Leggings make a classic addition to any workout wardrobe. But once it gets cold outside, you might start craving something a little warmer than your go-to running tights. And in these moments, trading your typical tights for a pair of fleece-lined leggings can make a cold-weather workout much more comfortable.
When shopping for fleece-lined leggings, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a few things. “First, make sure the leggings are actually fleece-lined, as some are just thicker leggings with a softer feel,” says Amie Dworecki, head running coach at Running With Life. Then, consider things like style and length. High-waisted, full-length leggings may be your warmest option. But focus on finding a pair you’ll feel comfortable in—even if that means snagging something low-rise or cropped. Other nice-to-have features include pockets, anti-odor technology, and water-repellent finishes.
Reviewed & Approved
Our top pick, Athleta Women’s Rainier Tights, provide the perfect combination of a comfortable, high-rise stretch tight with a plush, warm lining. For men, Under Armour’s ColdGear Compression Leggings have a fleece lining along with moisture-wicking and quick-drying features that make them a top choice.
To find the best fleece-lined leggings, we researched pairs from dozens of best-in-class fitness apparel brands and evaluated them for a few key features. Leggings had to be genuinely fleece-lined, and we favored options available in a range of sizes, inseam lengths, and colors. We selected the leggings that would be best for specific use cases (think: leggings that were heavy-duty enough for hiking or sleek enough to layer under ski pants).
Based on our reviews, these are the best fleece-lined leggings on the market today.
Because of their warm, soft interior and comfortable fit, Athleta Women’s Rainier Tights are our top choice in fleece leggings. What we love most about these tights is that they’re lined with Athleta’s Plush SuperSonic fabric, a soft brushed fleece that can keep you cozy on cold days. These versatile tights also have a high-rise waist, so you don’t have to worry about tugging them up all the time.
Best Women’s Overall
Athleta Women’s Rainier Tights
Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Equipped with several pockets
Lined with reflective details
Plus sizes aren’t available in different inseam lengths
Tall sizes may still run short
Beyond keeping you warm and comfortable during a cold-weather workout, these performance tights were designed specifically for medium- and high-impact workouts. Made from classic high-performance nylon, the Athleta Rainier Tights are warm and breathable.
These leggings come with reflective accents for visibility, and thoughtful details, like zipper pockets to secure valuables and a drop-in back pocket for a phone. And since they’re available in an inclusive size range, three inseam lengths, and five different colors, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding your perfect pair.
Price at time of publication: $109
Sizes: XXS–3X | Styles: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Five
Stretchy, comfortable, and warm, Under Armour’s UA Men’s ColdGear Compression Leggings are the perfect layering piece. The dual-layer leggings are made from a stretchy blend of polyester and elastane, and they boast a cozy brushed lining that should keep you warm on cold days.
Best Men’s Overall
Under Armour ColdGear Compression Leggings
Four-way stretch construction
Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Ventilated and equipped with anti-odor technology
No built-in fly
Seams are thick and may cause chafing
The leggings are designed with a four-way stretch construction, so they should move with you every time you exercise. And since they’re designed to wick moisture and dry quickly, they should keep you feeling fresh, even as you start to work up a sweat. To top things off, the leggings are equipped with anti-odor technology. And they’re available in an inclusive size range, two inseam lengths, and five different colors.
Price at time of publication: $50
Sizes: S–4XL | Styles: Regular, tall | Colors: Five
Want to save a buck on a great pair of fleece-lined leggings? Give 90 Degree by Reflex’s Fleece-Lined Leggings a try. Crafted from a blend of polyester and spandex, the high-rise leggings should feel stretchy and smooth, and their plush fleece lining should make them particularly cozy. The brand actually recommends sizing up when you buy the leggings because their fleece lining is so thick.
Best Women’s Budget
90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece Lined Leggings
Equipped with deep pockets
Movement-friendly interlocking seams
Comfortable high-rise fit
May run small due to thick lining
Prone to pilling when machine-washed
The leggings also come equipped with deep built-in pockets and a cozy high-rise waistband—two features that make them even more convenient and comfortable. And since they’re available in an inclusive size range and a whopping 40 different colorways, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from as you shop.
Price at time of publication: Starting at $19
Sizes: XS–3X | Styles: Regular | Colors: 40
There’s a lot to love about LAPASA’s Men’s Thermal Underwear. The fleece-lined leggings are made from a blend of soft polyester and stretchy spandex, so you can expect them to feel both cozy and flexible. And thanks to their four-way stretch design, the leggings should be easy to move around in despite their snug fit.
Best Men’s Budget
LAPASA Long Thermal Underwear
Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Four-way stretch construction
Built-in, no-zip fly
May run small or short
What sets the leggings apart, though, is not that they’re remarkably budget-friendly—it’s that they’re remarkably customizable, too. Snag a pair, and you’ll be able to choose from five different sizes, four different colors, and three different fleece weights. That’s right—when you pick out a pair, you’ll be able to decide whether you want lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight fleece lining the inside of your leggings. (And, of course, you can always snag different options to wear in different conditions.)
Price at time of publication: Starting at $17
Sizes: S–XXL | Styles: Regular | Colors: Four
Backcountry’s Frary Fleece Tights are designed to keep you cozy on your coldest hikes, runs, and other outdoor adventures. The thermal tights are made from soft polyester and lined with plush fleece. And since they’ve been finished with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, you can trust them to hold up even when it starts to drizzle.
Best for Hiking
Backcountry Frary Fleece Tight
DWR (durable water repellent) finish
Large side pocket
Adjustable drawcord
Fleece may only line the front of your legs
Though the tights are designed to feel thick and durable, they should be stretchy enough for comfortable movement. And since they come equipped with a spacious side pocket, you should have an easy place to store your phone, your wallet, and other small must-haves every time you explore.
Price at time of publication: Starting at $37
Sizes: XS–XXL | Styles: Regular | Colors: Three
At first glance, Lululemon’s Base Pace High-Rise Fleece Tights, one of the brand’s many high-quality leggings, look like a classic pair of running tights. They’re crafted from a stretchy, water-repellent fabric—one that should keep you comfortable on your runs, even when it starts to rain. And they’re lined with runner-friendly details, including a discreet back pocket, an easy-to-cinch drawcord, and inseam-free legs designed to cut down on chafing.
Best for Running
Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Fleece Running Tight
Water-repellent
Designed with no inseam (to cut down on chafing)
Equipped with a discreet back pocket
More expensive than others on this list
But slide on the tights, and you’ll realize they’re anything but average. Their high-performance exterior is complemented by an ultra-cozy interior lined with Lululemon’s plush TechFleece fabric. This dual-layer design makes the tights a perfect pick for cold-weather runs. And it certainly also doesn’t hurt that they come in an inclusive size range. They are on the pricey side, but we have some tricks to navigate lululemon’s “We Made Too Much” section.
Price at time of publication: Starting at $69
Sizes: 0–20 | Styles: Regular | Colors: One
Athleta’s Peak Hybrid Fleece Tights are thick, warm, and durable—a great combination for cold-weather walks. The leggings are made from a nylon-spandex blend that feels both stretchy and sturdy. And since they’re lined with Athleta’s Plush SuperSonic midweight fleece, you can expect them to feel warm and cozy, too.
Best for Walking
Athleta Peak Hybrid Fleece Tight
Water-repellent and abrasion-resistant
Equipped with three zip-up pockets
Comfortable high-rise fit
Prone to pilling
May not be very tight or compressive
As if that weren’t enough, the leggings are also water-repellent and abrasion-resistant, meaning they can hold up to a little bad weather on walks and some wear and tear, too. And since the tights come equipped with three zip-up pockets, you should have plenty of room to securely store your stuff on your walks.
Price at time of publication: $108
Stretchy, soft, and cozy, ZERDOCEAN’s Plus-Size Fleece-Lined Leggings are a great find. The high-rise leggings are made from a blend of soft cotton and stretchy spandex. And their fluffy fleece lining makes them particularly warm and cozy. The thick leggings are designed to run from waist to ankle, and their extra-long waistband promises to lay flat—never pinching, bunching, or rolling.
Best Plus-Size
ZERDOCEAN Plus Size Cotton Fleece Leggings
Stretchy-soft exterior, cozy interior
Thick and opaque
Comfortable high-rise fit
May not be very tight or compressive
The leggings are available in five different sizes (1X–5X). And since they come in four versatile colors, it shouldn’t be tough to find a pair worth wearing every day.
Price at time of publication: Starting at $22
Sizes: 1X–5X | Styles: Regular | Colors: Four
POSHDIVAH’s Maternity Fleece-Lined Leggings are designed with an extra-high rise style to slip comfortably over a baby bump. Crafted from a blend of soft polyester and stretchy spandex, the leggings should feel cozy but flexible. And since their extra-long waistband is made from an even stretchier blend of nylon and spandex, you should have the flexibility you need to wear the fleece-lined leggings during different stages of pregnancy.
Best Maternity
POSHDIVAH Maternity Fleece-Lined Leggings
Extra-high-rise, extra-stretchy waistband
Easy-to-follow sizing chart
Comfortable fit
Prone to pilling
The leggings are available in five different sizes, and POSHDIVAH’s sizing chart conveniently includes hip and abdominal circumference measurements, so it shouldn’t be hard to find your perfect fit. Snag the leggings in one of four striking colors, or stock up on two pairs at once with a two-pack.
Price at time of publication: Starting at $25
Backcountry’s Hybrid Grid Fleece 3/4 Bottoms should feel insulated but breathable—a balance that can be tough to strike with a base layer. The leggings were designed with snow sports like skiing and snowboarding in mind, so they should be low-profile enough to slip under ski pants. But despite their sleek silhouette, the tights promise to keep you warm and cozy in cold temperatures.
Best for Skiing
Backcountry Hybrid Grid Fleece 3/4 Bottom
Heavyweight and ultra-warm
Hybrid fleece construction
Lined with strategically placed mesh ventilation panels
May run small or tight
The tights are made from a moisture-wicking polyester-spandex blend, and they’re lined with two different types of fleece. This hybrid fleece construction is designed to keep you warm without overheating you. This is complemented by strategically placed mesh panels, which should ventilate your legs when you start to heat up.
Price at time of publication: Starting at $27
Sizes: XS–XL | Styles: Regular | Colors: Three
If you love high-waisted leggings, Lululemon’s Wunder Lounge Super-High-Rise Tights are worth adding to your collection. The cozy leggings are made from micromodal fleece, which feels thick and soft on the outside of the leggings and plush and fuzzy on the inside. And since the leggings contain just a touch of stretchy elastane, you can expect them to feel flexible and exercise-friendly, too.
Best High-Waisted
Lululemon Wunder Lounge Super-High-Rise Tight
Thick but stretchy
Extra-long, lay-flat waistband
Comfortable, ultra-high-rise fit
Some sizing/fit inconsistencies
The leggings come complete with other thoughtful features, like a thick waistband that promises to lay flat and a deep back pocket that’s perfect for storing small necessities. And they’re available in four striking colors, as well as eight different sizes.
Price at time of publication: $49
Sizes: 0–14 | Styles: Regular | Colors: Five
How We Selected the Best Fleece-Lined Leggings
To select the best fleece-lined leggings, we researched and analyzed reviews and specs for dozens of fleece-lined leggings from top apparel brands, including Athleta, Under Armour, Backcountry, and more, to find the best products on the market. We prioritized leggings with quality, durable material, and a solid size range. We also favored leggings with added features, such as a water-repellent coating and extra pockets.
We then talked to two experts—a running coach and an owner of a specialty running, walking, and active lifestyle boutique—to get their expert insights on what to look for when shopping for fleece-lined leggings.
What to Look for in Fleece-Lined Leggings
Material
Fleece-lined leggings can be made from a range of different materials—both inside and out. Typically, you’ll find an exterior made of stretchy synthetic fibers like nylon, spandex, elastane, and polyester. And you’ll find an inner fleece lining made from polyester. These fibers are commonly used in fitness clothes, so they should be comfortable to work out in. But if staying warm is your goal, Dworecki recommends staying away from cotton. The material tends to wick moisture and hold onto it, so it may leave you feeling cold and wet.
Rise and Inseam Length
Leggings come in many different silhouettes—with waistbands that range from low-rise to high-rise and inseam lengths that range from cropped to full-length. Obviously, the more of your body that the leggings cover, the warmer you should be. So high-rise, full-length leggings should be your warmest option.
But since comfort is also a concern, focus on finding a pair of leggings you’ll feel comfortable wearing and working out in.
Nice-to-Have Features
Odds are, there will be a few pairs of fleece-lined leggings that fit you comfortably. And you can use nice-to-have features to further narrow down your selection. Some leggings come lined with pockets. Others come finished with a water-repellent coating. And some others come equipped with anti-odor technology. Consider the conditions you’ll encounter when wearing fleece-lined leggings, and make sure yours are up to the task.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are fleece-lined leggings see-through?
- Some regular leggings are see-through, and some aren’t. And the same is true of fleece-lined leggings. To tell whether a pair of fleece-lined leggings are see-through, Bill Torrey, owner of Rock City Running, recommends holding them up to the light. “If you hold them up to the light, and the fabric is thin, and light shows through, then they are not good quality,” Torrey says. And they’re likely to be see-through.
- Do fleece-lined leggings keep you warm?
- Fleece-lined leggings can keep you warm. But depending on how cold it is, you may want to pile on a few extra layers. “Fleece-lined leggings tend to be warmer, but there are different thicknesses that mean the warmth can vary,” Dworecki says. “It also can depend on how cold and windy it is outside.” If your goal is to stay as warm as possible, look for a pair of leggings lined with heavyweight fleece. (The weight of fleece is measured in GSM—grams per square meter. The higher the GSM, the heavier and warmer the fleece.) And consider sliding a pair of workout pants over your fleece-lined tights.
- How to wash fleece-lined leggings
- Lots of fleece-lined leggings are machine-washable and dryer-friendly. But to keep your fleece-lined leggings in tip-top shape, Torrey recommends washing them inside-out and letting them air-dry. Dworecki has similar advice. “If you have the time, you can hand wash your fleece-lined leggings in the sink with cold water and a mild detergent,” she says. “Rinse them thoroughly with cold water, wring them out, and hang them to dry.” She notes that if you’re pressed for time, you can also turn the leggings inside-out and machine wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water—just like Torrey suggested. You can then machine-dry the leggings on low heat.
- How do I keep fleece-lined leggings from pilling?
- One easy way to keep your fleece-lined leggings from pilling? Exercise caution when washing and drying them. “Washing them inside-out can stop them from pilling, and air-drying them can too,” Dworecki says. And if your leggings are already pilling, you do have options. “If they have already started to pill, you can use a razor or fabric shaver to remove the little knit balls,” Dworecki says.
- Are fleece-lined leggings waterproof?
- Most fleece-lined leggings are not waterproof. So if you want a pair of waterproof fleece-lined leggings, look for a pair that has been finished with a water-repellent coating.
Some regular leggings are see-through, and some aren’t. And the same is true of fleece-lined leggings. To tell whether a pair of fleece-lined leggings are see-through, Bill Torrey, owner of Rock City Running, recommends holding them up to the light. “If you hold them up to the light, and the fabric is thin, and light shows through, then they are not good quality,” Torrey says. And they’re likely to be see-through.
Fleece-lined leggings can keep you warm. But depending on how cold it is, you may want to pile on a few extra layers. “Fleece-lined leggings tend to be warmer, but there are different thicknesses that mean the warmth can vary,” Dworecki says. “It also can depend on how cold and windy it is outside.”
Lots of fleece-lined leggings are machine-washable and dryer-friendly. But to keep your fleece-lined leggings in tip-top shape, Torrey recommends washing them inside-out and letting them air-dry.
One easy way to keep your fleece-lined leggings from pilling? Exercise caution when washing and drying them. “Washing them inside-out can stop them from pilling, and air-drying them can too,” Dworecki says. And if your leggings are already pilling, you do have options. “If they have already started to pill, you can use a razor or fabric shaver to remove the little knit balls,” Dworecki says.
Most fleece-lined leggings are not waterproof. So if you want a pair of waterproof fleece-lined leggings, look for a pair that has been finished with a water-repellent coating.
