There’s a particular kind of motivation required to leave a warm bed for a 6am Pilates class in the middle of winter. The same can be said for standing on frosty sidelines every weekend, braving icy dog walks before sunrise, or committing to a long-distance run when the temperature drops into single digits.
The Best Winter Activewear, According To marie claire:
- Best Base Layer: Under Armour Ultra High Rise Leggings, $65
- Best Outwerwear: The North Face FutureFleece Wind Jacket, $330
- Best Mid-Layer: Adanola Funnel Neck Zip Sweatshirt, $150
- Best Footwear: Salomon XT-6 Gore-Tex, $340
- Best Accessory: Lululemon Fleece Running Gloves, $49
But if there’s one thing that makes cold-weather movement infinitely more appealing, it’s having the right activewear. The new generation of winter workout wear is less about piling on suffocating, bulky layers and more about smart technical dressing — pieces designed to keep you warm, dry and comfortable without sacrificing style.
Think insulating base layers that feel like a second skin, lightweight puffers built for movement, fleece-lined leggings that are as flattering as they are functional, and weatherproof accessories that make even the bleakest morning feel manageable. The best winter activewear works hard, but still looks polished enough for post-Pilates coffee runs, weekend errands, or all-day wear long after your workout ends.
Whether you’re training outdoors, heading between reformer classes, spending weekends on the sidelines of junior sport, or simply trying to survive the morning dog walk without freezing, these are the winter activewear staples worth investing in.
Read: These Are The Activewear Brands Defining Our 2026 Wellness Era
Back To Base
The secret to staying warm starts with your base layers. The best styles regulate body temperature without overheating, wick away moisture, and are designed to layer.
UNDER ARMOUR
Women’s Ultra High Rise Leggings
VARLEY
Always Warm Jersey Base Layer
P.E NATION
Serene Stripe Long Sleeve
LORNA JANE
Amy Thermal Phone Pocket Leggings
Outerwear Essentials
Outerwear is arguably the MVP of any winter wardrobe. No longer purely practical, today’s activewear jackets are designed to move with you — whether running, walking or staying warm on the sidelines.
LSKD
Auxiliary 2.0 Longline Jacket
VARLEY
Valencia Quilted Crinkled-Shell Down Jacket
THE NORTH FACE
Ridgelite FutureFleece Wind Jacket
ON
Core Jacket
Mid-Weight Layers
If base layers are the foundation, mid-layers are what make winter activewear truly functional. Half-zips, fleeces and technical pullovers are ideal for transitional dressing — easy to throw on before a workout, remove mid-run, or style casually throughout the weekend.
ON
Climate Zip Hoodie
ADANOLA
Varsity Relaxed Funnel Neck Zip Sweatshirt
NIKE
Swift Dri-FIT UV 1/4-Zip Running Top
KATMANDU
Co-Z High Pile Vest
Winter-Proof Footwear
Winter workouts demand a lot more from your footwear. Wet pavements, muddy trails and freezing temperatures mean support, grip and weather-resistant designs become even more important.
HOKA
Speedgoat 7
MERRELL
Cham Redux Storm Gore-Tex
SALOMON
XT-6 Gore-Tex
ON
Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof
Extra (Warm) Accessories
Often overlooked, accessories are often what make the biggest difference once the temperature really drops. A cap, beanie or knitted headband will keep your head — and ears — warm during freezing starts, while thermal socks and gloves quickly become essentials rather than extras.
THE UPSIDE
Superstar Knitted Headband
TRACKSMITH
Merino Tube Sock
LULULEMON
Fast and Free Fleece Running Gloves
ARC’TERYX
Grotto Toque
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