The 7 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Our winner was the 90 Degree By Reflex Fleece-Lined Leggings
People / Alli Waataja
With temperatures dipping into the single digits — not to mention negatives — it’s hard not to take mental stock of our wardrobes. Are we prepared for such bone-chilling weather? One way to ensure that you are is with a pair of fleece-lined leggings.
Fleece-lined leggings are known for their added insulation and warmth, which can be worn on their own or under other layers of clothing. However, like most garments, there are many iterations to choose from. To save you from having to buy and return a bunch of different pairs, we tested 21 of the most popular fleece-lined leggings on the market. In doing so, we paid special attention to things like quality, opacity, fit, performance, durability, and value to weed out the not-so-great options and make way for the best fleece-lined leggings money can buy.
Keep reading to discover the best fleece-lined leggings PEOPLE Tested.
Best Overall: 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-lined Leggings
Pros
They have a buttery soft interior.
The exterior fabric is silky and smooth.
They are not at all transparent.
Cons
The waistband is slightly tighter than the size implies.
After wearing the 90 Degree By Reflex leggings while cleaning the house and walking the dog, we found them to be unlike any fleece-lined leggings we have ever owned. They have a cozy, buttery soft interior, a smooth and toning exterior fabric, and a lengthy silhouette that works well for our long legs. We admit that these leggings have a slightly tighter waistband than expected; however, we think it adds to their function — being tighter around the belly helps them stay up no matter what activity you’re doing in them.
Most notably, the leggings are fully opaque and don’t deteriorate after washing. After several washes, walks, house cleanings, and general life, these have held up great — and still feel like new. Considering they’re a fraction of the price of most fleece-lined leggings, we recommend them to anyone who's looking for a functional pair of fleece-lined leggings at an affordable price.
Price at time of publish: $27.99
Material: 90% polyester, 10% spandex | Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 11 (as well as pocket options)
PEOPLE / Dera Burreson
Best Overall, Runner-Up: Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tights
Pros
These leggings didn't budge during wear.
The fabric is very soft to the touch.
They are warm but breathable.
Cons
They are on the pricier side comparatively.
We can’t say enough good things about the Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tights after testing them around the house, taking the dog out, and spending a snowy day outside in Breckenridge, Colo.
From the moment we put them on, we could tell these were high-quality leggings. The fit was perfect — snug enough to not slip down yet comfortable for all-day wear, through sitting, standing, walking, and running. The material is incredibly soft, with seams in well-thought-out places to avoid any uncomfortable chafing. While the leggings aren’t particularly thick, we were glad to notice just how warm and opaque they were during wear. Designed with the perfect amount of breathability, these leggings still kept us much warmer than regular pairs. Beyond that, these leggings held up beautifully in the wash, and we can anticipate being able to get a lot of use out of them before they show any signs of wear.
As for who we recommend these tights for? Everyone, no matter their activity of choice! This pair would be great for activities outdoors (hiking, biking, running, walking, etc.) but also comfortable enough to wear all day leisurely running errands on a cold day — allowing breathability when indoors but warmth as you go outside. They are on the pricier side, but we think they're worth it.
Price at time of publish: $99
Material: 90% recycled polyester, 10% spandex | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 8
PEOPLE / Ciara McCune
Best for Running: Lorna Jane Amy Winter Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings
Pros
These aren't super thick, but they're still very warm.
They help conceal underwear lines.
They are slightly compressive and lend to a toned-looking physique.
Cons
They are only available in black.
They are on the pricier side when they're not on sale.
If you’re looking for the perfect fleece-lined leggings for your next run, we assure you that the Lorna Jane Amy Winter Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings are a great choice. We wore these fleece-lined leggings while working out at home and running errands in 55-degree weather, and they quickly became our new favorite leggings. Other fleece-lined leggings that we have worn in the past are so thick they make your legs feel really heavy, due to the thickness of the fleece. These, on the other hand, feel more like regular everyday leggings thickness-wise but with added warmth (as well as a bit of compression that resembles shapewear).
Our favorite part about these black leggings with pockets is that they stay up and maintain warmth no matter the activity. While working out, the leggings did not make us feel hotter, but in 55-degree weather, they definitely warmed the legs up. It's almost as if they adjust to your body and are breathable when needed. Additionally, we applaud that they’re not at all see-through. In fact, they even help conceal panty lines.
Where some leggings stretch out and never bounce back to their original shape after wear and washing, these leggings do. In two weeks, we washed these leggings three times — and there were no changes to the logo on the back, the opacity, or the fleece on the inside.
If you are outside a lot in the fall and winter, then high-quality clothing is worth it, especially when you're confident that you'll have them for years. Only you can decide if the price fits within your budget.
Price at time of publish: $80 (orig. $126)
Material: 84% nylon, 16% elastane | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 1 (black)
Related: The 14 Best Cushioned Running Shoes of 2023, According to Running Experts
Best Everyday: Eddie Bauer Women's Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-rise Leggings
Pros
They look more like high-end leggings.
They feature pockets and a zippered compartment.
These leggings have a soft and cozy interior without being overly heavy.
The fabric is completely opaque.
Cons
They are warm enough for chilly days but perhaps not for frigid winter ones.
The Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings have earned hundreds of five-star reviews — and for good reason. On the outside, they look just like normal leggings that are well-structured and high-quality — they definitely don't give off a cheap athleticwear vibe. Throughout our testing, we were especially impressed with the ultra-soft interior fabric, snag-resistant exterior fabric, smooth-gliding zippered pocket, and high-waisted, budge-proof silhouette. The fabric is also completely opaque.
As much as we love them for everyday wear — we wore them all day long to a photo studio — we admit that they’re best for chilly days, not freezing ones. Additionally, we noticed the sizing isn’t entirely accurate, as the leggings run almost a size up; so even if you order your normal size, you should expect them to be a bit roomy (although they’re not so roomy that we would suggest actually sizing down).
Price at time of publish: $50.50 (orig. $99)
Material: 88% polyester, 12% spandex | Sizes: XS-3X (regular, petite, tall) | Colors: 4
Related: The 10 Very Best Black Leggings of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Lounging: Lands’ End Women's High Rise Serious Sweats Fleece Lined Pocket Leggings
Pros
These leggings are very warm and fit well.
We did not experience any stretching out or sagging during wear.
They are very thick, so they protect against both the cold and wind.
Cons
They're made with a sweatshirt-like material, which isn't the sleekest.
The regular version may be a tad long on shorter frames.
If your goal is to be as warm and cozy as possible while lounging about the house and running out for coffee, these leggings are for you. Part of what makes them wear so well is the fact that, despite being very thick, they maintain their shape (no stretching or sagging). In terms of function, these are super warm and fit nicely.
While these leggings are sold in seven colors and prints, they all look more casual than they appear online. In terms of appearance, the material is very sweatpant-like; we were expecting something a little sleek or glossy, but these very much emphasize function over fashion. Still, they're very warm and comfortable and perfect for casual days out and about in the cold and wind.
One last thing: These leggings fit taller people well; if you are shorter than average or classify as petite, be sure to order the petite version, which is offered in XS-XL.
Price at time of publish: $39
Material: 55% cotton, 41% polyester, 4% spandex | Sizes: XS-XL (regular, petite, tall) | Colors: 5
PEOPLE / Lauren Phillips
Related: The 15 Best Faux Leather Leggings of 2023, According to Fashion Experts
Best for Working Out: Under Armour Women's ColdGear Authentics Leggings
Pros
The fabric is completely opaque.
They are lightweight but warm.
They maintain their shape and don’t fall during wear.
Cons
They are only available in two colors.
They do not have pockets.
Whether you’re working out in a cold gym or outside in the elements, these Under Armour leggings will keep your muscles (and lower body as a whole) warm. We wore these leggings on long runs and walks as the temperature was changing and found them to be lightweight, stretchy, and thick (but not too thick). In short, they’re essentially your classic everyday athletic legging but with an extra layer of heat, thanks to the thin fleece lining. After testing several fleece-lined leggings, these are by far the most breathable and movable pair. Plus, they are completely opaque; not only did they pass the squat test, but they also hid the pool of sweat on our legs (something that's noticeable even in black leggings). They're available in two classic colors, black and navy.
What we love most about these fleece-lined leggings, though, is just how well they stay up throughout an entire workout. These did not fall down once while running (we usually have to pull up the waistband or the legs to keep them from falling); they stayed in place and were perfectly form-fitting throughout the entire workout. These leggings would be even better if they had a pocket.
Price at time of publish: $54.99
Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 2
Best for Hiking: Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight
Pros
They have a water-resistant exterior.
They are fully opaque.
These leggings are very durable, and they showed no signs of wear even after 20 miles of hiking.
Cons
They are not warm enough to be worn entirely on their own in freezing temps.
They are snugger than regular Lululemon pants, so you may want to size up.
Lululemon might be most renowned for its popular buttery soft Align collection, but the Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight has earned high praise during our testing, with features that function great for hiking.
We tested these leggings while in Iceland for five days, hiking roughly 20 miles in the process. In doing so, we found that these leggings are extremely soft, water-resistant, entirely opaque, very well-fitted, and didn't cause any discomfort. Maintaining their form during wear, we found that they’re a tiny bit snugger than typical Lululemon leggings and would recommend sizing up due to the thicker material.
Our only other complaint (if you can call it that) is that, while they’re warm, they’re not warm enough to be worn alone in below-freezing temps. However, the leggings did stay dry while it rained, which is a huge plus.
Price at time of publish: $148
Material: 82% nylon, 18% Lycra elastane | Sizes: 0-20 | Colors: 3
PEOPLE / Anna Popp
Related: The 12 Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2023 to Take You Wherever You Want to Go
How to Pick the Right Fleece-Lined Leggings
Material
Since leggings of all kinds are meant to be stretchy and form-fitting, a Tommy John spokesperson says that the best material make-up for fleece-lined leggings should always include spandex. Most of our top picks, including our best overall pick, 90 Degree By Reflex Fleece-Lined Leggings, have spandex. “You also want to look for insulation to keep you warm outdoors without overheating indoors,” they noted.
Activity
Not all fleece-lined leggings are made with the same activities in mind. As such, it’s important to consider what you’ll be wearing your fleece-lined leggings for so that you can determine the best color, weight, and fit. Our pick for the best fleece-lined leggings for running is the Lorna Jane Amy Winter Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Legging and for working out, Under Armour Women's ColdGear Authentics is our top pick. “Black is the most versatile color, great for everyday wear,” says Vivian Lee, director of styling at Dailylook. “If you're planning on wearing your fleece-lined leggings for layering, look for something sleek and lightweight, so you'll feel warm without adding any extra bulk. For exercising, go for something stretchy and comfortable, with a drawstring waist for a custom fit.”
How We Tested
We tested 21 of the most popular fleece-lined leggings and rated them on a scale of one to five in six key categories: quality, opacity, fit, performance, durability, and value. To adequately analyze these attributes, we performed stretch tests and squats in each pair of leggings, wore them for a couple of hours to determine how well they performed, and even tossed them in the wash based on the manufacturer’s care instructions. Once all the reviews were in, the totals were averaged to determine the top-rated pairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best materials for fleece-lined leggings?
Fleece-lined leggings are sold in a variety of textiles, but, most often, the fleece itself is made of synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, says Lee. “That’s because of their sweat-wicking and fast-drying properties,” she explains. “Spandex is also used for its stretchability, while cotton can be added for extra softness and comfort.” Additionally, she points out that some fleece-lined leggings can have a wind- and water-resistant outer layer, which is typically done through a special treatment to ensure water can’t pierce the fabric. Our top pick for hiking, Lululemon's Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight, has a water-resistant exterior layer.
When is the best time to wear fleece-lined leggings?
Wear fleece-lined leggings anytime you want to be extra warm and cozy. With that in mind, they’re great for winter and engaging in outdoor, cold-weather activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and running. That’s not to say you can’t wear them just out and about, too, though. “I love the casual look and versatility of fleece-lined leggings during the cooler months,” a Tommy John spokesperson shares.
Are fleece-lined leggings meant to be worn on their own or under other clothes?
“I love fleece-lined leggings for under ski pants or a snowsuit (those retro one-piece ones are in right now!) or you can wear them alone for winter activities or cozying up on a snowy day,” says stylist Jené Luciani Sena, author of The Bra Book. “You can never go wrong with leggings.” When deciding which fleece-lined leggings to buy, Lee says to consider what works for your wardrobe and lifestyle. “You can definitely wear fleece-lined leggings on their own, which is the most common way to wear this type of leggings,” she assures us. “However, if you would like to wear jeans or pants and need some extra warmth, you can totally layer a fleece-lined legging underneath.”
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Rebecca Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the Washington, D.C. metro area who has worked in beauty editorial for a decade. She joined the Byrdie team as a nail expert in 2019 and contributes to several lifestyle publications. She is a graduate of George Mason University, where she earned a B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. Based on our testers’ feedback, she compared several of the most popular fleece leggings on the market based on factors like price, quality, material, warmth, fit, opacity, durability, and style. For additional insight into buying fleece leggings, Norris spoke to Vivian Lee, director of styling at Dailylook, and Jené Luciani Sena, author of The Bra Book.
Meet Our Experts
Vivian Lee is the director of styling at Dailylook.
Jené Luciani Sena is a stylist and author of "The Bra Book."
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Up Next: The 13 Best Lululemon Leggings of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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