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Finding clothes that are exceptionally warm is always high on my list of priorities during the fall and winter. Over the years, I’ve amassed a solid selection of hats, jackets, fleeces, sweaters, sweatshirts, and boots, but I’ve always struggled to find ways to keep my legs as warm as the rest of my body.
Fleece-lined jeans were always an option, but most pairs came in wide-leg boot-cut fit with bright red, green, or plaid flannel showing at the cuffs. And because the whole lumberjack look isn’t my thing, I always opted to wear multiple layers of long johns under a normal pair of jeans — until I came across a pair from performance denim brand DUER.
Founded in 2013 by Gary Lenett and Abid Hafeez, DUER was created to bridge the gap between fashion and functional clothing for professional athletes, commuters, and every kind of adventurer in between — and the Tech Fleece fleece-lined jeans do a wonderful job at living up to those core values.
Coming in three fits slim, relaxed taper, and straight, the jeans are made from a stretchy material for mobility and durability and a fully fleece-lined interior. Rather than gluing or stitching the denim and fleece materials together, the DUER Tech Fleece Denim uses a unique approach to interweaving fabric fibers, which essentially brings them together as one. The result is a design that’s warm yet lightweight and bulk-free.
With freezing temperatures as the norm for this time of year, we tested a few pairs of the Tech Fleece Denim. Despite having different personal styles, the Tech Fleece Denim was a hit for each of us. Check out our thoughts, below. For more great pairs, check out our guide to the best jeans for men.
Amir’s review of DUER Tech Fleece Denim Relaxed Taper
Amir Ismael/Business Insider
For me, these jeans are great for three main reasons: the fit, the subtle look of the fleece, and most importantly, the warmth. My first impression was how well they fit. The relaxed. I can wear them with sneakers or boots without looking like a carpenter or construction worker. They also come in every waist size between 28 and 40, so men of almost all sizes can find a pair for themselves.
I also appreciate the subdued color choice used on the fleece. The light grey color mimics what the reverse side of denim would look like, so you can cuff them without a tacky color showing. Maybe I’m being extremely picky, but that’s always been a turn-off for me with flannel-lined jeans. They’re also noticeably warmer than regular denim — so much so that it’s been hard to return to normal jeans in winter after wearing them.
Priced at $159 a pair, they are not the most affordable pair of jeans, but it’s easy to justify the amount. Rather than spending that same amount on normal jeans just for a brand name, you’re getting stretchy performance jeans that are super warm, lightweight, and fashionable. I can’t say that all fleece-lined jeans are a win, but these definitely are. — Amir Ismael, style editor, Insider Reviews
Brandt’s review of DUER Tech Fleece Denim Slim
Amir Ismael/Business Insider
Winter in the Northeast means making clothing choices that are less about style and more about keeping yourself from freezing, but DUER proves you can have the best of both worlds. I’m not a huge fan of slim jeans, but DUER has managed to make their pair snug without feeling tight. But the big win is their fleece lining.
I love flannel-lined jeans because they keep my legs warm, even when the winter wind blows. The problem is that the pairs I’ve worn in the past have been big and bulky, which is fine for functionality, but not very fashion-forward. The fleece DUER used kept my legs just as toasty, but felt lighter and looked nicer than the jeans I’m used to wearing this time of year. If I dare to leave the house on days when the temperature falls below freezing, this is the pair of pants I’m reaching for first. — Brandt Ranj, former associate editor
David’s review of DUER Tech Fleece Denim Relaxed Taper
Amir Ismael/Business Insider
The first thing I noticed when I tried these jeans on was how thin they felt. Unlike with other flannel-lined pants or jeans I’ve tried on before, you don’t feel the bulk of a ton of extra material with these. Although the fabric was definitely thicker than my normal jeans, they only felt very marginally so.
Also unlike other brands I’ve tried on, the fit wasn’t super bulky or awkward. They were comfortable to wear, and I looked like I just had on a pair of my normal jeans. They have a nice bit of stretch, making it easy to squat down or pedal a bike, and they were definitely warmer than a standard pair of jeans. I don’t bike commute very often during the winter, but these will be my go-to when I do. — David Slotnick, former senior transportation reporter
The bottom line
DUER Tech Fleece Denim is expensive compared to other pairs, but they’re well worth the money. They’re stretchy and warmer than normal denim yet just as lightweight and comfortable. If you need equally warm and stylish pants, this pair is for you.
