I'm a born and bred Miami native, and if there's one thing you need to know about me, it's that I simply don't know how to dress for the cold. Sure, I've lived in New York City for about three years and have adapted to winter layering for the most part, but more often than not, I'll walk out of the house in thin jeans and a slouchy sweatshirt and think, "I'll be totally fine." Of course, as a fashion editor, I'm constantly on the lookout for items that'll make me feel cozy while still looking chic.
While I love the look of sheer tights in subzero temperatures, it's just not realistic. During the last polar vortex in New York City, my kneecaps turned a pale shade of blue due to icy winds after I went out to get coffee with a friend, and they suggested I buy a pair of fleece-lined tights. The style—which mimics the look of sheer nude, black, or brown tights—has been popular for quite some time across social media, especially the Japanese fashion accounts I religiously follow on TikTok. Although I always thought they were a bit of a gimmick, my friend, who had on fleece-lined tights that day, convinced me to take them for a spin given the number of cold-weather trips I had on my schedule. Fifteen dollars and a simple checkout later, my fleece-lined tights were en route.
Shop my fleece-lined tights:
Upon arrival, I was pleasantly shocked at how soft they were. A soft, microfiber-esque material coated the inside of the tights. They're nearly as thick as my go-to Uniqlo Heattech leggings, an ultimate plus for the instances I'm craving the feeling of wearing a miniskirt on a snowy trek to work. Although the pair on TikTok Shop I got was only available in one color, there are other options out there that mimic the appearance of sheer black tights on lighter and darker skin tones.
When I finally slipped into my new fleece-lined tights for the first time, I was honestly blown away. They didn't just keep me warm—they also gave me that sleek, sheer look without compromising comfort. I typically shy away from bulky layers, so it was refreshing to find a solution that was both practical and fashionably elevated.
While I may still be adjusting to the cold-weather style of the north, I've officially found my winter-wardrobe secret weapon. These tights have become a staple in my cold-weather outfits, and I'm seriously considering investing in an extra pair or two now that holiday parties and seasonal gatherings are around the corner. For anyone who's constantly juggling warmth and style, these fleece-lined tights are an instant wardrobe hero. You can stay cozy without looking like you're wrapped in a sleeping bag, and that's something every Miami native (and winter newbie!) can get behind.
Best Fleece-Lined Tights
- Best Size-Inclusive Fleece-Lined Tights: Uislii, Fleece Lined Tights, ($20)
- Most Affordable Fleece-Lined Tights: A New Day, Flat Knit Sheer Illusion Fleece Lined Tights ($13)
- Best Fleece-Lined Tights for Deeper Skin Tones: Melanin Fleece Tights, Sheer Tone Effect Tights ($35)
Shop more fleece-lined tights:
If you're looking for a long-term investment, I'd suggest picking up these Calzedonia tights. They come in a pack of two, and the fleece-lined nude-colored tights and the sheer black tights are layered on top of each other.
Sizes: XS to L
Colors: Black/Nude, Brown/Nude, Burgundy/Nude.
Review: "I have purchased thermal tights in the past, and they always had a noticeable thickness to them that screamed 'I'm wearing thermal tights!' My Calzedonia thermal tights truly do have a sheer effect, thin enough to look sexy under skirts or pants with the warmth of an under-layer tight. I love them!" — Calzedonia customer
These Noosh tights come in several different colorways, and there are two styles perfect for deeper skin tones.
Sizes: XS to 2X
Colors: Fair/Black, Deep/Black, Tan/Black, among others
Review: "I love these so much. This is my second pair. My first pair is still working great just wanted a second pair to have when the other needs wash. They are so warm and toasty without making me feel too hot when I go inside from the cold and most importantly keep me warm while out in the cold. They do not snag or rip and hold up great in the wash. Just got the sparkly ones in this order—hopeful they'll be just as durable as these." — Noosh customer
With three distinct skin tones and a size range that goes from an XS to a 3XL, these Fleecies tights are the most inclusive on this list.
Sizes: XS to 3X
Colors: Vanilla, Honey, Caramel, and Cocoa
Review: "I had been looking for these kinds of tights for the longest time!! I'm so glad I finally found them!!! I tried them on as soon as I received them and I love how they fit and look on me!" — Fleeces customer
This pair of plus-size fleece-lined tights comes in both petite and regular inseams.
Sizes: XL to 4X Plus
Colors: Black, Pink, Olive, among others.
Review: "I love my tights, I wear them during cold nights out and they’re thick but not in a bad way it keeps me warm and I can still dress cute! I’ve worn them and washed them and they still look new no rips" — Amazon customer
Just like the brand name suggests, this label focuses on creating cozy, inclusive tights for Black women and women of color with shades like Chocolate, Honey, and Caramel. They also come in stirrup and regular styles. Even better, they're on sale.
Sizes: S to 3X
Colors: Chocolate, Honey, Milkshake, Caramel.
Review: "I'm in love with this. The color matches my skin perfectly, and it fits so comfortably. Best purchase made in a while." — Melanin Fleece Tights customer
For those who aren't fans of ultra-thick fleece-lined tights when wearing shoes, this option from Hue thins out at the bottom so they won't fit too tight when layering under socks and platform boots.
Sizes: S/M and M/L
Colors: Black
Review: "These are just what I needed, I love them! I wear a size 2 or 4 in jeans, but I sized up to the Large because I am 5'8", and they fit great! The only thing is that the fleece stops just past your ankle, and you can tell if you are not wearing shoes that cover that area. It goes from the skin color to pure black, and it is obvious, so you have to wear booties or more, won't work with heels." — Nordstrom customer
If you want to skip out on the sheer illusion that some fleece-lined tights provide, this opaque version is ideal for an all-black outfit.
Sizes: S to XL
Colors: Black
Review: "These tights are amazing! I put them on for the first time and it felt like my legs were being given a teddy bear hug. They are incredibly soft and warm. Great to wear with/under anything. I plan to use them as a layering piece underneath my ski attire this winter." — Nordstrom customer
Skims is back at it again with its take on the viral style, offering an expanded size range for these limited-edition fleece-lined tights.
Sizes: XXS to 4X
Colors: Black
