Winter tries its hardest to keep us inside the house, but let’s be honest — there’s only so much time you can spend indoors before you go a little stir-crazy. That’s where fleece-lined leggings come in. This soft and insulating wintertime layer helps keep your lower body warm so that you can brave the cold and get those outdoor workouts in.
Whether you’re jogging, doing yard work, ice skating, or simply stepping out for a stroll, you’ll be glad you have a pair of fleece-lined leggings on. Facing the wintry chill will soon be no big deal.
When buying a pair of fleece leggings, first determine whether they’re really made of fleece — words like “fleece-lined,” “brushed pile,” or “brushed interior” get you on the right track. Fleece is a fabric that has a pile surface — a layer of cut fibers — on both sides, meaning it can trap warm air between the threads while still retaining a comfy and non-restrictive feel. It’s also good to know that while they're somewhat heat-trapping, other winter-advertised tights and leggings aren’t really made of fleece. Some are simply made with a thicker fabric, and others are actually thermals, which use a blend of wool, nylon, and cotton to have more of a compression effect.
Also, consider how moisture-wicking you need your leggings to be. While fleece is great at keeping you nice and toasty under skirts or dresses (or even under ski pants) and does have an impermeable layer, not all fleece is water-resistant. Wearing it in sleety conditions or even during a sweaty indoor workout won’t be the most comfortable, unless the legging instructions specify that it's sweat-wicking. For non-workouts — just like your trusty jacket or favorite throw — fleece is best for lounging, layering, or light-to-moderate outdoor movement.
How We Chose
We set out to find the best fleece-lined leggings to keep you warm during winter workouts. We read user reviews, looked at product roundups, and used our own testing experience with fleece leggings to determine the warmest, most comfortable, and most durable options out there. During our research and testing, we evaluated more than 20 products to narrow down our list, and ranked the ones we tested on a scale of least warm (🔥) to warmest (🔥🔥🔥).
When it comes to value, these Under Armour leggings can't be beat. They're highly functional for indoor and outdoor workouts, and the quality is right on par with the more expensive pairs.
They’re snug on your legs while you’re running, but not so much that you feel hot or uncomfortable. They would also make a great second layer for freezing-weather outdoor activities. Our testers said that these leggings are made with a thinner fleece material, making them a good, breathable option for any activity.
Need some serious cold-weather gear? These thick fleece leggings are a must: Even the waistband has a brushed back for added warmth. These leggings feel amazing when you slip them on — the exterior feels like the softest sweatshirt you own and the interior is like a plush blanket. Our testers noted that they are super warm, so it's best to save them for sub-30 degree days.
We love that they’re equally comfortable for an outdoor workout as they are for movie night. (They’re dangerous on those winter days when you don’t want to leave the couch, though.)
OK, yes, these Lululemon leggings are super pricey. But in our opinion, they're totally worth every penny. If you're running in freezing temperatures, snowshoeing on the local trails, or shredding down the mountains, you'll happy with your Brushed Nulux Leggings.
Nulux is stretchy, opaque, and seriously soft — but it’s the “brushed” part of this proprietary fabric that is fleece-like.
These super-comfy, double-knit fleece leggings are simply made for those cozy, loungey days around the house. When your activity level is looking more like Netflix-couch-kitchen than H.I.I.T. or 5-mile run, look no further.
The elasticized waist isn't restrictive, and the wider band makes it more seamless under dresses, should you decide to layer. It's also slightly looser than regular elasticized workout leggings, meaning it has more give around the calves, given the softer interior. Some users also love it for international flights.
If simplicity and affordability are more important to you than having the most fashion-forward (and expensive) leggings on the block, these are your jam. Champion's Warm Control fabric keeps you from freezing without adding extra weight, while the flat seams make chafing a thing of the distant past.
Our tester noted that these leggings were incredibly warm, but not too warm that she couldn't wear them indoors. If you're between sizes, we suggest sizing up.
These leggings aren't simply fleece-lined — they're made entirely of fleece for the coziest feel imaginable. The fabric doesn't have much stretch, so we don't recommend wearing these for strenuous workouts, but they're a great option for layering, lounging, or casually walking around the neighborhood.
Our tester says that these leggings can make a great replacement for regular cotton leggings if you want added warmth this winter.
These versatile leggings can take you from a day on the slopes to a night inside without causing you to overheat. The PrimaLoft fabric is made to be abrasion-resistant — meaning it stands up to harsh outdoor weather — while the brushed fleece lining insulates heat to keep you warm.
The fabric is also moisture-wicking so that you stay dry, even during intense workouts, and the leggings feature a cute zippered pocket on the waistband.
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Most Color Options
90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-Lined Leggings
If you're looking for an affordable pair of leggings that you can buy in every color, this high-waisted pair from 90 Degree By Reflex is a solid go-to. The leggings are 28 inches long, featuring a 4.5-inch waistband that falls just above the navel.
A polyester-and-spandex blend makes these leggings sleek and form-fitting, but brushed fleece keeps you warm when running, skiing, or ice skating. The best part? You can get them with or without pockets.
Reviewers on Amazon rave about the warmth and coziness of these leggings. One reviewer notes they hold up well after a few washes, while another says that they kept her legs warm during a 30-degree run.
The breathable, moisture-wicking fabric makes these leggings perfect for intense outdoor exercise, and the high waistband ensures they won't slip. We recommend sizing up if you're unsure about which size to buy.
For those looking to perfect their Downward Dog at an outdoor class this winter, these fleece leggings developed for yogis are for you. Reviewers say the warmth of these leggings can't be beat, and they fit well even if you're on the taller side.
Four-way stretch material allows you to bend and flex any way you want without tugging or ripping, while side pockets offer a comfy spot to keep your phone.
If one pocket isn't enough for you, you're going to want to try these leggings by Naviskin. Pockets on the sides and the back waistband ensure that you can take everything with you, which makes them perfect for long walks or hiking. These leggings also feature reflective bands, which can help with your visibility if you're a night runner.
One reviewer notes that she tested these leggings out while shoveling snow, and they kept her warm and dry for over two hours.
“Easy to wear under jeans” and “tall-girl friendly” are only a few of the rave reviews these warm, comfy fleece stirrups have received. We see the hype (and no, not just ’cause we’re suckers for a good ’90s fashion throwback, either).
Whether as a cold-weather base layer or as cute bottoms with an oversized sweater, the stirrup feature on these leggings is handy for keeping the legs from riding up around your ankles — meaning maximum chill protection. The stirrups are also wide enough to not cut into your soles especially while lounging, while the added coverage is much appreciated during those trips to the kitchen, as your feet are protected against cooler tiled floors.
Worn outdoors, you'll slapping on some slouchy socks over them and just leaning into the retro vibes.
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Best Under Skirts
Uniqlo Women Heattech Extra Warm Pile-Lined Leggings
If it's a city legging you're after that works really well layered under your favorite skirts and dresses (or even that way-oversized fall sweater), then Uniqlo has you (literally) covered.
Made with their signature Heattech technology, this pair features a wider band for more comfort — so it doesn’t feel like you’re in Spanx! — and a warm brushed lining that’s also streamlined enough to not look bulky underneath slimmer dresses or at the ankles.
Eunice Lucero-LeeSenior EditorEunice Lucero-Lee is the Senior Editor for Best Products, and is a beauty, astrology, and pop culture obsessive whose work has been featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, The Numinous, and woman&home, among many others.
Kristin MagaldiContributorKristin Magaldi is a NYC-based commerce editor who spends her days with her mini poodle Finley, crafting elaborate cheese boards, searching for houses in the Mediterranean, and memorizing the entire score of _Hamilton.
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