We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Fashion Clothing Athleisure & Loungewear The 6 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings to Keep You Warm and Cozy This Fall, Tested by Real People Our winner was the 90 Degree By Reflex Fleece-Lined Leggings By Rebecca Norris Rebecca Norris Rebecca Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the Washington, D.C. metro area who has worked in beauty editorial for a decade. She also contributes to publications such as Byrdie, Well+Good, and Country Living. She is a graduate of George Mason University, where she earned a B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 6, 2023 01:05PM EST In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Add to Cart What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Alli Waataja Fleece-lined leggings are the cozy staple you need for fall. Warm, comfortable, and versatile, they can be worn so many different ways. We tested 21 of the most popular fleece-lined leggings on the market to find the best fleece-lined leggings money can buy. We wore them while we worked out and ran errands, and we even dressed them up by layering them under dresses and long sweaters. Keep reading to discover the best fleece-lined leggings PEOPLE Tested. Our Top Picks Best Overall: 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-lined Leggings at Amazon $28 Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tights at Titlenine.com $99 Jump to Review Best for Hiking: lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Tight at Lululemon $148 Jump to Review Best Everyday: SALE Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings at Amazon $99 $51 Jump to Review Best for Lounging: SALE Lands’ End High Rise Fleece Lined Pocket Leggings at Amazon $60 $42 Jump to Review Best for Working Out: SALE Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Leggings at Amazon $55 $45 Jump to Review We Also Recommend: Old Navy Side-Pocket Legging at Old Navy Jump to Review We Also Recommend: Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette at Amazon $48 Jump to Review Best Overall 90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-lined Leggings PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon View on 90degreebyreflex.com Star Qualities Buttery soft interior Exterior fabric is silky and smooth Not see-through Red Flags Waistband is slightly tighter than the size implies After wearing the 90 Degree By Reflex leggings while cleaning the house and walking the dog, we found them to be unlike any fleece-lined leggings we have ever owned. They have a cozy, buttery-soft interior, a smooth and toning exterior fabric, and a lengthy silhouette that works well for our long legs. We admit that these leggings have a slightly tighter waistband than expected; however, we think it adds to their function — being tighter around the belly helps them stay up no matter what activity you’re doing in them. Most notably, the leggings are fully opaque and don’t deteriorate after washing. After several washes, walks, house cleanings, and general life, these have held up great — and still feel like new. Considering they’re a fraction of the price of most fleece-lined leggings, we recommend them to anyone who's looking for a functional pair of fleece-lined leggings at an affordable price. Material: 90% polyester, 10% spandex | Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 11 (as well as pocket options) People / Dera Burreson Best Overall, Runner-Up Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tights PHOTO: Title Nine $99 at Titlenine.com Star Qualities Leggings didn't budge during wear Fabric is very soft to the touch Warm but breathable Red Flags Pricier than some others we've tried From the moment we put them on, we could tell these were high-quality leggings. The fit was perfect — snug enough to not slip down yet comfortable for all-day wear. The material is incredibly soft, with seams in well-thought-out places to avoid uncomfortable chafing. While the leggings aren’t particularly thick, we were glad to notice just how warm and opaque they were during wear. Designed with the perfect amount of breathability, these leggings kept us much warmer than regular pairs. Beyond that, these leggings held up beautifully in the wash, and we can anticipate getting a lot of use out of them before they show any signs of wear. This pair would be great for activities outdoors but is also comfortable enough to wear running errands on a cold day — allowing breathability when indoors but warmth as you go outside. They are on the pricier side, but we think they're worth it. Material: 90% recycled polyester, 10% spandex | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 5 People / Ciara McCune Best for Hiking lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Tight PHOTO: lululemon $148 at Lululemon Star Qualities Water-resistant exterior Very durable Red Flags Snugger than regular Lululemon pants (may want to size up) Lululemon might be most renowned for its popular buttery soft Align collection, but if you want a great Lululemon product, the Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight has earned high praise during our testing, with features that function great for hiking. We tested these leggings while in Iceland for five days, hiking roughly 20 miles in the process. In doing so, we found that these leggings are extremely soft, water-resistant, entirely opaque, very well-fitted, and didn't cause any discomfort. Maintaining their form during wear, we found that they’re a tiny bit snugger than typical Lululemon leggings and would recommend sizing up due to the thicker material. Our only other complaint (if you can call it that) is that, while they’re warm, they’re not warm enough to be worn alone in below-freezing temps. However, the leggings did stay dry while it rained, which is a huge plus. Material: 82% nylon, 18% Lycra elastane | Sizes: 0-20 | Colors: 3 People / Anna Popp Best Everyday Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings PHOTO: Eddie Bauer $99 $51 at Amazon View on Eddiebauer.com Star Qualities Looks more like high-end leggings Pockets and a zippered compartment Have a soft and cozy interior without being overly heavy Fabric is completely opaque Red Flags Not warm enough for frigid winter The Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings have earned hundreds of five-star reviews. On the outside, they look just like normal leggings that are well-structured and high-quality and don't give off a cheap athletic wear vibe. Throughout our testing, we were especially impressed with the ultra-soft interior fabric, snag-resistant exterior fabric, smooth-gliding zippered pocket, and high-waisted, budge-proof silhouette. The fabric is also completely opaque, so when worn with seamless underwear, they look ultra-sleek. As much as we love them for everyday wear, we admit that they’re best for chilly days, not freezing ones. Additionally, we noticed the sizing isn’t entirely accurate, as the leggings run big; so if you order your normal size, you should expect them to be a bit roomy (although they’re not so roomy that we would suggest sizing down). Material: 88% polyester, 12% spandex | Sizes: XS-3X (regular, petite, tall) | Colors: 5 Best for Lounging Lands’ End High Rise Fleece Lined Pocket Leggings PHOTO: Lands' End $60 $42 at Amazon $60 $42 at Target $60 at Landsend.com Star Qualities Very warm and fit well Didn't stretch out or sag during wear Very thick, so they protect against both the cold and wind Red Flags Sweatshirt-like material isn't the sleekest Regular-length may be a tad long on shorter frames If your goal is to be as warm and cozy as possible while lounging about the house and running out for coffee, these leggings are for you. Part of what makes them wear so well is the fact that, despite being very thick, they maintain their shape (no stretching or sagging). In terms of function, these are super warm and fit nicely. While these leggings are sold in seven colors and prints, they all look more casual than they appear online. In terms of appearance, the material is very sweatpant-like; we were expecting something a little sleek or glossy, but these very much emphasize function over fashion. Still, they're very warm and comfortable and perfect for casual days out and about in the cold and wind. One last thing: These leggings fit taller people well; if you are on the shorter side, be sure to order the petite version, which is offered in XS-XL. Material: 55% cotton, 41% polyester, 4% spandex | Sizes: XS-XL (regular, petite, tall) | Colors: 6 People / Lauren Phillips We Found the 16 Best Leggings for Women of 2024 Best for Working Out Under Armour ColdGear Authentics Leggings PHOTO: Amazon $55 $45 at Amazon $55 at Zappos $55 at Underarmour.com Star Qualities Lightweight but warm Maintain their shape and don’t fall down during wear Red Flags We wish they had pockets We wore these leggings on long runs and walks as the temperature was changing and found them to be lightweight, stretchy, and thick (but not too thick). In short, they’re essentially your classic everyday athletic legging but with an extra layer of warmth, thanks to the fleece lining. After testing several fleece-lined leggings, these are the most breathable and movable pair we tried. Plus, they are completely opaque; not only did they pass the squat test, but they also hid any sweat. What we love most about these leggings is just how well they stay up through an entire workout. These did not fall down once while running (we usually have to pull up the waistband or the legs to keep leggings from falling); they stayed in place and were perfectly form-fitting throughout the entire workout. These leggings would be even better if they had a pocket. Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 8 PHOTO: People / Mollie Pendexter PHOTO: People / Mollie Pendexter Add to Cart While you’re adding fleece-lined leggings to your cart, complete the look with some of our other PEOPLE-Tested style winners. Our editors and independent testers put each product through the wringer to bring you the best of the best. Old Navy Side-Pocket Legging View on Old Navy Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette $48 at Amazon View on Harperwilde.com What to Know About Right Fleece-Lined Leggings Material Since leggings of all kinds are meant to be stretchy and form-fitting, a Tommy John spokesperson says that the best material make-up for fleece-lined leggings should always include spandex. Most of our top picks, including our best overall pick, 90 Degree By Reflex Fleece-Lined Leggings, have spandex. “You also want to look for insulation to keep you warm outdoors without overheating indoors,” they noted. Activity Not all fleece-lined leggings are made with the same activities in mind. As such, it’s important to consider what you’ll be wearing your fleece-lined leggings for so that you can determine the best color, weight, and fit. “Black is the most versatile color, great for everyday wear,” says Vivian Lee, director of styling at Dailylook. “If you're planning on wearing your fleece-lined leggings for layering, look for something sleek and lightweight so you'll feel warm without adding any extra bulk. For exercising, go for something stretchy and comfortable, with a drawstring waist for a custom fit.” Our top pick for hiking, Lululemon's Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight, has a water-resistant exterior layer. Behind the Scenes We tested 21 of the most popular fleece-lined leggings and rated them on a scale of one to five in six key categories: quality, opacity, fit, performance, durability, and value. To adequately analyze these attributes, we performed stretch tests and squats in each pair of leggings, wore them for a couple of hours to determine how well they performed, and even tossed them in the wash based on the manufacturer’s care instructions. Once all the reviews were in, the totals were averaged to determine the top-rated pairs. Frequently Asked Questions What are the best materials for fleece-lined leggings? Fleece-lined leggings are sold in a variety of textiles, but, most often, the fleece itself is made of synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, says Lee. “That’s because of their sweat-wicking and fast-drying properties,” she explains. “Spandex is also used for its stretchability, while cotton can be added for extra softness and comfort.” Additionally, she points out that some fleece-lined leggings can have a wind- and water-resistant outer layer, which is typically done through a special treatment to ensure water can’t pierce the fabric. When is the best time to wear fleece-lined leggings? Wear fleece-lined leggings anytime you want to be extra warm and cozy. With that in mind, they’re great for winter and engaging in outdoor, cold-weather activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and running. That’s not to say you can’t wear them just out and about, too, though. “I love the casual look and versatility of fleece-lined leggings during the cooler months,” a Tommy John spokesperson shares. For instance, pair it with a warm, stylish bomber jacket. Are fleece-lined leggings meant to be worn on their own or under other clothes? “I love fleece-lined leggings for under ski pants or a snowsuit (those retro one-piece ones are in right now!), or you can wear them alone for winter activities or cozying up on a snowy day,” says stylist Jené Luciani Sena, author of The Bra Book. “You can never go wrong with leggings.” When deciding which fleece-lined leggings to buy, Lee says to consider what works for your wardrobe and lifestyle. “You can definitely wear fleece-lined leggings on their own, which is the most common way to wear this type of leggings,” she assures us. “However, if you would like to wear jeans or pants and need some extra warmth, you can totally layer a fleece-lined legging underneath.” For example, wear them under your favorite work pants during winter. Why Trust PEOPLE? Rebecca Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the Washington, D.C. metro area who has worked in beauty editorial for a decade. She joined the Byrdie team as a nail expert in 2019 and contributes to several lifestyle publications. She is a graduate of George Mason University, where she earned a B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. Based on our testers’ feedback, she compared several of the most popular fleece leggings on the market based on factors like price, quality, material, warmth, fit, opacity, durability, and style. For additional insight into buying fleece leggings, Norris spoke to Vivian Lee, director of styling at Dailylook, and Jené Luciani Sena, author of The Bra Book. Our Expert Panel Vivian Lee is the director of styling at Dailylook. Jené Luciani Sena is a stylist and author of "The Bra Book." What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.