Packing for a trip involves numerous considerations, and choosing the right travel attire is paramount for comfort and style. Finding the perfect Ladies Travel Pants can make all the difference between a comfortable journey and a wardrobe malfunction. We understand the struggle, which is why we rigorously tested over 50 pairs of women’s travel pants to bring you the best recommendations. From long flights to city explorations, our tests focused on comfort, durability, fit, and design, ensuring you find the ideal pair for every adventure.
Just like you, Family Circle Travel editors explored various styles, sizes, and colors. We tested trousers, leggings, joggers, cargo pants, wide-leg pants, and straight-leg pants to cover diverse style preferences. We selected travel pants from reputable brands such as Spanx, Aritzia, and Lululemon, wearing them extensively over several weeks. Our comprehensive testing led us to identify 12 exceptional pants that are not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable, making them essential additions to any travel wardrobe.
Our Top Picks for Women’s Travel Pants
Navigating the world of ladies travel pants can be overwhelming, but we’ve streamlined the process for you. Here are our top recommendations based on different needs and preferences:
Best Overall:
Spanx Ponte Slim Straight Pant at Spanx
Best Wide-leg:
Aritzia The Effortless Pant at Aritzia.com
Best Slim-leg:
Aday Turn It Up Pants at Thisisaday.com
Best Wrinkle-resistant:
Best Leggings:
lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight at Lululemon $128
Best Joggers:
SALE
Calia Truelight Cargo Pocket Jogger at Dicks Sporting Goods $78 $16
Best Linen:
Quince 100 Percent European Linen Pants at Quince.com
Best Cargo:
Beyond Yoga City Chic Cargo Pant at Amazon $118
Best Lightweight:
SALE
Z Supply Farah Pant at Amazon $118 $83
Best Jeans:
Aviator Best Travel Jeans Relaxed at Aviatorusa.com
Best Overall Ladies Travel Pants
Spanx Ponte Slim Straight Pant
PHOTO: Spanx
View on Spanx $148 $60 at Shopbop.com $148 at Revolve
Why We Love It: Professional, sleek, and stylish, these pants offer an elevated look while maintaining the soft and cozy feel of sweatpants. They are the epitome of versatile ladies travel pants.
What to Consider: Being slightly dressier than other travel pants, they might not be ideal for very casual settings.
These comfortable slacks are perfect for achieving a more polished travel ensemble, seamlessly transitioning from business meetings to airport lounges. The magic lies in the fabric: a stretchy and soft rayon blend that feels like leggings but presents a versatile straight-leg design. While substantial enough for moderate climates, they might feel a tad warm in hotter destinations. The high-waisted fit features a comfortably stretchy waistband that still feels supportive and flattering thanks to the thicker fabric trim. Sizing can be a bit tricky; if you’re between sizes, consider ordering a size up along with your regular size to ensure the perfect fit, leveraging Spanx’s generous 90-day return policy.
The Details: XS-3XL (regular, petite, tall) | Rayon, elastane, polyester | No pockets
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Best Wide-leg Ladies Travel Pants
Aritzia The Effortless Pant
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PHOTO: Aritzia
Why We Love It: Sleek and flattering, these trousers are the quintessential day-to-night ladies travel pants, offering both sophistication and comfort.
What to Consider: The waistband has minimal stretch, which may feel less comfortable during prolonged periods of sitting.
For those seeking chic ladies travel pants, Aritzia’s Effortless Pants are a travel wardrobe staple. These trousers converted even the most skeptical editors into travel trouser enthusiasts. The premium fabric exudes quality and style, ensuring you feel impeccably dressed whether paired with a casual T-shirt or an elegant evening top. With a range of colors available, these pants are a versatile investment. The only minor drawback is the waistband’s limited stretch, which can feel slightly restrictive when seated for extended durations. However, the exceptional quality and durability justify the investment for effortless style. Dry cleaning is recommended to maintain their pristine condition.
The Details: 00-16 | Recycled polyester, viscose, cotton, elastane | Pockets
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Best Slim-leg Ladies Travel Pants
Aday Turn It Up Pants
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PHOTO: Aday
Why We Love It: The tapered leg provides a professional and flattering silhouette, and the fabric is remarkably wrinkle-resistant, making these excellent ladies travel pants.
What to Consider: A slightly stretchier waistband would enhance comfort.
Aday’s tapered travel pants are specifically designed for the discerning traveler, offering a refined and flattering fit. Lightweight, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant, they embody all the desirable qualities in ladies travel pants suitable for diverse occasions. To test their wrinkle-free claim, our editors deliberately crumpled and packed these pants, only to find them emerge perfectly smooth. The sizing and length are accurate, though a more flexible waistband would be a welcome improvement for enhanced comfort. The pleats and tapered leg contribute to an elegant and elongating shape, making them equally suitable for office wear or business travel. Their enduring quality after months of wear and dry cleaning confirms their lasting value.
The Details: XS-XL | Tailored Stretch fabric | Wrinkle-resistant | Pockets
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker
The Best Women’s Travel Clothing, Tested and Reviewed
Best Wrinkle-resistant Ladies Travel Pants
Everlane Pant
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PHOTO: Everlane
Why We Love It: The wrinkle-resistant fabric is perfect for packing, ensuring these pants stay smooth even after long periods in a suitcase, making them ideal ladies travel pants.
What to Consider: These pants feature a cropped leg, which might not be preferred by everyone.
Dealing with wrinkled clothes while traveling is a common frustration. Everlane’s slacks address this issue with their wrinkle-resistant cotton blend fabric. Soft and breathable yet substantial enough for cooler temperatures, they are excellent year-round ladies travel pants. While true to size, the slightly stretchy waistband ensures comfort during extended travel days. The fabric and construction have proven durable over months of use, resisting pilling and fading. Easy care is another advantage – simply machine wash and hang to dry. The only thing to note is the cropped length, which might be more pronounced for taller individuals.
The Details: XXS-4XL | Cotton, modal, elastane | Wrinkle-resistant | Pockets
Best Leggings for Travel
lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight
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PHOTO: lululemon
Why We Love It: The material is incredibly stretchy, offering all-day comfort without feeling restrictive, making them superb ladies travel pants for long journeys.
What to Consider: These leggings might not provide enough warmth in very cold weather conditions.
Lululemon’s buttery smooth leggings are crafted from a stretchy and cooling nylon material, providing warmth for flights yet breathability for active days. They double as excellent hiking leggings for warm climates. Available in a wide range of sizes and colors, the high-rise waistband is comfortably supportive without digging in. While supremely breathable, they may not be the warmest option for frigid temperatures but are suitable for moderate climates or airplane drafts. A standout feature is the discreet side pockets, perfect for stashing earbuds, phones, passports, or tickets for easy access while traveling. A hidden waistband pocket adds extra security for valuables.
The Details: 0-20 | Nylon, lycra| 23, 25, and 28-inch lengths | High-rise | Side pockets
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Mcintyre
Best Joggers for Ladies Travel Pants
Calia Truelight Cargo Pocket Jogger
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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 exceptionally durable and lightweight, offering lasting comfort and practicality for ladies travel pants.
What to Consider: The back pockets can appear slightly awkward depending on the fit.
These joggers impressed with their comfortable fit, stylish design, and incredibly lightweight material. The polyester and spandex blend feels almost weightless and exceptionally stretchy. The high-rise cut and thicker waistband provide flattering tummy control without feeling constrictive. Available in over 10 neutral colors, they offer great versatility.
“These feel like a more refined alternative to my usual airport leggings,” notes our testing editor. “They are lightweight enough for warm climates yet versatile enough for a quick transition to a hotel restaurant.” Sizing up is recommended if you’re between sizes to avoid stretched-looking back pockets.
The Details: XS-3XL (short, regular, and long) | High-rise | 90 percent polyester, 10 percent spandex | Sweat-wicking
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Our Favorite Athleisure Brands for Travel, Personally Owned by T+L Editors
Best Linen Ladies Travel Pants
Quince 100 Percent European Linen Pants
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PHOTO: Quince
Why We Love It: They fit true to size and hug the body comfortably without feeling restrictive, making them excellent ladies travel pants for warmer climates.
What to Consider: A drawstring waistband for adjustability would be a beneficial addition.
These 100 percent linen pants are an excellent choice for early morning flights or long days of sightseeing in warm weather. The linen resists wrinkling better than expected, allowing for comfortable wear during long periods of sitting or when packed in luggage. The fabric is opaque even in lighter colors yet remains light and airy. Practical features include two side pockets and a back pocket for essential storage.
Durability tests over months showed no signs of fading or pilling, even after multiple washes. They also withstood dryer cycles without shrinking. The straight-leg cut, hitting just above the ankle, pairs well with sneakers, sandals, or heels. While the fit is generally true to size, the lack of a drawstring waistband and tendency to stretch slightly throughout the day might necessitate sizing down if you are between sizes.
The Details: XS-XL | Flax linen| Two side pockets and one back pocket
Best Cargo Ladies Travel Pants
Beyond Yoga City Chic Cargo Pant
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PHOTO: Beyond Yoga
$118 at Amazon $118 at Nordstrom $118 at Zappos
Why We Love It: Ample pockets provide generous storage for phones, wallets, and keys, making them highly practical ladies travel pants.
What to Consider: These pants tend to run slightly larger in size.
Beyond Yoga’s cargo pants masterfully blend fashion and functionality, making them superb for travel. The wide-leg silhouette and drapey fabric lend a trouser-like elegance, while the elastic waistband and soft polyester ensure the comfort needed for airport travel. They are a stylish upgrade from typical yoga pants without sacrificing comfort.
Featuring four pockets, including zippered hand pockets, these pants offer secure storage for essentials like phones, wallets, passports, and earbuds, reducing the risk of loss or theft. While slightly oversized in the waist (an adjustable tie belt helps), consider sizing down for a tighter fit. After months of wear, they maintain their shape, color, and plush feel.
The Details: XS-XL | Polyester | Zipper pockets
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Best Lightweight Ladies Travel Pants
Z Supply Farah Pant
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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 ideal ladies travel pants for hot weather travel.
What to Consider: Minor loose threads and snags were observed during testing.
“These pants are so lightweight and flowy, I could wear them all day and night, whether lounging or flying,” raves our editor after testing the Z Supply Farah Pants. The rayon and linen fabric is exceptionally breathable and soft, and the wide-leg drape is effortlessly chic.
Comfortable and breathable for any activity, these pants run true to size and feature an elastic back waistband for ample stretch. Belt loops offer styling versatility. While the fabric is generally high-quality, some minor loose threads and snags were noted but did not worsen with wear and washing, demonstrating good overall durability.
The Details: XS-XL | Rayon, linen | Pockets
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The 10 Most Comfortable Women’s Sandals, Tested and Reviewed
Best Jeans for Ladies Travel Pants
Aviator Best Travel Jeans Relaxed
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PHOTO: Aviator
Why We Love It: These jeans look like classic denim but feel buttery soft like leggings, offering the best of both worlds for ladies travel pants.
What to Consider: The standard inseam is 34 inches, requiring hemming for many, though custom hemming is available.
Comfortable travel jeans might seem like an oxymoron, but Aviator’s jeans will change your perception. While appearing as typical straight-leg jeans, they are made from a stretchy, soft cotton and Lycra blend that feels like sweatpants. Ideal for various activities, from office wear to long car rides and lounging, their quality has endured months of testing. Beyond comfort, they boast seven pockets – more than typical jeans – including two zippered pockets for secure storage. The standard 34-inch inseam may require hemming for many, but Aviator offers free hemming services.
The Details: 24-36 | Cotton, Lycra | Slip and zipper pockets
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Best Splurge Ladies Travel Pants
Frank & Eileen Murphy Billion Dollar Pant
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PHOTO: Frank & Eileen
View on Amazon $228 at Nordstrom View on Frankandeileen.com
Why We Love It: The superior materials and effortlessly chic design justify the higher price, making these investment-worthy ladies travel pants.
What to Consider: The back pockets are purely decorative.
Frequent travelers will appreciate the luxurious feel and effortless style of the Frank & Eileen Murphy Billion Dollar Pant. While a significant investment, they exceeded expectations. True to size and easy to wear thanks to the silky smooth, stretchy fabric, mobility is never compromised. The tapered, cropped legs pair well with sneakers or heels, offering versatility for any travel occasion. Functional front pockets discreetly hold phones, though back pockets are faux. Machine washable and air-dryable, their high-quality materials promise lasting durability.
The Details: XS-XL |Cotton, spandex| Midrise | Front pockets | Faux back pockets
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Best Flare Ladies Travel Pants
Ripley Rader Black Ponte Knit Wide Leg Pant
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PHOTO: Ripley Rader
Why We Love It: Similar to leggings in comfort but far more stylish with a cropped flare bottom, these are fashionable and comfortable ladies travel pants.
What to Consider: Slight pilling after washing suggests hand washing or dry cleaning for best maintenance.
For flare pants that feel like leggings but look more sophisticated, Ripley Rader offers the best option. These pants meet high standards for long-haul flights and everyday wear, blending comfort and style seamlessly. The high-waisted fit is both supportive and flexible, and the cropped flare is flattering for various heights (a longer version is also available). The midweight fabric resists wrinkles and remains opaque. While slightly high-maintenance (hand wash or dry clean recommended), they maintain their look and feel after months of use, with only minor inner thigh pilling.
The Details: XS-4XL | Viscose, nylon | No pockets
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Other Travel Pants We Liked
While the following pants received high scores, minor issues during testing slightly lowered their ratings in quality and fit. However, they still deserve an honorable mention as viable ladies travel pants:
Quince Ultra-stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant: Thick and cozy material, but the waistband could benefit from more compression for a more secure fit.
SweatyRocks Women’s Casual Wide Leg Trousers: Budget-friendly and versatile for airport-to-office transitions, but the faux pockets were a downside.
Our Testing Process for Ladies Travel Pants
To identify the best ladies travel pants, we tested 50 pairs from leading brands like Vuori, Lululemon, and Athleta, encompassing styles from leggings to trousers. We assessed each pair for fit, quality, and comfort during various travel scenarios, including long flights, office commutes, and road trips over five months. We evaluated size accuracy, sustained comfort, and wash durability. Our top picks achieved an optimal balance of breathability, warmth, softness, and versatility, suitable for any travel need.
Tips for Buying Ladies Travel Pants
Opt for Wrinkle-Resistant Materials in Your Travel Pants
Given that travel often involves packing clothes in suitcases, choosing wrinkle-resistant ladies travel pants is a smart move. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane naturally resist wrinkles, making them ideal for travel. Fabrics like cotton, linen, and hemp are more prone to wrinkling unless blended with synthetics. Always check fabric specifications for wrinkle-resistant properties when shopping. A portable travel steamer can also be a helpful tool for quick wrinkle removal on the go.
Look for Pockets in Your Travel Pants
While not essential, pockets enhance the convenience of ladies travel pants, allowing easy access to items on the go. Pockets are also valuable for securing credit cards, passports, and cash, especially zippered pockets in discreet locations. Pocket quantity and type vary, so consider your needs before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ladies Travel Pants
- What is the comfiest style of pants for travel?
Comfort preference is personal, and our testing covered diverse styles. Airport-favored comfy styles include soft joggers, leggings, and sweatpants, alongside more polished yet comfortable trousers and straight-leg pants.
- What are travel pants typically made of?
Ladies travel pants are made from various synthetic and natural fibers. Common materials include polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, elastane, and linen. Synthetics excel in wrinkle resistance, while natural fibers offer superior breathability and moisture-wicking.
- How should I fold pants for travel to save space?
Maximize luggage space by folding pants flat, leg over leg, or rolling them tightly from the waistband in a military style. Rolling also minimizes wrinkles.
Why Trust Family Circle Travel for Ladies Travel Pants Reviews
Family Circle Travel associate editor Anna Popp specializes in travel products, from luggage to comfortable footwear. Anna, a dedicated travel pant enthusiast, prioritizes stylish yet sweatpants-comfortable pants, maintaining an extensive collection including many featured in this guide.
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Edited by Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco, a testing editor at Family Circle Travel, leads product testing and writes/edits travel product reviews based on thorough testing. With a journalism degree and eight years in product coverage, including over 100 TV appearances, she brings extensive expertise in consumer products and shopping trends.
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Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba, a trilingual Italian writer based in Boston, specializes in food, travel, and history, covering topics from travel products to historical judicial duels.