There are few pieces in a winter wardrobe that are as hard-working as a base layer — and anyone who’s made the mistake of throwing their winter coat over their regular office-appropriate outfit on a windy winter day knows that to be true. 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 might just change your life.
“I look for a pair that’s super comfortable, high waisted, with a longer length,” says model and fashion blogger Kristina Zias, who relocated from the East Coast to Los Angeles. “I want something that I can lounge on the couch in all day but then be able to throw on an oversized sweater and boots and wear them out.”
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, recommended by fashion experts and industry insiders, will keep you reliably warm.
Sleek and stretchy, these fleece Free People leggings are designed to keep you cozy without any added bulk.
Available in regular and plus sizes, these Eddie Bauer leggings work great out on the trail or out 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.
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.
With less of a spandex and more of a sweatpants feel, reviewers love that these leggings are warm, soft and a great deal at under $40.
Need something to take on your winter ski trip? Take a look at these Stoic tech leggings. With an adjustable drawstring and a lightweight feel, these leggings are great for a quick jog outside or to wear underneath your snow pants.
Reviewers love the support and opacity 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.
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.
Reviewers say these fleece-lined leggings are the perfect finishing touch to any winter look. “They’re so soft and perfect to pair with shackets and active tops,” says one.
CRZ Yoga, one of our favorite leggings brands that makes Lululemon lookalikes for much cheaper, has its own pair of fleece leggings that people love. With a pocket in the waistband and plenty of colors and even prints to choose from, consider this our top budget pick.
One reviewer calls these “the best winter leggings,” while another says she “was worried about them looking thick with the liner but they do not.”
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 buttery-soft fleece fabric combines with four-way stretch to keep you comfortable and warm.
With more than 200 5-star reviews, these fleece-lined leggings are perfect for chilly winter days ahead.
A stirrup iteration of the brand’s go-to Liquid Leggings, this fleece-lined pair is made for style and warmth.
One reviewer calls these her “favorite winter leggings” because they’re “good for around the house or errands, and the faux-fur lining gives them a good thickness.”
Reviewers say these are the perfect leggings for winter because they’re “so warm and soft but [they don’t] make you look bulky.”
Made from a premium stretch fleece, these leggings are perfect for pairing with an oversized sweatshirt or a mini skirt. Plus, the pair only has 5-star reviews!
With more than 7,000 5-star reviews, these leggings are a fan favorite. One reviewer says they’re “great quality, buttery soft, [a] great fit and so [affordable.]”
These luxe leggings are knit in Italy from soft, durable Supima cotton.