The Best Cold-Weather Workout Clothes You Need For Working Out This Winter

A solid pair of gloves is crucial for keeping your hands warm and dry while exercising outdoors. What makes this pair from lululemon so great is the soft, stretchy fleece that’s warm without feeling bulky, and the touchscreen-friendly fingertips that let you change your music or check your pace mid-run without exposing your skin to the cold. “I wear these lululemon gloves on every run these days to get me through the chilly NYC winters,” says editorial assistant Olivia Luppino. “They’re lightweight yet super warm, and I can easily work my phone or smart watch with them on.”

Some workout jackets keep me warm, but feel too bulky to allow me to move the way my workouts require. This zip-up from Under Armour locks in warmth without weighing me down, so I stay toasty without overheating or feeling restricted. It’s surprisingly lightweight for its warming abilities, and that’s thanks to the soft, “thermo-conductive” lining (made from polyester) and body-skimming fit. It’s my go-to outer layer for cold-weather workouts because it lets me run, jump, and stretch like normal while keeping me dry and warm.

This winter-ready sneaker took home a WH 2025 Fitness Award for being a true outdoorsy multitasker. The celeb-favorite, fashion-editor-approved sneaker is durable, stable, and made for the harshest trail and hiking conditions (but looks ultra-stylish, unlike most trail-ready boots and sneakers). It’s perfect for taking your winter workouts outdoors because not only is it waterproof, it also offers protection from winter elements like salt and debris with the closed mesh construction and coated laces.

My ears are the first part of my body to go numb from the cold, so a headband/ear warmer combo is an absolute must for long stretches outdoors. This knit band from Smartwool is made from 100% merino wool, making it soft and lightweight (instead of thick and scratchy) while effectively wicking away moisture and keeping my ears warm and toasty. I love that it’s thick enough to cover my entire ears and my hairline, so that I stay sweat-free even during intense hikes and runs.

I love tossing on this insulated vest from Brooks when the air turns brisk, but I’m not quite ready to wear a jacket. It’s the perfect piece for keeping my core warm without overheating during a run and leaving my arms free to move. It’s wind- and water-resistant, making it ideal for a range of weather conditions, and the semi-fitted cut layers cleanly over base and mid layers. Plus, the reflective details come in handy for early morning or evening outdoor workouts. “This vest is awesome for the more frequent dark runs,” says Women’s Health contributor Jennifer Nied. “Less daylight doesn’t mean less mileage in the winter, and this reflective vest keeps me warm and visible whenever I have time to squeeze in a training run.”

I always make sure a good pair of socks is in my cold-weather workout lineup because keeping feet dry and warm (like your ears and hands!) makes a huge difference in comfort and performance. These merino wool socks from Bombas keep my feet toasty without overheating, wicking moisture away so I don’t have to deal with soggy toes. The seamless arch band and cushioned footbed also help support the foot, softening impact and cradling the foot with every step.