Winter workouts: The best activewear to keep you warm and dry
Don’t let the chill halt your fitness regime. Here’s the best winter activewear to add to your wardrobe now
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Cold weather is no excuse to stop training. Whether running, cycling, walking, or hitting the gym, don’t let a season of blustery winds, sudden downpours, and frosty mornings get in the way of your fitness routine. Wrap up appropriately in the best winter activewear and you’re guaranteed to be right as rain.
Fitness brands have got your back when it comes to achieving your long-distance runs and hitting your PBs throughout the winter months. With innovative high-tech clothing designed to regulate your body temperature and keep you safe and seen, plus handy accessories to take you further and last longer, peak cold weather performance is all about having the right weather-proof essentials. Here are our favourite winter activewear pieces for women.
Long-sleeve tops
Let’s start with the base layers. Long-sleeve workout tops are essential come winter, whether you’re out for a run or need insulation under your jacket while walking, in the dressage ring or on the golf course. For something subtly stylish, we love Balenciaga’s simple but effective logo top with a front panel and high neck. For the yoga and Pilates disciples, look no further than Varley’s Always Warm Sloan tee, featuring open back detailing for breathability.
However, if your primary aim here is warmth, we’d recommend Moncler Grenoble’s Polartec thermal top and Falke’s ergonomic turtleneck. The former polo is crafted from Polartec Power Grid, a lightweight knit that provides warmth, breathability and moisture-wicking properties, while the latter is more akin to a second skin material. Its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties are perfect for slipping on underneath your ski jacket, while the brushed lining keeps you cosy and warm.
Leggings
An activewear staple come rain or shine, your favourite sports brands have redesigned their most popular leggings with an extra lining to keep legs warm while walking, running, dancing or squatting in the gym. Lululemon has removed the inner-thigh seams of its original Fast and Free leggings (best for running) in order to add a technical fleece material and reduce friction while also including lots of pockets to hold essentials. Fans of British activewear brand Sweaty Betty will love its Therma Boost high-waisted design, complete with a heavyweight Heat Tech yarn to help regulate your body temperature.
Yogis are likely already acquainted with LA-based, athleisure brand Alo. While we highly doubt the balmy temperatures of the Californian city compare to chilly, wintry London, Alo has catered to its friends across the pond with its Winter Warm Nocturne legging designed for a medium-compression fit and with a soft interior for extra warmth. German brand Falke has also created ergonomic, wool-blend leggings that aim to keep you warm while you’re out on a run. These leggings would also work well under salopettes or paired with shorts if you’re hitting the gym.
Jackets
If you’re willing to brave the elements – or need an extra layer to protect you while you run from your car to the gym – a jacket which retains warmth without making you sweat is essential. Lululemon’s Cross Chill jacket is waterproof and windproof, with a fleece-lined back to prevent those pesky gales and a four-way stretch, water-repellent tech fabric brushed for warmth. For something more lightweight – and perfect for running – try On Weather’s recycled-shell vest, designed specifically for cold conditions with lightweight recycled-shell with padding at the front and sweat-wicking properties at the back.
Top training jackets come in the form of Nike’s Swift Hooded Storm-Fit water and wind-resistant design, ideal for outdoor activities. The slightly loose fit can be cinched in at the waist and hood to block blustery winds and has reflective details for visibility at night. From Adidas' collaboration with Stella McCartney, the TruePurpose jacket is a mid-layer made with 50 per cent Parley ocean plastic and soft Heat.Rdy tech jersey to keep you warm while you train.
Coats
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or the country trails, a thicker coat that will keep you warm and dry is a must. However, practical attire normally sacrifices style – until now. Varley’s Elle puffer is coated for a waterproof finish and designed with an insulating synthetic fill, ideal for those unpredictable, wintry downpours, while Sweaty Betty’s Nimbus parka will keep you toasty from head to toe during long dog walks. We also love Canada Goose’s Cypress down jacket, it's both water-repellent and wind-resistant with handy reflective trims and interior backpack straps.
For those who normally spend their weekends at the stables, equestrian brand Holland Cooper’s longline training coat is suitable for when you’re in the dressage ring or mucking out. Practical and 100 per cent waterproof, the coat is designed with breathable mesh on the back, protective neoprene storm cuffs and interior leg straps for riding.
Accessories
No outfit is complete without accessories. Swap your designer sunglasses and Birkin bag for Sweaty Betty’s Swiftie run gloves, designed to protect fingers from that wintry chill while still being touchscreen compatible. Under Armour’s ribbed knit beanie will keep your head and ears warm while on the move, and the reflective yarns in the striped details will help with visibility on darker frosty mornings and low-lit winter evenings.
If hats aren’t your thing, opt for Lululemon’s ear warmers with a water-repellent tech fleece fabric that’s brushed for warmth and reflective strips so you can be easily spotted in the dark. Finally, every cyclist needs a good pair of socks, and Falke’s ultra-light pair feature stimulating mesh to prevent numbness and keep feet cool and dry – whatever the weather.
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