Activewear The 11 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings of 2023 Athleta's Rainier Tights are the perfect choice for cold-weather workouts By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 19, 2023 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim LinkedIn Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. 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. 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 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). We also had a board-certified science editor from our Review Board review this article for accuracy. Editor’s Note About BPA in Activewear Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in some types of plastic. Research has shown that exposure to high levels of BPA can lead to obesity, hormonal imbalances, and uterine cancer, among other health complications. On May 18, 2023, building on its findings from last fall, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing blends of polyester and spandex. California law states that your skin can safely absorb up to 3 micrograms of BPA daily. CEH found that some leggings, sports bras, shorts, and athletic shirts may expose wearers to over 120 micrograms in a day, according to CNN.CEH found high levels of BPA in sports bras from Sweaty Betty, leggings from Nike, Athleta, Champion, Patagonia, and Kohl’s, shorts from Champion, Nike, and Adidas, and athletic shirts from Fabletics. We may recommend some of these products or similar items from these brands in this list, as these products have not been recalled and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled. As a precaution, it is best to limit the amount of time you spend in activewear by changing out of it when you are finished working out. Our Top Picks Best Women's Overall: Athleta Rainier Tight 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 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 Running: Lululemon Base Pace Fleece Tight at Lululemon Jump to Review Best for Walking: Athleta 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 Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Women's Overall Athleta Women’s Rainier Tight 4.8 Athleta View On Gap.com 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 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. Price at time of publication: $109Key Specs:Sizes: XXS–3X | Styles: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Five Best Men's Overall Under Armour ColdGear Compression Leggings Amazon View On Amazon View On Dick's 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. Price at time of publication: $50Key Specs:Sizes: S–4XL | Styles: Regular, tall | Colors: Five Best Women's Budget 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece Lined Leggings Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstromrack.com 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. Price at time of publication: Starting at $19Key Specs:Sizes: XS–3X | Styles: Regular | Colors: 40 We Tested the 14 Best lululemon Leggings of 2023 Best Men's Budget LAPASA Long Thermal Underwear Amazon View On 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.) Price at time of publication: Starting at $17Key Specs:Sizes: S–XXL | Styles: Regular | Colors: Four The 9 Best Yoga Pants for Men of 2023 for Comfort and Fit Best for Hiking Backcountry Frary Fleece Tight Backcountry View On Backcountry.com 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 other 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. Price at time of publication: Starting at $37Key Specs:Sizes: XS–XXL | Styles: Regular | Colors: Three Best for Running Lululemon Base Pace High-Rise Fleece Running Tight Lululemon View On Lululemon Pros Water-repellent Designed with no inseam (to cut down on chafing) Equipped with a discreet back pocket Cons More expensive than others on this list At first glance, Lululemon’s Base Pace High-Rise Fleece Tights, one of the brand's many high-quality leggings, look like a classic pair of running tights. They’re crafted from a stretchy, water-repellent fabric—one that should keep you comfortable on your runs, even when it starts to rain. And they’re lined with runner-friendly details, including a discreet back pocket, an easy-to-cinch drawcord, and inseam-free legs designed to cut down on chafing. But slide on the tights, and you’ll realize they’re anything but average. Their high-performance exterior is complemented by an ultra-cozy interior lined with Lululemon’s plush TechFleece fabric. This dual-layer design makes the tights a perfect pick for cold-weather runs. And it certainly also doesn’t hurt that they come in an inclusive size range. They are on the pricey side, but we have some tricks to navigate lululemon's "We Made Too Much" section. Price at time of publication: Starting at $69Key Specs:Sizes: 0–20 | Styles: Regular | Colors: One Best for Walking Athleta Peak Hybrid Fleece Tight Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Water-repellent 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. Price at time of publication: $108 We Tested the Best Walking Shoes—These 10 Will Keep You Comfortable All Day Long Best Plus-Size ZERDOCEAN Plus Size Cotton Fleece Leggings Amazon View On 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. Price at time of publication: Starting at $22Key Specs:Sizes: 1X–5X | Styles: Regular | Colors: Four Best Maternity POSHDIVAH Maternity Fleece-Lined Leggings Amazon View On 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. Price at time of publication: Starting at $25Key Specs:Sizes: S–XXL | Styles: Regular | Colors: Four Best for Skiing Backcountry Hybrid Grid Fleece 3/4 Bottom Backcountry View On Backcountry.com 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. Price at time of publication: Starting at $27Key Specs:Sizes: XS–XL | Styles: Regular | Colors: Three Best High-Waisted Lululemon Wunder Lounge Super-High-Rise Tight Lululemon View On Lululemon Pros Thick but stretchy Extra-long, lay-flat waistband Comfortable, ultra-high-rise fit Cons Some sizing/fit inconsistencies If you love high-waisted leggings, Lululemon’s Wunder Lounge Super-High-Rise Tights are worth adding to your collection. The cozy leggings are made from micromodal fleece, which feels thick and soft on the outside of the leggings and plush and fuzzy on the inside. And since the leggings contain just a touch of stretchy elastane, you can expect them to feel flexible and exercise-friendly, too. The leggings come complete with other thoughtful features, like a thick waistband that promises to lay flat and a deep back pocket that’s perfect for storing small necessities. And they’re available in four striking colors, as well as eight different sizes. Price at time of publication: $49Key Specs:Sizes: 0–14 | Styles: Regular | Colors: Five The 10 Best Yoga Pants Alternatives to Lululemon of 2020 How We Selected the Best Fleece-Lined Leggings To select the best fleece-lined leggings, we researched and analyzed reviews and specs for dozens of fleece-lined leggings from top apparel brands, including Athleta, Under Armour, Backcountry, and more, to find the best products on the market. We prioritized leggings with quality, durable material, and a solid size range. We also favored leggings with added features, such as a water-repellent coating and extra pockets. We then consulted to two experts—a running coach and an owner of a specialty running, walking, and active lifestyle boutique—to get their expert insights on what to look for when shopping for fleece-lined leggings. The experts we talked to included: Amie Dworecki, head running coach at Running With Life Bill Torrey, owner of Rock City Running in Little Rock, Arizona 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 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. Of course, it will be up to you to adjust your workout underwear accordingly. To tell whether a pair of fleece-lined leggings are 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 has 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. The Best Cold Weather Running Gear, According to a Running Coach 3 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Nutrition C for FS and A. Questions & answers on bisphenol a (Bpa) use in food contact applications. FDA. Published online March 27, 2023. Ohore O., Zhang S. Endocrine disrupting effects of bisphenol A exposure and recent advances on its removal by water treatment systems. A review. Scientific African. 2019;5:e00135. Kavilanz P. A growing number of sports bras, shirts and leggings brands found with high levels of toxic chemical, watchdog warns | CNN Business. CNN. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit