Are fleece-lined leggings see-through?

Some regular leggings are see-through, and some aren’t. And the same is true of fleece-lined leggings. To tell whether a pair of fleece-lined leggings is see-through, Bill Torrey , owner of Rock City Running, recommends holding them up to the light. “If you hold them up to the light, and the fabric is thin and light shows through, then they are not good quality,” Torrey says. And they’re likely to be see-through.

Do fleece-lined leggings keep you warm?

Fleece-lined leggings can keep you warm. But depending on how cold it is, you may want to pile on a few extra layers. “Fleece-lined leggings tend to be warmer, but there are different thicknesses that mean the warmth can vary,” Dworecki says. “It also can depend on how cold and windy it is outside.” If your goal is to stay as warm as possible, look for a pair of leggings lined with heavyweight fleece. (The weight of fleece is measured in GSM—grams per square meter. The higher the GSM, the heavier and warmer the fleece.) And consider sliding a pair of workout pants over your fleece-lined tights.

How to wash fleece-lined leggings

Lots of fleece-lined leggings are machine-washable and dryer-friendly. But to keep your fleece-lined leggings in tip-top shape, Torrey recommends washing them inside-out and letting them air dry. Dworecki has similar advice. “If you have the time, you can hand wash your fleece-lined leggings in the sink with cold water and a mild detergent,” she says. “Rinse them thoroughly with cold water, wring them out, and hang them to dry.” She notes that if you’re pressed for time, you can also turn the leggings inside-out and machine wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water—just like Torrey suggested. You can then machine dry the leggings on low heat.

How do I keep fleece-lined leggings from pilling?

One easy way to keep your fleece-lined leggings from pilling? Exercise caution when washing and drying them. “Washing them inside-out can stop them from pilling, and air drying them can too]” Dworecki says. And if your leggings are already pilling, you do have options. “If they have already started to pill, you can use a razor or fabric shaver to remove the little knit balls,” Dworecki says.

Are fleece-lined leggings waterproof?

Most fleece-lined leggings are not waterproof. So if you want a pair of waterproof fleece-lined leggings, look for a pair that have been finished with a water-repellent coating.

The 9 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings of 2022

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Commerce Photo Composite — Verywell / Chloe Jeong

Leggings make a classic addition to any workout wardrobe. But once it gets cold outside, you might start craving something a little warmer than your go-to running tights. And in these moments, trading your typical tights for a pair of fleece-lined leggings can make a cold-weather workout much more comfortable.

Reviewed & Approved

Our top pick, Athleta Women’s Rainier Tights, provide the perfect combination of a comfortable, high-rise stretch tight with a plush, warm lining. For men, Under Armour’s ColdGear Compression Leggings have fleece lining along with moisture-wicking and quick drying features that make them a top choice.

When shopping for fleece-lined leggings, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a few things. “First, make sure the leggings are actually fleece-lined, as some are just thicker leggings with a softer feel,” says Amie Dworecki, Head Running Coach at Running With Life. Then, consider things like style and length. High-waisted, full-length leggings may be your warmest option. But focus on finding a pair you’ll feel comfortable in—even if that means snagging something low-rise or cropped. Other nice-to-have features include pockets, anti-odor technology, and water-repellent finishes.

To find the best fleece-lined leggings, we researched pairs from dozens of best-in-class fitness apparel brands and evaluated them for a few key features. Leggings had to be genuinely fleece-lined and we favored options that were available in a range of sizes, inseam lengths, and colors. We selected the leggings that would be best for specific use cases (think: leggings that were heavy-duty enough for hiking, or sleek enough to layer under ski pants).

Based on our reviews, these are the best fleece-lined leggings on the market today.

Our Top Picks

Best Women's Overall:

Athleta Women’s Rainier Tights at Gap.com

Jump to Review

Best Men's Overall:

Under Armour ColdGear Compression Leggings at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Women's Budget:

90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece Lined Leggings at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Men's Budget:

LAPASA Long Thermal Underwear at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Hiking:

Backcountry Frary Fleece Tight at Backcountry.com

Jump to Review

Best for Walking:

Athleta Peak Hybrid Fleece Tight at Gap.com

Jump to Review

Best Plus Size:

ZERDOCEAN Plus Size Cotton Fleece Leggings at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Maternity:

POSHDIVAH Maternity Fleece-Lined Leggings at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Skiing:

Backcountry Hybrid Grid Fleece 3/4 Bottom at Backcountry.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Courtesy of Athleta

Pros

Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Equipped with several pockets
Lined with reflective details

Cons

Plus sizes aren’t available in different inseam lengths
Tall sizes may still run short

Because of their warm, soft interior and comfortable fit, Athleta Women’s Rainier Tights are our top choice in fleece leggings. What we love most about these tights is that they're lined with Athleta’s Plush SuperSonic fabric, a soft brushed fleece that can keep you cozy on cold days. These versatile tights also have a high-rise waist, so you don’t have to worry about tugging them up all the time.

Beyond keeping you warm and comfortable during a cold-weather workout, these performance tights were designed specifically for medium- and high-impact workouts, Made from a classic high-performance nylon, the Athleta Rainier Tights are warm and breathable.

These leggings come with reflective accents for visibility, and thoughtful details, like zipper pockets to secure valuables and a drop-in back pocket for a phone. And since they’re available in an inclusive size range, three inseam lengths, and five different colors, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding your perfect pair.

Sizes: XXS–3X | Styles: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Five

Courtesy of Under Armour

Pros

Four-way stretch construction
Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Ventilated and equipped with anti-odor technology

Cons

No built-in fly
Seams are thick and may cause chafing

Stretchy, comfortable, and warm, Under Armour’s UA Men's ColdGear Compression Leggings are the perfect layering piece. The dual-layer leggings are made from a stretchy blend of polyester and elastane, and they boast a cozy brushed lining that should keep you warm on cold days.

The leggings are designed with a four-way stretch construction, so they should move with you every time you exercise. And since they’re designed to wick moisture and dry quickly, they should keep you feeling fresh, even as you start to work up a sweat. To top things off, the leggings are equipped with anti-odor technology. And they’re available in an inclusive size range, two inseam lengths, and five different colors.

Sizes: S–4XL | Styles: Regular, tall | Colors: Five

90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-Lined Leggings

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Equipped with deep pockets
Movement-friendly interlocking seams
Comfortable high-rise fit

Cons

May run small due to thick lining
Prone to pilling when machine-washed

Want to save a buck on a great pair of fleece-lined leggings? Give 90 Degree by Reflex’s Fleece-Lined Leggings a try. Crafted from a blend of polyester and spandex, the high-rise leggings should feel stretchy and smooth, and their plush fleece lining should make them particularly cozy. The brand actually recommends sizing up when you buy the leggings, because their fleece lining is so thick.

The leggings also come equipped with deep built-in pockets and a cozy high-rise waistband—two features that make them even more convenient and comfortable. And since they’re available in an inclusive size range and a whopping 40 different colorways, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from as you shop.

Sizes: XS–3X | Styles: Regular | Colors: 40

Amazon

Pros

Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Four-way stretch construction
Built-in, no-zip fly

Cons

May run small or short

There’s a lot to love about LAPASA’s Men's Thermal Underwear. The fleece-lined leggings are made from a blend of soft polyester and stretchy spandex, so you can expect them to feel both cozy and flexible. And thanks to their four-way stretch design, the leggings should be easy to move around in despite their snug fit.

What sets the leggings apart, though, is not that they’re remarkably budget-friendly—it’s that they’re remarkably customizable, too. Snag a pair, and you’ll be able to choose from five different sizes, four different colors, and three different fleece weights. That’s right—when you pick out a pair, you’ll be able to decide whether you want lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight fleece lining the inside of your leggings. (And of course, you can always snag different options to wear in different conditions.)

Sizes: S–XXL | Styles: Regular | Colors: Four

Backcountry

Pros

DWR (durable water repellent) finish
Large side pocket
Adjustable drawcord

Cons

Fleece may only line the front of your legs

Backcountry’s Frary Fleece Tights are designed to keep you cozy on your coldest hikes, runs, and lther outdoor adventures. The thermal tights are made from soft polyester and lined with plush fleece. And since they've been finished with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, you can trust them to hold up even when it starts to drizzle.

Though the tights are designed to feel thick and durable, they should be stretchy enough for comfortable movement. And since they come equipped with a spacious side pocket, you should have an easy place to store your phone, your wallet, and other small must-haves every time you explore.

Sizes: XS–XXL | Styles: Regular | Colors: Three

Athleta

Pros

Water-repellant and abrasion-resistant
Equipped with three zip-up pockets
Comfortable high-rise fit

Cons

Prone to pilling
May not be very tight or compressive

Athleta’s Peak Hybrid Fleece Tights are thick, warm, and durable—a great combination for cold-weather walks. The leggings are made from a nylon-spandex blend that feels both stretchy and sturdy. And since they’re lined with Athleta’s Plush SuperSonic midweight fleece, you can expect them to feel warm and cozy, too.

As if that weren’t enough, the leggings are also water-repellent and abrasion-resistant, meaning they can hold up to a little bad weather on walks and some wear and tear, too. And since the tights come equipped with three zip-up pockets, you should have plenty of room to securely store your stuff on your walks.

ZERDOCEAN Plus Size Cotton Fleece Leggings

Amazon

Pros

Stretchy-soft exterior, cozy interior
Thick and opaque
Comfortable high-rise fit

Cons

May not be very tight or compressive

Stretchy, soft, and cozy, ZERDOCEAN’s Plus-Size Fleece-Lined Leggings are a great find. The high-rise leggings are made from a blend of soft cotton and stretchy spandex. And their fluffy fleece lining makes them particularly warm and cozy. The thick leggings are designed to run from waist to ankle, and their extra-long waistband promises to lay flat—never pinching, bunching, or rolling.

The leggings are available in five different sizes (1X–5X). And since they come in four versatile colors, it shouldn’t be tough to find a pair worth wearing every day.

Sizes: 1X–5X | Styles: Regular | Colors: Four

POSHDIVAH Maternity Fleece-Lined Leggings

Amazon

Pros

Extra-high-rise, extra-stretchy waistband
Easy-to-follow sizing chart
Comfortable fit

Cons

Prone to pilling

POSHDIVAH’s Maternity Fleece-Lined Leggings are designed with an extra-high rise style to slip comfortably over a baby bump. Crafted from a blend of soft polyester and stretchy spandex, the leggings should feel cozy but flexible. And since their extra-long waistband is made from an even stretchier blend of nylon and spandex, you should have the flexibility you need to wear the fleece-lined leggings during different stages of pregnancy.

The leggings are available in five different sizes, and POSHDIVAH’s sizing chart conveniently includes hip and abdominal circumference measurements, so it shouldn’t be hard to find your perfect fit. Snag the leggings in one of four striking colors, or stock up on two pairs at once with a two-pack.

Sizes: S–XXL | Styles: Regular | Colors: Four

Backcountry

Pros

Heavyweight and ultra-warm
Hybrid fleece construction
Lined with strategically placed mesh ventilation panels

Cons

May run small or tight

Backcountry’s Hybrid Grid Fleece 3/4 Bottoms should feel insulated but breathable—a balance that can be tough to strike with a base layer. The leggings were designed with snow sports like skiing and snowboarding in mind, so they should be low-profile enough to slip under ski pants. But despite their sleek silhouette, the tights promise to keep you warm and cozy in cold temperatures.

The tights are made from a moisture-wicking polyester-spandex blend, and they’re lined with two different types of fleece. This hybrid fleece construction is designed to keep you warm without overheating you. This is complemented by strategically placed mesh panels, which should ventilate your legs when you start to heat up.

Sizes: XS–XL | Styles: Regular | Colors: Three

Final Verdict

Athleta’s Rainier Tights (view at Athleta) are a great option. The fan-favorite leggings are stretchy enough to wear during workouts and cozy enough to spend all day in. And they’re lined with thoughtful finishing touches, like zipper pockets and reflective accents that will increase your visibility on dark days.

Looking for a great base layer? Consider Under Armour’s UA Men's ColdGear Compression Leggings (view at Dick's Sporting Goods). The fleece-lined leggings are cozy, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, so they should keep you warm on cold days. And since they’re equipped with anti-odor technology, they should keep you fresh and comfortable—even when you start working up a sweat.

What to Look for in Fleece-Lined Leggings

Material

Fleece-lined leggings can be made from a range of different materials—both inside and out. Typically, you’ll find an exterior made of stretchy synthetic fibers like nylon, spandex, elastane, and polyester. And you’ll find an inner fleece lining made from polyester. These fibers are commonly used in fitness clothes, so they should be comfortable to work out in. But if staying warm is your goal, Dworecki recommends staying away from cotton. The material that tends to wick moisture and hold onto it, so it may leave you feeling cold and wet.

Rise and Inseam Length

Leggings come in many different silhouettes—with waistbands that range from low-rise to high-rise and inseam lengths that range from cropped to full-length. Obviously, the more of your body that the leggings cover, the warmer you should be. So high-rise, full-length leggings should be your warmest option.

But since comfort is also a concern, focus on finding a pair of leggings you’ll feel comfortable wearing and working out in.

Nice-to-Have Features

Odds are, there will be a few pairs of fleece-lined leggings that fit you comfortably. And you can use nice-to-have features to further narrow down your selection. Some leggings come lined with pockets. Others come finished with a water-repellent coating. And some others come equipped with anti-odor technology. Consider the conditions you’ll encounter when wearing fleece-lined leggings, and make sure yours are up to the task.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fleece-lined leggings see-through?

Some regular leggings are see-through, and some aren’t. And the same is true of fleece-lined leggings. To tell whether a pair of fleece-lined leggings is see-through, Bill Torrey, owner of Rock City Running, recommends holding them up to the light. “If you hold them up to the light, and the fabric is thin and light shows through, then they are not good quality,” Torrey says. And they’re likely to be see-through.
Do fleece-lined leggings keep you warm?

Fleece-lined leggings can keep you warm. But depending on how cold it is, you may want to pile on a few extra layers. “Fleece-lined leggings tend to be warmer, but there are different thicknesses that mean the warmth can vary,” Dworecki says. “It also can depend on how cold and windy it is outside.”
If your goal is to stay as warm as possible, look for a pair of leggings lined with heavyweight fleece. (The weight of fleece is measured in GSM—grams per square meter. The higher the GSM, the heavier and warmer the fleece.) And consider sliding a pair of workout pants over your fleece-lined tights.
How to wash fleece-lined leggings

Lots of fleece-lined leggings are machine-washable and dryer-friendly. But to keep your fleece-lined leggings in tip-top shape, Torrey recommends washing them inside-out and letting them air dry.
Dworecki has similar advice. “If you have the time, you can hand wash your fleece-lined leggings in the sink with cold water and a mild detergent,” she says. “Rinse them thoroughly with cold water, wring them out, and hang them to dry.” She notes that if you’re pressed for time, you can also turn the leggings inside-out and machine wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water—just like Torrey suggested. You can then machine dry the leggings on low heat.
How do I keep fleece-lined leggings from pilling?

One easy way to keep your fleece-lined leggings from pilling? Exercise caution when washing and drying them. “Washing them inside-out can stop them from pilling, and air drying them can too]” Dworecki says. And if your leggings are already pilling, you do have options. “If they have already started to pill, you can use a razor or fabric shaver to remove the little knit balls,” Dworecki says.
Are fleece-lined leggings waterproof?

Most fleece-lined leggings are not waterproof. So if you want a pair of waterproof fleece-lined leggings, look for a pair that have been finished with a water-repellent coating.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.