We Tested These Fleece-Lined Leggings to Find the Best for Cold Weather

Winter tries its hardest to keep us inside the house, but let’s be honest — there’s only so much time you can spend indoors before you go a little stir-crazy. That’s where fleece-lined leggings come in: This soft and insulating wintertime layer helps keep your lower body warm so that you can brave the cold and get those outdoor workouts in.

Whether you’re jogging, doing yard work, ice skating, or simply stepping out for a stroll, you’ll be glad you have a pair of fleece-lined leggings on.

The Best Fleece-Lined Leggings

What to Consider

When buying a pair of fleece leggings, take note of these details:

Material

First, determine whether they’re really made of fleece — words like “fleece-lined,” “brushed pile,” or “brushed interior” get you on the right track. Fleece is a fabric that has a pile surface — a layer of cut fibers — on both sides, meaning it can trap warm air between the threads while still retaining a comfy and non-restrictive feel. It’s also good to know that while they're somewhat heat-trapping, other winter-advertised tights and leggings aren’t really made of fleece. Some are simply made with a thicker fabric, and others are actually thermals, which use a blend of wool, nylon, and cotton to have more of a compression effect.

Water Resistance

Also, consider how moisture-wicking you need your leggings to be. While fleece is great at keeping you nice and toasty under skirts or dresses (or even under ski pants) and does have an impermeable layer, not all fleece is water-resistant. Wearing it in sleety conditions or even during a sweaty indoor workout won’t be the most comfortable unless the legging instructions specify that it's sweat-wicking. For non-workouts — just like your trusty jacket or favorite throw — fleece is best for lounging, layering, or light-to-moderate outdoor movement.

How We Chose

We set out to find the best fleece-lined leggings to keep you warm during winter workouts. We read user reviews, looked at product roundups, and used our own testing experience with fleece leggings to determine the warmest, most comfortable, and most durable options out there. During our research and testing, we evaluated more than 20 products to narrow down our list and ranked the ones we tested on a scale of least warm (🔥) to warmest (🔥🔥🔥).

Match these fleece leggings with your trusty heated socks, winter running jacket, and thermal gloves, and facing the wintry chill will soon be no big deal.