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The Best Women’s Travel Trousers for Comfort and Style

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Building a travel wardrobe that is both practical and stylish can feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, we’ve rigorously tested over 50 pairs of women’s travel trousers to simplify your packing process. From long-haul flights to navigating bustling city streets, we’ve meticulously evaluated each pair for essential travel qualities such as comfort, durability, fit, and design. Our aim is to recommend the very best styles of Travel Trousers Womens for every type of journey.

To ensure we covered a wide spectrum of preferences and needs, Family Circle Travel editors put a variety of styles to the test, including classic trousers, versatile leggings, relaxed joggers, practical cargo trousers, breezy wide-leg options, and tailored straight-leg designs. We selected travel trousers from reputable brands known for quality and performance, such as Lululemon, Spanx, and Everlane, and wore them extensively throughout a multi-week testing period. Based on our comprehensive results, we’ve curated a list of 12 exceptional pairs of travel trousers that are not only stylish and comfortable but also worthy additions to any discerning traveler’s wardrobe.

Our Top Picks

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

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PHOTO: Spanx

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

Why We Love It: Professional, sleek, and stylish, these trousers offer an elevated look while maintaining the softness and comfort of sweatpants, making them ideal travel trousers womens.

What to Consider: They possess a slightly dressier aesthetic compared to other travel trousers, which may not suit all travel styles.

From boardroom meetings to airport lounges, these comfortable Spanx slacks are the quintessential bottoms for a more refined travel ensemble. The standout feature of these trousers is their exceptional comfort, akin to leggings, thanks to the supple and stretchy rayon blend fabric. However, the straight-leg design elevates them, ensuring versatility for various occasions. The material is substantial, making them perfect for moderate climates, though they might feel a touch warm in hotter destinations. The high-waisted fit provides a comfortable and stretchy waistband that feels both supportive and flattering due to the thicker fabric trim. We noted some initial challenges with the size chart, so if you find yourself between sizes, ordering both your usual size and a size up is advisable to ensure the perfect fit, taking advantage of Spanx’s generous 90-day return policy.

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

Best Wide-leg

Aritzia The Effortless Pant

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PHOTO: Aritzia

View on Aritzia.com

Why We Love It: Sleek and exceptionally flattering, these wide-leg trousers effortlessly transition from day explorations to evening engagements, making them a versatile choice for travel trousers womens.

What to Consider: The waistband offers limited stretch and flexibility, which may feel slightly restrictive when seated for extended periods, such as during long journeys.

As a devoted admirer of Aritzia for travel wardrobe essentials, the renowned Effortless Pants stand out. Initially hesitant about the concept of trousers for travel, these have become my sole trouser choice for trips. The fabric exudes a premium look and feel, instantly elevating my confidence whether paired with a casual t-shirt or a sophisticated top. My personal collection now includes these trousers in four distinct colours, and I plan to expand my wardrobe further with other pieces from Aritzia’s Effortless collection. My only minor reservation is the waistband’s minimal stretch, which can feel somewhat confining. However, the superior quality and resilience of these trousers justify the investment for effortlessly chic outfits. I opt for dry cleaning to maintain their pristine condition, and after five months, they continue to look and feel exceptional.

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

Best Slim-leg

Aday Turn It Up Pants

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PHOTO: Aday

View on Thisisaday.com

Why We Love It: The tapered leg provides a professional and flattering silhouette, while the fabric’s wrinkle-resistant quality is a significant advantage for travel trousers womens.

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

These tapered travel trousers from Aday offer a refined and flattering fit, specifically designed with the needs of travelers in mind. Lightweight, breathable, and remarkably wrinkle-resistant, these trousers encompass all the desirable features for versatile bottoms suitable for various occasions. To verify the wrinkle-free claim, Family Circle Travel‘s associate editorial director, Morgan Ashley Parker, subjected the trousers to a rigorous test by crumpling and packing them tightly within her suitcase. Upon unpacking, she found the trousers emerged flawlessly, completely wrinkle-free. The sizing and length are accurate, and Parker’s only suggestion for improvement was a more flexible waistband to enhance the stretchier fit. The pleats and tapered leg contribute to an elegant and elongating shape, rendering these trousers ideal for professional settings or business travel. After five months of regular wear and dry cleaning, these trousers maintain their brand-new appearance and feel.

The Details: XS-XL | Tailored Stretch fabric | Wrinkle-resistant | Pockets

Best Wrinkle-resistant

Everlane Pant

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PHOTO: Everlane

$88 at Everlane

Why We Love It: The specially formulated wrinkle-resistant fabric is designed to withstand prolonged periods packed in luggage, a crucial feature for travel trousers womens.

What to Consider: These trousers feature a cropped leg length, which may not be ideal for all preferences or climates.

Packing clothes that are prone to creasing can be a significant inconvenience when traveling. Therefore, we highly appreciate the cotton blend fabric utilized in Everlane slacks for its inherent resistance to wrinkles. The fabric is both soft and breathable yet substantial enough to provide warmth in cooler temperatures, rendering them ideal for year-round travel. While these trousers are true to size, the waistband incorporates a slight stretch, ensuring comfort even during extended travel days exceeding 12 hours. After five months of consistent wear, the fabric and stitching quality remained impeccable, with no signs of pilling or fading. Furthermore, these trousers are conveniently machine washable and can be hung to dry for effortless maintenance. The primary point to note is that they are available in a single cropped length, which may appear more cropped for taller individuals.

The Details: XXS-4XL | Cotton, modal, elastane | Wrinkle-resistant | Pockets

Best Leggings

lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight

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PHOTO: lululemon

$128 at Lululemon

Why We Love It: The material offers ample stretch for all-day comfort without feeling restrictive, making these leggings excellent travel trousers womens for flexibility.

What to Consider: These leggings may not provide sufficient warmth in cold weather conditions, making them less suitable for colder climates.

These exceptionally smooth leggings from Lululemon are crafted from a stretchy and cooling nylon fabric that provides warmth for air travel yet remains breathable for long days of activity. They are also an excellent choice for hiking leggings in warmer climates. The leggings are available in an extensive range of sizes and colours, and the high-rise waistband offers sufficient give without feeling constricting or digging in. Given the breathable nature of the fabric, these leggings might not be the warmest option for cold-weather travel, but they will still provide adequate warmth in moderate temperatures or in air-conditioned environments. A key highlight of these leggings is the inclusion of discreet side pockets, ideal for securely storing earbuds, phones, passports, or boarding passes for easy access while traveling. Additionally, a hidden pocket within the waistband provides extra storage for cash or credit cards.

The Details: 0-20 | Nylon, lycra | 23, 25, and 28-inch lengths | High-rise | Side pockets

Best Joggers

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 constructed from a durable and long-lasting material yet remain remarkably lightweight, making them ideal travel trousers womens for comfort and longevity.

What to Consider: The back pockets may appear slightly unflattering or awkwardly positioned for some body types, which is a minor aesthetic consideration.

We were particularly impressed by these joggers’ comfortable fit, appealing style, and exceptionally lightweight fabric. The polyester and spandex blend feels incredibly light and stretchy, almost imperceptible when worn. Notably, the high-rise cut and wider waistband effectively smooth the stomach area without feeling overly tight or restrictive. We also appreciated the availability of over 10 neutral colour options.

“These feel like a more refined alternative to my usual leggings for airport attire,” notes Family Circle Travel testing editor Jackie Cucco. “They are sufficiently light to keep you cool and versatile enough to wear directly to a hotel restaurant after check-in without needing to change.” She advises sizing up if you are between sizes, as otherwise, the back pockets may appear slightly stretched.

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

Best Linen

Quince 100 Percent European Linen Pants

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PHOTO: Quince

View on Quince.com

Why We Love It: These linen trousers offer a true-to-size fit and gently hug the body without feeling restrictive, perfect for relaxed travel trousers womens.

What to Consider: We would prefer the waistband to include a drawstring for greater adjustability, as linen can sometimes relax with wear.

These 100 percent linen trousers are an excellent choice for early morning flights or extensive days of sightseeing in warmer climates. Remarkably, the linen resists wrinkling far better than anticipated, allowing you to wear them comfortably during long periods of sitting or pack them in your suitcase without concern. The material is sufficiently opaque, even in lighter colours, yet remains light and airy. They also feature practical side pockets and a back pocket for storing essential items.

Throughout our months-long testing, these trousers showed no signs of fading or pilling, even after multiple washes. Impressively, they also withstood machine drying without any shrinkage. These straight-leg trousers fall just above the ankle, making them a versatile choice to pair with trainers, sandals, or even heels, depending on your itinerary. While we appreciate the true-to-size fit, the absence of a drawstring waistband means they may stretch slightly during the day. If you are between sizes, we recommend opting for the smaller size.

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

Best Cargo

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: The numerous pockets offer ample storage for essentials like phones, wallets, and keys, making these cargo travel trousers womens highly practical.

What to Consider: We found these trousers to run slightly larger in size, so consider sizing down for a more fitted look.

These cargo trousers from Beyond Yoga seamlessly merge fashion with practicality, making them especially well-suited for travel. The wide-leg silhouette and fluid drape of the fabric give them a trouser-like sophistication, yet the elastic waistband and soft polyester ensure the comfort that Family Circle Travel editor Taylor Fox seeks in airport-appropriate trousers. “These are among the most comfortable yet stylish trousers I now own,” Fox remarks, adding that they serve as an excellent and more stylish alternative to yoga trousers while offering the same level of comfort.

With a total of four pockets, these trousers provide ample space for a phone, wallet, passport, earbuds, keys, and other necessities. The zippered side pockets offer added security for valuables, preventing loss or theft during travel. Fox noted that the trousers are slightly oversized at the waist (although a tie belt allows for fit adjustment), but if a tighter fit is desired, consider ordering a size down. After five months of use, these trousers have maintained their shape, colour, and soft texture, remaining both comfortable and chic.

The Details: XS-XL | Polyester | Zipper pockets

Best Lightweight

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 trousers are exceptionally suited for travel in warm climates, offering breathable comfort for travel trousers womens.

What to Consider: During testing, we observed some loose threads and minor snags in the fabric, which may require gentle handling.

“These trousers are so incredibly lightweight and flowy, I could genuinely wear them all day and night, whether lounging at home or sitting on a plane for hours,” remarks Family Circle Travel editor Jackie Cucco after testing the Z Supply Farah Pants. The rayon and linen fabric is both breathable and soft, and the flowing drape of the wide-leg design appears effortlessly chic with any top.

Whether walking, sitting, or commuting, these trousers remained comfortable and breathable in any situation and for extended periods. The trousers are true to size, and the elastic waistband at the back ensures ample stretch in the high-waisted upper portion. Belt loops are also included for styling versatility or a more tailored fit. While the fabric generally feels high quality, Cucco did notice a few loose threads and minor snags. However, these imperfections did not worsen over five months of wear and multiple washes, indicating impressive durability overall.

The Details: XS-XL | Rayon, linen | Pockets

Best Jeans

Aviator Best Travel Jeans Relaxed

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PHOTO: Aviator

View on Aviatorusa.com

Why We Love It: These jeans possess the look of classic denim trousers (complete with traditional jean features) but are crafted from a buttery-soft fabric akin to leggings, offering exceptional comfort for travel trousers womens.

What to Consider: The standard inseam is 34 inches, which may be too long for some, but the brand provides custom hemming services for a perfect fit.

You might question the existence of jeans that are genuinely comfortable for travel, but these Aviator jeans will undoubtedly alter your perception. While they resemble typical straight-leg jeans, they are made from a stretchy, soft cotton and Lycra blend that feels remarkably like sweatpants. After wearing these jeans to the office, on long car journeys, and while relaxing at home, it became clear that they are suitable for virtually any activity. The quality has also endured well throughout our five-month real-world testing period. Beyond the comfortable material, we appreciate the inclusion of seven pockets – significantly more than standard jeans – including two zippered pockets for secure storage of IDs or cash. The only consideration is the standard 34-inch inseam; however, Aviator offers complimentary hemming, so we recommend having them tailored to your exact inseam for an ideal fit.

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

Best Splurge

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 exceptional quality materials and effortlessly stylish design of these trousers justify the higher price, making them a worthwhile investment in travel trousers womens.

What to Consider: The back pockets are purely decorative and do not offer functional storage, which is a minor point for those prioritizing pocket utility.

Frequent travelers will appreciate the luxurious feel and effortless elegance of the Frank & Eileen Murphy Billion Dollar Pant. While these trousers represent a significant investment, their performance surpassed our high expectations for the price point. The trousers are true to size and easy to slip on, thanks to the silky-smooth fabric that provides ample stretch without compromising mobility. The tapered legs, cropped at the ankles, make them versatile for pairing with trainers for a casual look or heels for more formal occasions during vacation. We appreciate the front pockets, which are generously sized to discreetly hold a phone. However, it’s worth noting that the back pockets are solely for aesthetic purposes. Beyond their stylish silhouette, these trousers are machine washable and air-dryable for convenient maintenance, and we are confident in the long-term durability of their high-quality materials.

The Details: XS-XL | Cotton, spandex | Mid-rise | Front pockets | Faux back pockets

Best Flare

Ripley Rader Black Ponte Knit Wide Leg Pant

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PHOTO: Ripley Rader

View on Ripleyrader.com

Why We Love It: Similar to leggings in feel, these trousers are crafted from a second-skin fabric but offer a more polished and stylish appearance thanks to the cropped flare bottom, making them fashionable travel trousers womens.

What to Consider: We noticed slight pilling after washing, so hand washing or dry cleaning is recommended to maintain their condition.

If you are seeking flared trousers that feel like leggings yet present a more refined look, the Ripley Rader bottoms are an excellent choice. Family Circle Travel associate director Morgan Ashley Parker, an expert in comfortable and stylish travel, found these trousers met her high standards for clothing suitable for long-haul flights, office commutes, and everything in between. The high-waisted fit provides both support and flexibility comparable to leggings, and the cropped flare style was particularly flattering for Parker’s petite frame (a longer version is also available). The midweight fabric resists wrinkles and is fully opaque, eliminating any concerns about wardrobe mishaps while on the go. The fabric requires slightly more care; hand washing or dry cleaning is recommended to preserve their optimal condition. Despite minor pilling in the inner thigh area, these trousers continue to look and feel excellent after five months of use.

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

Other Travel Pants We Liked

While the trousers below received high scores, minor issues during testing slightly reduced their ratings in quality and fit. However, we still consider them worthy of honourable mention as alternative travel trousers womens.

Quince Ultra-stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant: The material is substantial and cozy, but we felt the waistband could offer more compression for a more secure and comfortable fit during extended wear.

SweatyRocks Women’s Casual Wide Leg Trousers: These budget-friendly trousers are versatile enough for airport travel and office environments, but we were not fond of the faux pockets, which detract from their practicality.

Our Testing Process

We evaluated 50 pairs of travel trousers from well-known clothing brands like Vuori, Lululemon, Athleta, and others to identify the best styles for every type of trip. From leggings to tailored trousers, we ensured comprehensive coverage by testing a variety of styles, colours, and sizes to gain thorough insights into each pair.

Whether traveling by air, rail, or road, we wore these trousers for extended periods to assess their overall fit, quality, and comfort. Over a five-month period, we wore them on long-haul flights, in office settings, and on lengthy road trips, noting factors such as true-to-size fit, sustained comfort, and durability after multiple washes. Ultimately, our top-rated travel trousers achieved an optimal balance of breathability and warmth, softness and resilience, and exceptional versatility for any adventure.

Tips for Buying Travel Trousers

Opt for wrinkle-resistant materials

Given that your clothing will likely be packed in a suitcase at some point during your travels, choosing trousers with wrinkle-resistant properties is highly beneficial. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane naturally resist wrinkles, making them excellent choices for travel trousers womens. Materials such as cotton, linen, and hemp are more prone to wrinkling unless blended with synthetic fibres. When shopping, always check the fabric specifications to determine the material composition and whether any wrinkle-resistant treatments have been applied. However, a travel steamer can also be a valuable tool for quick wrinkle removal while traveling.

Look for pockets

While not essential, pockets significantly enhance the convenience of travel trousers by providing easy access to items on the go. Pockets can also serve as secure storage for valuables like credit cards, passports, and cash, particularly if they include zippers in discreet locations. The number and type of pockets vary among different trousers, so consider your pocket preferences before making a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the comfiest style of trousers?
    Comfort preference is subjective, and our testing encompassed numerous styles to offer diverse and versatile options. Common comfortable trouser styles seen in airports include soft, stretchy joggers, leggings, and sweatpants. However, for a more polished yet comfortable travel look, trousers and straight-leg pants are also popular choices.

  • What are travel trousers made of?
    Travel trousers are made from a wide range of both synthetic and natural fibres. The most common materials include polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, elastane, and linen. Synthetic fabrics are preferable for wrinkle resistance, while natural fibres are generally better for breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

  • How should I fold trousers for travel?
    To maximize luggage space, you can either lay trousers flat, folding one leg over the other at the crotch, or employ the military rolling method. The latter, which involves tightly rolling the trousers from the waistband, also helps minimize wrinkles.

Why Trust Family Circle Travel

Family Circle Travel associate editor Anna Popp specializes in reviewing top travel products, from carry-on luggage to comfortable footwear. Anna is a dedicated travel trouser enthusiast and consistently chooses trousers that are both stylishly refined and as comfortable as sweatpants. Her extensive collection of comfortable and chic trousers, which includes several pairs featured in this guide, occupies four dresser drawers.

Edited by Jackie Cucco

Jackie Cucco is a testing editor at Family Circle Travel, responsible for planning product tests and writing/editing travel-related product reviews based on thorough product testing. Her background includes experience as a travel agent, a journalism degree, and over eight years of product and gift guide coverage. She has made over 100 television appearances discussing consumer products and shopping trends.

Updated by Asia London Palomba

Asia London Palomba is a trilingual Italian writer from Rome, currently based in Boston. Asia’s writing focuses on food, travel, and history, covering topics ranging from essential travel products for India trips to medieval judicial duels.

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