Pants are probably the top choice for what to wear when traveling, over shorts and skirts. However, not all pants are created equal.
Pants can come with a variety of problems: waistbands digging into your skin, fabric wrinkling, or not being able to wear them with any other outfits. You may find yourself wishing you could just wear sweatpants and call it a day. However, sweatpants don’t exactly have a reputation of being stylish, so, if you want to travel and still have a little style, we’ve got you covered.
There are four key elements that go into the best travel pants: comfort, fabric, style, and versatility. These options for men and women tick all the boxes, so you know you’re making a good investment. Below you’ll find categories for athleisure, activewear, and business casual, as well as many styles including plus-size options.
Table of Contents
Best Athleisure Travel Pants
ADAY Turn It Up Pant
Comfort: 4/5. These tailored, slim-fit pants are available from size XS to XL and are comfortable for all shapes and sizes. Two side pockets make them ideal for a busy travel day and the elastic waistband adds to a high comfort level.
Fabric: 5/5. These pants are stretchy, pill-resistant, breathable, and thermo-regulating.
Style: 5/5. When paired with a button-down, these pants can be dressed up; when paired with a tee, they can be dressed down. The three-inch cuff at the hem adds a stylish detail, too.
Versatility: 5/5. These go straight from the plane to a casual dinner or meeting.
Lululemon ABC Pant Classic Warpstreme
Comfort: 4/5. A favorite among male travelers, Lululemon’s ABC line of pants is favored for comfort and stretch.
Fabric: 5/5. A patented fabric, Warpstreme provides a coveted four-way stretch. It is also machine washable and can be dried in the dryer on low.
Style: 5/5. These pants look like a classic work pant and can easily be worn in a casual setting or dressed up with a linen or cotton blazer.
Versatility: 4/5. My boyfriend literally lives in these … at the office, while traveling, on the golf course, or hanging out at a brewery, these are his go-tos. The combo of style and comfort can’t be beaten when looking for a travel pant for men. Running a marathon is just about the only thing he wouldn’t do in them.
Duluth Trading NoGA Namastash Slim Leg Pants
Comfort: 5/5. These ultimate travel pants from Duluth have not one, but six pockets to stow all of your day-of-travel essentials. The three-inch wide waistband (with interior drawstring) is tummy-flattening, and the fit is designed for both curvy and straight body shapes.
Fabric: 5/5. Duluth’s special NoGA fabric is silky and super stretchy. It has more than 850 five-star reviews, meaning that it must be that good. Fans of the fabric rave about its figure-flattering features and support. It also wicks moisture, has UPF 40 sun protection and is machine-washable.
Style: 3/5. While this pair of women’s travel pants is slightly more like a legging, the back pocket and slightly flared leg details dress ‘em up.
Versatility: 4/5. These pants are slightly more casual and could also be worn as activewear.
Women’s UA Motion Ankle Leggings
Comfort: 5/5. Not too tight and not too loose, these Motion Ankle Leggings make for a super comfortable trip.
Fabric: 5/5. The ultra-soft double-knit fabric is breathable & comfortable, and the 4-way stretch material makes these pants your new go-to.
Style: 4/5. There isn’t too much special about these leggings- they are just that- leggings, but they are definitely a step up from some basic leggings.
Versatility: 4/5. Leggings can always be used for several different occasions, easily dressed down with a sweatshirt, but can quickly change into a nicer outfit with a dressier tunic and cute flats, heels, or boots.
Alo ⅞ High-Waist Airlift Legging
Comfort: 5/5. Described as “second skin,” these high-waist leggings from Alo may just be the closest thing you’ll find to traveling with no pants on (or in pajamas at least). Super comfortable
Fabric: 5/5. The double-layered waistband provides comfortable support without rolling down and the compression fabric fits tight to the body without being too constricting.
Style: 4/5. Like the Motion Ankle leggings above, nothing is too unique about these leggings. They are a stylish and well-executed basic that will get you through travel days with ease.
Versatility: 4/5. Great for the plane, working out during your trip, or as a warm base layer to an outfit in colder climates.
Athleta Women’s Venice Jogger
Comfort: 5/5. Super soft fabric and a knit waistband give these pants the ultimate stamp of approval when it comes to comfort.
Fabric: 5/5. The Sculptek Light™ fabric is super light and stretchy. It’s also quick-drying, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant.
Style: 5/5. This pair of travel pants is semi-fitted with a tapered leg and has a mid-rise, sitting just below the natural waist. Four pockets (two secured front and two back) make accessing your essentials on travel days even easier.
Versatility: 5/5. These travel pants make up the perfect travel day uniform but can also be dressed up with a silk blouse and heels to go out on the town.
Patagonia Women’s Happy Hike Studio Pants
Comfort: 5/5. The pull-on jogger style of these pants couldn’t be more comfortable, especially with the knit waistband and hidden drawstring cord.
Fabric: 4/5. The lightweight fabric is ideal for warmer climates and water repellent with 50+ UPF.
Style: 5/5. These pants have four large pockets, ideal on travel days, and the elasticized cuffs allow you to adjust the length from capris to full length.
Versatility: 4/5. I personally love the jogger-style pants for versatility. You can hike, bike, or work out in these and keep them on for dinner or other casual activities.
Public Rec All Day Every Day Pant
Comfort: 4/5. As Public Rec itself says of these pants, “a more stylish alternative to sweatpants, a more comfortable alternative to jeans.” With an elastic waistband and interior drawstring, you have all the comfort elements of the perfect travel pant for men.
Fabric: 4/5. This pair of travel pants have a spandex-nylon blend that is breathable and moisture-wicking.
Style: 4/5. Elements like a faux front fly and tapered bottoms give this pair of travel pants a smart finish.
Versatility: 5/5. Reviewers comment that they have ordered these pants in every color because they can’t wear them enough.
Best Activewear Travel Pants
Coalatree Unisex Slim Fit Trail Head Pants
Comfort: 4/5. The elastic waistband and drawstring are super comfortable and the fabric is thicker than that of most hiking pants, but still stretches. These pants have a 4.5 star rating based on 1966 reviews.
Fabric: 4/5. These pants are waterproof, quick-drying, antimicrobial, and tear-resistant, and they have a four-way stretch.
Style: 4/5. The unisex style is flattering on most figures and has four handy-yet-stylish pockets.
Versatility: 4/5. While these pants don’t do double duty for something like a business dinner, they could pass for sit-down meals at a casual restaurant or nature lodge. Plus, you can wash them easily and will get multiple re-wears.
Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pants
Comfort: 5/5. The soft and stretchy fabric of these pants make them perfect for travel. With a snap closure waistband, they don’t gape. They also feature two side-zip security pockets.
Fabric: 5/5. The nylon-elastane blend is soft and stretchy. Other fabric features include UPF 50 sun protection and water and stain repellency.
Style: 4/5. Featuring a mid-rise and straight leg, these pants have a feminine and flattering fit.
Versatility: 4/5. These convertible pants come in tons of neutral-colored options to go with any outdoorsy vacation. While these travel pants do have a sportier look, they can be dressed up.
Patagonia Men’s Quandary Pants
Comfort: 5/5. These pants have a curved waistband to reduce gapping and help them stay in place during activities.
Fabric: 5/5. They’re water repellent, lightweight, quick-drying, stretch-woven, sun protective with 40+ UPF—can the fabric be any better?
Style: 4/5. The slim-straight fit is designed to be stylish and comfortable, but reviewers note that the pants are best for lean to medium builds. Five pockets make this pair of pants even better on travel days for easy access to essentials.
Versatility: 5/5. Great in all seasons, the Quandary Pants go from trail to town.
Best Business Casual Travel Pants
Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants
Comfort: 5/5. These pants were made famous by a crowdfunded campaign and are known for their comfort. With a thicker waistband and super stretch material, reviewers rave about comfort.
Fabric: 5/5. The rayon-blend fabric is machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and stretchy.
Style: 4/5. The Dress Pant Yoga Pants come in a variety of cuts: boot-cut, straight-leg, skinny-leg, and cropped-leg to fit almost any body type.
Versatility: 4/5. These are the ultimate comfortable dress pant. They look better dressed up but are comfortable enough to be a staple in your travel day uniform.
Cotidie Harriet Trousers
Comfort: 4/5. With faux back pockets, front pockets, and a tailored leg, these trousers don’t look like leggings, but they sure are as comfortable as leggings are, thanks to the stretchy waistband and elastane-blend material.
Fabric: 4/5. These pants are made with StellaForm, a nylon and elastane blend that’s machine washable, stretchy, wrinkle-resisting, and moisture-wicking.
Style: 4/5. With a slim leg and fitted look, these chino-style work pants are stylish and practical for business travelers.
Versatility: 4/5. These are one of the dressier-looking pairs of travel pants on the list, so if you need to look like you’re at the top of your game while traveling, choose these.
Bluffworks Ascender Chino Pants
Comfort: 4/5. While the waistband of these pants looks like a chino, it’s actually stretchy for a more comfortable fit. They are also designed to hold everything you would need in a travel day, including an anti-theft hidden money pocket and two designated phone pockets for the things that matter most.
Fabric: 4/5. Wrinkle-resistant, machine-washable, soft, and lightweight, these pants check all the boxes.
Style: 5/5. This pair of travel pants for men is the classic chino style, so if that’s the style of travel pants you’re looking for, these are it.
Versatility: 3/5. These are definitely more for dinners and the office, but equally comfortable as activewear.
Linksoul 5-Pocket Boardwalker Pant
Comfort: 4/5. These pants have five pockets, so you’ll have no shortage of options for stowing your travel day essentials. Reviewers love the stretchy fabric for comfort and a modern fit without being too tight.
Fabric: 4/5. Designed for golfers, these travel pants are breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying, made from a soft cotton-poly-spandex blend.
Style: 5/5. These pants are styled like more traditional pants.
Versatility: 4/5. Go from the plane straight to the green in these versatile travel pants.
Bluffworks AirlineTrevi Pant
Comfort: 5/5. These business casual pants are made from lightweight polyester with some stretch. When paired with the elastic waistband, they couldn’t be more comfortable if they tried.
Fabric: 5/5. The fabric is machine washable and provides odor and moisture-wicking control, and it doesn’t wrinkle.
Style: 5/5. The polished pants are designed to look like business casual chinos.
Versatility: 4/5. Whether you are traveling for business or just want a refined look, these pants are stylish, comfortable, and provide travelers with an extra perk: eight pockets (and three of them even have a zipper closure).
prAna Men’s Brion Pants
Comfort: 5/5. Stretchy and breathable, these pants are made with a spandex blend. Reviewers call them “outrageously comfortable.”
Fabric: 5/5. prAna’s sustainable, stretchy “ReZion” fabric is wrinkle-, water-, and stain-repellent, and is lightweight, quick-drying, and UV-protective.
Style: 5/5. The slim-fit-style pant is available with multiple inseam options, making them flattering on most body types. Plus, the five pockets keep all of your travel day essentials secure.
Versatility: 5/5. Whether you’re traveling, doing indoor climbing, or going out to dinner, these pants work.
Vuori Ripstop Pant
Comfort: 4/5. These pants feature an elastic waistband, are stretchy, and have a draw cord for the perfect fit. The slimmer fit does mean a narrow leg, so size up for ultimate comfort.
Fabric: 5/5. The DuraTerra™ ripstop fabric made from 98% Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane features a two-way stretch
Style: 5/5. The midrise waist and slim fit make these a polished look, and they can be easily dressed up or down.
Versatility: 5/5. The slim fit of these pants makes them ideal for whatever occasion comes your way – you can easily go from a flight to a business meeting in them, and smarten them up with a jacket or nice blouse and dressier shoes.
Everlane 90’s Cheeky Jean
Comfort: 4/5. While many jeans may not be super comfortable for travel, these jeans from Everlane beg to differ. Once they are broken in, these jeans will be your go-to for comfort.
Fabric: 4/5. Unlike most of the pants we have here, these jeans have no stretch to them, but their loose-fitting, lived in style still makes them super comfortable, despite no stretch. After washing, they do take a bit before they loosen up.
Style: 5/5. These jeans are straight and super cute. Like any jeans, they are easily dressed down or up, with the right shoes, shirt, and accessories.
Versatility: 5/5. Isn’t versatility the point of jeans? You can wear them for almost any occasion, and they work great for going from the airport to a meeting or dinner- just add a belt and change your shoes!
Boston Proper Beyond the Travel Pant
Comfort: 5/5. You can never have too many dressy yoga pants like these travel pants from Boston Proper. They are super comfortable for travel and work.
Fabric: 4/5. Made with 95% nylon/5% spandex, these pants are stretchy, but may seem a bit flimsier than you’d like. However, they don’t wrinkle, making them perfect to pack in your suitcase.
Style: 5/5. From the yoga studio, the airplane, to the office, the style of these travel pants cannot be beaten. Plus, they are available in three lengths.
Versatility: 5/5. Whether you dress them up or down, these pants can fit the bill no matter what the occasion is.
FAQ About Travel Pants
What are the best travel pants for long flights?
As most things, it depends on your circumstances. If you are just traveling for leisure, a basic legging will do the trick for women, and you can’t go wrong with the Women’s UA Motion Ankle Leggings. They are a typical legging, with a pocket to keep anything you want handy while traveling, they allow for movement, and are super breathable, making them perfect for any trip you take. For men, the Public Rec All Day Everyday pants are our pick. More stylish than sweatpants, but just as comfortable, you’ll be a happy traveler when you wear these! As far as something dressier goes, for guys we pick the Prana Brion Pant II. They are super comfortable with 5 convenient pockets, and can easily be dressed up when you need them to be. For Women, our top choice is the Cotidie Harriet Trousers they are insanely comfortable, yet super stylish.
What are the most comfortable travel pants?
This depends on your personal preference, but typically, the simpler, and the more stretch, the more comfortable they are going to be. Alo’s ⅞ High-Waist Airlift leggings are a basic legging, but are soft, stretchy, and are probably the closest you will come to wearing pajamas while you travel. Again, for men the Public Rec All Day Everyday are going to give you the most comfort while on the road.
Should I wear shorts or pants on a plane?
It’s really a personal choice—but just keep in mind that it can get chilly on airplanes. You also may want to consider your bare legs hitting up against the seat at the airport and on the plane, if you aren’t going to be able to shower shortly after you land, you may want to consider pants so you don’t have to worry about germs.
What material is best for travel?
Again, this can boil down to personal preference, however, a lightweight, breathable, stretchy material is going to be best. Typically stretchier material won’t wrinkle, which is an added bonus on top of comfort.
All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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