Pearl Izumi Unisex Elite Thermal leg warmers review

The Pearl Izumi Unisex Elite Thermal leg warmers are considerably less expensive than the likes of Castelli and Assos, so how do they compare?

Cycling Weekly Verdict

A solid pair of leg warmers, with good insulation and grippers. The fit around the ankles could be better.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Good value

  • +

    Warm

  • +

    Comfortable

  • +

    Good grippers

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Slight bunching on the ankle

  • -

    Ankle zip can irritate

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Made from Pearl Izumi’s Elite Thermal Fleece fabric, these leg-warmers feature a thin fleecy inner lining that feels soft and comfortable against the skin, while offering good levels of insulation. The fabric also has ample levels of stretch allowing for freedom of movement and no bunching around the knee. Pearl Izumi attributes the good fit around the knee to its front-to-back panel construction – Different fabrics are utilised, to optimise the fit and comfort at the knee joint. Elastic bindings with silicone grippers on the hips do a great job of holding the warmers in place. I experienced no sliding around under my shorts.

>>> Buyer’s guide to arm warmers

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Oliver Bridgewood - no, Doctor Oliver Bridgewood - is a PhD Chemist who discovered a love of cycling. He enjoys racing time trials, hill climbs, road races and criteriums. During his time at Cycling Weekly, he worked predominantly within the tech team, also utilising his science background to produce insightful fitness articles, before moving to an entirely video-focused role heading up the Cycling Weekly YouTube channel, where his feature-length documentary 'Project 49' was his crowning glory.