Warm jeans

Casdon

Jeans aren’t shrink to fit these days Yammy. They are “sanforized,” a process invented in the 1920s that limits post-wash shrinkage to only 1%. Only raw denim shrinks, which is what Levi’s were in the 1960s.
I live in the mountains, and what I see is more and more walkers wearing shorts, even in the winter - I think it’s because if their legs do get wet, they dry off more quickly — a huge Berghaus jacket with shorts is a common look!

Back when I could walk in the mountains, I did this (sometimes a skirt) and I packed a pair of warm leggings in case I got chilled. However, waterproof trousers are much better now.

Denim as a fabric is not good at insulating, however many 'jeans' are made with other fabrics, and most aren't made with 'true denim'.

But I'm for layering, with thin leggings / thick tights under trousers.

FF i wouldn't be able to move if I didn't wear tights (of varying thicknesses) under my jeans. My legs would be like two ice lollies, frozen solid from crutch to ankle.

I only ever wear my knickers and socks under jeans, I wouldn't be able to move wearing, leggings, tights or thermals under jeans.

We both wear jeans well lined with soft fleece.

First day wear, this autumn, is today. Very warm and cozy

Jeans aren’t shrink to fit these days Yammy. They are “sanforized,” a process invented in the 1920s that limits post-wash shrinkage to only 1%. Only raw denim shrinks, which is what Levi’s were in the 1960s.
I live in the mountains, and what I see is more and more walkers wearing shorts, even in the winter - I think it’s because if their legs do get wet, they dry off more quickly — a huge Berghaus jacket with shorts is a common look!

Elegran

Should say "Some of them are climbers . . . "

When young and had to do geography /geology fieldwork in wet conditions we were not allowed to wear denim. It was cords or no trip even in summer. They said that if denim got wet as they dry they shrink to your body. There probably is something in that as in the 60's the way to get your jeans to fit was to sit in the bath in them to shrink to your size.
The mountain rescue is on T.V. nearly every week complaining about people's wrong clothes.
I wear cords with thermals when it is really cold. DH wears Rohan-lined winter bags with waterproofs on the top when fell walking.

I love jeans, they are so comfortable - I just change the weight in the winter so I wear the thicker denim ones - which I find warmer than other types of trousers. I never wear anything under mine, if it’s cold I just wear a longer and thicker coat over them when I go out - if it’s raining I wear a knee length coat, as the front of the thighs is the only bit of my jeans that gets wet usually.

I find jeans quite warm. They are warmer than most other trousers. If it is really cold, I wear leggings under them. I find tights uncomfortable under trousers but leggings are fine. I am generally only going out in town and not when it is pouring with rain so no issues there.

I'm another for woollen tights or fleece lined leggings under my denim jeggings so I don't struggle with the zip and button on normal jeans with the extra layer

Off to collect my thermal leggings! Many thanks for comments, have to admit just never thought about leggings as considered them too thick. Temp today 9° so very timely.

Eldgran has said exactly what I was going to say. DH wore jeans, but always with waterproof over trousers (out with dogs) or chest high waders for fishing). He lost count the number of times people wearing wet jeans were close to hypothermia.

I agree about jeans which are thick and warm until getting wet. Cords are the same in my experience. For wet cold days or when out with disabled riders, I wore 3 layers. Leggings, trousers and overtrousers plus thick socks and muck boots.

I bought some walking trousers , fleece lined and waterproof - very cosy but sadly they didn't fit
Hill walkers must be taller and slimmer than me.

MiniMoon

M&S sell fleece lined tights. They are lovely and warn under jeans. My DD and I buy them every winter.

Fleece lined tights and jeans? I feel I’d be walking like john Wayne !

Elegran

Lucca

But surely you are not all striding through rough terrain or hill walking every day when clearly you’d wear the appropriate clothing ?

But for everyday outings I think jeans are fine as I can’t bear all the layers at my waist with knickers tights jeans ! I never wear tights under trousers, I’d just choose some warmer trousers !

So many people DON'T wear appropriate clothing to walk on hills in Scotland or the Peak District, or take a map with them, which they know to use. Volunteer Mountain Rescue teams risk their own lives searching in the dark, in terrible weather and on treacherous surfaces, for inexperienced people who are not equipped for their expedition. The more often it is said that jeans and trainers are not the best wear in those circumstances, the better.

I do know that

Uniqlo make a heattech jeans. I had some a few years ago so when the cut was a bit low on the waist for my taste, but I have not tried this years version. They look like normal stretch jeans, but are a little warmer.

I am in the south east and have never worn anything under my jeans other than pants. If it’s chilly I put on some socks.

Woolly tights and or thermal leggings solve the problem for me every time.

In chilly weather I wear fleece lined jeans.

The thing with jeans is that they are such timeless and universal items of clothing. So I can be wearing them while out in the woods or on the moors one minute, then when I drop down to the beach the next, followed by a stop off for coffee and cake on the sofas in a café. What other leg wear is as versatile and practical?

Spot on Elegran. Denim jeans are tough and protective but hold water and are really bad for insulation during hot or cold weather. I also think they are rather uncomfortable to be honest. In fashion terms they are timeless, and that will never change.

Lucca

But surely you are not all striding through rough terrain or hill walking every day when clearly you’d wear the appropriate clothing ?

But for everyday outings I think jeans are fine as I can’t bear all the layers at my waist with knickers tights jeans ! I never wear tights under trousers, I’d just choose some warmer trousers !

So many people DON'T wear appropriate clothing to walk on hills in Scotland or the Peak District, or take a map with them, which they know to use. Volunteer Mountain Rescue teams risk their own lives searching in the dark, in terrible weather and on treacherous surfaces, for inexperienced people who are not equipped for their expedition. The more often it is said that jeans and trainers are not the best wear in those circumstances, the better.

M&S sell fleece lined tights. They are lovely and warn under jeans. My DD and I buy them every winter.

Cords for me too M&S and Cotton Traders. Jeans are OK for in-between weather.

But surely you are not all striding through rough terrain or hill walking every day when clearly you’d wear the appropriate clothing ?

But for everyday outings I think jeans are fine as I can’t bear all the layers at my waist with knickers tights jeans ! I never wear tights under trousers, I’d just choose some warmer trousers !