Like it or not, cold weather is on the horizon, and with it comes a need for fashion pieces like fleece-lined leggings, that are as functional as they are stylish. If you’re in a cold climate that’s prone to snow, hail or even a nor’easter or two, a good pair of fleece-lined leggings can be the biggest game changer for the upcoming season.
But finding the right winter leggings isn’t as easy as you might think. You want to find something that’s tight but not restrictive, with fabric that retains warmth but is still breathable. We spoke to Frida Mordenfeld, head of purchasing and production at RevolutionRace, about what makes a great pair of fleece leggings and what to look for while shopping.
Look for high-quality fleece that is soft, stretchy and breathable. Some blends may include polyester, spandex or cotton for added comfort and durability,” Mordenfeld says. “The fabric in leggings [is] typically made from polyester or polyamide, and the same is true for fleece leggings. The difference is on the inside, which is brushed or lined with fleece.
Fleece has a soft, fluffy texture that traps air and retains heat, providing excellent warmth.”
There’s a misconception that fleece-lined leggings add heft to your body, but the best fleece-lined leggings provide warmth without any added bulk. In fact, they look exactly like regular activewear but are thinly lined with soft, warm fleece for a bit of extra insulation. That means you can wear them under skirts or dresses for the office, or as a base layer underneath ski pants for a day on the mountain. Just look for terms like “fleece-lined” or “brushed interior” in the description, which means they’re specially designed to trap and lock heat.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or heading to work, these thermal winter leggings from brands you know and love, plus some our editors have tried, will keep you reliably warm.
Best fleece-lined leggings
Alo Yoga Airlift Winter Warm High-Waist Leggings
“These leggings are perfect for chilly morning walks when I want to get my steps in but still stay comfortable,” says Underscored’s updates writer Ellen McAlpine. “They have the same compressive feel as Alo’s Airlift leggings but a boost of warmth from the brushed interior. They’re thicker than the regular fabric and definitely keep me warmer.”
$138 at Alo
Free People Movement Keepin’ Cozy Fleece-Lined Leggings
Sleek and stretchy, these fleece Free People leggings are designed to keep you cozy without any added bulk. They come in a classic black as well as two fun bright tones, so you can spice up your hiking wardrobe or keep it simple. The leggings also have pockets (!).
$148 at Free People
Baleaf Women’s Fleece-Lined Leggings
With less of a spandex and more of a sweatpants feel, Amazon reviewers love that these leggings are warm, soft and a great deal at under $40. There are so many colors to choose from, the leggings offer convenient side pockets for small items like phones and keys. Plus, the pants have a tummy-control waist for added comfort.
$45 $24 at Amazon
Lululemon Fast And Free High-Rise Thermal Tight
Great for people who want to keep running outside in the winter, these fleece tights even come with a drawcord to prevent them falling down while you move. The leggings come in two different lengths and have reflective details for running when it’s darker in the early morning or early evening.
$148 at Lululemon
Ewedoos Fleece-Lined Leggings With Pockets
Ewedoos is a brand of leggings from Amazon that maintain an affordable price point while delivering comfort and lots of color options. The inside of these fleece leggings are incredibly soft and the flat-lay seams along the sides provide lots of stretch while you move.
$30 From $20 at Amazon
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