Dark, cold and often rainy, winter mornings are just that touch harder to get out of bed for a morning run. The key we’ve found for motivation? Choosing activewear additions to our winter wardrobes that actually keep us cosy. At the top of our list are our go-to winter warmers: fleece-lined leggings.
Lined with a light fleece or a more heavy-duty thermal material, these multifaceted leggings are the perfect blend of fashion and comfort. They can be paired with an oversized cardigan and white sneakers for a day of errands, layered underneath an oversized blazer and boots for a cosy office outfit, or worn with a comfortable hoodie for the quintessential winter activewear look.
In case we have you convinced and you’re tempted to try out some fleece-lined leggings for yourself, below we’ve rounded up our favourite women’s fleece-lined leggings for your perusal and answer all your questions about the winter style staple.
The best fleece-lined and thermal leggings on the market
01
Lorna Jane Lotus Thermal No-Chafe Full-Length Leggings
$95 (usually $145) at Lorna Jane
The OG Lotus No-Chafe leggings are our go-to from Lorna Jane during the warmer months. Happily for those of us in colder climates, they’ve been given a winter-approved update. With a premium brushed thermal fabric inside for temperature control, these thermal leggings are 48% warmer – but with the same flexible four-way stretch. The hidden back pocket easily fits your phone so you can blast your tunes to distract from the winter chill.
Features:
- No inside leg seam to increase comfort
- Back waistband phone pocket
- Flattering high-rise fit
- Lightweight stomach support
- 4 Way Stretch thermal fabric
02
Lululemon Cold Weather High-Rise Running Tight
from $259 at Lululemon
You’ll stay toasty with this science-backed high-rise tight made of warm technical fleece. Proving the future really is now, these leggings have weather-repellent panels to shield you from the elements. Quick-drying, water-repellent and with windproof panels on the thighs and calves, they also have added lycra so you can run fast and keep moving, even with the added warmth.
Key features:
- Colours: Comes in both black and navy
- Soft brushed interior
- Four-way stretch
- Sweat-wicking
- Quick-drying
- This product contains recycled polyester made from repurposed plastic waste
03
Lorna Jane Amy Winter Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings
$95 (usually $150) at Lorna Jane
The soft brushed lining of these leggings traps your body heat to keep you warm and the higher-rise waist provides support and additional coverage to keep the warmth in.
Plus they have two pockets, perfect for holding keys, your phone and even for stashing a pair of gloves if the morning starts out particularly chilly. The thermal lining also gives a more compressive feel to keep you tucked in all the right places.
Features:
- Phone Pockets
- High-rise waistband
- Fade-resistant fabric
- Firm and compressive feel
- Fade-resistant
- Fabric: 84% Nylon / 16% Elastane
04
Cotton On Fleece-Lined Full Length Tight
$64.99 from Cotton On
Don’t just take our word for it. These affordable fleece-lined leggings have more than 100 glowing reviews on the Cotton On website, thanks to their ultra-soft and comfortable fleece-lined inner and wide high-rise waistband to stay secure. They have not one, but four pockets (including two with zips), so you can bring snacks, your phone and keys on those long training runs or early-morning dog walks.
- Soft-fleece lined fabric
- High-rise wide waistband
- Durable water-repellent fabric
- Fabric: Main: 82% Polyamide, 18% Elastane.
05
Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Fleece Tight
$165 at Lululemon
If you’re an all-weather runner, grab this fleecy version of the brand’s famous Fast and Free tights. They offer extra warmth on those sub-zero winter mornings so you can focus on catching that runner’s high. Our favourite part of these tights is the drawcord tucked into the waistband to help keep your leggings in place – no yanking them up mid-run.
Features:
- Two side drop-in pockets fit your phone
- Five drop-in pockets on the waistband hold small items
- Water-repellent
- Four-way stretch
- Brushed on the inside for warmth
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Will fleece-lined leggings keep you warm?
Yes, fleece-lined tights are a fantastic option to keep warm this winter. Layered under light shell pants for extra warmth or worn on their own, the snuggly activewear is perfect for hitting the slopes (under ski pants), partaking in outdoor sports and activities, or even just lounging around the house.
Can you wash fleece leggings?
While you should always check the care label on your garment, generally, fleece leggings can be machine-washed in a cold cycle with similar colours (do avoid bleach or fabric softeners). Hanging your fleece leggings to dry instead of opting for the dryer will also help with the longevity of the pants.
What is the warmest material for fleece leggings?
Thermal wool or thermal polyester are common manufacturer choices. While wool is warmer, polyester is more lightweight. Both are excellent choices for winter
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- 10 best sustainable fashion & ethical clothing brands in New Zealand
