Yahoo Movies The 12 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings of 2023
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You can wear these leggings even when the temperature drops.
Real Simple / David Hattan
Athleisure will never go out of style, and that means leggings will always be “in.” But when temperatures start to drop, regular leggings aren’t the best at keeping you warm. Whether you’re prepping for a ski trip or just looking for the ultimate cozy comfort to wear at home, fleece-lined leggings are a worthwhile item that should be on your next to-buy list. And the best part is that you won’t have to deal with the hassle of wearing multiple layers to beat the cold.
"Quality lining is important; look for leggings with a soft and cozy fleece lining typically made of polyester to provide warmth and comfort," says stylist Yenia Hernández Fonseca.
To research the best fleece-lined leggings, we spent hours assessing different options based on their materials, size ranges, and care instructions. We also spoke to stylists Abby Young and Yenia Hernández Fonseca to learn more about what to look for and how to care for your fleece-lined leggings.
Best Overall Fleece-Lined Leggings: Athleta Altitude Stash Tight in Polartec Power Stretch
What Stands Out
Athleta’s Polartec Power Stretch fabric is designed to wick away moisture while keeping you warm.
What Could Be Improved
The side seams have prominent visible stitching.
Athleta’s Polartec Power Stretch fabric makes its fleece-lined leggings our top choice. Made of nylon, polyester, and spandex, these leggings are smooth on the outside but warm and cozy on the inside. It has moisture-wicking properties that moves sweat away from your skin quickly and helps prevent you from getting cold and wet, which is just as important in cold weather as it is in blazing heat. According to the brand, these leggings are designed for “training in cold weather climates,” so they’re ideal for running, hiking, or just getting errands done in the cold.
In terms of the fit and design, the wide waistband sits at your natural waist, but there’s an inner drawcord if you need some cinching. These leggings are available in sizes XXS to 3X, with a tall option in sizes XS to XL and a petite option in sizes XXS to L. Colors include black, navy, and a mulberry red.
Price at time of publish: $119
Size Range: XXS-3X | Material: Nylon, polyester, and spandex | Inseam: Regular: 27 inches, Petite: 25 inches, Tall: 30 inches
Best Budget Fleece-Lined Leggings: Old Navy High-Waisted Fleece-Lined Leggings
What Stands Out
They come in an inclusive size range.
What Could Be Improved
They aren’t designed for working out.
These pull-on leggings are made from a cotton blend and have a full fleece lining. Wth a rise of 9 to 9.5 inches (designed so the waistband sits right around your belly button), they’re a great pick for people who love high-waisted leggings. You can get them in five colors, with sizes ranging from XS to 4X—and tall and petite options are also available.
Given that they’re made of a cotton blend, we recommend these leggings for casual daily wear, like running errands or staying warm and comfortable inside. The cotton material won’t hold up to intense training or outdoor sports, but it will keep you nice and cozy during your day-to-day.
Price at time of publish: $23
Size Range: XS-4X | Material: Cotton, polyester, and spandex | Inseam: Regular: 28 inches, Petite: 26 inches, Tall: 32 inches
Best Splurge Fleece-Lined Leggings: Alo Yoga Airlift Winter Warm Legging
What Stands Out
The fabric is designed with four-way stretch, so you can move easily despite the brushed interior.
What Could Be Improved
The size and color options are limited.
Some fleece-lined leggings can feel a bit bulky, but the Alo Airlift Winter Warm Leggings are made with the company’s signature Airlift fabric that makes movement easy. Designed with a brushed interior for extra warmth and comfort, the leggings have a four-way stretch that also sculpts and supports you throughout your activity. The breathable material is also moisture-wicking, making the leggings suitable for training too.
The leggings are available in two colors (black is part of the core collection), but the sizes are limited. The largest size it carries is a large, which equates to a 12 or 14. Tall and petite shoppers may also find the 28-inch inseams too short or too long.
Price at time of publish: $138
Size Range: XXS-L (00-14) | Material: Airlift fabric | Inseam: 28 inches for sizes XXS-S, 28.5 inches for sizes M and L
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings with Pockets: ZUTY Fleece Lined Leggings
What Stands Out
There are eight different color options and sizing goes up to a 5X.
What Could Be Improved
Some people may not like the prominent seams.
These high-waisted leggings have a wide, 4.5-inch waistband to provide support without digging into your torso. They’re designed with large side pockets designed to hold a cellphone, plus a hidden waistband pocket for keys, cards, or other essentials. If you’re looking to expand your closet’s color range, these come in colors like army green, ruby red, purple, and midnight blue.
Zuty provides a detailed sizing chart with recommendations based on your height, weight, and measurements. Because the brushed fleece fabric that lines these leggings is a little bit bulky, you might want to consider sizing up for a more comfortable fit. Just take note that these tights are hand wash only, but you could probably get away with machine washing them on a delicate cycle and hanging to dry.
Price at time of publish: $37
Size Range: S-5X | Material: Polyester, spandex | Inseam: 28 inches
Best Plus-Size Fleece-Lined Leggings: Lands' End Plus Size High Rise Serious Sweats Fleece Lined Pocket Leggings
What Stands Out
They come with side pockets and plenty of color options.
What Could Be Improved
They're on the shorter side.
These fleece-lined leggings have a side pocket where you can easily stash your phone, ID, or whatever else you need to access quickly while you’re out and about. They’re available in 10 different colors, including blackberry, burgundy, ivory, and charcoal, and come in a specific plus-size design ranging from 1X-3X (which equates to sizes 16-26). The leggings also feature a wide elastic waistband that sits comfortably on the hip.
The higher cotton percentage in the material makes for a very comfortable and breathable legging, but it’s worth noting that it also may mean more stretching throughout the day. Plus, they're shorter compared to other leggings. If you are a fan of these leggings, there's also a boot cut pants version, though there are fewer colors available.
Price at time of publish: $60
Size Range: 1X-3X (16-26) | Material: Cotton, polyester, and spandex | Inseam: 29 inches
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Running: Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Leggings
What Stands Out
The skin-tight fit and performance fabric are great for runners.
What Could Be Improved
They run small.
The Under Armour ColdGear Authentics leggings are designed to endure cold outdoor temperatures without limiting any movement. The ColdGear fabric works by trapping your body heat without sacrificing breathability, and features a zinc-based antimicrobial to prevent any odors. And, of course, its moisture-wicking properties ensure that you stay dry throughout your workout.
Unlike some other fleece-lined leggings, these are designed with high compression to keep leggings in place. But you’ll still be comfortable, thanks to the four-way stretch fabric with welded seams to cut down on chafing during long runs. Given the high compression, these may not be the most comfortable for lounging, but would be best suited for outdoor hikes, running, and training in the winter.
Price at time of publish: $55
Size Range: XXS-XXL (0-18) | Material: Polyester, elastane | Inseam: 26 inches
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Hiking: Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings
What Stands Out
There are multiple pockets, and the fabric has built-in odor control technology.
What Could Be Improved
They're not thick enough for very cold temps.
Planning some cold-weather hikes this winter? Look for leggings designed with performance fabrics like the Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure Leggings. The moisture-wicking fabric has four-way stretch and a brushed fleece fabric, so it’ll keep you warm and won’t restrict your movement during hikes. Plus, there’s built-in odor control technology, making these great for long hikes or overnight trips. The high waist also has an adjustable drawcord to help keep you secure, and there are two open side pockets and one zippered side pocket.
Price at time of publish: $99
Size Range: XS-3X (0-26) | Material: Polyester, spandex | Inseam: 28 inches
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Lounging: L.L.Bean Perfect Fit Fleece-Backed Leggings
What Stands Out
The looser fit provides a super comfortable feel.
What Could Be Improved
They aren't moisture-wicking.
Sometimes you don’t want a pair of super tight leggings and just want something comfortable for lounging around the house. These L.L.Bean leggings fit more like a mid-rise slim-fit pant, so they have a slightly looser fit than typical leggings that are skin tight. They’re made of a stretchy jersey knit that doesn’t fade or stretch out too. And with four inseam lengths, any shopper will be able to find their perfect pair.
People who are planning lots of cold-weather winter activities should note that these are made from a cotton blend, meaning they may not wick away moisture. Wool or a synthetic blend will do a better job trapping heat. Plus, these leggings don’t have pockets.
Price at time of publish: $70
Size Range: XS-3X (2-26) | Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Inseam: Regular: 27 inches, Plus: 27.5 inches, Petite: 25.5 inches, Medium Tall: 29.5 inches
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Very Cold Weather: L.L.Bean Women's Primaloft ThermaStretch Fleece Tights
What Stands Out
The PrimaLoft fabric will wick away moisture and keep you warm.
What Could Be Improved
There are no side pockets.
These L.L.Bean leggings are made with PrimaLoft fabric that is soft and smooth, as well as abrasion-resistant to match your performance. The fleece interior will keep you warm in colder temperatures, while the polyester, nylon, and spandex legging fabric will wick away sweat to help keep you warm. The waistband is also 100-percent polyester to help minimize odor during more intense activity. Though there are no side pockets, there is a zippered pocket at the back of the waistband where you can stash a few necessities.
These leggings come in four different colors: black, fig, forest shade, and nautical navy, which are easy-to-match colors. The leggings are available in four inseam lengths, so they're suitable for a range of heights.
Price at time of publish: $99
Size Range: XS-3X (2-26) | Material: Polyester, nylon, spandex | Inseam: Regular: 26 inches, Plus: 28 inches, Petite: 26 inches, Medium Tall: 30 inches
Best Colorful Fleece-Lined Leggings: 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-Lined Leggings
What Stands Out
There are 34 different colors available, from classic neutral tones to bolder hues.
What Could Be Improved
The 28-inch inseam might not suit tall shoppers.
While black leggings are a closet staple and always a safe color choice, it might be time to branch out and try different colors to change things up. These fleece-lined leggings from 90 Degree By Reflex come in 34 colors like a flamingo pink, jade, lavender, blush, bright red, and ocean blue. The colors can also come in handy for when you actually want to be spotted. For example, if you’re running a marathon and want to be easily identified from a distance, nobody will miss you in your hot pink leggings. Plus, the price point makes it an affordable way to try whether colorful leggings might be to your liking.
The leggings have a warm, brushed interior, a 4.5-inch waistband designed to cover your navel (actual rises range from 8.75 to 10.75 inches). There is only one 28-inch inseam option, though. Just know that these leggings don’t have side pockets, so they’re not ideal for people who need a place to stash their phone.
Price at time of publish: $30
Size Range: XS-2X | Material: Polyester, spandex | Inseam: 28 inches
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Layering: Thermajane Thermal Bottoms
What Stands Out
They’re thin enough to be layered under pants but warm enough to be worn alone for lounging.
What Could Be Improved
You may need to size up for a good fit.
Thermal underwear is a must when you’re facing extremely cold weather. A super lightweight pair of thermal leggings, like this pair from Thermajane, can be used as a layer of insulation under jeans or snow pants or be worn alone as pajama pants at night. They’re designed with a soft blend of polyester and spandex that provides four-way stretch to move with you throughout the day, whether you’re skiing down a mountain or staying in for a movie. And with the moisture-wicking properties, you’ll stay dry regardless of the activity.
Price at time of publish: $17
Size Range: XXS-3X (00-20) | Material: Polyester, spandex | Inseam: Not listed
Best Faux Leather Fleece-Lined Leggings: 90 Degree By Reflex Faux Leather Fleece-Lined Leggings
What Stands Out
There are a wide variety of faux leather colorways.
What Could Be Improved
They run very small so will require sizing up.
If faux leather leggings are one of your closet staples, you might be looking for a pair that provides extra warmth during winter. These 90 Degree By Reflex faux leather leggings come in over 12 different colors and are lined with brushed fleece, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice the leather look for warmth. The high-rise, seamless waistband provides a fitted but comfortable silhouette that hugs you in all the right places.
These leggings do run small, though, so the brand recommends buying a size up from what you’d regularly wear. Inseam options are also limited, as they are all 28 inches across all sizes.
Price at time of publish: $26
Size Range: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Inseam: 28 inches
Final Verdict
Overall, we recommend the Athleta Altitude Stash Tight as the best fleece-lined leggings for its design and function. Available in regular, tall, and petite sizes and three easy-to-wear colors, the leggings also have side pockets and a back zip pocket to store your keys and phone. If you’re in between sizes, the waistband’s adjustable drawcord ensures that you’ll always have a perfect fit. And the fabric, made of a polyester, nylon, and spandex blend, is designed to wick away moisture from your skin to keep you warm and dry, making it a great choice for outdoor sports too.
How to Shop for Fleece-Lined Leggings Like a Pro
Material
With fleece-lined leggings, you want a combination of materials that are breathable and warm, plus have some stretch. “Good outer layers are commonly made from a blend of polyester and spandex that allows moisture to escape,” says Yenia Hernández Fonseca, a stylist and contributor to Margo Paige. “Also, elastane offers a good amount of stretch to guarantee flexibility and a snug fit without restricting movement."
Length and Fit
Because fleece-lined leggings are thicker than most standard leggings, you may need a different size than you’re used to. Consult each brand’s sizing chart before purchasing, and check reviews to see if other shoppers recommend sizing up or down.
Depending on your personal preference, you may want leggings that hit above your ankle, at your ankle, or a full-length below your ankle. If available, brands will often list the available inseam lengths for each size, including for petite and tall shoppers. Make sure to check the numbers before making your purchase to find your best fit.
Activity
The right fleece-lined leggings for you will depend on what you intend to use them for. If you’re planning outdoor adventures, look for fleece leggings that wick away moisture and have a four-way stretch to facilitate movement. If you’re looking for something cozy to wear around the house or throw on for running errands, the material composition won’t matter too much.
Questions You Might Ask
Will fleece-lined leggings actually keep you warm?
Regular leggings are only one layer against your skin, but the additional fleece lining helps trap your body heat by keeping warm air close to your body and for longer. Most leggings won't keep you warm in frigid temperatures, but they can help.
Do fleece-lined leggings have a shorter lifespan than regular leggings?
Fleece-lined leggings can last just as long as regular leggings if you care for them according to the brand’s instructions. Plus, unless you live somewhere where it’s cold year-round, they’re a seasonal item that you can store away for part of the year.
Abby Young, a personal and commercial stylist, recommends washing your fleece-lined leggings in cold water on a delicate cycle, ideally inside a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging and stretching. “Skip the dryer and air dry them instead to best retain the structure of your leggings,” Young recommends.
Can fleece-lined leggings be layered?
The answer depends on the legging itself. Some fleece-lined leggings have a thick layer of fleece that makes them quite bulky, so it would be difficult to wear under your regular jeans or pants. But if you’re wearing them under more generous clothes, like wider ski pants, there should be enough room to fit the leggings underneath.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Nina Bahadur, a writer who has years of experience covering home, beauty, and culture. To select the best fleece-lined leggings, she spent hours researching different options and comparing their sizing ranges, fabric composition, and care instructions. She also got tips from Yenia Hernández Fonseca, a stylist and contributor to Margo Paige, and Abby Young, a personal and commercial stylist, on what fabrics to look for and how to care for fleece-lined leggings.
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