation to keep you warm when the temperature drops. Merino wool is super resilient and as it is also biodegradable, you can rest assured you’re doing your sustainable bit for the environment. Suppressing all odors and managing moisture, the Icebreaker merino wool leggings keep you comfortable and dry in the winter. With 4 colors available, you can upgrade your winter fashion with any of these pairs.
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-controlling
- Available in 4 colors
- Regulates temperature
- Allows for easy care
- Quick-drying
- Some may find that it stretches too much
9. Best Breathable Fabric:Kari Traa Akle Thermal Pants
Kari Traa is a champion Olympic skier who designed these sportswear leggings that use body mapping for the right fit. The 100% merino wool construction keeps the funky pants breathable and super soft against your skin. With flattering cut lines and trendy prints, these women’s premium wool leggings are available in 3 colors. Drawing inspiration from Norwegian heritage and knitting traditions, you will find the Kari Traa Akle thicker wool leggings to add flair to any outfit you pair them with.
- Flatters body
- Breathable
- Versatile
- Available in 3 colors
- Odor-resistant
- Moisture-wicking
- Soft and warm
- Might not be entirely anti-itch
10. Best Body Temperature Control:LAPASA Women’s Thermal Leggings
LAPASA’s wool running tights keep you warm without the itch, which is commonly found in woolen clothes. These leggings are temperature-controlled and you don’t have to worry about overheating during your favorite activities as the fabric keeps you cool and is breathable. With excellent heat retention, you can run or jog in the chilly weather wearing these leggings as a base or outerwear. Both moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, you can depend on merino wool to keep you hygienic.
- Anti-itch
- Prevents overheating
- Can be worn as a base layer
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-resistant
- Midweight
- Might lose shape with prolonged use
11. Best Flexibility:Disana Knitted Leggings
You can choose from 5 bright and fun colors that Disana offers these knitted leggings in. They are made with 100% organic high quality merino wool that is recyclable and biodegradable. Not only is it thick, the fine ribbed knit makes it flexible so you one can move with freedom. Disana has the best wool tights as the elastic waistband is gentle on the skin and doesn’t pinch or leave marks. With these wool leggings, your child can enjoy all the other benefits that merino wool comes with.
- Soft and thick
- Flexible
- Non-restrictive
- Soft elastic waistband
- Odor-resistant
- Moisture-wicking
- Anti-itch
- Some might find the fit to be baggy
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best wool leggings on the market, let’s learn how you can pick out the best pair for yourself this winter.
How To Choose The Best Wool Leggings
- Fabric weight
The weight of merino wool leggings can help keep you warm but also cool in chilly weather conditions, owing to its temperature-regulating properties. If you live in a place that experiences harsh winters, heavyweight merino wool is a good option. If you will not be outdoors much, a midweight option will also be ideal. However, if you’re someone that doesn’t get cold easily or lives in a place with milder winters, you can opt for lightweight merino wool. The higher the wool content, the warmer you will be and this also means better odor-resistance. If you happen to be traveling where you can’t easily wash your leggings, heavyweight is best suited.
- Construction
Look for flatlock seams in your leggings as they help with outdoor activities. This stitch prevents chafing and allows comfort with ease of movement.
Crotch gussets sewn in also promote freedom of movement as they can prevent discomfort when you’re bending down or squatting. A gusseted crotch also helps hold the fabric together at the center.
If your body heats up quicker than with most people, you can look for leggings that come with built-in mesh panels as they keep air flow strong along with insulation.
- Fit
While size requires you to measure your waist and thighs, the leggings have to fit you properly and flatter body shape.
Leggings can be high or low waist; you can choose depending upon your preferences and whether you’ll be layering them or using them as outerwear.
Wider waistbands are generally more comfortable and can be worn solo for physical activities but might be obtrusive when worn as a base layer.
Some leggings can have bands or cuffs at the ankles which can prevent the fabric from rolling up. If this is something you prefer, you can look into these options.
Leggings made of 100% merino wool can become baggier with use. If you want something that is tight and fits well, look for wool blended with other synthetics such as polyester or Lycra.
Infographic: How To Care For Woolen Leggings So They Last Long
Winter brings the urge to pull on your favorite woolen leggings, cozy boots, and warm trench coats. Woolen leggings not only make you look stylish but also keep your legs toasty warm. Check out the infographic below to know how to care for them.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Winters are exciting but the cold breeze can stop you from enjoying the weather. Woolen essentials like hoodies, jackets, wool leggings, and boots keep your body warm and cozy through these colder days of the month. The best wool leggings are made of exceptionally high-quality fabric that is skin-friendly to keep your legs warm, odor-free, and itch-free. You can wear these thermal pants under any outfit to keep yourself safe from freezing. The sweat-absorbing Minus33 Merino Wool Women’s Midweight Bottom is ideal to be worn as a base layer while the Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms are odor-resistant and anti-chafing. The LAPASA Women’s Thermal Leggings come with a breathable and anti-itch fabric. They are ideal for hiking, skiing, or walking in freezing temperatures. They are made with moisture-wicking materials that are lightweight and stretchable. However, some leggings may feel baggy but are comfortable to handle. Understanding the buying guide will help you pick the right wool legging that meets your expectations.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author, Srijita De, is a fashion enthusiast and loves to stay updated about the latest trends in the industry. She has curated this list of best wool leggings for the winter season after reviewing a wide range of products and skimming through hundreds of reviews on the internet. These leggings have made it to the list owing to their durability, comfort, seamless design, and skin-friendly fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are merino wool leggings warm?
Merino wool leggings trap heat and are temperature-regulating, making them a fantastic choice for winters as they keep you warm.
Are tights warm enough for winter?
Tights made with merino wool lock in heat and prevent it from escaping. This keeps you warm during the winter. If this isn’t enough, you could always wear merino wool leggings as a base layer with other outerwear like jeans or trousers.
Is it OK to wash merino wool leggings?
Yes, Merino wool leggings are machine washable. But avoid using bleach and hot water to prevent damage.
Which is warmer, thermal or wool?
Thermal wear is made of cotton polyester with a honeycomb weave, unlike wool, which is the primary fabric, making thermals warmer than wool.
Is cashmere better than merino wool?
Cashmere is far more effective in keeping you warm than merino wool.
Why does merino wool not smell?
Merino wool holds more moisture than any other wool, which also helps it absorb the smell.
Does merino wool keep you warm when wet?
No. Merino wool will not work when completely drenched in water, but it will keep you warm even when damp or moist.
How often do you wash merino wool leggings?
You may clean merino wool leggings after 4-5 wears in cold or lukewarm water.
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