The 12 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings in 2023, According to Editors

They'll keep you warm this winter—we promise.

Alessa Winter wearing The North Face orange jacket, white Nike Air Force sneaker, Balenciaga black bag and black Ellesse leggings on February 15, 2021 in Berlin, Germany
(Image credit: Future)

Winter weather is officially here, which means one thing: It's time to update your wardrobe to include pieces that will keep you warm and cozy as temperatures drop. So if you're someone who lives in leggings year-round, consider investing in a great pair of fleece-lined leggings. Think of them as the souped-up version of the black leggings you wore all summer and fall—they're quite literally lined with an extra layer of warmth. Our fashion and shopping team—specifically, our Style Editor Emma Childs, E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla, and E-Commerce Writer Gabrielle Ulubay—did our research to find the very best fleece-lined leggings of 2023, and compiled our tried-and-tested favorites into one concise list.

No matter what you're looking for in a pair of fleece leggings, you'll find a pair you love in the below edit. Some are thin enough to layer under the rest of your clothes, with many not being much thicker than your regular pair of leggings. Fleece-lined leggings from universally adored athleisure brands like Alo Yoga and Lululemon, for instance, look just as sleek as their standard stretchy alternatives. Plus, the majority of the options on this list retail for under $50. Stay warm!

What to Look For in Fleece-Lined Leggings

  • Materials. Choosing the best fabric for your fleece-lined leggings depends on when you plan to wear your pair. Are they for cozy lounging on the couch? Errand-running on brisk winter days? Early-morning runs when the sun has yet to fully rise? For instance, nylon and polyester are known to be breathable and sweat-wicking, which makes them ideal for movement and exercise. Cotton, on the other hand, retains moisture (a.k.a. don't wear cotton leggings if you have a high-sweat activity on the docket) but offers extreme softness and comfort. There are also ultra-stretchy fabrics like spandex, elastane, and lycra that are perfect for active days when you'd like your leggings to shape and support your figure.
  • Comfort. While the main draw of fleece-lined leggings is their warmth, you want to ensure they're comfortable, too. If the pair is too tight for your liking, consider sizing up for less snug of a fit. Or if the fleece lining feels itchy on your skin or perhaps it's too warm, to the point that your legs are sweating all day, opt for a pair with a more breathable and lightweight interior.
  • Design features. Leggings with pockets, zippered pouches, foot stirrups, or eye-catching waistlines—the design features are endless in the world of activewear. As you shop, consider if you'd like your fleece leggings to have any bonus details that will offer helpful functionality or a little bit of flair.

The Best Fleece-Lined Leggings, According to Fashion Editors

We ranked the below pairs as the best fleece-lined leggings based on their versatility, quality, high proportion of five-star reviews, customer feedback, and size range.

Are Fleece-Lined Leggings Warm?

Yes, the interior fleece lining offers a thermal element to keep your legs toasty. Not all pairs are created equal, however: Depending on the thickness, design, and fabrications, the warmth of each individual style will vary.

Where to Buy Fleece-Lined Leggings

Our fashion and e-commerce editors and writers found Amazon to be a spot to turn to for an assortment of affordable options. There are also fashion girl fave brands like Athleta and Alo Yoga which have an abundance of options that reflect contemporary athleisure trends. 

How to Wear Fleece-Lined Leggings

If the fleece leggings are thick enough, you can wear them as solo bottoms. However, for pairs that are on the lighter side (or if you're heading out into extremely cold environments), consider using them as a base layer and wearing thicker pants on top of them. As for the rest of your outfit, well, the world—er, wardrobe—is your oyster. Try leaning into the athleisure vibe by wearing a sporty long-sleeve made of stretch fabric or a sleek hoodie

Julia Marzovilla
E-Commerce Editor

Julia Marzovilla is the E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers everything from the latest beauty and fashion launches and sales to celebrity outfits and news. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and STYLECASTER. In her spare time, Julia can be found creating shopping guides for all of her friends, spending too much money on yet another pair of black boots, and cooking in her far-too-small kitchen. 

With contributions from