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Winter is finally here which means the weather is cold and will most certainly get colder! When spending time outside, it’s essential to be prepared and properly dressed, whether running errands, exercising, skiing, walking the dogs, playing with the kids, etc.
One way you can do so is by investing in layering pieces like thermal winter leggings to ensure your lower half doesn’t get too cold. (Related: Best leggings with pockets).
Sure, a solid winter coat and snow boots are essential, but layering is the key.
We’ve rounded up some of the best fleece-lined and warm leggings for winter on the market. Brands include L.L.Bean, lululemon, adidas, plus great finds (with thousands of reviews) from Amazon.
Ahead, find up all the must-have styles to keep you ultra-cozy this season. You’ll also want to check out our FAQ section following our top picks for more intel on this winter wardrobe staple.
Best Fleece Lined Leggings
Old Navy High Waisted Fleece-Lined Leggings
These come in a full range of sizes in regular, tall and petite styles, so you’ll have no problem finding the perfect pair for yourself. There are also five colors to choose from, so make sure to grab a couple of pairs while they’re still on sale.
Amy Winter Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings
When you need a place to stash your phone, these leggings give you not one, but two pockets. Their design is meant to give you maximum range of motion without bunching up uncomfortably, and they have a classic, matte finish color.
Zella Fleece Lined Performance Pocket Leggings
Pockets on both sides of these leggings let you hold onto your essentials as you jog, run errands or enjoy a walk outside. These have an average 4.3-star rating from Nordstrom customers, and are also available in black if you prefer a more neutral color.
Under Armour Women’s ColdGear Compression Leggings
Under Armour describes these leggings, which feature a brushed interior, as having a “second skin fit.” The combination of an ultra-warm, heat-trapping interior and a moisture-wicking exterior is ideal for exercising in the cold, too.
RBX Fleece Lined Leggings
The high-rise waistband and full-length inseam on these leggings make sure no cold air can sneak in — guaranteeing you’re always warm when you have these on. They also have a zippered pocket that’s big enough to hold your phone and prevents it from ever falling out.
Athleta Altitude Stash High Rise Polartec Power Stretch Leggings
Athleta’s Polartec fabric is sleek on the outside and super soft on the inside. In addition to having a side stash pocket, these leggings feature an internal drawstring so you can better customize the fit.
Mitid Fleece-lined Sheer Tights
While not entirely leggings per se, we’ve been obsessed with the Mitid Fleece-lined Sheer Tights for months now. From their ultra-stretchy and comfortable fleece waistband to their fleece-free foot coverings and overall sneaky sheer appearance, they’ve been carrying us through winter, both as base layers and as show-stoppers.
90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece Lined Leggings
The 90 Degree By Reflex fleece-lined leggings are ideal for the cold winter months. They’ll keep you warm for hours when you’re outside but won’t overheat you when you’re indoors, either. The style comes in over 10 different colors, they have a pocket option, and the interlock stitch design gives you maximum mobility.
Baleaf Fleece Lined Winter Leggings
The Baleaf fleece-lined leggings from Amazon are designed with a breathable, soft fabric that flatters all shapes and sizes. The wide waistband helps reduce the look of a muffin top, and they’re available in colors such as black, purple, dark blue, green, and more.
lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight 28″ Pockets
Designed for running, these are the leggings you want to wear on cool morning walks. They have a seamless design, so you don’t have to deal with any tugging or discomfort, and they pair great with a hoodie or running jacket.
While these bottoms are fleece-lined, they’re also sweat-wicking and quick-drying — with a four-way stretch that’s tough to beat. With a quality pair of running shoes, you’re golden.
Romastory Winter Warm Women Velvet Elastic Leggings
The Romastory Winter Leggings for women are another excellent budget-friendly option and will have no problem keeping you warm, thanks to a plush velvet lining! They have more than 14,000 reviews on Amazon and come in a great selection of colors.
L.L.Bean Heavyweight Base Layer Pants
If you’re on the hunt for the ideal layer to wear on your next ski trip or leggings on their own, L.L.Bean’s heavyweight pants are the way to go. They provide hefty warmth for the cold winter months (hence the name) and are the warmest, coziest leggings that are a perfect pick for outdoor winter adventures.
UNIQLO HEATTECH Knitted Tights
If you’re not a fan of heavy leggings but need something warm, try this pair of stocking leggings from Uniqlo. Their HEATTECH fabric is heat retaining, while minimizing odor. Since they are on the sheer side, we recommend wearing them beneath a skirt, dress or shorts.
Outdoor Voices FrostKnit 7/8 Legging
Brushed on the inside to keep legs toasty and warm, the FrostKit 7/8 Leggings from Outdoor Voices are what we want to throw on for frigid morning jogs. They’re sweat-wicking, have a hidden drawstring and reflective detail — something you’ll appreciate if you like to exercise before its light out. Available in two colors, one five-star reviewer called these warm leggings for women their “fav winter leggings.”
Plush Fleece Lined Liquid Leggings
Sleek leather-looking leggings that are fleece lined? Yes, please! These warm liquid leggings by Plush will elevate any winter outfit you have in your closet, and you’ll be warm, too.
CHRLEISURE Winter Warm Fleece Lined Leggings
These fleece-lined leggings also have tummy control and four-way stretch. We like to think of them as sweater leggings, because they pair so well with slouchy wool tops, knit crops and even mohair pullovers. Tug the bottoms past your ankle when it’s freezing out. On slightly warmer days, pull the leggings a tad higher so ankles have some air. Available in multiple colors, you may want more than one pair.
Alo Yoga AirLift Winter Warm High-Waist Legging
The Alo Yoga AirLift Winter Warm High-Waist Leggings are another great find. They’re super-smoothing, have a brushed interior and four-way stretch. Best of all, they’re moisture-wicking to keep you sweat free, even though you’ll be warm. Available in three colors.
L.L.Bean Cresta Midweight 250 Pants
These L.L.Bean leggings are great to wear as your base layer while skiing, on a winter run, or just around the house. They’re moisture-wicking, quick-drying and will keep you warm in a wide range of activities and temperatures.
Lands’ End High Rise Serious Sweats Fleece Lined Pocket Leggings
The Lands’ End Fleece Lined Leggings are another great option that come in a variety of colors and are newly designed with pockets so you can store small essentials when you’re on the go.
Commando Perfect Control Velvet Legging
We like the idea of wearing these velvet leggings for work or date night. They look luxurious and feel luxurious, too! Wear with a pair of heels or boots with a platform, and your most cozy cashmere sweater.
Columbia Glacial Fleece Printed Leggings
Whether you want to lounge around the house or go for a brisk walk in the snow, these leggings are a good fit. Made with polyester microfleece, they’re warm as can be, work on their own or can be layered beneath a pair of sweats. Grab in black or the funky print black polarize. Also available in plus sizes.
Wander by Hottotties Velvet Lined Thermal Leggings
Keep things cozy and stylish with these high-waisted thermal leggings for women. Their interior is as fuzzy as a blanket, and the seamless waistband has a large rib cage to keep the fit snug. Pair with your favorite knee-high boots or wear beneath jeans when it’s extra cold out.
Halara Cloudful Fabric Fleece Lined High Waisted Crossover Side Pocket Yoga Leggings
We love the functionality of these warm fleece leggings. Along with having pockets, the CLOUDFUL fabric is breathable while remaining warm. They’re also sweat-wicking, so go ahead and downward dog and warrior pose to your heart’s content. You should remain comfortable throughout class and toasty on the walk to your car.
Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-Rise Leggings
A secure pocket for keys, moisture-wicking material and four way stretch — what more could you ask for in a pair of fleece leggings? How about being available in three different colors, and sizes for tall, petite, regular, and plus size? It can be yours with this pick from Eddie Bauer. Other things we like about this pick? Hmmm, the chemical-free gusseted crotch, the drawstring attachment and the leggings overall flexibility. True winners!
A New York Post Shopping FAQ on Fleece-Lined Leggings
Are fleece leggings enough for winter?
Fleece leggings are a comfortable and warm option when the weather becomes chillier. However, whether they’re enough for winter largely depends on your local climate.
Fleece-lined leggings provide a layer of insulation from the cold. This is due to its pile surface, which keeps body heat trapped within the fibers. The material is also moisture-wicking, making it great for snowy or wet conditions.
So, can you get away with only wearing leggings in winter? Again, this depends where you’re located and how cold it gets. If you live somewhere where winters are generally mild (never dipping below 50 degrees), thick leggings may do the trick. However, it’s generally recommended to wear them as a base layer when temperatures go into the 40 degree range.
Is fleece warmer than wool?
Fleece and wool warmth varies depending on their specific type.
Fleece was once made from wool but now can be made from the fiber or synthetic materials like polyester. It traps body heat between your skin and the garment. In contrast, wool is a natural fiber. Like fleece, it’s insulating, and can even keep your warm if wet. While it’s considered the warmer of the two, both are good options for fall and winter. And if you’re allergic to wool or are vegan, fleece that isn’t derived from wool is the way to go.
One of our favorite pairs of fleece leggings that are soft and toasty are the 90 Degree By Reflex (starting at $27.99 on Amazon). The outside is buttery smooth, while the brushed interior locks in heat. They’re stretchy, too, and can be worn alone or beneath a pair of ski pants, sweats or jeans.
Some other affordable fleece leggings that we love include:
Whether you’re hitting the slopes, love to go on runs around your neighborhood or want a little extra warmth while you binge-watch your favorite TV shows on the couch, we’ve got you covered.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.
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