12 Best Fleece

By Malia Griggs

Come bitter cold days, you could keep sliding on your go-to pair of lightweight leggings, sure; but we’ve got a better suggestion: Stock up on the best fleece-lined leggings you can find (or that we’ve found for you, at any rate) for ultimate warmth.

To combat the cold, many companies work brushed fleece into the fabric or interior of their leggings, which involves a finishing process that raises fleece fibers to create a soft, plushy surface. These types of thermal leggings make for excellent base layers under your pants or over your tights, are usually sweat- and wind-resistant enough for hikes, winter workouts, and errand runs, and are versatile enough for relaxing in a drafty room.

Of course, not all leggings are the same (despite what you may think). Some are fitted while others are looser joggers for comfort; some are high-waisted with drawstrings and zippered pockets, while others are straightforward and streamlined. We’ve handpicked some of the best fleece-lined leggings, including SELF Activewear Award winners, from Amazon, Lululemon, Target, Nordstrom, Nike, Athleta, Stio, and more.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With over 25,000 top ratings, these best-selling Amazon leggings are lined with brushed fleece that traps heat. The spandex leggings have a pocket on each side, an internal drawcord for added stability, and are affordable to boot.

Available in sizes XS to 3XL.

We’re big fans of these Outdoor Research pants, which we awarded as the best cold-weather leggings. They’re uniquely built with thermo-regulating technology, making them strong and sturdy enough to withstand outdoor workouts when temps drop. One of our testers wore them for a winter run and for the rest of the day and wrote: "They really do a great job of blocking out the cold, but they weren't so thick that you’re sweating when you’re in the house. The Melody women's leggings also have pockets, which are useful for outdoor gallivanting when you want to travel light."

Water-repellent for sweaty runs (or rainy-day runs), these Lululemon leggings are soft enough to wear around the house and sturdy enough to pass the squat test (and they have pockets too). Kaitlyn Faist, a NASM-certified personal trainer and runner from Chicago, previously recommended these thermal leggings to SELF because of their warmth: "Brushed fleece traps air between your legs and the leggings, creating a heat barrier to keep you warm. The quick-drying fabric aids in regulating your body temperature to keep you warm on the run and avoid those post-run sweat marks."

Available in sizes 0 to 20.

Besides their under-$20 price point, Target's basic high-rise fleece-lined leggings come in a wide range of colorways—meaning you can stock up on these wardrobe staples instead of rationing out one pair. Though they may not stand up to subzero temperatures, these are great options for the everyday chill and come in plus sizes.

Available in sizes S/M to 2X.

These lightweight Nike leggings are made of double-brushed microfiber fleece that trap heat while wicking sweat. Additionally, they’re highly durable and come in a wide range of sizes.

Available in sizes XXS to 2X.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.

By Kayla Blanton

By Sara Coughlin

If you’re someone who really wants to feel the fleece, L.L.Bean's leggings are a fan favorite (with over 1,000 happy shoppers). Their interior is lined with plush fleece and the exterior is made of a smooth PrimaLoft material that's abrasion-resistant. Nicely, each pair has a drop-in pocket as well as a zippered pocket for added protection of your necessities.

Available in sizes XS to XL.

For a pair of leggings that's fleecy inside and out, our commerce editor, Malia Griggs, can't get enough of these ultra-cozy Stio pants, which come in fun colors like lavender and ocean blue: "I find your average pair of leggings is actually a little too tight for truly relaxed lounging, but not this Stio pair, which is made of 100% recycled(!) fiber that's obscenely soft, fuzzy, and warm. They’re loose enough that they’re not confining, with a flattering jogger fit that keeps the heat in at my ankles, a comfy wide drawstring waistband, and a useful side pocket that fits my phone. I’m pretty sure they’re made for après-ski (a thing I’ve never done), but they’re perfect for my weekends on the couch."

Available in sizes XS to XL.

Here's a pair of not-too-pricey winter leggings you’ll find at Target that have a cozy sweatshirt feel, thanks to its brushed fleece interiors. These Reflex high-waisted fleece-lined leggings have pockets and are lightweight enough to be yoga pants.

Available in sizes XS to XXL.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.

By Kayla Blanton

By Sara Coughlin

These stylish paneled leggings have it all: zipper pockets on each side (and in the back), water- and abrasion-resistant fabric, and mid-weight fleece fabric that warms without overheating. One Athleta shopper writes: "These are fantastic. They are durable, warm, and make my butt look great. I liked them so much, I bought another pair in another color."

Available in sizes XXS to XL.

Though Smartwool is know for its socks, its strong, stretchy leggings are made of a luxe merino wool blend that keeps the cold away. They have zippered side pockets as well as reflecting detailing—a thoughtful touch for anyone who runs in low light.

Available in sizes XS to XL.

If you’re hunting for high-performance leggings that stand up to extremely cold temperatures, ultra-trail runner Hallie Martin previously recommended Under Armour's chafe-resistant Coldgear leggings because they offer the perfect warmth on chilly runs. They’re full-length enough to cover your ankles (unlike 7/8 leggings) and include a base layer with a moisture-wicking brushed interior that locks in heat. Though they're not technically lined with fleece, they’re super warming.

Available in sizes XS to XXL.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.

By Kayla Blanton

By Sara Coughlin

Here's another pair of fleece-lined leggings made of its brushed tech fleece. They’re water-repellent, windproof, and feature stretchy panels on the thigh and calf for added comfort and protection. In addition to a drawcord and pockets, they’ve got zippers at the ankles that allow for ventilation on warmer days.

Available in sizes 0 to 14.

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