Like it or not, cold weather is on the horizon, and with it comes a need for fashion pieces like fleece-lined leggings, that are as functional as they are stylish. If you’re in a cold climate that’s prone to snow, hail or even a nor’easter or two, a good pair of fleece-lined leggings can be the biggest game changer for the upcoming season.
But finding the right winter leggings isn’t as easy as you might think. You want to find something that’s tight but not restrictive, with fabric that retains warmth but is still breathable. We spoke to Frida Mordenfeld, head of purchasing and production at RevolutionRace, about what makes a great pair of fleece leggings and what to look for while shopping.
“Look for high-quality fleece that is soft, stretchy and breathable. Some blends may include polyester, spandex or cotton for added comfort and durability,” Mordenfeld says. “The fabric in leggings [is] typically made from polyester or polyamide, and the same is true for fleece leggings. The difference is on the inside, which is brushed or lined with fleece.
Fleece has a soft, fluffy texture that traps air and retains heat, providing excellent warmth.”
There’s a misconception that fleece-lined leggings add heft to your body, but the best fleece-lined leggings provide warmth without any added bulk. In fact, they look exactly like regular activewear but are thinly lined with soft, warm fleece for a bit of extra insulation. That means you can wear them under skirts or dresses for the office, or as a base layer underneath ski pants for a day on the mountain. Just look for terms like “fleece-lined” or “brushed interior” in the description, which means they’re specially designed to trap and lock heat.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or heading to work, these thermal winter leggings from brands you know and love, plus some our editors have tried, will keep you reliably warm.
Best fleece-lined leggings
"These leggings are perfect for chilly morning walks when I want to get my steps in but still stay comfortable," says Underscored's updates writer Ellen McAlpine. "They have the same compressive feel as Alo's Airlift leggings but a boost of warmth from the brushed interior. They're thicker than the regular fabric and definitely keep me warmer."
Sleek and stretchy, these fleece Free People leggings are designed to keep you cozy without any added bulk. They come in a classic black as well as two fun bright tones, so you can spice up your hiking wardrobe or keep it simple. The leggings also have pockets (!).
With less of a spandex and more of a sweatpants feel, Amazon reviewers love that these leggings are warm, soft and a great deal at under $40. There are so many colors to choose from, the leggings offer convenient side pockets for small items like phones and keys. Plus, the pants have a tummy-control waist for added comfort.
Great for people who want to keep running outside in the winter, these fleece tights even come with a drawcord to prevent them falling down while you move. The leggings come in two different lengths and have reflective details for running when it's darker in the early morning or early evening.
Ewedoos is a brand of leggings from Amazon that maintain an affordable price point while delivering comfort and lots of color options. The inside of these fleece leggings are incredibly soft and the flat-lay seams along the sides provide lots of stretch while you move.
"When I moved to New York during the winter a few years back, I quickly realized my Southern-shaped wardrobe was not going to cut it. These fleece-lined tights are the only pair I have because they're all I've ever needed," says our associate editor Jillian Tracy. "I also purposely bought the skin tone color so I can wear them with sheer black stockings and skirts in the fall, achieving that bare-legs illusion without leaving me freezing."
Available in regular and plus sizes, these Eddie Bauer leggings work great whether you're out on the trail or running errands. Made with moisture-wicking, sun-protection and odor-control technologies, these leggings also have stretch for added comfort and three pockets for your essentials.
The sizing for this pair of fleece-lined leggings ranges from XS to 4XL and there are four different colors to choose from. The brand is behind a wide range of outdoor gear and recommends these for hiking on chilly days. The leggings are great on their own or as a base layer.
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from making that trip to the gym or taking a walk outside. These Fabletics leggings are crafted for the cold with a cozy, brushed fleece lining and a sweat-wicking exterior. Plus, they come in Black, Cacao and Stormcloud hues for whatever best matches your style.
Made to withstand light rain, these thermal leggings from Yogipace are perfect for misty morning runs and promise to keep you warm in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The leggings also come in petite, standard and tall sizing so you can make sure your ankles are covered too.
Ideal for taking on your winter ski trip, these Stoic tech leggings have an adjustable drawstring and a lightweight feel. The leggings are great for a quick jog outside or to wear underneath your snow pants. The leggings have an athletic fit and allow for easy movement, making them great to layer for cold weather activities.
Reviewers love the support and opacity (aka squat-proofness) these Lorna Jane leggings provide. From morning yoga classes to layering under a dress on a chilly night out, these leggings work for any time of day. The brushed lining helps retain heat to keep you comfortable throughout cooler months.
Don’t let the men in your life go cold either. Grab them a pair of these Under Armour base leggings for when they need an extra layer of warmth. The four-way stretch fabric will allow for comfortable movement and the bottoms work as a great base layer for cold weather runs or under skiing and snowboarding gear.
CRZ Yoga, one of our favorite leggings brands that gives you a Lululemon look at an Amazon price, has its own pair of fleece leggings that people love. With a pocket in the waistband and plenty of colors and prints to choose from, consider this our top budget pick.
Fleece leggings don't have to be strictly functional for winter activities. This pair leans into the leather-pants look while keeping you warm and comfortable. These leggings are easy to style with a sweater and jacket for casual days at the office or chilly nights out with friends.
With these leggings, buttery-soft fleece fabric combines with four-way stretch to keep you comfortable and warm. Stick your phone in one of the convenient side pockets and shop from both petite and regular-length inseams. The wide waistband provides ample tummy coverage so you can pair it with cropped tees or hoodies.
With more than 200 5-star reviews, these fleece-lined leggings are perfect for chilly winter days ahead. The pants were designed with outdoor activities in mind, so whether you're hiking or just getting your steps in around the neighborhood, you should stay comfortable.
A stirrup iteration of the brand’s go-to Liquid Leggings, this fleece-lined pair is made for style and warmth. Pair the comfortable bottoms with a T-shirt and blazer for a polished look that feels ultra comfortable for a day on the go. You can even slip into a pair of knee-high boots, thanks to the stirrup style that will keep your pants from riding up.
Made from a premium stretch fleece, these leggings are perfect for pairing with an oversized sweatshirt, and there are five neutral tones to choose from. A few reviewers note the leggings run small, so be sure to check the size guide before ordering.
With more than 8,000 reviews, these leggings are a fan favorite. There are 38 color options and the under-$50 price point means you can shop a few different colors if you find you love these fleece-lined leggings. The 4.5-inch waistband should hit right around your belly button for nice coverage.
These luxe leggings are knit in Italy from soft, durable Supima cotton. You can style these with blazers and sweaters for a more formal look or wear them with a comfy hoodie or sweatshirt for casual errand runs on cold weather days.