Last Updated on 06/03/2022
Women’s Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Leggings Review
On a recent road trip around the south coast of Iceland, I needed something to keep me warm in -10 degrees Celsius conditions. I’ve tried everything from traditional base layers to fleece-lined leggings and woolen tights in the past, but it seems like a cold-enough wind can cut through any item of clothing. So I was intrigued when I came across the Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Leggings, as they’re designed specifically for really cold temperatures (-17 degrees to +12).
After 10 days of wearing the Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Leggings at -10, this is what I found…
Warmth
Unlike other designs I’ve seen, these leggings feature a dual-layer fabric with a reflective thermos-conductive pattern inside that is designed to lock in and retain body heat. I survived the cold conditions, but they didn’t feel much warmer than the $6 fleece-lined leggings I grabbed from a high street shop. That said, they weren’t any worse either, and they certainly block the wind more than tights or jeans. If you’re going into minus-degrees temperatures, you’d need to wear another layer over the top.
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Related: Top 10 Best Merino Wool Base Layers
Comfort
The comfort factor of these leggings certainly won me over. They’re super soft—with a brushed inside layer, so they feel gentle against the skin. The outer layer is also incredibly soft, especially compared to traditional sportswear leggings. The polyester/rayon mix makes them stretchy and super flexible without being too tight, so it really feels like they mold to your body shape.
The smooth outer layer is fast-drying, which is great if you encounter a downpour as they don’t stick to your legs as cotton does. They feature a Signature Moisture Transport System, also known as wicking, which makes them breathable. This draws your sweat away from your body, and helpfully also features antimicrobial technology to reduce odor.
One of the most comfortable aspects is the wide elasticated waistband and ankle cuffs—as these can be overly tight and constricting on some leggings. The waistband is yoga-style and doesn’t feature a drawstring, so you need to ensure you buy the right size so the waist fits snugly. The good thing about the lack of drawstring is that waistline is comfortably designed to fit just above the hips, so it doesn’t cut into your stomach. The ankle cuff is oversized and ribbed, so you can roll them up, fit socks underneath, or pull them down for foot warmth.
Style
Despite the lightweight fabric, they’re thick enough to not be in any way see-through, which every woman will know is a major issue with most leggings and tights. This means you can wear the Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Leggings on their own without having to wear a long jumper or coat over the top. They design means they’re muffin-top-free and they create a smooth silhouette.
Available in several colors, including black and heather, they look like smart activewear that can be worn outdoors during sports or adventure-seeking. The brushed fabric means they don’t look like obvious sports leggings. You couldn’t get away with wearing them under a skirt for the office as the side hems are pretty hefty, but they look decent with a casual outfit.
Versatility
Another great thing about the Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Leggings is their versatility. They’re thick enough to be worn on their own for sports or outdoor pursuits and are well designed for active exploits. They’re stretchy enough to be used for yoga and comfortable enough to be worn around the house when you’re relaxing.
But they can also be worn as a base layer as the outside layer is incredibly smooth. This means you can easily slide jeans or other trousers over the top. Anyone who has tried to pull jeans up over a pair of woolen tights will appreciate how difficult it can be!
Overall
If you’re looking for a reasonably warm legging that can be worn for sports, outdoor activities, and double up as a base layer, these are ideal. They look flattering on and are amazingly comfortable compared to a lot of leggings out there. If you’re going to extremely cold climes, you need another layer on top, but they’re so smooth that other layers glide on easily.
How Much Are They?
