Top 14 Fleece-Lined Leggings to Keep You Cozy in 2023

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'Winter is coming' may sound daunting, especially for outdoor workout enthusiasts, however, it shouldn’t be if you can equip yourself with the right layers of clothing. This would not only enable you to perform your exercise routine amidst any weather condition but can also—surprisingly—make you appreciate it.

Fleece-lined leggings offer the dual benefit of providing you with the warmth that you expect from your typical sweatpants while also offering the technical fitness properties of your summer spandex. These leggings are your perfect companion for diverse occasions ranging from a run, a hike, snowshoe, to a casual coffee rendezvous; they equip you for any weather scenario created by Mother Nature.

Lululemon is popular among active women for a reason, as its expertise in making incredible leggings cannot be contested. The brand’s Fast and Free leggings are a crowd favorite and made with water-repellent tech fleece fabric especially for the winter season. This provides a four-way stretch that we love and yearn for every time around along with a brushed interior for added warmth. An adjustable waistband and a continuous drawcord aid in keeping the leggings in the right place, thus eliminating the need to continuously adjust them during movements. They come equipped with quite a few pockets and don’t lose their form even after prolonged use.

Specifications: Sizes: 0-20 | Material: 82% Nylon, 18% Lycra elastane | Length: 28” inseam | Best For: Running, hiking, walking, outdoor sports, travel, lifestyle

You won’t be surprised if you find yourself purchasing these over and over again. Their brushed-fleece interiors make them so soft and pleasant on the skin that they somehow strike the sweet spot between breathable and cozy. You never have to worry about a sweaty fabric clinging to your body post a run, even when you've run several miles, which can be seen as an impressive scientific achievement. Comfortable for walks in cold temperatures of approximately 10-20º and can also be used for a run in similar temperatures, these leggings are not only extremely durable but also retain their warmth, shape, consistency, and color even after heavy and continuous usage. 

Specifications: Sizes: XXS-3X | Material: Recycled Nylon/Lycra, Plush SuperSonic | Length: 27” inseam | Best For: Hiking, walking, running, travel, lifestyle

Sometimes keeping things simple is the way to go. During a swift tempo run or an enduring 20-mile long run, you don't necessarily need a lot of thick fleece to keep you warm (as the generated body heat already does that). Three-layer soft shell fabric is protective against extremely cold winds, especially in the thigh region, whereas a brushed interior fabric spread across the calf helps to prevent your lower body parts from getting cold. They also come with the added benefit of being equipped with reflectors to ensure visibility during low-light winter months. 

Specifications: Sizes: XS-XL | Material: 91% polyester, 9% spandex | Length: 25” inseam | Best For: Running

These sleek, high-waisted winter leggings from Amazon do more than being just budget-friendly: Almost everyone who has tried them vouch for their effectiveness at keeping the cold out. Made with polyester and spandex, they are lined with soft-brushed micro fleece. They are ideal for outdoor workouts in temperatures below 40º. Do note, though, they can cause sweat build-up in warmer temperatures and it may be visible depending upon the fabric color. If you prefer side pockets, do remember to check it when ordering: The base model has one hidden pocket for keys, whereas the “3 pockets” model provides two regular side pockets for your phone and other essentials. Regardless of your pocket preference, these are a winter must-have. 

Specifications: Sizes: S-3XL | Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex | Length: 28-29” inseam | Best For: Running, hiking, travel, camping, lifestyle

Planning an adventurous trip to the snow-covered mountains of Jackson Hole or hunting the Northern Lights in Alaska during the winter? Then these leggings are the only clothing accessory that you’ll require. The softshell fabric fits comfortably while also providing adequate support, the ultra-soft fleece lining ensures ample warmth while hiking in sub-20º weather. Just pair them with an oversized sweater after your outdoor activities and you are all set for an evening out in town or a peaceful night by the fireplace. 

Specifications: Sizes: XS-XL | Material: 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex | Length: 29' inseam | Best For: Walking, Hiking, Travel, Lifestyle

Your favourite summer joggers are now winter-ready! These joggers have a softshell exterior that can handle harsh weather conditions and a super-soft fleece interior to keep you warm during every activity. They have a tapered fit and an adjustable ankle hem, making them easy to pair with any footwear, be it sneakers, boots or slip-ons. Plus, the jogger cut is flattering since the cozy fleece lining doesn't add extra bulk.

Available in sizes: XS-XL | Made from: Shell of 88% Nylon and 12% Elastane with microfleece lining | Length: 32” inseam | Ideal for: Hiking, Camping, Lifestyle

Make space in your closet for your new winter companion. These leggings feature the brand’s special FrostKnit fabric which is brushed on the inside for comfort. They provide warmth and wick away sweat while drying quickly. They make the perfect winter leggings, keeping you warm without making you sweat too much during high-intensity activities in temperatures as low as 20 degrees F, and equally suitable for less intensive activities in 50-degree weather.

Do note, these leggings are more compressive and less stretchy than other OV leggings, so consider getting a size larger.

Size: XXS-XXXL | Made from: 36% Lycra, 34% Nylon, 30% Polyester | Inseam: 26” | Ideal for: Running, hiking, walking, outdoor sports, travel, lifestyle

If you think there's a limit to owning black leggings, think again. Once you put on these cold weather tights, you'll never want to take them off. The fleece interior is brushed for extra softness, providing lightweight, breathable warmth. The highly-rated PrimaLoft fabric gives a smooth and abrasion-resistant finish on the outside.

Size: XS-XL | Made from: 48% polyester, 43% nylon, 9% spandex | Length: 28” inseam | Ideal for: Walking, hiking, lifestyle

These Nike Women’s Therma-Fit Leggings hit the perfect balance: secure but not too tight, warm without bulk, supportive but not restrictive. These leggings manage your body heat perfectly. While they might not keep you warm enough in freezing temperatures, they're perfect for moderately chilly weather and transitional months.

Size: 0X-4X | Made from: 80% polyester, 20% spandex | Ideal for: Running, hiking, walking, outdoor sports, travel, lifestyle

The chilly winter shouldn't stop you from being active. These leggings combine the comfort of extra-warm Polartec fleece with a tightly knit exterior to keep you warm. They can be paired with waterproof ski pants on wet winter days or worn on their own on dry, cold days. These tights handle any running, hiking, cross-country skiing, or casual winter walking weather conditions.

Size: XS-XL | Made from: 90% recycled polyester, 10% spandex | Length: 29” inseam | Ideal for: Running, hiking, walking, skiing, skating

Though fleece is known for its warmth and softness, these leggings go a step further. With a brushed fleece lining that traps heat, they keep you cozy in the coldest temperatures. They manage wet conditions brilliantly, preventing water soaking all through.

Size: XS-3XL | Made from: 82% Polyester, 18% Spandex | Inseam: 27.8” | Ideal for: Running, hiking, walking, outdoor sports, travel, lifestyle

Under Armour’s cold gear has proven its worth for over a decade. The dual-layer ColdGear construction offers a smooth fast-drying exterior and a brushed, heat-trapping interior, making it perfect for temperatures between 10-35°F. With a tight, second-skin compression fit and welded seams that eliminate chafing, these leggings stay in place without causing any distractions during a high-intensity workout.

The specifications of this pair of leggings are as follows: Size: XS-XXL | Material composition: 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane | Length: 26” inseam | Suitable for: Running, hiking, tennis, and high-intensity outdoor workouts

If you appreciate the aesthetic of Lululemon but find the cost prohibitive, you might consider these leggings. They come with a high waistband for a flattering fit, outsized side pockets designed to accommodate your phone, and a brushed fleece lining. The leggings are not only compressive but also allow for four-way stretch, making them perfect for activities like ice skating or long walks, or for simply lounging on a snowy day. They are lightweight enough to stand alone or be worn under ski pants.

Detailed specifications: Size: S-XXL | Fabric: 12% spandex,88% polyester | Length: 28” inseam | Ideal for: running, hiking, lifestyle, and casual use.

One common issue with fleece-lined leggings is that they can feel heavy compared to non-winter leggings. Thankfully, the brand has upgraded its DriLayer Threshold fabric material to be even warmer. Use these leggings for your walks, biking, or simply running errands on cold days. They can be used on the coldest days under ski pants. These leggings can be deployed for a range of uses, much like the ubiquitous Little Black Dress (LBD).

Product details include: Size: XS-XXL | Fabric: 79% recycled polyester and 21% spandex | Inseam: 26.5” | Suitable for: Hiking, walking, outdoor sports, travel, and everyday use.

As part of our review process, our team examined the most valuable features of fleece-lined leggings. This started with considerations of material and price, moving on to other factors such as comfort, fit, and durability. Our research involved identifying the market's most favoured fleece-lined leggings and conducting a real-world test for each product in wintry conditions. Separate rating systems were employed to evaluate the fit, comfort levels, warmth, and ease of use of each pair indoors. We then undertook 3-4 runs in varying harsh weather environments, noting the warmth levels and comfort while exercising as well as any other datums that improved the experience.

Wearing fleece-lined leggings is an optimal way to beat the cold. While shopping for the right pair, consider the material, fit, and your own requirements.

Make sure your chosen pair is truly fleece-lined. Many leggings advertised as winter wear are in fact simply thicker in nature, which will not provide as much warmth. If the leggings are marketed as 'fleece-lined' or have a 'brushed interior', their heat-trapping quality is ensured. The fleecy interior consists of soft polyester fibres, woven together to emulate the comfort of sweatpants. Some leggings manufactured with premium-grade mixtures incorporate features such as breathable fabric, odour-trapping and moisture-wicking capabilities, and resistance against pilling. Any leggings that contain traces of cotton - a highly absorbent fabric - can become heavy and soggy following a workout.

The leggings will ideally sit below the belly button (mid-cut) or around your natural waistline (high-cut). For high-intensity activities such as running, opt for a tighter fit to prevent chafing and a gusset sewed in for comfort. If you are considering these leggings for casual or leisure wear, a looser fit would be more appropriate.

It’s important to think about the type of activity you’ll be using fleece-lined leggings for the most. Are you thinking of chilling morning runs, or hiking in the snow? Cross-country skiing, or running errands around town? Runners will want leggings that have a tight, compressive fit and provide lots of breathability, but may not need as much plush fleece inside. Those planning on lower-intensity activities such as walking or hiking in wet conditions will likely want more interior warmth combined with a protective exterior to keep them dry. Think you’ll wear them mostly around town while running errands? Then overall fit and style will likely top your list of priorities. 

As a health and fitness editor who has been regularly testing all categories of activewear since 2009, Jen Ator has nearly 15 years of pinpointing the highs and lows of leggings. Living in Colorado, Jen is frequently exposed to chilly temps–whether she’s training for a marathon, hiking a snow-capped mountain, or cross-country skiing–so she personally knows what to look for in terms of comfort, material, and performance. For this piece, Jen consulted with our testing team, incorporating a wide range of real-world testing as well as market research insights to determine our winners for best fleece-lined leggings across a variety of categories.