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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Winter’s inclement weather is no excuse to give up your fitness routine. While London’s balmy, summer nights provided the perfect setting for those long-distance runs and competitive matches on the tennis court, many high-end (and high-tech) fitness brands have designed innovative activewear to keep you warm this winter, so you can maintain your PBs whatever the season throws at you. Here are our favourite winter activewear pieces for women to add to your wardrobe now.
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 top. The former black polo is crafted from Polartec Power Grid material, a lightweight knit that provides warmth, breathability and moisture-wicking properties, whereas the latter is more similar 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 you’re 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) to add a technical fleece material to reduce friction while also including lots of pockets to hold essentials. Fans of British activewear brand cult Sweaty Betty will love its Therma Boost high-waisted design, complete with a brushed interior that’s chafe-resistant.
Yogis are likely already acquainted with LA-based, athleisure brand Alo. While we highly doubt the tepid temperatures in 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, knitted leggings which aim to regulate your temperature while you’re out on a cold 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 ACG Storm-Fit embellished recycled-shell design, designed for outdoor sports such as hiking. The vibrant colour will make it easy to spot up a mountain, and the cinched hood is designed to block blustery winds and can be easily packed within its own pocket to save space in your backpack. From the unique Adidas collaboration by 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 Kirsten hooded jacket is coated for a waterproof finish and can easily be stored in your car or folded in your tote for those unpredictable, wintry downpours, while Sweaty Betty’s cocoon puffer wrap coat will keep you toasty from head to foot during long dog walks. We also love Canada Goose's belted McKenna coat that’s both water-repellent and wind-resistant with a removable hood 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 your fingers from that wintry chill while still being touchscreen compatible. Under Armour’s fleece beanie repels water without sacrificing breathability, and the brushed interior traps heat to keep you warm while the back ponytail opening means you can still keep your hair out of your face while you’re working out in the elements.
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.
Read more: The best streetwear-inspired ski jackets for hitting the slopes
