Sweatpants are cozy classics—best reserved for days when you’ve committed to doing absolutely nothing beyond the cycle of couch-to-fridge. Down pants? Those feel like wearing your own personal sleeping bag. But fleece pants—they’re the great equalizer. They insulate, wick away moisture, and somehow manage to keep you ready for both binge-watching and nature.
The best fleece pants should feel plush and smooth against your skin. They trap heat while letting air circulate, so your legs stay warm without turning into a sauna. And while they’re cozy, they’re also surprisingly lightweight—none of that stiff, heavyweight sweatpant bulk that makes you feel like you’re training for a new PR in deadlifts.
Most fleece pants feature an elastic waistband with drawstrings or a built-in webbing belt, plus elastic cuffs that seal in warmth and comfort. From wacky retro prints to pairs that look like they could camouflage perfectly against a pine tree, fleece pants are your invitation to have some fun while staying warm. Whether you’re layering them under down pants at a chilly campsite, staying toasty while kayaking, or warming up before your morning jog, these fleece pants will keep you cruising through the colder months, no hibernation necessary.
A selection of the sweatpants we tested
What We Considered When Testing These Fleece Pants
Fabric & Weight
Much like a fleece jacket, you’ll want to think about what you’ll be doing while wearing fleece pants, which is why considering the weight and material is crucial before you cop. For a midweight pair, 5.5 to 7.5 ounces is ideal for layering or lounging. Anything between 8 and 14 ounces falls into heavyweight territory—these are outdoor champs that can insulate on their own.
When it comes to fabrics, 100% polyester fleece is durable enough to trap heat. Blends with cotton or recycled polyester tend to be softer, more breathable, and less itchy. And if you spot the name Polartec on the tag, your legs are in good hands. Polartec invented fleece and the fabrics it makes are some of the warmest out there. Trusted brand indeed.
Fit & Cut
No matter what fit you lean toward, always leave a little room in the thigh area. Fleece pants don’t stretch much, so extra space is worth it, especially if you plan to layer. You'll find jogger fits, which tapers down with elastic cuffs at the hem to help retain body heat, and straight, relaxed fits, ideal for wearing over baselayers.
Construction & Details
There’s a list of construction details you’ll want to check off before sliding on a pair—or better yet, wearing them out in the wild. Look for an elastic waistband or a drawcord to help keep your pants secure around your waist. Whether you’re climbing or cycling, zippered pockets should be non-negotiable—they keep your belongings safer than any open welt pocket ever could. While many cuffs are tapered and elastic, some leave the hem open—make sure they can still fit comfortably over your trusty boots.
Warmth vs. Breathability
This is the most important factor to consider. If you’ll be hiking, trekking, or stretching, opt for a lighter, more breathable pair of fleece pants. For anything more stationary, like camping or lounging in your backyard under the stars, go with a heavier pair for that plush, blanket-like feel.
Field Mag's Top Picks for Best Fleece Pants
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Best Lounge Pant:
Patagonia Synchilla Fleece Pants -
Warmest Fleece Pants:
Gramicci Ripple Sherpa Pant -
Best for Layering:
Mountain Hardwear Polartec High Loft Pant -
Best Heavyweights:
The North Face Retro Denali Pants -
Best for the Gym:
Alo Polar Fleece Ridge Cargo Pants -
Best Eco-Option:
Earth/Studies x 18 East ESCEP Benny Pant -
Best for Staying Dry:
Nike ACG "Wolf Tree" Plus Fleece Pants -
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
The Best Fleece Pants for Keeping Cozy This Fall & Winter
Best Fleece Pants for Lounging in the Ski Lodge: Patagonia Synchilla Fleece Pants
Inseam: 30"
Material: 95-100% Recycled Polyester Fleece
Fit: Slim
Price: $129
Pros:
- Sustainable option due to recycled materials
- Cozy enough for the couch and slopes
- Size options galore
Cons:
- Could use a little more room in the thigh area
Why not go straight to the source that practically invented fleece for the masses? Patagonia’s patented Synchilla has been keeping people cozy since the 1980s—and somehow gets better (and more ethical) every year. The double-sided fleece is made from recycled polyester, which helps with breathability so you don’t end up sweating like you’re in a hot yoga class. The elastic waistband and cuffs add a more tailored vibe; I went with a small, and they fit like a baselayer. If you want that relaxed, lounging by the campfire fit, size up.
I also appreciate that every pocket is zipped, and the inseam hits a nice 30-in (for reference, I’m 5'9"). They’re super lightweight yet surprisingly warm, and thanks to the anti-pilling finish, you won’t leave behind a trail of fuzz.
Warmest Fleece Pants: Gramicci Ripple Sherpa Pant
Inseam: 29”
Material: 100% polyester
Fit: Relaxed
Price: $148
Pros:
- Built-in nylon belt
- Liner in the pants, so they’re not scratchy
Cons:
- 29” inseam may be too short for most folks
- Incredibly hot, so best worn mid-winter
It’s no secret that Gramicci’s founder was one of the OG members of the legendary Stonemaster climbing faction—and these pants feel like a modern nod to that heritage. The ripple texture brings a wacky yet refined vibe, toned down by those easygoing neutrals. Pair them with a solid thermal top or a fleece jacket to achieve true cozy boy status.
These relaxed-fit, high-pile fleece pants are lined with a mesh to keep the polyester off your bare legs, which is essential because these pants really trap heat—so much so you'll really want to reserve these for deep winter days. Additionally, the 29-inch inseam is perfect for all my fellow short kings, but may prove to be short for longer-legged friends. With two hand-welt pockets, a zipped back pocket, and a built-in nylon belt, you can throw them on with a pair of Vasque hiking boots and instantly look like the honorary fifth Stonemaster—minus the chalk dust and the questionable ’70s mustache.
Best Fleece Pants for Layering: Mountain Hardwear Polartec High Loft Pant
Inseam: 30”
Material: 64% Recycled Polyester, 33% Polyester, 3% Elastane
Fit: Slim
Price: $150
Pros:
- 3% elastane for added mobility
- A great base layer option under ski pants
Cons:
- There’s no back pocket
Whether you’re biking into a chilly morning or layering up for a snow day, Mountain Hardwear's fleece pants have your legs covered. They’re the lightest on this list, but don’t let that fool you: the Polartec High Loft fleece traps warmth while still breathing enough to keep you from overheating mid-ride. The plush fleece interior feels like you’re wearing a cloud, and the durable stretch panels at the knees, cuffs, waist, and pockets keep you moving freely, whether you’re exercising, lounging, or calling in sick to hit the slopes.
SHOP NOW FROM MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR
Best Heavyweight Fleece Pants: The North Face Retro Denali Pants
Inseam: 30”
Material: 50% Recycled Polyester, 50% Recycled Nylon
Fit: Relaxed
Price: $130
Pros:
- Super heavyweight
- Matches their Denali jacket to make a full kit
Cons:
- It would be cool to have a nylon overlay on the back pocket for durability
The North Face’s decision to turn one of their all-time outerwear legends into pants still makes perfect sense, and keeps paying off. The Denali fleece pants are ultra-heavy, built for warmth, and cut with that just-right bagginess. A tapered ankle keeps heat locked in where it belongs (your body, not out in the wind), while ripstop overlays at key stress points like the waistband and knees mean you can move, bend, and sprawl without worrying about premature rips.
Best Fleece Pants to Wear to the Gym: Alo Polar Fleece Ridge Cargo Pants
Inseam: 29 ¾”
Material: Polar fleece
Fit: Regular
Price: $128
Pros:
- Six pockets altogether
- The internal drawcord option is sleek
Cons:
- We'd prefer the pockets on the side
Going to the gym in winter tests your discipline. When it’s freezing outside, it’s a lot easier to stay wrapped up in a blanket until Netflix passive-aggressively asks, “Are you still watching?” Athleisure powerhouse Alo, the NBA-endorsed label that looks just as good courtside as it does on rest days, also brings legit performance chops. Their polar fleece cargo pants feature a cozy fleece construction to keep you warm while you’re layering up or cooling down. The cargo pockets close with Velcro, the side pockets zip shut, and the back welt pockets add extra security—so nothing slips out mid-stretch.
Best Fleece Pants Made by Nature: Earth\Studies x 18 East ESCEP Benny Pant
Inseam: 30"
Material: 100% cotton
Fit: Relaxed
Price: $275
Pros:
- Includes a waist-mounted tri ring for your keys or water bottle
- Adjustable bungee cuffs for tightening
Cons:
- Since we're nitpicking, the overall weight could be a bit lighter
Any time 18 East and Earth\Studies team up, they’re cooking with straight petrol. These things look like they could camouflage you in the woods and that’s absolutely the point. Beyond the tree bark pocket situation, they’re dabu-dyed in India using a traditional Rajasthani mud-resist process, where a mud-based paste is applied to the reverse side of the garment. The result? A one-of-a-kind motif that feels straight out of nature’s own print shop—wrapped up in a cozy-as-hell fleece pant. It’s overbuilt in all the right ways with an adjustable buckle, thigh pocket with a pull cord, bungee cuffs for quick tweaks, and a super-loose fit.
Best Fleece Pants to Keep You Dry: Nike ACG "Wolf Tree" Plus Fleece Pants
Inseam: 30”
Material: 100% polyester, 100% nylon
Fit: Regular
Price: $140
Pros:
- Light yet super insulating
- Large water-resistant panels
Cons:
- The elastic at the bottom hem could be a little tighter
- Size down in all ACG products for a normal fit
I often think about how under the radar Nike ACG is—quietly out there making gear that can go toe-to-toe with the best outdoor labels in the game. These pants, for instance, are made from Polartec to trap heat, but the real showstoppers are those massive panels. They’re designed to fend off rips and keep you dry while you’re stomping through a creek or trudging through slush like an all-conditions armor for your lower half. The fit leans roomy; honestly, I should’ve gone for an extra-small instead of a small. The elastic at the bottom hem is a little too loose for my liking, but hey, they layer perfectly over a chunky pair of high-top HOKAs, so I’ll call it a win.
Where should you wear fleece pants?
There are many activities where fleece pants make sense. They’re literally just a more socially-acceptable version of pajama pants/track pants (which we all agree you should never leave the house in, right?), though some are nothing more than fleece sweatpants. Fleece pants are the perfect uniform for car camping, vanlife, and chilling in an A-frame cabin or a drafty apartment.
They also can work well for use as a baselayer while skiing, climbing, or doing any of the other fun things we like to do outside (especially in the Northeast). Once the adventure is through, they're especially suitable for the post-workout cool down, or even just a comfy WFH uniform completed by your favorite sweatshirt or hoodie.
What kind of features should fleece pants have?
A few other things to consider are knee and butt panels, which increase durability and weather resistance when used in outdoor environments. An elastic waistband or integrated belt is another useful design element to look out for; even a drawstring/drawcord helps.
