Looking for recommendations for fleece leggings that don’t suck. Every pair I’ve ever owned has been pretty cheap and shown: constantly riding down, pilled after only a few years, and had holes in the crotch and inner thighs by the end of the season. I’m ready to spend a little more to get something that will keep me warm while on trail walks and playing outside with my toddler. I live in central NC so it gets cold, but is pretty mild compared to the northern states.
Lol @ the title. I had polartec fleece leggings from Athleta disintegrate at the seams on the first wear nearly 10 years ago and I’m still mad about it 
Anyway, I found Eddie Bauer’s crossover tights last fall and love them. These things endured a hard ass-first fall onto a sharp rock and didn’t tear or abrade. Fabric is on the thinner side but still warm, especially if you’re moving around a lot. Mine don’t bag out and they have great pockets.
I also have their glacier peak tights. These are thicker and have also worn well! I have both in black and haven’t had any issues with fading or pilling, either.
@Quinlan
Agree, Eddie Bauer puts out some great products.
@Quinlan
I never think to check their site, thanks for the recommendation!
Vann said:
@Quinlan
I never think to check their site, thanks for the recommendation!
My wife loves Eddie Bauer’s leggings.
@Quinlan
I have the crossover pants but they’re nowhere near as warm as the Women’s Rainier Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants so I prefer those for a hike in the winter and blocks out the wind too
Duluth Trading Company has some AWESOM options on fleece and fleece lined leggings. I have these and they’re well worth the cost! https://www.duluthtrading.com/womens-hot-noga-plushcious-leggings-72609.html?color=JEB&srccode=GBSHPMN&ogmap=PLA|BRN|GOOG||||||||21118167823|159619202786&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA3Na5BhAZEiwAzrfagPUhpLbN3L-BHG-AeIsC5gSm3IM1z2EcS_xgCGqkTuRACx-AS4SDGhoCUUMQAvD_BwE
@Charlie
Oooh I have a store local to me so I can try these on too! Thanks!
Check out Merino wool options.
They need a bit more care when washing but should last longer, give better performance and be a lot lighter giving more options to wear them under ‘normal’ clothes in the winter.
From Canada; referring to NC as cold is funny. However, it’s a good question. I would like plus size as well, some reason they don’t expect women over 4 ft tall to be wearing warm clothes.
Piper said:
From Canada; referring to NC as cold is funny. However, it’s a good question. I would like plus size as well, some reason they don’t expect women over 4 ft tall to be wearing warm clothes.
I am from Michigan originally so yeah, “cold” in NC is a loose term! Much more mild than the Great White North lol. I’m definitely just cold by nature and find it difficult to stay warm. And couldn’t agree more, I’m 5’6" which is completely average height and it still seems like all the fleece leggings are too short. I’m gonna check out a few of the options recommended here and will try to remember to report back if you want!
@Vann
I am humbled before the " Superior" cold of Michigan. I think Detroit is colder than Barrow Alaska most of the winter. Here we hit 10f to 20F get mountains and I do literally mean mountains of snow which takes until June to thaw out.
Icebreaker
Fleece leggings aren’t designed to last forever 1-3 years tops is about average. They are designed for warmth and normal use. Not wearing every day and if you are wearing them every day then that is why they don’t last. Granted I know how you ladies love to wear tights and leggings all the time. lol
You could look into North Face, LL Bean or Patagonia Clothing line these companies have clothes to be worn colder temperatures for longer periods of time. Higher quality of clothing. ( falls under you get what you pay for ).
Maybe look into wearing the fleece at night and during the day get some insulated pants. This way you can wear regular tights and keep warm throughout the day.
My wife and I lived in Alaska for 3 years. She loved the fleece leggings/pants she had but it’s not something that lasts if you live in them. So she kept them for relaxing or sleeping only. If she went outside to go somewhere or get wood she’d wear insulated clothing or thermal underwear and regular clothes.
@Wil
That’s definitely good advice, I ended up getting some fleece leggings from Duluth as we decided to make a camping trip this weekend and it’ll be in the 30s/40s at night. They are far and away better quality than any of the cheap ones I’ve had, but I see what you mean about not being made for daily wear. Definitely planning to keep these for more actual outdoor use so they last longer, and will probably be checking out LL Bean and Eddie Bauer as well for a second pair to rotate!
@Vann
Icebreaker is what you’re looking for. Smartwool is another option, but Icebreaker has been more comfortable and held up a bit better.
It’s not cheap up front, but well worth it in the long run.
I’ve been using a brand off Amazon called Baleaf since the beginning of last season without any issues; $34.99 for their fleece-lined tights with pockets and they’re offering a 10% off coupon. Can’t beat the price, and I have no complaints about the product.
@Grey
This may be worth trying just for the price, I’ve had some sun shorts from them that I’ve liked
Vann said:
@Grey
This may be worth trying just for the price, I’ve had some sun shorts from them that I’ve liked
Don’t do it! I bought some only a month ago, and the pocket already came apart with the shorty stitching, not as good as other amazon brands I’ve tried.
@Marsden
Oh no! Thanks for the warning!