December is upon us, so it’s time to start prepping for the big freeze. And as someone who feels the cold more than most, I’ve found the perfect solution to stay warm and stylish this winter, without breaking the bank
We’ve already seen the first snow of the year, which felt rather early compared to winters gone by. And as someone who is particularly nesh when it comes to dipping temperatures, I’ve been looking at ways to keep warm without compromising on style or feeling like the Michelin Man in a million layers.
I popped into Uniqlo a few weeks ago to try on some of their new-in styles , and spotted their range of Heattech in store. And while it wasn’t necessarily chilly at the time, present me is very much thanking past me for picking up a pair of the Ultra Warm Leggings ahead of the frosty nights.
Heattech is Uniqlo’s innovative fabric technology that traps heat generated by your body to keep you warm. The Ultra Warm version of these leggings takes this up a notch, being 2.25 times warmer than the standard range, according to CLO values.
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Usually £24.90, the leggings are currently reduced to £19.90 for Black Friday , saving £5 on the RRP. They come in sizes XXS to XXL and are made from stretchy fabric for a snug yet comfortable fit. For reference, I’m a size 10 and ordered a size M – though I could have potentially opted for the S as they were surprisingly generous.
I wore these leggings to a Christmas light trail paired with a leather skirt, red jumper, boots, and duvet coat. The leggings have a fleecy inner lining which is ultra-soft against your skin, and despite the cosy material, they’re not at all bulky, which means you can wear them as a base layer under jeans, or on their own with skirts, dresses, or a long jumper.
They’re also pretty high waisted, and the stretch allows you to pull them up quite high to keep you warm from tummy to ankle . During my walk around the festive trail, I was extremely toasty, but their sleek design ensured my outfit looked chic for all of the festive photo opportunities.
But they’re not just great for outdoors, because they’re ideal for wearing around the house, too – and could help you save money on your heating bills this winter. Their insulating properties mean you can comfortably turn down the thermostat without sacrificing warmth, which is ideal if you work from home, like me. What’s more is that they’re made to last, with a special knit fabric that ensures they retain their shape even after repeated washes.
I’m not the only one who rates these Heattech leggings, either, having earned themselves a 4.5 star rating based on 250 global reviews . One said: “Very satisfied with this product. I’ve been wearing them all winter and haven’t felt cold. The fabric is soft and light, easy to wash. I think I might order more.”
Another added: “These leggings fit comfortably like a second skin, keep you super warm and are opaque! Perfect!”
While a third said: “Purchased all the colours as I can’t get enough of these! You can wear them on their own or put them under your jeans or trousers. So soft that it feels really good on your skin, too. Perfect way to keep warm during the winter season.”
However, some agree with me that they’re quite generously sized, with one commenting: “The feeling is very soft and comfy, however, a bit big in size. I should have bought a size smaller than the recommended one.”
Another added: “The AI tool suggested I get a size XL and I bought L. Still too big and baggy (usually UK size 12). Returned and bought M which was perfect. Warm and great for working from home.”
Elsewhere, Lovall’s Extreme Fleece Lined Leggings have also been reduced in the Black Friday sale. They come in a wide range of sizes from 6-28, and feature an extra soft, cosy fleece lining to tackle the extreme cold. They were £36, but have been reduced to £32.50 for a limited time.
Marks and Spencer also have these Heatgen Maximum Thermal Fleece Leggings for £20. Available in sizes 6-22, they come in four chic shades and have plenty of added stretch that means they move with you for a comfortable fit. Or you can pick up a pair of the Uniqlo Heattech Ultra Warm Leggings here for under £20.