I never thought the day would come that I would actually find a pair of running tights that kept my legs warm in temps in the teens, single digits, and below zero Fahrenheit.
For YEARS, I have struggled with finding tights that are warm enough where I don’t return home with bright red thighs and white patches in the most vulnerable areas. I have tried a lot of different tights–“brushed” tights, ones that claimed they were warm, but nothing kept my legs truly warm. . . .until these!
I asked on Instagram for warm tight recommendations. I got a lot of different responses, so I spent quite a bit of time researching the options. There was one pair that came up several times–the Athleta Rainier Tight. I read the description and was only somewhat convinced they would be suitable for the teens and colder. The description said they were “brushed,” which made me wonder how warm they really were. As I was perusing the website, I came across this pair from Athleta. The description was much more convincing that it would be warm enough for what I needed, so I went ahead and ordered both pairs to compare them.
When I pulled them out of the package, it was crazy how much thicker the Polartec Tights were, and I knew they were going to be much warmer for winter runs. When I slipped them on, I felt like I was getting a warm hug from my tights. The Rainier Tights, on the other hand, were very comfortable, but I knew they wouldn’t be warm enough for me. If you are looking for a warm-er tight down to about 20*F, then they would be great!
The first run I wore the Polartec tights on a run when it was 0*F. I wasn’t sure how they would perform, but I was shocked that my legs were never cold! Not even at the beginning. I kept waiting for them to get cold, but they never did! I wore them on a couple more runs when the temps were in the single digits, and once again, my legs never got cold! There were even some gustier winds one day, and the tights protected me from the wind.
I can’t rave about these enough, and I will forever be a fan! They are high-waisted, a full-length tight, and very comfortable. Shhh, don’t tell, but I often leave them on after a run because they are just so darn comfortable. As far as sizing, I found they ran true-to-size. I ordered based off the size chart, and they fit like a glove.
I am 100% sold on these and am so glad I no longer have to deal with cold thighs, butt, and hips during the winter.
I read your review on these and now have 2 pairs! They are amazing for cold, Ohio winters and they come in tall! So cozy! Thanks!!
Yeah!! So glad to hear!