Dressing up in the winter — for work, parties or other activities — can prove challenging if you prefer wearing dresses and skirts. Regular tights don’t always provide the warmest coverage, particularly if you live in a colder climate. But those beloved clothing items don’t deserve to languish in your closet until spring. In fact, there’s a pretty easy fix to this fashion dilemma if you’ve been hoping to sport tight with a dress or skirt any time before April.
Fleece-lined tights, especially sheer “illusion” tights with an opaque inner fleece lining that looks like skin, have taken over my TikTok For You page as a genius solution to staying warm while wearing leg-baring bottoms. They’re thicker than your average tights without feeling too bulky, according to many reviewers, and can keep out the worst of the cold like a pair of pants would. With my curiosity piqued, I set out to find some of the most popular fleece-lined tight options, from the cool illusion style to more classic opaque hues.
Keep on scrolling for some fleece-lined tights that can help you utilize your wardrobe to its full potential in the winter weather.
A 2-pack of fake translucent tights in different neutral colors
Want a more affordable option? Stock up on two pairs of tights for under $20 with these fake translucent tights and choose from multiple hues like silver or brown to match your wardrobe. These have the "invisible line crotch design" to avoid awkward lines showing on your hips. The tights are lined with thick, plush fleece for a warmth that delivers in 30-degree weather, according to reviewers. Grab the two-pack in sizes XS-XL.
Noosh's bestselling Toast sheer illusion tights
Stay toasty — haha, get it? — in Noosh's Toast sheer illusion tights, which come in five skin tones, one of the widest ranges we've seen so far (limited shade ranges seem to be a pitfall of illusion tights at most retailers). The tights offer a high waist and compression, with that translucent appearance that makes it look like you're only wearing pantyhose. Choose from sizes XS-2X. Noosh also offers these tights with a polka dot pattern on the legs, but it's currently out of stock, so keep an eye out for a potential future restock.
Promising review: "I've been eyeing these for a while, and I finally took the plunge and bought a pair: I should have done it sooner! I cannot get over how soft they are inside; it's like wearing a teddy bear. Where have these been all my life? If you live in a cold climate and like to wear skirts, this is a game changer." — Jordan G.
Target's affordable pointelle fleece-lined tights
If you're on the hunt for opaque fleece-lined tights in colors other than black, Target-exclusive brand A New Day offers these $15 tights in pointelle-patterned brown. They have a high-waisted fit and are made to provide "opaque sheerness," for that sweet in-between spot. Try them out for yourself in sizes S-XL.
Promising review: "Absolutely love these fleece-lined tights! They’re perfect for cooler temperatures while still looking chic and fashionable. A stylish addition to any fall or winter wardrobe!” — LM
This opaque black pair reviewers say are "warmer than pants"
The sheer look, faux or otherwise, isn't for everyone, so if you'd rather have an opaque pair of fleeced-lined tights, you're in luck. This classic black Oroblu pair prompted one reviewer to write, "These are warmer than pants. I feel like I am wearing pajamas." They've also been described as sleek, however, so they're not too thick and bulky to the point of being awkward to wear. Get the tights for yourself in sizes S-XL.
Another Amazon find with more skin tone options for the illusion
The limited shade ranges of many brands' illusion tights can be frustrating, but if you're looking for a deeper shade, this Tyusatu pair comes in four skin tones and sizes S-XL. It boasts 360-degree compression including the high waistband, a lifting U-shaped bottom seam and lightweight thermal fleece to keep you warm while still providing a smooth, sleek look.
Promising review: "Brought these to NYC for the week (in December) and they were great! I’ve seen some people put on leggings under them, and that definitely could have kept me warmer, but these did fairly decent, especially if you have a long jacket. I loved how the furry inner lining felt and the rise of the leggings was perfect. I do wish the bottoms had a grip so my feet wouldn’t slip in boots, but I will wear grip socks over them next time. I am 5’2, 113 pounds and I purchased the XS. The length was perfect and very stretchy.
My absolute favorite part about these tights is NO SNAGS!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼" — Annie
Hue's popular faux-sheer tights
Like Noosh, another popular brand for illusion fleece-lined tights is Hue. Their offering is $10 cheaper, but only comes in one skin tone and sizes S-L. These have a very high waistband designed to stay in place without rolling down, and reviewers mention the warmth stands up to cold Midwestern weather.
Some polka-dot patterned sheer effect thermal tights
Now is a great time to try out these 30 denier sheer effect thermal tights, which have a polka dot pattern to add a little more visual interest. The fleece tights have an invisible gusset, and the polka dots can dress up an outfit even more than a plain solid pair would. This is another one that has only one skin tone available, in sizes XS-L.