Emma Childs
Winter weather is almost 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 best 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-lined 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 black 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. Some ultra-stretchy fabrics like spandex, elastane, and lycra 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 a less snug 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 more breathable and lightweight interior pair.
- Design features: Leggings with pockets, zippered pouches, foot stirrups, or eye-catching waistlines—the design features are endless in 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 flair.
- Style: Leggings are fundamental to the modern wardrobe. There are so many ways to style leggings for the season ahead, and fleece-lined leggings are no different. The options on this list are just as easy to style as the other leggings in your wardrobe—many of them come in neutral colors and won't add bulk.
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.
- Best Overall Fleece-Lined Leggings: Baleaf Fleece Lined Winter Leggings
- Top-Rated Fleece-Lined Leggings: The Gym People Thick High Waist Yoga Pants
- Best Affordable Fleece-Lined Leggings INESVER Winter Sherpa Fleece Lined Leggings
- Best Designer Fleece-Lined Leggings: Alo Airbrush Winter Warm High-Waist Nocturne Legging
- Best Size-Inclusive Fleece-Lined Leggings: Torrid Full-Length Comfort Waist Fleece-Lined Legging
- Best Fleece-Lined Leggings For Working Out: Eddie Bauer Women's Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings
"Reviewers on Amazon love these fleece-lined leggings, which have nearly 17,000 five-star reviews," says E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla as to why this particular pair initially caught her eye. What convinced the shopping expert to crown this pair as the overall best? "Amazon reviewers say that the fleece is so cozy and comforting and the fit is snug without feeling overbearing, these leggings feel like the sartorial equivalent of a hug. They also rave about how the leggings are made of a moisture-wicking fabric, which enables them to work out in them. And they come in 20 shades and patterns (talk about options!), and you can shop them in sizes XS through 3X," she says, explaining that this pair's many styles and sizes ultimately helped them clinch the superior title.
Pros: Costs less than $50; Top-rated on Amazon; Moisture-wicking; Inclusive sizing; Comes in several colors; Not see-through; Machine-washable.
Cons: Some reviewers say the fabric pills; Some say the sizing is inconsistent across colors; it Comes in one leg length.
Customer Review: "I wanted a pair of lined running pants three times more expensive than this pair and decided to buy both to see if they were any different. The more expensive pair has started pilling after just two wears, while this product has been fantastic after five wears and a wash cycle. You cannot get a better product at this price point." — Amazon
This pair from The Gym People is E-Commerce Writer Gabrielle Ulubay's favorite. "There are few things more inconvenient than carrying your phone in your hand while going on a run or spending time at the gym--especially if you're like me and have a habit of dropping things. For that reason, I deeply appreciate these leggings and their perfect, iPhone-sized pockets. Plus, they're made of moisture-wicking material that keeps your legs from sweating even as they insulate your skin from frigid outdoor temperatures. They're perfect for winter runs, walks to the gym, or simply for walks in the city."
Pros: Comes in several colors; Costs less than $50; Inclusive sizing; Has multiple pockets; Not see-through; Top-rated on Amazon.
Cons: Some reviewers say that the sizing is inconsistent across colors; Has a thin elastic band across the top; Comes in one leg length; Hand wash only.
Customer Review: "This is probably my fifth pair of The Gym People leggings, but the first time I ever bought fleece-lined pants! I wanted some extra warmth for the winter and assumed I'd look like the Michelin Man, but no, These are very flattering and not bulky. I love the high waist and side pockets." — Amazon
"I love an affordable piece of clothing that works just as well as a pricer option, so this $10 pair of fleece-lined leggings on Amazon immediately caught my eye," says E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla. "They have a super high-waisted design, are made with a thick sherpa inner lining for maximum comfort and warmth, come in 30 color combinations, and are available to shop in sizes small through 3X." One Amazon reviewer notes this pair Fits like a glove and effectively keeps the winter chill out. However, some reviewers note that the sizing is inconsistent across the colors.
Pros: Costs less than $50; Inclusive sizing; Comes in several colors; Not see-through; Top-rated on Amazon.
Cons: No pockets; Some reviewers say they run slightly; Inconsistent coloring.
Customer Review: "I love these pants. I used them as thermals on our winter trip to Iceland and wore them under my waterproof pants through hikes on glaciers, mountains, and through the snow. They kept me nice and warm. Highly recommend." —Amazon
"I received these fleece tights in black as a Christmas gift two years ago and have since bought another pair for myself because of how impressed I am with their thermal capacities," raves Emma Childs, Marie Claire's Style Editor. "I love that they're just under $100 and are available to shop in three size categories—petite, regular, and—and in two lengths—regular and medium-tall—so you have no trouble finding your perfect fit. You can also shop them in four neutral colors: plum purple, deep forest green, navy, and true black."
Pros: Comes in several colors; Inclusive sizing; Comes in different leg lengths; Fit true to size; Not see-through; Machine-washable.
Cons: Costs over $50; Some reviews say the fabric pills.
Customer Review: "This is my 4th pair of these leggings. These are perfect for lounging, working from home in a drafty farmhouse, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or cold weather hikes."—L.L. Bean
This high-waisted, pocketed pair is another of Julia Marzovilla's standouts due to it coming in 42 (!) different colorways, ranging from jade green to hot Barbiecore pink. "With all of the available colors, this $25 pair of leggings from 90 Degree by Reflex is worth stocking up in multiple varieties. Affordable and stylish, this pair also features a side pocket for your phone and a super high-rise at the waist, creating a cinched-in effect," explains the E-Commerce Editor. Shop these fuzzy-lined leggings in sizes XS through 3X. However, they don't come in various inseam lengths, and the brand notes that they may run small. They've still racked up over 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, though.
Pros: Comes in several colors; Costs less than $50; Has pockets; Not see-through; Top-rated on Amazon.
Cons: Some reviewers say they run small; they come in one leg length.
Customer Review: "They are just amazing. It's not too thick but warmer than normal workout leggings. The leggings stay in place while running, as the waist is fitted enough not to slide down. Highly recommend these for cold-ish outdoor workouts."—Amazon
Style Editor Emma Childs picks this pair as the best fleece-lined leggings for plus-size shoppers. "These under-$50 leggings from Torrid (quick pause to celebrate that affordable price tag!) are available in sizes 00 (a US 10) through size 6 (a US 6X), so they're a great option for non-straight-sized customers. However, they're only available in one color—black—which is limited but great if you need an update to the usual pair you've been wearing all summer and fall. They are lined with a lightweight fleece material that's enough to keep you warm but not overly so where you're left overheating."
Pros: Costs less than $50; Size-inclusive; Machine-washable.
Cons: It only comes in one color and one leg length.
Customer Review: "This is a repeat order for me. They are my go-to pants for fall/ winter. I love all of the fleece-lined leggings! So comfy & love the little extra protection & warmth they provide for those colder months!"—Torrid
E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla spotlights this 7-pack of leggings as ideal for any proactive shopper who prioritizes convenience. "It's a one-and-done purchase! One pack includes a wide array of colors like maroon, navy blue, brown, dark green, and black, so you won't have to spend time purchasing all your favorite colors one by one," she explains. "The compression waistband stays in place all day while the lightweight fleece lining keeps you cozy. And to prove it," the shopping expert says, "look to how this multi-pack has racked up over 10,000 five-star reviews."
Pros: Costs under $50; Top-rated on Amazon.
Cons: Hand-wash only; Comes in one colorway.
Customer Review: "These are the perfect blend of warmth and stretch." —Amazon
Available in two leg lengths (28" and 25") and five colors (including a charming rose-colored ribbed shade), these high-rise leggings are sporty and warm. They're designed for cold-weather runs with four-way stretch, no inseams, reflective touches for late-night runs, and five different pockets for all your essentials. Despite having a brushed-fleece material on the interior, they're made with sweat-wicking and fast-drying capabilities in mind. Better yet, these tights are made using 87 percent recycled polyester.
Pros: Comes in several colors; Comes with pockets; in two different leg-lengths; Machine-washable on cold.
Cons: Petite shoppers wish there were a shorter leg length.
Customer Review: "The tight are super comfy and warm - excellent for running/working out in the colder months. The fleece material is unique; it feels like fleece but seems less likely to pill on the inside. The only thing I wish is that they made shorter leg length options for shorties like me! (I'm 5' 3") I will get them hemmed, but that will cut off some of the lower leg reflective details. Overall though, I'm happy." — Lululemon
Alo's leggings are beloved by celebrities like Kaia Gerber and Kendall Jenner because they feel lightweight and breathable on the skin. That's still the case with this pair of Alo Airbrush Winter Warm High-Waist Nocturne Leggings, which are as cute as they are warm. Available in three colors and sizes, 00 through 12, they're a fan favorite for their compression and high rise. They run true-to-size, but you can size up due to their fit.
Pros: Run true to size; Lightweight feeling; Top-rated; High-waisted.
Cons: Some reviewers say they roll down.
Customer Review: "They feel great! The fit is perfect. They're fleece-lined, so I expected them to be too tight, but they were awesome! They keep me warm in freezing and windy conditions!" — Alo
This pair of high-waisted leggings from Eddie Bauer comes in four different size ranges—petite, tall, regular, and—so everyone can find their ideal fit. They have features that make them the best choice for working out in, like moisture-wicking technology, three separate pockets (one of which zips!), odor control, and they're made from a four-way stretch material that's supportive and comfortable. They're also machine washable. The standard inseam measures 28 inches. Reviewers love them because they're soft and they last for years.
Pros: Comes in four size ranges; Has three pockets; Has a zipper pocket; Comes in multiple colors; Has four-way stretch; Is moisture-wicking.
Cons: Some reviewers said the pockets were too small.
Customer Review: "This pair of high-waisted leggings from Eddie Bauer comes in four different size ranges—petite, tall, regular, and—so that everyone can find their ideal fit. They have features that make them the best choice for working out in, like moisture-wicking technology, three separate pockets (one of which zips!), odor control, and they're made from a four-way stretch material that's supportive and comfortable. They're also machine washable. The standard inseam measures 28 inches. Reviewers love them because they last for years." — Eddie Bauer
Are Fleece-Lined Leggings Warm?
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 style will vary.
Where to Buy Fleece-Lined Leggings
Our fashion and e-commerce editors and writers found Amazon 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 many 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 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. 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.
