We love a breathable pair of leggings that also keeps you warm — check out our favorite fleece-lined pairs.
Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021. Light Weight Yarn Knitting Patterns
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Lululemon / Eddie Bauer / Under Armour
It’s safe to say leggings are some of the most comfortable pants you can have in your wardrobe. However, when the temperatures start to drop, your regular leggings won’t be enough to keep your legs warm the way a pair of temperature-regulating, fleece-lined leggings can.
Designed for activities like hiking in the snow or walking on a crisp fall morning, fleece-lined leggings have a soft polyester interior for insulation and a stretchy nylon outer layer for breathability so you don’t overheat. From hiking in rural Iceland to running errands in the city, we tried 20 pairs of leggings in real-world settings and evaluated them based on attributes like quality, performance, fit, and opacity.
The leggings are made with thick materials that feel lightweight and premium.
They run a little big.
Eddie Bauer is well known for its selection of top-tier outdoor clothing and gear, and the Crossover Winter Trail Adventure leggings are no exception. Made with a polyester fleece lining and spandex exterior, we love how these leggings have the perfect balance of lightweight and cozy materials that kept our legs warm. After regularly wearing the leggings for two months, we found them to be a great layer for insulation or to wear against the skin, and they move really well with your body. It’s easy to get excited about the two pockets on either leg, but we were ecstatic about the fact that the pockets have zippers so you can securely store your phone, keys, or headphones whether you’re on a run or walking your dog.
The high-quality material feels well-stitched and durable, and we didn’t notice any pilling or loose threads after the leggings were worn and washed several times. Plus, these leggings are completely squat-proof. In terms of fit, we noted that the leggings ran slightly large, but they still felt secure enough and had the right amount of compression to prevent them from slipping down. We’ve tried plenty of Eddie Bauer clothing items in the past, and we are certain these comfy leggings will last for years to come based on their stellar performance.
The Details: Size XS to XXL regular, petite, tall, plus | Polyester, spandex | Machine wash on cold, delicate
There are 42 solid colors to choose from.
The leggings were a little loose in the stomach.
If you’re looking to give your wardrobe some color variety, the 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-lined Leggings come in a whopping 42 color options. During testing, these leggings impressed us with their buttery soft polyester interior and silky spandex exterior that provided just the right amount of compression and give in the material.
Although the fabric in the stomach was slightly loose, we found the length fit our legs perfectly. The material feels lightweight, but you won’t have to worry about it being see-through, as we had no issues with opacity while doing a range of activities like cleaning the house and walking the dog. These fleece-lined leggings are breathable, cozy, and comfortable to wear, and with all the available color options, they’re a must-have for fall or winter.
The Details: Size XS to 3XL | Polyester, spandex | Machine wash
The temperature-regulating material was noticeable both during walks in the cold and working out indoors.
They felt a little tight at first, but then stretched slightly to fit comfortably.
During testing, the Lorna Jane Amy Winter Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings impressed us with their temperature-regulating abilities, which were noticeable during activities both indoor and outdoor. They are so comfortable and warm without the feeling of being overheated. The leggings provided plenty of warmth for winter walks and for an indoor workout. The material was stretchy and breathable as well. These fleece-lined leggings have the breathability that comes with regular leggings, the support of shape-wear, and the warmth of the insulated lining, making them ideal for any type of winter activity.
They might feel slightly tight when you first put the leggings on, but they stretch out quickly. After three washes, the leggings are still in perfect condition and the opacity and stretchiness haven’t wavered, leading us to believe that they'll last for a long time.
The Details: Size XXS to XXL | Nylon, elastane
The thick material resembles sweatpants for a cozy and comfortable feel.
They wouldn’t be the best leggings for high-intensity activities.
When the cold weather hits, it’s always nice to have a pair of cozy leggings for lounging around the house or stepping out to run a few errands. The Lands’ End Women's High-rise Serious Sweats Fleece-lined Pocket Leggings feel like a pair of cozy sweatpants without the more casual look that comes with them. They're functional, warm, comfortable, and durable.
In testing, the thick material kept legs warm while running errands in temperatures as cold as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and they were comfortable for staying home, too. Even curling up on the couch, there wasn't any stretching or sagging. They're very soft, and while they are warm, they're not suffocating, so you can wear them out and at home. Since cotton isn’t moisture-wicking, these aren’t the best leggings for activities where you might sweat, but they’re perfect for staying warm and comfortable at home in the winter.
The Details: Size S to XL regular, petite, tall, plus | Cotton, polyester, spandex | Machine wash
The material is thick and warm while remaining lightweight and breathable for outdoor runs.
The legs are a bit long and there aren’t any pockets.
Runners will benefit from the lightweight and cozy materials of Under Armour’s ColdGear Authentic Leggings for jogging in cold weather. Although we had to roll the bottom of the legs since they were slightly too long, the leggings still fit like a glove up top and slide right on with some stretch. The waistband fits just right and the leggings didn’t slide down at all during any runs — a huge perk since we often have to deal with slipping leggings while working out. We wish this pair had a pocket or two for holding a phone while running, but we still think these mid-price bottoms are ideal for runners in the colder seasons.
The Details: Size XS to XXL | Polyester, elastane | Machine wash
The water-repellent material kept our legs dry during light rain while hiking in Iceland.
The leggings were lightly pilled on the inner thigh after one wash.
We love that the Lululemon Fast and Free High-rise Fleece Tight leggings prevented our legs from getting wet during a hike in Iceland when it started to rain. Whether our reviewer was hiking or sightseeing, these leggings did an excellent job of regulating the temperature indoors and outdoors – they were never too hot or too cold.
Although these leggings are advertised as high-rise, we found that they sat just below our belly button, fitting more like mid-rise than traditional high-rise. However, after hiking in the cold for nearly 20 miles, the leggings weren't constricting at all in the leg, waist, or thigh, and the waistband was stretchy enough while still having that regular legging compression. The dense material is completely squat-proof and the pants look well-made, but we did notice some slight pilling in the inner thigh after one wash. While this isn’t a deal breaker by any means, it serves as a reminder to wash your leggings carefully to prevent any damage.
The Details: Size 0 to 20 | Nylon, elastane | Machine wash on cold
They kept our legs warm in 30-degree Fahrenheit weather conditions.
The leggings have a mid-rise waist which may not be to everyone's tastes.
If you live in a city where the average temperature in the winter is around freezing, then the Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tights are your best option. The multi-layered leggings have an insulating fleece layer that is soft to the touch, and the exterior spandex is designed to be abrasion-resistant and wind-blocking, so no matter what type of weather Mother Nature throws at you, your legs will stay nice and warm. We love that the materials have the right amount of thickness to make the leggings squat-proof, and the compression of the pants isn’t too tight or too loose. The fit of the waist is mid-rise, meaning these likely won’t sit above your belly button like high-rise leggings generally would. After multiple wears and washes, the materials held up perfectly, appearing brand new.
The Details: Size XS to XL | Recycled polyester, spandex
These leggings will keep you super warm and comfortable without needing to layer up.
Not all colors come with three pockets, so take note when making your selection.
For those who love winter hikes or spending time outside no matter how low temperatures drop, these thick and soft leggings are a great addition to your wardrobe. Not only are they comfortably stretchy and lined with super cozy fleece, most pairs come with a front pocket plus two side pockets where you can stash your phone, keys, dog bags, or anything else you may need for those nice winter walks.
We particularly liked how thick these leggings are. While they keep you comfortable when enjoying the cold weather, they're also great to wear lounging around the house for a cozy afternoon indoors. Shoppers should note that even though the leggings fit true to size around the waist and hips, they do run long and may bunch around the ankles, depending on your height.
The Details: Size XS to 3XL | Polyester, spandex | Machine wash
Designed to look like a pair of skinny jeans for everyday wear, we love the thick and warm fabric.
They aren’t very versatile and are best for casual outings like running errands.
These "jeggings" are impressive right out of the package. The cotton-blend materials are very durable and we especially love that they have functional back packets, which came in handy throughout our extensive testing period. While these look like a normal pair of denim pants, they are extremely comfortable — perfect for running errands, going for a walk, or even hanging around the house.
We do wish they had a real zipper and button like jeans instead of the elastic waist band, but they still allow for full mobility in any situation. Plus, they are not translucent or see-through, so you can feel confident wearing these even without a long top to cover your bottom. After several wash cycles, these leggings still look brand new without any pilling, making these a high-quality pair of comfortable and supportive fleece-lined "jeggings."
The Details: Size XS to XL | Cotton, polyester, spandex, rayon | Machine wash
The fleece-lined leggings listed below performed well during testing and almost made the cut, but there were a few minor flaws we noticed that had them falling short.
L.L.Bean Primaloft ThermaStretch Fleece Tights: The leggings were comfortable for lounging, but due to a lack of compression, they slid down when running.
Heipeiwa Fleece-lined Womens Winter Jeans: While the quality looks and feels like a real pair of denim jeans, they can only be hand washed and air dried, which is not always practical while traveling.
We tested 20 pairs of fleece-lined leggings from athletic brands like Lululemon, Eddie Bauer, Under Armour, and more to find the best ones on the market. We wore the leggings for a variety of activities like running, biking, hiking in Iceland and Peru, and walking the dog on cold mornings. They were tasked with wearing the leggings for several weeks to evaluate quality, opacity, fit, durability, and performance.
The fleece-lined leggings with the best scores for quality have a design that is flattering and functional with soft and thick materials. To judge the durability, we washed them several times to ensure the material didn’t stretch or pill easily. With leggings, there’s always a risk the material will be see-through, so we checked for opacity by doing several squats in a mirror to ensure the leggings were completely opaque.
After wearing the leggings for several hours, those with the best fit remained comfortable and had the right balance of compression and give. Whether we were running errands or working out, the best leggings we tried kept our legs warm with enough breathability that we didn’t overheat. Lastly, the prices of these leggings weren’t revealed until after testing was completed, at which time we judged the fairness of the cost compared to the ratings given in each testing category.
Everyone has their preference for the waist rise of leggings, so it’s helpful to check how high the waist goes for the most comfortable fit. Most leggings are high-rise, but the specifications section of the product description online will likely share the exact fit.
Whether you’re jogging, hiking, or running errands in the winter, you’ll want to think about the type of activity you’ll likely wear fleece-lined leggings for the most. Runners will want a pair of leggings that are compressive and insulating, but are still breathable thanks to materials like nylon or polyester. Those intending to lounge around a hotel or run errands, however, might not mind a looser fit or materials that aren’t as moisture-wicking or breathable.
Most fleece-lined leggings are made with synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or elastane. These types of materials are designed to be moisture-wicking, which is ideal for high-intensity activities like running or hiking in the cold. Cotton is the opposite of moisture-wicking, as it’s super absorbent and more likely to leave you feeling damp after a sweaty workout.
You can essentially follow the same guidelines you would when buying regular leggings. Go for something stretchy, like a spandex blend, and moisture-wicking to keep you comfy in case the fleece causes you to sweat. If you plan on wearing your leggings in wet winter weather, you may also want to consider a water-resistant material like many polyester-spandex fabrics.
It's important for your leggings to boast a handful of convenient features in addition to keeping you warm. Trust us when we say leggings with pockets are far superior to leggings without pockets (you just can't beat having built-in storage for your phone, keys, and cash). Others extend past your ankle to the middle of your foot for extra length and warmth, which can add more coverage and prevent them from bunching up.
While the tag on your leggings should include cleaning instructions, you can always play it safe by hand washing them or flipping them inside out and washing the pants in cold water with detergent. To avoid any shrinking or pilling, air-dry the leggings on a hanger or drying rack.
Thermal underwear is designed to be worn as a base layer for regulating temperature during outdoor activities when it’s cold outside. Fleece-lined leggings, and leggings in general, are made with breathable materials designed for working out, hiking, or running outdoors, and might not keep your legs as insulated as thermal underwear could.
Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure, where she writes about and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors and participated in the real-world tests to determine the best fleece-lined leggings for any adventure.
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