The Best Winter Pants Pack Heat in More Ways Than One

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Not all pants are created equal. For frigid winter days, you're going to want to have some options on hand that are more substantial than those linen pants you invested in over the summer. The winter season can be brutal: dry atmosphere, bitter cold, snowfall. Sometimes your go-to jeans are just not enough. While you can pack on layers on top—the T-shirt, sweater, jacket combo is a favorite—you don't have quite as much opportunity for warm layering on the bottom.

The best winter pants do something more than just act as a barrier to the environment. Maybe they're made from wool or lined with flannel. Maybe they're water-repellent and meant to be worn in and around the snow. They could be insulated, infused with warm technology, or are just full-on sweatpants made from fleece or cashmere. Here, we rounded up 18 options that do one or more of those things, and span the range of all the activities you might want a winter-specific pair of pants to participate in.

Similar to your dead-of-winter coats and accessories, the best winter pants put function first and cut or style second. When it's this cold, warmth matters much more than anything else. But, lucky for us, there has been a ton of textile innovation that has made your go-to styles over in winter-friendly fabrics. So feel free to pull on trousers, jeans, cargos, and more, just as long as the fabric they're made of packs the heat. Start your shopping here.

Maine Guide Wool Pants

Maine winters can be harsh, and the state's most beloved brand, with this hefty wool trouser, knows what it takes to withstand the cold climate.

Water-Resistant Insulated Snow Pants

It really doesn't get any more winter-ready than snow pants. Keep them on hand for long outdoor days or particularly bad storms.

770 Straight-Fit Pants in Corduroy

Corduroy is made of cotton, but the way the fabric is woven into tufted cords does wonders in retaining heat and preventing the cold air from seeping through.

Standard Pleated Rugged Corduroy Pants

Alex Mill also has a stylish corduroy option, one that'll pair nicely with this damn-fine cardigan.

Trail Pants

Nike ACG is one of our favorite techwear brands: It constantly offers products that combine form and function, and are designed to look just as good on a sidewalk as they do on a mountain summit.

HEATTECH Warm-Lined Pants

Uniqlo's signature HEATTECH fabric is made to do two things: keep the cold out, and keep you feeling light. Unlike many winter pants, these aren't heavy or bulky, but they sure will keep you warm.

Rover Double-Knee Work Pants

A good double-knee goes a long way in adding some extra insulation and warmth. These work pants pair well with a sweater or button-down, and they come in a few different colors that you can rotate through all season long.

Herringbone Cargo Joggers

Sometimes, when you wake up and it's freezing outside, you just want to pull on some soft, cushiony pants. Well, these are those. With a 60% wool, 40% polyester combination, these are warm and sleek in a cargo style that deserves a prime spot in your winter rotation.

Flannel Relaxed-Fit Straight-Leg Jeans

These may look like regular jeans on the outside, but on the inside, they have flannel lining to keep you extra toasty and warm.

Fleece Lined Cargo Pants

Or, if you want something even cozier than flannel, there's always fleece. Trust me when I say you won't feel the cold in these fleece-lined cargos.

Field Warm Pants

If anyone knows how to face winter with style, it's TNF. These jersey-lined pants have water-repellent, moisture-wicking fabric and articulated knees for extra mobility.

Gamma Pants

Made to be breathable and weather-resistant, these are the ultimate outdoor pants for winter, whether you find yourself on a chilly-weather hike or a snowy ski trip.

Flexible Insulated Pants

If you're in a really cold environment, you know the pros of getting a good pair of insulated pants. These are quilted yet lightweight, so they're warm but won't weigh you down—the perfect recipe.

All Direction Warm Hike Pants

With a tapered silhouette and all-over water-resistant coating, these are a chic yet secure option that pair beautifully with sneakers or snow boots alike.

Baggy Workwear Jeans

Made from thick, baggy denim, these jeans look cool, but they'll keep you warm and cozy.

Heavyweight Duck Carpenter Pants

Dickies, of course, builds its pants to be protective first and foremost. Swap out your current pair for a winter-friendly heavyweight.

Cashmere Sweatpants

When it comes to affordable cashmere, Naadam is pretty hard to beat. These are luxury sweatpants—an oxymoron we're more than happy about.

PrimoFleece Joggers

Outdoor Voices is not playing around with its winter pants. These joggers are fully fleece and about the only thing you'll want to wear on especially brutal winter mornings.

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