Best fleece-lined tights to keep you warm in winter
Stay warm during your winter workouts and errands with these fleece-lined tights - including a best-seller that offers the "comfort of tights and trackies in one".
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It’s hard to find the motivation to commit to an exercise routine at the best of times, let alone when the temperature drops.
Enter fleece-lined tights: These leggings have a cosy lining to give you the added warmth you need for 5am gym classes, an outdoor run or running errands, while still being breathable as you heat up - they're a must-have addition to your wardrobe.
While they won’t go to your early morning spin class for you, they’ll certainly make it slightly less arduous in colder months.
Keep reading for our round up of the best fleece-lined tights and thermal leggings for exercise including the best-selling Lorna Jane Amy Winter Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings that shoppers say are "perfect for winter", "cosy and warm" and offer the "comfort of tights and trackies in one".
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST FLEECE-LINED TIGHTS OVERALL
Lorna Jane Amy Winter Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings, $99 (down from $140) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Compressive fit; high rise waist; fade resistant; thermal brush lining; phone pockets.
What to consider: Not full-length - it's cropped at the ankle; prone to pilling.
Material: 83 per cent nylon and 17 per cent elastane | Sizes: AU XXS to XXL | Colour: Black, Titanium and Dark Luxury Green
What You Need To Know
These high rise leggings have a thermal brushed lining while still offering you a firm and compressive fit ideal for intensive exercise. Made from LJ Excel Nylon-blend fabric, other handy features include phone pockets and a high rise waistband.
Five star reviews say the leggings are “super cosy and warm” and don’t need to be adjusted while you are working out.
“Loved these so much, I bought a second pair. Comfort of tights and trackies rolled into one,” one five star reviewer wrote.
"Love these so much, super thick and warm! Perfect for winter!" another wrote.
Lotus Thermal No Chafe Full Length Leggings, $99 (down from $130) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Full-length; firm and compressive; fade resistant; thermal brushed lining; back phone pocket.
What to consider: Prone to pilling.
Material: 83 per cent nylon and 17 per cent elastane | Sizes: AU XXS to XXL | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
We all know the Lotus Leggings from Lorna Jane are already a fan favourite – but Lotus Thermal Leggings for winter?! Now, that’s a game changer for sure. Made from 83 per cent nylon and 17 per cent elastane, these thick leggings offer four-way stretch, a firm and compressive feel and are fade resistant.
They feature a high rise fit with lightweight stomach support, a back waistband pocket and no inside leg seam to increase comfort. They’re also 48 per cent warmer than the standard Lorna Jane nylon leggings.
“I literally wear these everywhere, from work to the gym to walking with friends. The best,” one five-star reviewer wrote.
“Perfect for chilly winter early morning walks/jogs. Great fit and not see through,” another wrote.
BEST AFFORDABLE FLEECE-LINED TIGHTS
Why we love it: Full-length; high rise waist; side pockets; fleece lined; thick.
What to consider: Some reviewers say the fabric's too shiny.
Material: 83 per cent nylon and 17 per cent elastane | Sizes: AU XXS to XXL | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
For the uninitiated, CRZ YOGA is the affordable activewear brand on Amazon that leggings are not only highly rated by customers, but have also been labelled a dupe for Lululemon’s much pricier tights.
These leggings have a fleece lining thick enough to keep you warm and toasty while still being sweat wicking.
Other features include side pockets big enough to fit your phone and a flattering anti-drop high waistband.
Garnering over 1400 five-star ratings, reviewers say they are “perfect for winter”, with customers “in love” with just how comfy and good they look.
TSLA Women’s Thermal Running Tight, $29.98 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Full-length; adjustable drawcord; side pockets; micro fleece lined; moisture-wicking; shape retention.
What to consider: Some reviewers say sizing isn't consistent among other colourways; some reviewers don't like the front crotch seam.
Material: polyester and elastane | Sizes: AU XS to XXL | Colour: Multiple colours including black
What You Need To Know
These are Amazon’s most popular fleece leggings at the moment and it’s not hard to see why. These seriously affordable leggings have ultra soft thermal insulation thanks to a micro fleece lining.
Despite being designed to give you extra warmth they’re also lightweight and moisture wicking, as well as having flatlock seams to minimise skin friction.
Five-star reviews say the are “super warm without being thick and bulky” and “flattering on”.
BEST FLEECE-LINED TIGHTS FOR OUTDOOR RUNNING AND EXERCISE
Fleece Lined Outdoor Full Length Tight, $59.99 at Cotton On
Why we love it: Full-length; contours the body; high rise double layer waistband; side pockets; fleece lined; moisture wicking.
What to consider: Some reviewers say they're super thin and not flattering.
Material: 82 per cent polyamide and 18 per cent elastane | Sizes: AU 2XS to XL | Colour: Multiple colours including forest green and black
What You Need To Know
Made for outdoor adventures and workouts during the cooler months, these tights from Cotton On feature a wide waistband, and a side zip pocket. It’s crafted from a polyamide-elastane blend and lined with fleece inside for extra warmth.
It holds a 4.7 out of five-star rating on the Cotton On website with many shoppers praising how warm and comfortable they are.
“Tights are so comfortable!! Love the zip pocket... They are fleece lined but not too thick so you don’t overheat when you train which is perfect. Love love going to buy another pair,” one shopper wrote.
“My go-to pair. You needs these tights. Warm and comfortable, and fits perfectly,” another wrote.
Airbrush Winter Warm High-Waist Nocturne Legging, $180 at Alo Yoga
Why we love it: Full-length; medium compression fit; brushed lining; flattering booty-boosting sweetheart back; no side seams.
What to consider: Expensive.
Material: 87 per cent nylon and 13 per cent elastane | Sizes: XXS to L | Colour: Multiple colours including forest green and black
What You Need To Know
Perfect or everyday wear and exercise, this pair of leggings is a total must-have for the chillier seasons. It has a brushed interior for warmth, a high rise waist and sculpts, smooths and lifts for a more flattering look. Although it has a brushed lining, this pair offers moisture-wicking and odor resistant properties.
“This is a great product to wear to the studio on colder days. They are warm if your workout is going to be intense but I love them for restorative yoga,” one five-star reviewer wrote.
“They were so warm, flattering, and comfortable. I wore them everyday and ditched all the jeans I brought. Don’t sleep on these if you’re in cold weather or just need to walk the dog when it’s cold!” another wrote.
BEST THERMAL TIGHTS FOR OUTDOOR RUNNING AND EXERCISE
Running Bare Thermal Tech Tight, $129.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Full-length; thick waistband; twin hip pockets; fitted; soft and stretchy.
What to consider: Expensive.
Material: 45 per cent nylon, 42 per cent polyester and 13 per cent elastane | Sizes: XS to 4XL | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
Made from stretchy fabric that’s both soft and functional, these leggings are designed to move with you.
Features include a thick waistband, twin pockets at the thigh and they’re unlined, making them an ideal option for those who want extra warmth without a fleece lining.
Lululemon Keep The Heat Thermal Tight 27”, $129 at Lululemon
Why we love it: Full-length; back drop-in pocket; soft brushed lining; sweat-wicking; quick-drying.
What to consider: Expensive.
Material: 87 per cent recycled polyester and 13 per cent lycra elastane | Sizes: XS to 4XL | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
Designed for running, these leggings offer four-way stretch, quick-drying and sweat-wicking abilities. It's designed with a high-rise waist, back drop-in pocket and a soft brushed interior to keep you warm.
“Very happy with these. Moved to a colder climate and needed some warm running leggings. These have been perfect, comfortable, warm and don’t sag after use/washing.” one five-star reviewer wrote.
BEST THERMAL TIGHTS FOR LEISUREWEAR
Thermal Ribbed Cotton-Blend Leggings – Soot, $102 at Skims
Why we love it: Lightweight fabrication; full-length; high rise waist; wide size range.
What to consider: Some reviewers say it's a bit see-through and loose.
Material: 95 per cent cotton and 5 per cent elastane | Sizes: XXS to 4XL | Colour: Multiple colours including black
What You Need To Know
Perfect for lounging around, these incredible leggings are made from a stretch cotton-blend that is oh-so soft, comfortable and breathable. They feature a high-rise elasticated waistband and a mid-weight ribbed finish. They’re easy to pull on and can be worn in or out of the house for quick errands and more.
"Material is very soft & feels so good on the body. Perfect length & sizing. Kim you did not disappoint. I love it!" one five-star reviewer wrote.
Wool Rich Thermal Leggings, $26.25 (down from $35) at Target Australia
Why we love it: Soft ribbed knit material; elastic waistband; high waisted; full-length; affordable.
What to consider: May not be as flattering or form fitting.
Material: Wool, lyocell and elastane | Sizes: 8 to 20 | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
If you're after warm leggings that you can wear around the house or layered underneath pants, this affordable pair from Target is perfect. Made from a wool, lyocell and elastane-blend, these leggings are soft and comfortable, and features a high rise waist, ribbed texture and a high rise waist.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING FLEECE-LINED TIGHTS
When shopping for thermal tights or fleece-lined tights, there are a few factors to consider:
Material composition: If you want leggings that are suitable for exercising and working out while keeping you warm unlike traditional leggings, look into leggings made from a stretchy material like polyester which is naturally lightweight and offers moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, spandex which is typically combined with other materials and provides ample stretch for a snug yet comfortable fit and merino wool which offers great insulation and breathability, making it a great choice for the cooler weather. Also, make sure they have a brushed fleece lining!
Size: Ensure you choose the right size - you don't want it to be too loose or too tight and restricting.
Thickness: Decide if you're after thermal leggings that are lightweight, midweight or heavyweight as this will also determine how much warmth it will be able to provide - lightweight won't be suitable for super cold weather but can be comfortably worn under other clothing - like sheer black tights, mediumweight is the versatile option that will keep you warm while still being breathable, and lastly, heavyweight will provided ultimate warmth which is essentials for extremely cold conditions and extended outdoor exposure.
Features: It's no secret that not all leggings come with the same features – decide whether you’re after leggings with moisture-wicking properties, compression, waistband pockets for your keys, wallet and phone or a side pocket. Also consider leggings with an opaque finish if you plan on wearing them by itself, otherwise sheer tights are great for layering under clothing.
Length: Leggings come in different types of lengths, however, we've recommended ankle length and full length tights that will keep you warm during your winter workouts.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products fit for our articles. We discover what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results, analysing thousands of customer reviews and scrolling through TikTok and Instagram for the latest trends in fashion.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
WHAT EXERCISES CAN YOU DO IN FLEECE-LINED TIGHTS?
You’ll get the most out of your fleece-lined leggings if you wear them for outdoor exercise like running, walking, hiking, or group outdoor classes like boot camp during winter where you'll be exposed to colder temperatures.
For indoor exercise fleece-lined exercise would be best suited to low intensity exercises like pilates or yoga (as long as it’s not hot yoga!).
Having said that, it’s entirely up to you — if you’re someone who feels the cold easily you may want to swap your regular leggings out for them when the temperature drops.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLEECE-LINED AND THERMAL TIGHTS?
The main difference lies in the name: Fleece-lined tights have a cosy soft lining, while thermal tights don’t (unless specified).
Generally speaking, fleece-lined leggings will be warmer and less sweat-wicking than thermal leggings, so choose accordingly.
More Coverage
On the plus side, fleece-lined leggings are as comfy as track pants and will be more suitable if you want a warmer pair of tights to wear around the house during winter.
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