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. Twenty-five dollars and a simple checkout on the TikTok Shop 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 New York Fashion Week is 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.
These Noosh tights come in several different colorways, and there are two styles perfect for deeper skin tones.
These are such a steal given the price.
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.
One reviewer, another Florida fashion girlie, agrees with my conclusion that these tights may be some of the best on this list: "Love them! It looks like you're wearing black stockings. The fleece inside is soft and definitely keeps you warm. I originally bought them for the cold weather when I go to New York, but I decided to try them out on a cold day in Florida, and I have to say they kept me warm!"
This pair of plus-size fleece-lined tights comes in both petite and regular inseams.
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. Plus, they're on sale.
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