Posted inUS_1

The Ultimate Guide to Great Travel Pants: Find Your Perfect Pair for Any Trip

No Comments

Finding the perfect travel pants can feel like searching for a mythical creature. You need something that’s comfortable enough for long flights, stylish enough for city exploration, and practical enough to handle unexpected spills and wrinkles. Luckily, the quest for Great Travel Pants is now easier than ever. We’ve rigorously tested over 50 pairs of women’s travel pants to bring you the definitive guide to looking and feeling your best, no matter where your adventures take you.

From navigating bustling airports to settling into cozy cafes, your travel pants are your constant companion. They need to be more than just clothing; they need to be reliable, versatile, and comfortable. That’s why we’ve put in the miles, wearing trousers, leggings, joggers, cargo pants, wide-leg styles, and straight-leg pants to ensure we’ve covered every style and preference. We selected travel pants from top brands like Lululemon, Spanx, and Everlane, and lived in them for weeks, evaluating comfort, durability, fit, and design.

After extensive testing, we’ve curated a list of 12 exceptional pants that are not only stylish and comfortable but truly deserve the title of great travel pants. These are the pieces that will elevate your travel wardrobe and make packing for your next trip a breeze.

Our Top Picks for Great Travel Pants

To help you navigate the world of travel pants, we’ve broken down our top recommendations by category, ensuring you find the perfect pair for your specific needs and style.

Best Overall:

Spanx Ponte Slim Straight Pant at Spanx

Jump to Review

Best Wide-leg:

Aritzia The Effortless Pant at Aritzia.com

Jump to Review

Best Slim-leg:

Aday Turn It Up Pants at Thisisaday.com

Jump to Review

Best Wrinkle-resistant:

Everlane Pant at Everlane $88

Jump to Review

Best Leggings:

lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight at Lululemon $128

Jump to Review

Best Joggers:

SALE

Calia Truelight Cargo Pocket Jogger at Dicks Sporting Goods $78 $16

Jump to Review

Best Linen:

Quince 100 Percent European Linen Pants at Quince.com

Jump to Review

Best Cargo:

Beyond Yoga City Chic Cargo Pant at Amazon $118

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:

SALE

Z Supply Farah Pant at Amazon $118 $83

Jump to Review

Best Jeans:

Aviator Best Travel Jeans Relaxed at Aviatorusa.com

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Spanx Ponte Slim Straight Pant

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spanx-the-perfect-pant-slim-straight-f7ab429db97e4588937bc0bdf666b39d.jpg)

PHOTO: Spanx

View on Spanx $148 $60 at Shopbop.com $148 at Revolve

Why We Love It: Professional, sleek, and incredibly stylish, these pants offer an elevated look while maintaining the plush comfort of sweatpants. They are truly versatile great travel pants.

What to Consider: Slightly dressier than some other travel pant options, making them ideal for business travel or evenings out, but perhaps less casual for very laid-back trips.

For a pair of bottoms that seamlessly transitions from the boardroom to the boarding gate, look no further than the Spanx Ponte Slim Straight Pant. These comfortable slacks are the epitome of elevated travel style. What makes them truly great travel pants is their ingenious design: they provide the all-day comfort of leggings, thanks to their stretchy and soft rayon blend fabric, yet the tailored straight-leg cut ensures they remain incredibly versatile and polished.

The material has a substantial feel, making them perfect for moderate climates and offering a touch of warmth on cooler flights or evenings. The high-waisted design features a stretchy yet supportive waistband that feels both comfortable and flattering. While we found the size chart a little tricky, ordering both your usual size and a size up is recommended if you’re between sizes, leveraging Spanx’s excellent 90-day return policy to find your perfect fit.

The Details: XS-3XL (regular, petite, tall) | Material: Rayon, elastane, polyester | Pockets: No

Best Wide-leg

Aritzia The Effortless Pant

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/aritzia-the-effortless-pant-bfb0f55be6e84c0699ff548aac8cc93a.jpg)

PHOTO: Aritzia

View on Aritzia.com

Why We Love It: These sleek and flattering trousers are the ultimate day-to-night travel companion. Their sophisticated style makes them great travel pants for any occasion.

What to Consider: The waistband is non-stretch, which may feel less comfortable for prolonged periods of sitting, such as on long flights or train rides.

For travelers seeking effortless chic, Aritzia’s The Effortless Pant lives up to its name. These trousers have converted even the most skeptical into wide-leg devotees, becoming a travel wardrobe essential. The fabric boasts a premium look and feel, instantly elevating any outfit, whether paired with a casual T-shirt for daytime sightseeing or a dressy top for evening events. These are great travel pants that make you feel put-together with minimal effort.

Our tester loves these pants so much she owns them in four colors and plans to expand her collection within Aritzia’s Effortless line. The only minor drawback is the waistband’s lack of stretch, which can feel slightly restrictive when sitting for extended periods. However, the exceptional quality and durability justify the investment for a stylish and low-maintenance travel outfit. Dry cleaning is recommended to maintain their pristine condition, and after five months of regular wear, they still look and feel brand new.

The Details: Sizes: 00-16 | Material: Recycled polyester, viscose, cotton, elastane | Pockets: Yes

Best Slim-leg

Aday Turn It Up Pants

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Aday-Turn-It-Up-Pants-176a517040f84eae839394e7ba56678b.jpg)

PHOTO: Aday

View on Thisisaday.com

Why We Love It: The tapered leg provides a professional and flattering silhouette, and the fabric is impressively wrinkle-resistant, making them great travel pants for business or leisure.

What to Consider: The waistband could benefit from a bit more stretch for enhanced comfort during long periods of wear.

Aday’s Turn It Up Pants are specifically designed with the traveler in mind, offering a flattering tapered fit that’s both sophisticated and practical. These great travel pants are lightweight, breathable, and truly wrinkle-resistant, ticking all the boxes for versatile bottoms suitable for various occasions. Our testing confirmed their wrinkle-free claim: even when crumpled and packed tightly in a suitcase, they emerged looking pristine.

The sizing and length are true to size, ensuring a reliable fit. The pleats and tapered leg create an elevated and elongating shape, making them perfect for business trips or transitioning seamlessly from daytime exploration to evening engagements. After five months of consistent wear and dry cleaning, these pants still maintain their brand-new look and feel, proving their durability and making them a worthwhile investment for your travel wardrobe.

The Details: Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Tailored Stretch fabric | Features: Wrinkle-resistant | Pockets: Yes

The Best Women’s Travel Clothing, Tested and Reviewed

Best Wrinkle-resistant

Everlane Pant

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/everlane-the-dream-pant-969d78befccc4bc4ba14a7632c967bd9.jpg)

PHOTO: Everlane

$88 at Everlane

Why We Love It: The specially designed wrinkle-resistant fabric ensures these pants can withstand being packed in a suitcase for extended periods, making them ideal great travel pants for longer trips.

What to Consider: These pants feature a cropped leg, which may not be preferred by everyone, especially in colder climates or for more formal occasions.

Say goodbye to wrinkled clothing woes with the Everlane Pant. Packing wrinkle-prone garments can be a constant struggle for travelers, but these Everlane slacks solve that problem beautifully with their wrinkle-resistant cotton blend fabric. Soft and breathable, yet substantial enough for cooler temperatures, they are perfect for year-round travel. These are truly great travel pants for those who prioritize low-maintenance style.

While true to size, the waistband offers a slight stretch, providing ample comfort for long travel days exceeding 12 hours. Throughout our five-month testing period, the fabric and stitching quality remained impeccable, showing no signs of pilling or fading. Plus, their easy-care nature – machine washable and hang to dry – is a major bonus for travelers. The only consideration is the cropped length, which may be more pronounced for taller individuals.

The Details: Sizes: XXS-4XL | Material: Cotton, modal, elastane | Features: Wrinkle-resistant | Pockets: Yes

Best Leggings

lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lululemon-wunder-train-high-rise-tight-with-pockets-e4fb737b5a5845228ea2b4e566a16816.jpg)

PHOTO: lululemon

$128 at Lululemon

Why We Love It: The material is exceptionally stretchy, providing all-day comfort without feeling restrictive, making them fantastic great travel pants for active days or long journeys.

What to Consider: These leggings may not provide sufficient warmth for very cold weather travel destinations.

For unparalleled comfort and performance, the lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight leggings are in a league of their own. Crafted from buttery-smooth, stretchy, and cooling nylon, these leggings strike the perfect balance – warm enough for air-conditioned environments yet breathable for active days exploring new destinations. They are also an excellent choice for hiking in warmer climates. These are truly great travel pants for those who value both comfort and functionality.

Available in a wide range of sizes and colors, the high-rise waistband offers comfortable support without digging or squeezing. While their breathability might make them less ideal for very cold climates, they provide ample warmth for moderate temperatures or airplane cabins. A standout feature is the discreet side pockets, perfectly sized for stashing earbuds, phones, passports, or boarding passes for easy access on the go. A hidden waistband pocket adds extra security for valuables like cash or credit cards.

The Details: Sizes: 0-20 | Material: Nylon, lycra | Lengths: 23, 25, and 28-inch | Rise: High-rise | Pockets: Side pockets

Best Joggers

Calia Truelight Cargo Pocket Jogger

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Calia-Womens-Truelight-Cargo-Pocket-Jogger-d54e6987a4ea4e538315c459d4fbcd74.jpg)

PHOTO: Dick’s Sporting Goods

$78 $16 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Publiclands.com $78 $32 at Golfgalaxy.com

Why We Love It: These joggers are crafted from a long-lasting and durable material that feels incredibly lightweight, making them perfect great travel pants for comfort and practicality.

What to Consider: The back pockets can sometimes appear slightly awkward depending on fit, particularly if the size is not perfectly matched.

The Calia Truelight Cargo Pocket Jogger excels in comfortable fit, stylish design, and remarkably lightweight material. The polyester and spandex blend feels almost weightless and incredibly stretchy, offering supreme comfort akin to wearing nothing at all. The high-rise cut and thicker waistband provide gentle tummy control without feeling restrictive. Available in over 10 neutral colors, these are great travel pants that combine style and practicality seamlessly.

“These feel like a more polished upgrade from my usual airport leggings,” remarks our testing editor. “They’re light enough to keep you cool and versatile enough to transition straight to a hotel restaurant after check-in without needing to change.” Sizing up is recommended if you are between sizes to avoid any stretching at the back pockets.

The Details: Sizes: XS-3XL (short, regular, and long) | Rise: High-rise | Material: 90 percent polyester, 10 percent spandex | Features: Sweat-wicking

Our Favorite Athleisure Brands for Travel, Personally Owned by T+L Editors

Best Linen

Quince 100 Percent European Linen Pants

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/quince-100-european-linen-pants-4961c1183f8b4e27a69d4c96ead66482.jpg)

PHOTO: Quince

View on Quince.com

Why We Love It: These pants offer a true-to-size fit and drape beautifully without feeling clingy, making them great travel pants for warm climates and relaxed styles.

What to Consider: The waistband lacks a drawstring for adjustability, which some users may prefer for a more customized fit, especially during activities or fluctuating temperatures.

For warm-weather travel, the Quince 100 Percent European Linen Pants are an exceptional choice. Ideal for early morning flights or long days of sightseeing in sunny locales, these 100 percent linen pants defy expectations with their minimal wrinkling. You can confidently wear them during long periods of sitting or pack them in your suitcase without excessive wrinkle concerns. These are great travel pants for staying cool and comfortable in hot weather.

The linen material is substantial enough to prevent transparency even in lighter colors, yet remains light and breezy on the skin. Functional features include two side pockets and one back pocket, providing convenient storage for travel essentials. Throughout months of testing, they showed no signs of fading or pilling, even after multiple washes, and remarkably, they emerged from the dryer without shrinking. The straight-leg cut, hitting just above the ankle, makes them versatile for pairing with sneakers, sandals, or even heels, depending on your itinerary. While the true-to-size fit is generally appreciated, the lack of a drawstring waistband may mean sizing down if you are between sizes, as they tend to stretch slightly throughout the day.

The Details: Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Flax linen | Pockets: Two side pockets and one back pocket

Best Cargo

Beyond Yoga City Chic Cargo Pant

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyond-yoga-city-chic-wide-leg-cargo-pant-e1952afb58714aa4b74b4abf1b70ea8b.jpg)

PHOTO: Beyond Yoga

$118 at Amazon $118 at Nordstrom $118 at Zappos

Why We Love It: The abundance of pockets offers ample storage for essentials like phones, wallets, and keys, making them exceptionally practical great travel pants.

What to Consider: These pants tend to run slightly large, so consider sizing down for a more snug fit, especially if you prefer a more tailored look.

The Beyond Yoga City Chic Cargo Pant masterfully blends fashion and functionality, making them exceptionally well-suited for travel. The wide-leg cut and fluid drape of the fabric give these cargo pants a sophisticated trouser-like appearance, while the elastic waistband and soft polyester ensure the comfort you crave for airport travel and beyond. These are great travel pants that bridge the gap between style and practicality.

With a total of four pockets, including zippered side hand pockets for securing valuables, these pants offer all the storage you could need for phones, wallets, passports, earbuds, keys, and more. Our tester noted that while the pants are slightly oversized in the waist (adjustable with a tie belt), sizing down might be preferable for those seeking a tighter fit. After five months of testing, the pants retained their shape, color, and soft texture, proving their lasting quality and chic appeal.

The Details: Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Polyester | Pockets: Zipper pockets

Best Lightweight

Z Supply Farah Pant

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/zsupply-cdd05c611031484da575e0bb1d7c0fec.jpg)

PHOTO: Z Supply

$118 $83 at Amazon $118 $83 at Shopbop.com

Why We Love It: Featherlight and flowy, these rayon- and linen-blend pants are exceptionally comfortable great travel pants for warm-weather destinations.

What to Consider: Some minor loose threads and small snags were noted in the fabric during testing, suggesting potential areas of minor wear over time, although durability remained impressive overall.

The Z Supply Farah Pant is the epitome of lightweight comfort for travel. “These pants are so light and flowy, I could seriously wear them all day and night,” raves our testing editor. The rayon and linen fabric is incredibly breathable and soft, while the wide-leg drape offers an effortlessly chic look with any top. These are great travel pants for staying cool and stylish in warmer climates.

Whether walking, sitting, or commuting, the pants remained comfortable and breathable for any activity and duration. They fit true to size and feature an elastic waistband in the back, providing ample stretch in the high-waisted area. Belt loops add versatility for styling and achieving a more fitted look if desired. While minor imperfections like loose threads and snags were observed, they did not worsen over five months of wear and multiple washes, demonstrating impressive durability.

The Details: Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Rayon, linen | Pockets: Yes

The 10 Most Comfortable Women’s Sandals, Tested and Reviewed

Best Jeans

Aviator Best Travel Jeans Relaxed

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Aviator-Best-Travel-Jeans-Relaxed-984698ad00cb495aa997e4f886a618ea.jpg)

PHOTO: Aviator

View on Aviatorusa.com

Why We Love It: These jeans look like standard, stylish jeans but feel as soft and comfortable as leggings, making them surprisingly great travel pants.

What to Consider: The standard inseam is 34 inches, which may require hemming for many; however, Aviator offers free custom hemming to ensure a perfect fit.

Comfortable jeans for travel might sound like an oxymoron, but Aviator’s Best Travel Jeans Relaxed will change your perspective. While appearing to be a typical pair of straight-leg jeans, they are crafted from a stretchy, soft cotton and Lycra blend that feels remarkably like sweatpants. After extensive testing in various scenarios – from office wear to long car rides and lounging at home – it became clear that these jeans are incredibly versatile for almost any activity. These are great travel pants for those who want the look of jeans with the comfort of loungewear.

The quality has proven durable throughout our five-month real-world testing. Beyond the exceptionally comfortable material, these jeans boast seven pockets – significantly more than typical jeans – including two zippered pockets for secure storage of IDs or cash. The only point to note is the standard 34-inch inseam, but Aviator’s free hemming service resolves this, allowing you to customize the length for a flawless fit.

The Details: Sizes: 24-36 | Material: Cotton, Lycra | Pockets: Slip and zipper pockets

Best Splurge

Frank & Eileen Murphy Billion Dollar Pant

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/frank-eileen-murphy-billion-dollar-pant-661ce447d6494e79b822d530c5438406.jpg)

PHOTO: Frank & Eileen

View on Amazon $228 at Nordstrom View on Frankandeileen.com

Why We Love It: The exceptional quality materials and effortlessly stylish design justify the higher price point, making them investment-worthy great travel pants for discerning travelers.

What to Consider: The back pockets are purely decorative, offering no functional storage, which may be a minor drawback for those who rely on back pockets.

For frequent travelers who appreciate luxury and style, the Frank & Eileen Murphy Billion Dollar Pant is an investment that truly pays off. While undeniably pricier, these pants exceeded our high expectations. They fit true to size and are incredibly easy to slip on, thanks to the silky-smooth fabric that offers ample stretch without compromising mobility. These are great travel pants for those who want to travel in luxury and style.

The tapered legs, cropped at the ankles, make them versatile for pairing with sneakers for casual outings or heels for elegant dinners on vacation. The front pockets are generously sized for discreetly holding a phone, though the back pockets are for aesthetic purposes only. Easy maintenance is another advantage – they are machine washable and air dry quickly. The quality of materials assures long-lasting wear, making them a worthwhile splurge for your travel wardrobe.

The Details: Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Cotton, spandex | Rise: Midrise | Pockets: Front pockets | Faux back pockets

Best Flare

Ripley Rader Black Ponte Knit Wide Leg Pant

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ripley-rader-black-ponte-knit-wide-leg-pant-7a18049f3a1f45dca7518bdf7024e567.jpg)

PHOTO: Ripley Rader

View on Ripleyrader.com

Why We Love It: Similar in comfort to leggings, these pants offer a more stylish and elevated look with their cropped flare bottom, making them fashionable great travel pants.

What to Consider: Slight pilling was observed after washing; hand washing or dry cleaning is recommended to maintain their pristine condition and longevity.

If you seek flare pants that combine the comfort of leggings with a more polished aesthetic, the Ripley Rader Black Ponte Knit Wide Leg Pant is your ideal choice. These bottoms meet the high standards of comfort and style demanded by frequent travelers. These are great travel pants for those who prioritize both fashion and comfort while traveling.

The high-waisted fit provides both compression and flexibility comparable to leggings, while the cropped flare style is particularly flattering. The midweight fabric resists wrinkles and is fully opaque, ensuring confidence and preventing wardrobe mishaps on the go. To maintain their best condition, hand washing or dry cleaning is advised due to slight pilling observed after machine washing. Despite minor pilling in the inner thigh area after five months of use, they continue to look and feel fantastic.

The Details: Sizes: XS-4XL | Material: Viscose, nylon | Pockets: No pockets

Other Travel Pants We Liked

While the following pants scored highly in our tests, minor issues with quality or fit prevented them from being top picks. They still deserve an honorable mention as great travel pants options.

Quince Ultra-stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant These offer a thick and cozy material, but a more compressive waistband would enhance their comfort and fit for travel.

SweatyRocks Women’s Casual Wide Leg Trousers: Budget-friendly and versatile for airport-to-office transitions, these trousers are a great value, though the faux pockets were a noted downside.

Our Testing Process

To identify the great travel pants, we rigorously tested 50 pairs from leading brands like Vuori, Lululemon, and Athleta. Our goal was to cover a wide spectrum of styles – from leggings to trousers – in various sizes and colors, ensuring thorough and insightful testing.

We wore these pants extensively during different modes of travel – planes, trains, and cars – for prolonged periods to assess their overall fit, quality, and comfort. Over five months, we evaluated their performance on long-haul flights, in office settings, and on extended road trips. Key factors included whether they ran true to size, maintained comfort over long durations, and held up well after multiple washes. Ultimately, the great travel pants we selected struck a perfect balance of breathability, warmth, softness, and versatility, suitable for any travel adventure.

Tips for Buying Great Travel Pants

Opt for wrinkle-resistant materials

Given that travel often involves packing clothing in suitcases, choosing wrinkle-resistant materials is crucial. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane naturally resist wrinkles, making them excellent choices for travel wear. While natural materials like cotton, linen, and hemp can wrinkle easily unless blended with synthetics, always check material specifications for wrinkle-resistant treatments. A travel steamer can also be a handy tool for quick wrinkle removal on the go.

Look for pockets

While not essential, pockets significantly enhance the practicality of travel pants. They offer convenient access to items on the move and secure storage for valuables like credit cards, passports, and cash, especially zippered pockets in discreet locations. Consider the number and type of pockets based on your travel needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the comfiest style of pants for travel?

    Comfort preference is subjective, but our tests included diverse styles to cater to various needs. Common comfy styles for travel include soft joggers, leggings, and sweatpants. Trousers and straight-leg pants also offer comfortable yet more elevated options for a polished travel look.

  • What are travel pants typically made of?

    Travel pants utilize both synthetic and natural fibers. Common materials include polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, elastane, and linen. Synthetic fabrics excel in wrinkle resistance, while natural fibers are often favored for breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

  • How should I fold pants for travel to save space and prevent wrinkles?

    Maximize luggage space and minimize wrinkles by either laying pants flat, folding one leg over the other, or rolling them tightly, military-style, starting from the waistband. Rolling is particularly effective for wrinkle prevention.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L associate editor Anna Popp specializes in travel products, from luggage to comfortable footwear. A dedicated travel pant enthusiast, Anna prioritizes both style and comfort, curating a wardrobe that includes many pairs featured in this list.

The 6 Best Packing Cubes, Tested and Reviewed

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and receive weekly recommendations on our favorite travel products.

Edited by Jackie Cucco

Jackie Cucco is a testing editor at Travel + Leisure, overseeing product testing and creating travel product reviews based on rigorous testing. With a journalism degree and experience as a travel agent, Jackie has over eight years of product coverage expertise, including numerous TV appearances discussing consumer trends.

learn more

Updated by Asia London Palomba

Asia London Palomba, a trilingual Italian writer based in Boston, focuses on food, travel, and history. Her work ranges from travel product guides to historical features, reflecting her diverse interests and expertise.

learn more

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *