When winter strikes and temperatures drop, there’s nothing like a good pair of tights to get you out and keep you moving. A high-quality pair of tights should be a staple in every woman’s cold-weather running arsenal, so we’ve selected the best of the best to help you prepare for winter.
Best Everyday Option
If only all clothing was as comfortable as these tights! The extra wide waistband and soft, heathered material make for a profile that’s secure, flattering, and cozy. The fabric is thick enough to keep you feeling warm and covered, but light enough to be appropriate for the moderately cold days of fall and early winter. Ankle zippers make for an easy on and off, so the days of battling with sweaty post-run tights are over.
Runner-up: Nike Women’s Power Epic Lux Tight Mesh
Best for Freezing Temperatures
These tights aren’t joking around — they’re built to handle the coldest days Mother Nature will throw your way. Thick, thermal material with a fleece interior creates a soft, warm next-to-skin feel, while the exterior DWR treatment helps to repel light rain. The wide waistband creates a comfortable fit, and a stash pocket at the right hip allows you to bring along small essentials.
Runner-up: The North Face Women’s Winter Warm Tight
Best for Wind
Craft Women’s Cover Wind Tights
These tights will keep you protected from gusts and gales, thanks to the windproof outer shell. In addition to the windproof exterior, the internal fleeced fabric will work to keep you warm and cozy, so these tights are appropriate for days when the wind has a freezing edge to it. The rear zipper pocket provides secure storage space for small necessities.
Runner-up: Mizuno Women’s Static Windproof Tight
Best for Rain
The North Face Women’s Flight Touji Tight
For protection against rain without the feeling of wearing plastic pants, these tights have got you covered. True, they won’t provide the same seam-sealed, fully-waterproof protection as options like the inov-8 Ultrapant, but we find them to be a more practical, comfortable option for common use, and they’ll keep you dry in light rain or for short spells. Thermal paneling makes these tights warm and cozy, and the wide waistband makes for a comfortable fit. The rear zip pocket provides storage space for anything you might like to bring along with you.
Runner-up: Nike Women’s Shield Tight
Best for High Visibility
In evaluating high visibility tights, we wanted a tight that would not only stand out in low-light settings, but also one that would exceed our expectations in comfort and daylight wearability. In this regard, the Saucony Women’s Reflex Tight stole the show. The wide waistband provides exceptional comfort and a secure fit, while a rear zipper pocket allows you to bring along small items. The reflective print on the lower legs really stands out in the dark, but it is subtle and inconspicuous during daylight hours.
Runner-up: ASICS Women’s Lite-Show Thermal Tight
Prefer to select your own favorites? Shop all: Women’s Tights
Tracie is a former teacher and a lifelong learner who loves exploring. Most at home in the mountains, she enjoys tearing up and down the trails on her mountain bike, and occasionally leaves the wheels at home for a run through the trees. Having recently earned her personal trainer certification, Tracie thrives on helping others reach their athletic goals.
