Travel Products Style Active + Loungewear The 10 Best Fleece-lined Leggings of 2023, Tested and Reviewed We love a breathable pair of leggings that also keep you warm — check out our favorite fleece-lined leggings. By Anna Popp Anna Popp Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 13, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Others We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T + L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Lululemon / Eddie Bauer / Under Armour It’s safe to say leggings are some of the most comfortable pants you can have in your wardrobe. However, when the temperatures start to drop, your regular leggings won’t be enough to keep your legs warm the way a pair of temperature-regulating fleece-lined leggings can. Designed for activities like hiking in the snow or walking on a crisp fall morning, fleece-lined leggings have a soft polyester interior for insulation and a stretchy nylon outer layer for breathability so you don’t overheat. From hiking in rural Iceland to running errands in the city, our testers tried 20 pairs of leggings in real-world settings and evaluated them based on attributes like quality, performance, fit, and opacity. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: RBX Store RBX Store Yoga Leggings at Amazon Jump to Review Best Color Options: 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-Lined Leggings at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Everyday Wear: Lorna Jane Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings at Lornajane.com Jump to Review Best for Lounging: Lands’ End High Rise Fleece Lined Pocket Leggings at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Running: Under Armour ColdGear Authentic Leggings at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Hiking: Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight at Lululemon Jump to Review Best for Cold Weather: Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tights at Titlenine.com Jump to Review Best with Pockets: Baleaf Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Layering: Tommy John Go Anywhere Fleece-lined Leggings at Tommyjohn.com Jump to Review Best Overall Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings 5 Eddie Bauer View On Amazon View On Eddiebauer.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 4.8/5 Performance 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Love It The leggings are made with thick materials that feel lightweight and premium. What to Consider They run a little big. Eddie Bauer is well known for its selection of top-tier outdoor clothing and gear, and the Crossover Winter Trail Adventure leggings are no exception. Made with a polyester fleece lining and spandex exterior, we love how these leggings have the perfect balance of lightweight and cozy materials that kept our tester’s legs warm. After regularly wearing the leggings for two months, they said, "Especially for any type of winter outdoor activity, they're a great layer for insulation or to wear next to the skin, and they move really well with your body. I love that they have sleeve pockets and small zip pockets as well." It’s easy to get excited about the two pockets on either leg, but we were ecstatic about the fact that the pockets have zippers so you can securely store your phone, keys, or headphones whether you’re on a run or walking your dog. The high-quality material feels well-stitched and durable, and we didn’t notice any pilling or loose threads after the leggings were worn and washed several times. Plus, these leggings are completely squat-proof. Our tester raved, “I was so confident in them that I wore them to work when I was in a photo studio having my picture taken while moving around all day. I was also wearing a cropped sweater, so they were very exposed.” In terms of fit, our tester noted that the leggings ran slightly large, but they still felt secure enough and had the right amount of compression to prevent them from slipping down. We’ve tried plenty of Eddie Bauer clothing items in the past, and our tester is certain these comfy leggings will last for years to come based on their stellar performance. Price at time of publish: $99 The Details: XS to XXL regular, petite, tall, plus | Polyester, spandex | Machine wash on cold, delicate Best Budget RBX Store Active Women's Fleece Lined Full Length Athletic Training Running Yoga Leggings 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It These leggings are exceptionally soft and they look brand new after seven washes. What to Consider The leggings might look too small when they first come out of the packaging but they stretch. Receiving sweeping top scores in all our testing categories, the RBX Active Fleece-lined Leggings were a tester-favorite thanks to their soft fleece lining and compressing spandex exterior. Our tester raved that these are “the softest leggings I've ever owned. They are warm enough yet [still] breathable.” Although these leggings are one of the least expensive pairs we tested, the quality feels just as premium as a pricier option. After our tester wore the leggings for activities like walking their dog and riding an indoor bike, they found that these are squat- and stretch-proof, so you won’t have to worry about the material being see-through. The best part is that after seven washes, the leggings look brand new without any signs of pilling or stretching. They fit true to size and although they might look small right out of the packaging, they had plenty of give to fit our tester perfectly. Price at time of publish: $30 The Details: XS to XL | Polyester, spandex | Machine wash Best Color Options 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-Lined Leggings 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstromrack.com View On 90degreebyreflex.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It There are 42 solid colors to choose from. What to Consider The leggings were a little loose in the stomach. If you’re looking to give your wardrobe some color variety, the 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-lined Leggings come in a whopping 42 color options. During testing, these leggings impressed us with their buttery soft polyester interior and silky spandex exterior that provided just the right amount of compression and give in the material. "They're very soft and look and feel very high quality," one tester said after regularly wearing them for two months. "They are very flattering on my body and I always feel more than comfy wearing these. There is no [ability to] see-through no matter the movements, which is vital in my opinion!" Although the fabric in the stomach was slightly loose, we found the length fit our tester’s legs perfectly. The material feels lightweight, but you won’t have to worry about it being see-through, as we had no issues with opacity while doing a range of activities like cleaning the house and walking the dog. These fleece-lined leggings are breathable, cozy, and comfortable to wear, and with all the available color options, they’re a must-have for fall or winter. Price at time of publish: $30 The Details: XS to 3XL | Polyester, spandex | Machine wash Travel + Leisure / Dera Burreson The 11 Best Fleece-lined Jeans of 2023 Best for Everyday Wear Lorna Jane Amy Winter Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings 4.8 Lorna Jane View On Lornajane.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It The temperature-regulating material was noticeable both during walks in the cold and working out indoors. What to Consider They felt a little tight at first, but then stretched slightly to fit our tester comfortably. During testing, the Lorna Jane Amy Winter Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings impressed us with their temperature-regulating abilities, which were noticeable during activities both indoor and outdoor. "They're pretty expensive for leggings, but you can tell the quality is top notch," one tester said after regularly wearing the leggings after two months. "They are so comfortable and warm without the feeling of being overheated ever. I don't know how they work that way, but they're fantastic. They keep me super warm when I'm skiing in cold conditions as well." While another tester was walking outdoors, the leggings provided plenty of warmth, and when the leggings were worn for an indoor workout, the material was stretchy and breathable enough that our tester didn’t overheat. These fleece-lined leggings have the breathability that comes with regular leggings, the support of shape-wear, and the warmth of the insulated lining, making them ideal for any type of winter activity. They might feel slightly tight when you first put the leggings on, but they stretch out quickly. After three washes, the leggings are still in perfect condition and the opacity and stretchiness haven’t wavered, leading us to believe that they'll last for a long time. Price at time of publish: $126 The Details: XXS to XXL | Nylon, elastane Travel + Leisure / Taylor Calta The 13 Best Cashmere Essentials for Travel of 2023 Best for Lounging Lands’ End Women's High Rise Serious Sweats Fleece Lined Pocket Leggings 4.8 Lands' End View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walmart Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It The thick material resembles sweatpants for a cozy and comfortable feel. What to Consider They wouldn’t be the best leggings for high-intensity activities. When the cold weather hits, it’s always nice to have a pair of cozy leggings for lounging around the house or stepping out to run a few errands. The Lands’ End Women's High-rise Serious Sweats Fleece-lined Pocket Leggings feel like a pair of cozy sweatpants without the more casual look that comes with them. "They're functional, warm, comfortable, and durable," one tester said after regularly wearing the leggings for two months. "I've had no issues with them, and they make casual dressing on cold days so much easier." In testing, the thick material kept another tester’s legs warm while running errands in temperatures as cold as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and they were comfortable for staying home, too. “Even curling up on the couch, there wasn't any stretching or sagging. They're very soft, and while they are warm, they're not suffocatingly so (I was fine wearing them indoors and out, in other words),” they said. Since cotton isn’t moisture-wicking, these aren’t the best leggings for activities where you might sweat, but they’re perfect for staying warm and comfortable at home in the winter. Price at time of publish: from $60 The Details: S to XL regular, petite, tall, plus | Cotton, polyester, spandex | Machine wash Travel + Leisure / Lauren Phillips Best for Running Under Armour Women's ColdGear Authentic Leggings 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Love It The material is thick and warm while remaining lightweight and breathable for outdoor runs. What to Consider The legs were a bit long for our tester and there aren’t any pockets. Runners will benefit from the lightweight and cozy materials of Under Armour’s ColdGear Authentic Leggings for jogging in cold weather. Our tester, who is an avid runner, says that after trying a variety of fleece-lined leggings over the years, “these are by far the most breathable and movable I've ever used.” Although our reviewer noted that they had to roll the bottom of the legs since they were slightly too long, the leggings still “fit like a glove [and] slide right on with some stretch but enough support to not feel like they're falling down,” they shared. The waistband fits just right and the leggings didn’t slide down at all during any runs — a huge perk since our tester often has to deal with slipping leggings while working out. We wish this pair had a pocket or two for holding a phone while running, but we still think these mid-price bottoms are ideal for runners in the colder seasons. Price at time of publish: $55 The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester, elastane | Machine wash The 12 Best Fleece Jackets for Men and Women of 2023 Best for Hiking Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight 4.5 Lululemon View On Lululemon Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It The water-repellent material kept our tester's legs dry during light rain while hiking in Iceland. What to Consider The leggings were lightly pilled on the inner thigh after one wash. We love that the Lululemon Fast and Free High-rise Fleece Tight leggings prevented our tester’s legs from getting wet during a hike in Iceland when it started to rain. Whether our reviewer was hiking or sightseeing, these leggings did an excellent job of regulating the temperature indoors and outdoors – they were never too hot or too cold. Although these leggings are advertised as high-rise, we found that they sat just below our reviewer’s belly button, fitting more like mid-rise than traditional high-rise. However, after hiking in the cold for nearly 20 miles during the trip, our tester said, “the leggings weren't constricting at all in the leg, waist, or thigh, and the waistband was stretchy enough while still having that regular legging compression.” The dense material is completely squat-proof and the pants look well-made, but we did notice some slight pilling in the inner thigh after one wash. While this isn’t a deal breaker by any means, it serves as a reminder to wash your leggings carefully to prevent any damage. Price at time of publish: $138 The Details: 0 to 20 | Nylon, elastane | Machine wash on cold Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp The Best Winter Running Gear of 2023 Best for Cold Weather Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tights 5 Title Nine View On Titlenine.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It They kept our tester’s legs warm in 30-degree Fahrenheit weather conditions. What to Consider The leggings have a mid-rise waist which may not be to everyone's tastes. If you live in a city where the average temperature in the winter is around freezing, then the Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tights are your best option. “These leggings were perfect[ly]...breathable [while] keeping me much warmer than normal leggings,” said our tester, who recently wore them on a trip to Breckenridge, Colorado where the temperatures were below freezing. The multi-layered leggings have an insulating fleece layer that is soft to the touch, and the exterior spandex is designed to be abrasion-resistant and wind-blocking, so no matter what type of weather Mother Nature throws at you, your legs will stay nice and warm. We love that the materials have the right amount of thickness to make the leggings squat-proof, and the compression of the pants isn’t too tight or too loose. The fit of the waist is mid-rise, meaning these likely won’t sit above your belly button like high-rise leggings generally would. After multiple wears and washes, the materials held up perfectly, appearing brand new. Our tester said they’re already recommending these cozy and comfortable fleece-lined leggings to friends and family who live in colder climates. Price at time of publish: $99 The Details: XS to XL | Recycled polyester, spandex Travel + Leisure / Ciara McCune Best with Pockets Baleaf Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It These leggings will keep you super warm and comfortable without needing to layer up. What to Consider Not all colors come with three pockets, so take note when making your selection. For those who love winter hikes or spending time outside no matter how low temperatures drop, these thick and soft leggings are a great addition to your wardrobe. Not only are they comfortably stretchy and lined with super cozy fleece, most pairs come with a front pocket plus two side pockets where you can stash your phone, keys, dog bags, or anything else you may need for those nice winter walks. Our tester particularly liked how thick these leggings are. "I don't normally wear leggings as pants without something long over them, but these made me feel completely covered and secure. The fabric is nice and thick and the inner fleece is incredibly soft and kept me warm throughout my hikes," she said. While they keep you comfortable when enjoying the cold weather, they're also great to wear lounging around the house for a cozy afternoon indoors. Shoppers should note that even though the leggings fit true to size around the waist and hips, they do run long and may bunch around the ankles, depending on your height. Price at time of publish: $31 The Details: XS to 3XL | Polyester, spandex | Machine wash Best for Layering Tommy John Women's Go Anywhere Fleece-lined Brushed Leggings 4.5 Tommy John View On Tommyjohn.com Our Ratings Quality 4.8/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 4/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It The leg length is ideal for shorter heights. What to Consider The leggings might not be the warmest pair if they’re worn without another layer. Outdoor sports enthusiasts should consider getting a pair of Tommy John Women's Go Anywhere Fleece-lined Brushed Leggings for layering under snow or rain pants. The synthetic materials are comfortable and warm, and we found that the fit makes the leggings perfect for wearing under another layer. The leggings run true to size, and we love that the mid-rise style offers enough height and support that the waist doesn't roll and cause discomfort. "These are my new go-to casual leggings for errand running in cold weather when I'm wearing my cropped puffer," our tester said after regularly wearing them for two months. "I definitely would recommend this product. They're warmer and thicker than traditional leggings, but aren't insanely bulky so I'm not sweating if I spend an extended time inside." Price at time of publish: $128 The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester, spandex Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley_Parker Other Fleece-lined Leggings We Liked The two pairs of fleece-lined leggings listed below performed well during testing and almost made the cut, but there were a few minor flaws we noticed that had them falling short. L.L.Bean Primaloft ThermaStretch Fleece Tights: The leggings were comfortable for lounging, but due to a lack of compression, they slid down when our tester went running while wearing them. Hue Fleece-lined Denim Leggings: Designed to look like a pair of skinny jeans for everyday wear, we like how thick the material is, but they aren’t very versatile for activities other than running errands or going out. Our Testing Process We tested 20 pairs of fleece-lined leggings from athletic brands like Lululemon, Eddie Bauer, Under Armour, and more to find the best ones on the market. Our expert product testers wore the leggings for a variety of activities like running, biking, hiking in Iceland and Peru, and walking the dog on cold mornings. They were tasked with wearing the leggings for several weeks to evaluate quality, opacity, fit, durability, and performance. The fleece-lined leggings with the best scores for quality have a design that is flattering and functional with soft and thick materials. To judge the durability, we washed them several times to ensure the material didn’t stretch or pill easily. With leggings, there’s always a risk the material will be see-through, so we had our testers check for opacity by doing several squats in a mirror to ensure the leggings were completely opaque. After wearing the leggings for several hours, those with the best fit were comfortable to wear for long periods and had the right balance of compression and give. Whether our testers were running errands or working out, the best leggings we tried kept our legs warm with enough breathability that we didn’t overheat. Lastly, the prices of these leggings weren’t revealed to our testers until after testing was completed, at which time they judged the fairness of the cost compared to the ratings given in each testing category. Tips for Buying Fleece-lined Leggings Consider the rise of the waist Everyone has their preference for the waist rise of a pair of leggings, so it’s helpful to check how high the waist goes for the most comfortable fit. Most leggings are high-rise, but the specifications section of the product description will likely share the exact fit. Buy for intended use Whether you’re jogging, hiking, or running errands in the winter, you’ll want to think about the type of activity you’ll likely wear fleece-lined leggings for the most. Runners will want to get a pair of leggings that are compressing and insulating, but still have breathable materials like nylon or polyester. Those intending to lounge around a hotel or run errands, however, might not mind having a looser fit or materials that aren’t as moisture-wicking or breathable. Double-check the material Most fleece-lined leggings are made with synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or elastane. These types of materials are designed to be moisture-wicking, which is ideal for high-intensity activities like running or hiking in the cold. Cotton is the opposite of moisture-wicking, as it’s super absorbent and more likely to leave you feeling damp after a sweaty workout. You can essentially follow the same guidelines you would when buying regular leggings. Go for something stretchy, like a spandex blend, and moisture-wicking to keep you comfy in case the fleece causes you to sweat. If you plan on wearing your leggings in wet winter weather, you may also want to consider a water-resistant material like many polyester-spandex fabrics. It's important for your leggings to boast a handful of convenient features in addition to keeping you warm. Trust us when we say leggings with pockets are far superior to leggings without pockets (you just can't beat having built-in storage for your phone, keys, and cash). Others extend past your ankle to the middle of your foot for extra length and warmth, which can add more coverage and prevent them from bunching up. Frequently Asked Questions How do I wash fleece-lined leggings? While the tag on your leggings should include cleaning instructions, you can always play it safe by hand washing them or flipping them inside out and washing the pants in cold water with detergent. To avoid any shrinking or pilling, air-dry the leggings on a hanger or drying rack. What is the difference between thermal underwear and fleece-lined leggings? Thermal underwear is designed to be worn as a base layer for regulating temperature during outdoor activities when it’s cold outside. Fleece-lined leggings, and leggings in general, are made with breathable materials designed for working out, hiking, or running outdoors, and might not keep your legs as insulated as thermal underwear could. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure, where she writes about and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors and participated in the real-world tests to determine the best fleece-lined leggings for any adventure. The Best Thermal Underwear of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Instagram Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit