Wellness Style The Best Fleece-Lined Leggings to Keep You Cozy This Winter These leggings are about to be your new favorite winter staple. By Madison Alcedo Madison Alcedo Madison Alcedo writes writes on health, beauty, lifestyle, and travel topics. Her work has appeared across several publications, including Real Simple, Travel+Leisure, People, and Men's Health. health's editorial guidelines Published on March 23, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Mykhailo Lukashuk/Getty Images There's nothing more annoying than stepping out of your house in your favorite pair of leggings during the winter, only to find that they do absolutely nothing to keep you warm. When regular leggings just won't do the trick, we have the answer: fleece-lined leggings. A cozy upgrade to your standard design, they're lined with fleece (or have a brushed fabric interior) that traps in heat to keep you warm on even the coldest days. A must-have for any winter wardrobe, fleece-lined leggings can serve a few purposes. Select styles are thin enough to layer underneath jeans or wear as tights with dresses, while thicker designs can be worn as pants with your favorite chunky sweater. There are also moisture-wicking options for outdoor winter workouts—like skiing or snowboarding—that trap heat but still allow sweat to evaporate. These are the best fleece-lined leggings of 2021, according to customer reviews: Best High-Waisted: Conceited Premium Fleece-Lined Leggings Best for Working Out: Baleaf Women's Fleece-Lined Leggings Best Plus Size: Zerdocean Women's Plus Size Fleece-Lined Leggings Best Budget: Moon Wood Fleece-Lined Leggings Best Maternity: Motherhood Maternity Fleece Lined Leggings Best Printed: Columbia Women's Glacial Fleece Printed Leggings Best Velvet-Like Option: Romastory Winter Warm Velvet Leggings Best Quality: Under Armour ColdGear Compression Leggings Best With Pockets: 90 Degree by Reflex Fleece-Lined Leggings Best for Running: RBX Active Fleece-Lined Leggings Best for Skiing: ThermaJane Ultra Soft Fleece-Lined Thermal Underwear Best for Hiking: Athleta Altitude Tight in Polartec Power Stretch Best Lightweight: Dragon Fit High-Waisted Leggings Best Denim: Hue Fleece-Lined Denim Leggings Do fleece-lined leggings keep you warm? The short answer: Yes. Whether the leggings are made from cotton or polyester, they're created by taking a tightly woven fabric and brushing the interior fibers. This gives the material its soft touch, while also adding an extra layer of protection to trap in heat and block out cool air. A lightweight fleece, especially one made from cotton, is great for more temperate weather, while a heavyweight density will keep you warm on even the chilliest days. The optimal thickness level of your leggings will depend on how you intend to wear them. Anyone planning to layer their gear should aim for something lightweight and thin. Hikers, bikers, or other outdoor adventurers will need extra thick options to keep frostbite away. Additions like pockets, anti-odor protection, or moisture-wicking technology are also important to keep in mind when selecting your new style. To help you out, we collected the 14 best pairs of fleece-lined leggings from around the web, each selected for their abundance of glowing reviews and unique features (like velvet linings and denim exteriors). Below, find our top picks that are guaranteed to keep you cozy and warm this season. Best High-Waisted: Conceited Premium Fleece-Lined Leggings Amazon Buy it, from $18 Five-star ratings: 9,200+ What we love: The nylon and spandex fabric blend is lightweight and extra stretchy for all-day comfort. Keep in mind: The design only comes in two sizes: small/medium or large/ extra large. Whether you're layering up for winter or want to feel toasty during an autumnal stroll, these high-waisted leggings are bound to impress. Their brushed interior keeps you warm without adding excess bulk, while a touch of spandex in the textile ensures they hug every curve. Already adored by more than 9,200 shoppers, they earn rave reviews for their comfortable fit, lightweight feel, and non-slip waistband. Best for Working Out: Baleaf Women's Fleece-Lined Leggings Amazon Buy it, from $29 Five-star ratings: 11,700+ What we love: The sweat-wicking fabric keeps you cozy without trapping moisture, and there's a handy waistband pocket. Keep in mind: Some reviewers complain the sizing runs small or offers too much compression. The breathable combination of spandex and polyester makes these soft fleece leggings a top pick for workouts. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps you dry through every sweat-inducing activity, from Pilates to cycling, while a brushed fleece interior locks in heat for a dry warmth. Slim enough to layer under your favorite jeans, they also have a hidden waistband pocket for added convenience, as well as flatlock seams to reduce chafing. Best Plus Size: Zerdocean Women's Plus Size Fleece-Lined Leggings Amazon Buy it, $17 Five-star ratings: 600+ What we love: Like upgraded sweatpants, these leggings pack plenty of warmth and use an anti-pilling fabric for a longer wear life. Keep in mind: They're not high-waisted, and some reviewers warn the style runs small around the waist and bum. Described by one reviewer as "heavenly," these ultra-cozy leggings are made with a plush cotton fleece that traps heat without making you overheat. Available in sizes 1X-5X, they have an elastic waistband that stays firmly in place while still offering plenty of stretch. Better yet, the plush fabric—which comes in shades of black and gray—won't pill or become baggy around the knees after multiple washes, according to shoppers. Best Budget: Moon Wood Fleece-Lined Leggings Amazon Buy it, 7 for $30 Five-star ratings: 2,500+ What we love: One under-$40 purchase gets you a week's worth of high-waisted, fleece-lined leggings in different colors. Keep in mind: Some reviewers experienced heavy pilling after putting the one-size leggings in the washing machine. Stock up for winter with this multi-pack from Amazon. It comes with seven pairs of high-waisted leggings in a variety of shades like navy blue, berry red, and chocolate brown. Although they only come in one size, they're made with 100% spandex that has enough stretch to fit up to a size 18 pant, per the brand. You can also expect the fabric to keep you "nice and toasty without overheating," according to one shopper. Best Maternity: Motherhood Maternity Fleece-Lined Leggings Amazon Buy it, from $30 Five-star ratings: 100+ What we love: Extra fabric in the belly stretches with you during every stage of pregnancy. Keep in mind: Some reviewers complained of heavy pilling and say the style snagged easily. For moms-to-be, this pair is a great option for staying warm and cozy in colder temperatures. The leggings are made with a seamless waistband and an extra stretchy maternity top, so you'll have all the room you need for your growing belly as you progress through every trimester. Plus, they're machine-washable (because the last thing you want to worry about during your pregnancy is a finicky fabric that needs to be hand-washed). Best Printed: Columbia Women's Glacial Fleece Printed Leggings Amazon Buy it, from $24 Five-star ratings: 70+ What we love: Stylish prints transform these basic leggings into a fun wardrobe staple. Keep in mind: Despite an athletic fit, reviewers say there's a minimal stretch. If you have enough pairs of black leggings, consider changing it up by adding this houndstooth option to your collection. The dark academia-inspired print gives the 100% polyester fleece a dressier look that would pair perfectly with chunky sweaters. Plus, you won't have to worry about the waistband getting stretched out thanks to a zipper closure that makes it easy to pull the leggings on and off. Best Velvet: Romastory Winter Warm Velvet Leggings Amazon Buy it, $17 Five-star ratings: 4,000+ What we love: Plush synthetic velvet replaces traditional fleece for an extra warm style that reviewers compare to wearing "teddy bears" on your legs. Keep in mind: The one-size leggings are constructed with a seamed crotch and butt panel that makes it hard to wear them as standalone pants. One five-star Amazon reviewer compared these cozy leggings to wearing *literal* blankets on your legs. The high-waisted leggings—which also come in footed options—are lined with a velvet-like polyester material that makes them thick enough to wear as the only layer under shorts, skirts, or bulky sweaters. You'll also enjoy the touch of spandex for added stretch and the comfortable elastic waistband. They're available in a few different colors to rotate in your wardrobe—like navy, maroon, and gray—and as two-packs, if you'd like to stock up. Best Quality: Under Armour ColdGear Compression Leggings Amazon Buy it, from $23 Five-star ratings: 3,700+ What we love: You can tackle every high-intensity workout in these leggings without overheating thanks to mesh paneling balancing the fleece fabric. Keep in mind: The style runs a little small, but Amazon's try-before-you-buy feature for Prime members lets you test them out before committing. Subfreezing temperatures are no match for these luxurious Under Armour Tights, which have a double-layer construction that keeps you warm without overheating during winter workouts. The fast-drying exterior is lightweight and sweat-wicking to keep you dry, while the brushed interior traps heat without capturing stink thanks to anti-odor technology. Reviewers say they're comfortable, opaque, and durable. Best With Pockets: 90 Degree by Reflex Fleece-Lined Leggings Amazon Buy it, from $19 Five-star ratings: 7,500+ What we love: A plethora of colorways ensures you can find a style that works with your wardrobe, and the leggings come with pockets large enough to hold a smartphone. Keep in mind: The style starts to pill after multiple washes, so you'll want to opt for air-drying. The best types of leggings are high-waisted, stretchy, and opaque with built-in pockets, so shouldn't the top fleece-lined options offer the same features? Well, this cozy pair from 90 Degree not only meets these expectations but exceeds them. Available in 44 design and color variations, the full-length leggings have more than 7,500 perfect ratings from reviewers who say they're buttery soft, well-made, and warm. Best for Running: RBX Active Fleece-Lined Leggings Amazon Buy it, from $18 Five-star ratings: 300+ What we love: Zippered pockets can store your phone and keys during long runs. Keep in mind: Some reviewers loved these leggings so much that they went to repurchase—but found the quality and sizing varied. Multiple runners called these fleece-lined leggings their top pick for logging miles outdoors in 20-degree weather—but they weren't the only ones impressed by this high-waisted style. The fitted silhouette, double-zipper pockets, and heat-trapping technology also impressed a figure skater who said these stand up to expensive $70 pairs from prestigious skating brands. Best for Skiing: ThermaJane Ultra Soft Fleece-Lined Thermal Underwear Amazon Buy it, from $26 Five-star ratings: 18,800+ What we love: The leggings come in a wide range of sizes, and the super lightweight fabric is optimal for layering under bulky ski pants. Keep in mind: Thermal underwear can be worn as pajamas, but otherwise should be considered a layering piece. Prepping for the slopes just got way simpler with this fleece-lined thermal underwear from Thermajane. Available in sizes XXS to 3XL, the form-fitting set hugs the body for easy layering under denim and ski pants alike. Equally breathable and cozy, it comes in 13 colorways with a tag-free design to minimize chafing. Best for Hiking: Athleta Altitude Tight in Polartec Power Stretch Athleta Buy it, from $74 Five-star ratings: 800+ What we love: The sweat-wicking nylon fabric keeps you warm during hikes, while the zippered back pocket stores all your essentials. Keep in mind: Some reviewers complained about pilling between the legs post-exercise. Athleta's lineup of fleece-lined leggings gives a winter-ready upgrade to its popular activewear. You'll be prepared to tackle high-impact workouts in the dead of winter—whether it's scaling a mountain or running through the neighborhood—thanks to insulated nylon fabric with a brushed fleece interior. Each sweat-wicking pair has a spacious back pocket with a zipper to hold essentials, like your phone, as well as an adjustable drawcord in the waistband to ensure a perfect fit. Best Lightweight: Dragon Fit High-Waisted Leggings Amazon Buy it, from $23 Five-star ratings: 16,500+ What we love: The brushed lining adds extra protection against the wind without the bulk. Keep in mind: The style runs small on some people. The only thing worse than being freezing cold outdoors in the dead of winter is boiling under all your winter accessories. Avoid sweaty kneecaps and thighs by opting for Dragon Fit's lightweight leggings: They're made with a breathable, quick-drying material lined with brushed fleece. This combination provides the perfect level of warmth that's impressed more than 16,500 shoppers. Best Denim: Hue Fleece-Lined Denim Leggings Amazon Buy it, from $34 Five-star ratings: 500+ What we love: The style actually looks like pants rather than athletic wear, but it still offers the comfort of leggings. Keep in mind: The denim only comes in black rather than traditional blue washes. Your go-to skinny jeans won't stand a chance this winter after you slip into these cozy jeggings from Hue. Lined with an ultra-soft fleece that traps heat without adding bulk, the faux-denim leggings offer a flattering silhouette that pairs well with sweaters, blouses, and tees. And while their zipper fly might be fake, the extra-deep pockets are totally real—and large enough to hold a smartphone, keys, or face mask. Updated by Braelyn Wood Braelyn Wood Instagram Braelyn Wood is the e-commerce lead for all health and wellness content at Meredith. Based in New York, she covers all things product in the form of reviews, gift guides, and roundups. Prior to joining Meredith, her work was featured in Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, and Romper. When she's not testing out a new pair of sneakers or leggings, you'll find her in reading in the park, taking a cycling class, or trying a new recipe. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit