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We updated this article in January 2023 to ensure all picks from The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab are in stock and reflect accurate pricing.
As the temperature drops, don't say good-bye to all leggings and tights, but instead embrace fleece-lined leggings that'll keep you warm and cozy all winter long. While they may look just like your typical workout leggings, these pairs have a super soft fleece interior to provide extra insulation. Whether you're traveling, hitting the slopes or just outdoor dining, fleece-lined leggings keep you cozy while still looking chic.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab pros are experts in finding the best comfy leggings for every season, testing all different types in the Lab as well as having testers try them out. GH pros evaluate shrinkage after laundering, stretch recovery, opacity and moisture-wicking capabilities in the Lab. These leggings are from brands with previous top-performing styles or have racked up tons of rave reviews.
Our top picks:
1
Best Overall Fleece-Lined Leggings
Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Leggings
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2
Best Value Fleece-Lined Leggings
BALEAF Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings
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3
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Outdoor Running
Athleta Rainier 7/8 Tight
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4
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Outdoor Workouts
Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings
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5
Most Color Options Fleece-Lined Leggings
90 Degree By Reflex Fleece-Lined High Waist Leggings
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6
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Skiing and Snowboarding
Athleta Peak Hybrid Fleece Tight
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7
Best Fleece-Lined Tights
Berkshire Cozy Tight with Fleece-Lined Legs
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8
9
Best Faux Leather Fleece-Lined Leggings
Plush Fleece-Lined Liquid Legging
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10
Most Comfortable Fleece-Lined Leggings
LL Bean Fleece-Lined Primaloft ThermaStretch Leggings
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Fleece leggings are great for all types of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing or running — just make sure they're actually fleece-lined. Many leggings designed for winter don't have fleece and are instead just thicker, but they won't be able to keep you as warm. If they're advertised as "fleece-lined" or "brushed interior," this means they'll be warmer because they'll trap heat. After shopping our top fleece-lined leggings, continue reading to learn more about our testing protocols and expert shopping advice.
1
Best Overall Fleece-Lined Leggings
Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Leggings
1
Best Overall Fleece-Lined Leggings
Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Leggings
Pros
- Welded seams to prevent chafing
- Dual layer fabric helps wick away moisture
- High comfort score from testers
Cons
- Not recommended for very low temperatures
The ColdGear Authentic leggings from Under Armour were a top performer in our Lab testing and a favorite among our testers for keeping them extra warm when exercising outdoors (not recommended for extreme temepratures). These leggings feature a brushed interior for a super-soft feel with welded seams that help prevent chafing. The dual layer fabric is designed to help wick away moisture and dry quickly when building up a sweat. Because this pick doesn't have bulky zippered pockets and uses thinner material, it's a great pair to wear when exercising and layer under clothes for added warmth.
2
Best Value Fleece-Lined Leggings
BALEAF Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings
2
Best Value Fleece-Lined Leggings
BALEAF Fleece-Lined Winter Leggings
Pros
- Thousands of rave Amazon reviews
- 24 shades available
- Flattering design
Cons
- Not as warm as other picks
With over 23,000 Amazon reviews, these best-selling leggings are available in an impressive 20 colors. They're made with polyester and spandex and feature a large side pocket perfect for your cell phone. GH analysts like the drawstring waistband for your best fit and flat seams to prevent chafing. Reviewers love the flattering fit and breathable, lightweight material, ideal to wear when breaking a sweat but not as thick and cozy as other picks. While we haven't yet tested this specific pair, we have tried out BALEAF's best-selling bike shorts, which received rave reviews from testers.
3
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Outdoor Running
Athleta Rainier 7/8 Tight
3
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Outdoor Running
Athleta Rainier 7/8 Tight
Pros
- Flat seams
- Adjustable waistband
- Regular, tall and petite inseams
Cons
- Showed a bit of shrinkage after laundering
This tight from Athleta uses the brand's signature SuperSonic fabric, designed specifically for running, with a brushed interior. Testers with a variety of inseams tried this pair and were extremely impressed with how well it fit! One petite tester said she "was shocked that the length, hips and waist were all perfect fit for me — that's a rare occurrence!" After analysis, GH fiber scientists appreciated the fabrication of this pair with flat seams and convenient zippered pockets, but did note some shrinking after laundering.
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4
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Outdoor Workouts
Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings
4
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Outdoor Workouts
Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Resale site
- Petite and tall inseams
- Adjustable waistband
Cons
- Testers noticed a bit of fuzz after laundering
With both convenient side pockets for your phone and wallet as well as a zippered pocket, this pair from Eddie Bauer is ideal for outdoor workouts. It's available in extended sizes up to a size 3X, and it comes in petite and tall inseams. Testers found this pair to be "generously sized" without digging in or being uncomfortable when exercising. Testers especially liked wearing this pair on long walks and hikes, saying it kept them warm "but not too hot." GH analysts love that Eddie Bauer has its own resale site to get used gear at a discounted rate. As testers noticed a bit of fuzz after machine washing and drying, be sure to turn this pair inside out when laundering, per the care label.
5
Most Color Options Fleece-Lined Leggings
90 Degree By Reflex Fleece-Lined High Waist Leggings
5
Most Color Options Fleece-Lined Leggings
90 Degree By Reflex Fleece-Lined High Waist Leggings
Pros
- Available in over 40 colors
- Affordable price point
- Thousands of rave Amazon reviews
Cons
- Some colors have pockets while others don't
While most fleece-lined leggings are only available in neutral shades, this pair from 90 Degree By Reflex has over 40 different color options — as well as over 14,000 Amazon reviews! GH analysts haven't yet tested this exact style, but we have worked out in a variety of styles from 90 Degree by Reflex. Most shades feature large side pockets, but some colors are pocketless, so make sure to check before ordering. Some reviewers found they ran a bit small.
6
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Skiing and Snowboarding
Athleta Peak Hybrid Fleece Tight
6
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Skiing and Snowboarding
Athleta Peak Hybrid Fleece Tight
Now 31% Off
Pros
- Made with recycled nylon
- Plush material great for low temps
- Secure zipper pockets
Cons
- Pockets are bit bulkier than other picks
Other styles of Athleta leggings were popular among our testers for being super comfy for exercise, especially skiing or snowboarding. This pair features cozy fleece lining to keep you warm when outside in chilly temps. There are secure zip pockets to keep your keys and credit cards safe on the sides and back, which are bulkier than other picks. Available in three neutral colors, and tall, petite and regular sizing, these leggings are a great addition to your activewear collection.
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7
Best Fleece-Lined Tights
Berkshire Cozy Tight with Fleece-Lined Legs
7
Best Fleece-Lined Tights
Berkshire Cozy Tight with Fleece-Lined Legs
Pros
- Opaque tights
- Testers loved how warm they are
- Tons of rave Amazon reviews
Cons
- Snagged easier than other tights
Instead of saying good-bye to your favorite dresses and skirts once winter arrives, try pairing them with fleece tights for added warmth with less bulk. Available in four colors, these tights are 70 denier, which describes the fabric weight. Above 40 denier is considered opaque and not see-through, so these fleece tights are on the thicker side. Testers loved the warmth they provided, but in Lab tests, they snagged slightly easier than other tested styles.
8
Best Fleece-Lined Maternity Leggings
Seraphine Black Thermal Over Bump Maternity Leggings
8
Best Fleece-Lined Maternity Leggings
Seraphine Black Thermal Over Bump Maternity Leggings
Pros
- Doesn't add extra bulk
- Over-belly band
- True to size fit
Cons
- Machine washable, but not dryer safe
These leggings are designed to grow with your bump while keeping you cozy and warm all winter. The thermal fleece-lined fabric helps trap heat while looking like typical maternity leggings from the outside. The top band can be folded over to be worn over and over after pregnancy. When laundering, these leggings are machine washable but not dryer safe.
9
Best Faux Leather Fleece-Lined Leggings
Plush Fleece-Lined Liquid Legging
9
Best Faux Leather Fleece-Lined Leggings
Plush Fleece-Lined Liquid Legging
Pros
- Stylish faux leather exterior
- Fleece-lined interior
- Reviewers say they'll keep you very warm
Cons
- Dry clean only
The chic look of liquid or faux leather leggings can elevate any outfit, but not all pairs will keep you nice and warm. Although you can't tell by just looking at them, these chic leggings from Plush are completely fleece-lined for a soft, plush feel, as the name suggests. Note that it’s recommended to dry clean these leggings.
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10
Most Comfortable Fleece-Lined Leggings
LL Bean Fleece-Lined Primaloft ThermaStretch Leggings
10
Most Comfortable Fleece-Lined Leggings
LL Bean Fleece-Lined Primaloft ThermaStretch Leggings
Pros
- Available in regular, petite and plus
- Available in 26" - 30" inseams
- PrimaLoft fabric
Cons
- Mid waist fit
L.L. Bean is a brand known for its high quality products as well as a gracious return policy. This pair is available in a range of sizes with regular, petite and plus-sizes with two inseams. The PrimaLoft fabric helps provide cozy insulation that still stretches and moves with you. This pair is versatile for a variety of activities, including hiking and walking, but is especially great as a base layer for winter sports. Some reviewers wish they had a higher waist fit.
How we test the best fleece-lined leggings
To evaluate fleece-lined leggings, The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab pros evaluate each pair in the Lab with specialized methods and equipment combined with feedback from consumer testers who wear the leggings while exercising outside in colder weather. In recent tests we tested over 35 different pairs of workout leggings, leading to over 2,380 data points before making these selections.
✔️ Pilling resistance: Using an abrasion machine (pictured here), swatches of the leggings fabric are rubbed together to see if tiny pills (little balls of fibers) form.
✔️ Construction: GH fiber scientists analyze each pair to rate the quality of the fabrication, such as if it has flat seams and a gusset.
✔️ Consumer feedback: Real users with a range of body types and workout routines provide feedback on whether the leggings were comfortable, well-fitting, flattering, opaque and warm. Testers wore these fleece-lined leggings on outdoor walks, runs and strength workouts.
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✔️ Stretch recovery: A swatch of legging fabric is stretched to a standard length for two hours. After it's released, we measure a benchmarked length after one minute and one hour to see how well the fabric returns to its original shape (as seen here).
✔️ Washability: Each pair of fleece-lined leggings is washed five times to evaluate any shrinkage or changes in appearance to ensure the leggings can withstand long-term laundering.
✔️ Moisture management: Using a Moisture Management Tester (MMT), we measure how quickly drops of a sweat-like solution are wicked away on the inside and outside of the fabric.
✔️ Opacity: While wearing the leggings, GH pros squat and bend out knees to see if the fabric is see-through.
How to find the best fleece-lined leggings for you
When buying a pair of fleece-lined leggings, it's most important to consider what activity you'll wear the leggings for. Some styles are very thick and plush for colder temps while others are sleeker and thin for more mild weather. If you plan on working out in your fleece-lined leggings, look for styles that are designed for exercise with a built-in gusset (an extra piece of fabric in the crotch area that’s typically triangular or diamond-shaped) to ensure they'll be comfortable on the move.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been a leading expert on activewear. Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst. She’s been at Good Housekeeping for over three years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for a variety of activewear products, including fleece-lined leggings, workout leggings, sports bras and walking shoes. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on athletic wear. As a lifetime sewer with previous product development experience, she has a strong fashion background with expertise in proper fit and construction.
Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.