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7 Oh-So-Soft Fleece-Lined Leggings That Fight the Cold
You aren’t wearing pajamas—they’re just your cozy running tights.
While the “official” beginning of the winter season comes in late December, cold temps have already started creeping in this fall. As the temperatures drop and days get shorter, you will probably find yourself running outside in the dark and cold, which means you will want clothes that will help keep you warm without weighing you down.
One of the best ways to prevent frozen legs is with fleece-lined tights. They are still sleek enough that they won't get in the way, and most are made with moisture-wicking materials which helps keep you both warm and dry. To help prep you for your chilliest workouts, we’ve rounded up some of the best fleece leggings to help keep you warm and motivated for your winter runs.
The 7 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings of 2022
How We Selected
Almost all of these tights were personally tested, or sent out to our veteran testers, who evaluated their warmth and range of motion while running and cross-training out in the cold. We also researched the market and evaluated top-reviewed pairs online based on their performance, warmth, comfort, durability, and value. In the interest of thoroughness, we sifted through thousands of reviews to find any potential pros and cons we might have missed in our testing. Ultimately, we settled on these seven leggings.
Looking for more ways to stay warm? Check out our top picks for cold weather gear, winter socks, and gloves.
Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings
These leggings are a #1 best seller on Amazon, with a 4.5 star-rating out of almost 6,000 reviews. That says something. A runner noted that these leggings prevent any wind from piercing through them and that they do an amazing job wicking sweat. They also have two smartphone side pockets and another in the waistband for storage. Plus, they come in 21 different varieties and colors; like pairs without pockets on the sides, and shades like vibrant rose red or subdued olive green.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS-3X |
|---|---|
| Colors | 21 |
| Materials | polyester, spandex |
lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight
lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight
These fleece tights are not only warm, but they are specifically designed for running. They are made with water-repellent, four-way stretch fabric which helps to keep you dry without restricting movement. They also have a total of seven pockets including two side pockets and five drop-in pockets in the waistband.
Key Specs
| Sizes | 0-20 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 3 |
| Materials | nylon, lycra |
Alo Yoga High-Waist Micro Waffle Lowkey Legging
Alo Yoga High-Waist Micro Waffle Lowkey Legging
If you love a waffle knit thermal layer in the winter, you will love these Alo Yoga Micro Waffle leggings.
I tested these out on a cold morning walk/run, and they did an amazing job of keeping me warm. I love that they are not thick, and the high waist helped me feel extra supported.
A side note: They did stretch out as I wore them.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XXS-L |
|---|---|
| Colors | 2 |
| Materials | tencell, lyocell, polyester, spandex |
Athleta Peak Hybrid Fleece Tight
If you live in a cold, cold place, I recommend these Athleta tights. I was surprised by how thick (in a good way) these were. They’re made of a nylon and spandex blend that has a woven fabric on the outside that really resists wind. And they have two zipper pockets on each thigh to really keep your stuff secure, as well as a zippered pocket at the back of the waist.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XXS-XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 3 |
| Materials | recycled nylon, spandex |
Oiselle Flyout Tights
Oiselle’s Flyout Tights are another great thick option for chilly runs. They’re made of Oiselle’s Polartec knit—a nylon/poly/spandex blend— a soft and stretchy material that felt amazing with every stride.
On my run, they didn’t feel constricting. A note about the bottoms: They’re tulip-cut, so make sure you wear a longer sock to cover up your ankles.
Key Specs
| Sizes | 2-12 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 3 |
| Materials | nylon, polyester, spandex |
90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-Lined Leggings
90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece-Lined Leggings
Fleece leggings can get expensive, but they don't have to be. This pair is affordable at under $25, and they come in a whopping 41 color options.
They have a high waist, which prevents them from falling down, and helps them have a flattering fit. Unlike some cold-weather tights that can feel snug and inflexible, these are stretchy and will move with your body.
Key Specs
| Colors | 41 |
|---|---|
| Materials | polyester, spandex |
| Sizes | XS-3X |
L.L.Bean Primaloft ThermaStretch Fleece Tights
L.L.Bean Primaloft ThermaStretch Fleece Tights
If you aren't a fan of high-waisted leggings or are concerned about overheating, you will love these fleece tights from L.L.Bean, which sit lower on your waist. Thanks to an elastic drawstring they won't fall off, and the waistband is moisture-wicking, which helps keep your temperature regulated.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS-3X |
|---|---|
| Colors | 5 |
| Materials | polyester, nylon, spandex |
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
Emily Shiffer is a freelance health and wellness writer living in Pennsylvania.
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