With the holiday season in full swing, there’s a ton of traveling involved. Whether you’re venturing to the airport for a holiday vacation, hopping on a train to visit long-distance family, or taking a road trip to your favorite winter markets, one thing’s for sure: Comfort is non-negotiable. Sure, trusty leggings and cozy sweats are MVPs, but sometimes, you want to look a little less “just rolled out of bed” and a little more “effortless jet-setter.” Enter: travel pants.
When curating our list of the best travel pants, we held them to sky-high standards: They needed to be versatile enough to wear straight off the plane and into whatever adventure awaits, comfy enough for the bizarre yoga-esque positions you’ll find yourself in while attempting to sleep on along-haul flights, and stylish enough to pair seamlessly with the rest of your travel wardrobe (and avoid the dreaded overpacking guilt). Bonus points to pants with practical perks like wrinkle-resistance, technical fabrics, and — the holy grail — pockets!
From elevated joggers and ribbed sweater pants to pull-on trousers and roomy cargo pants (plus the odd sweatpant that we couldn’t resist), meet our 25 favorite travel companions ahead. Once you experience the magic of comfy, polished bottoms that don’t scream “athleisure overload,” we promise you’ll never look back.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these productswe may earn a commission.
Cozy Earth Always Pant
Designed for work and play and to be worn from day to night, these Cozy Earth pants are super versatile. The sleek and stretchy nylon-spandex blend is comfortable and the many pockets are practical. Use Refinery29 reader-specific code REFINERY29 at checkout for 35% off the price.
Cozy Earth Always Pant, $, available at Cozy Earth
Everlane The Pull-On Trouser in Tailor Twill
One of the great annoyances of trousers are when the buttons and zippers dig into our stomachs. The solution? A drawstring closure that can be adjusted to your preferred comfort level, like on this pair from Everlane.
Everlane The Pull-On Trouser in Tailor Twill, $, available at Everlane
We The Free Park Ave Pants
Laidback and utility-driven, these Free People cargo pants are built for travel days. An elastic waist keeps things comfortable, while roomy pockets stash essentials within reach.
We The Free Park Ave Pants, $, available at Free People
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Stevie Straight Pants
If a kick-flare pant isn’t in your travel lineup yet, prepare to wonder how you survived without one. This Old Navy style is ready to take you from the train to a work meeting to dinner.
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Stevie Straight Pants, $, available at Old Navy
Lululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Jogger
Pockets make the difference between good travel pants and great ones. This mid-rise cargo style from Lululemon ticks all the right boxes, blending travel-day function with comfy style.
Lululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Jogger, $, available at Lululemon
H&M Denim Drawstring Pants
The illusion “sweatpant jean” trend may not be so controversial, especially for travel. Super-soft stretchy denim and a drawstring waistband? Sign us up for this H&M style.
H&M Denim Drawstring Pants, $, available at H&M
Spanx AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant
Comfort meets polish: These pants have a silky-soft feel, four-way stretch, and contoured back for a sculpted look — perfect for long-haul flights, road trips, and beyond.
SPANX AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant, $, available at SPANX
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Palazzo Pants
While leggings can sometimes feel constricting, a pair of wide-leg palazzo pants is the antithesis. With plenty of air flow and wiggle room, you’ll feel comfortable — plus have the comfort of knowing they’re easily washable.
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Palazzo Pants, $, available at Quince
Alo Suit Up Trouser
With over 1k positive reviews, this Alo bestseller features a casual boxer-style elastic waistband, polished front pleats, and a comfortable straight-leg fit.
Alo Suit Up Trouser, $, available at Alo
Gap Mid Rise Twill Barrel Pants
This effortlessly cool yet put-together style from Gap can be worn from the plane to an in-person meeting with colleagues… or to walk around a holiday market with family.
Gap Mid Rise Twill Barrel Pants, $, available at Gap
Zara Washed Studded Jogger Pants
Spice up your sweatpant game with a pair of Zara distressed, studded joggers that we could see any jet-setting rock star traveling in.
Zara Washed Studded Jogger Pants, $, available at Zara
Ann Taylor Waffle Sweater Pant
You don’t need to get ready if you stay ready in these Ann Taylor sweater pants, which from afar look like a typical trouser, but up close are a cozy waffle-knit fabric.
Ann Taylor Waffle Sweater Pant, $, available at Ann Taylor
Caslon Plus Pull-On Barrel Pants
The barrel pant bandwagon is still trucking along, likely because of the unique shape and extra leg room. They’ve made their case as an everyday staple, and when they come (specifically from Nordstrom) with an elastic waistband, they make their case as an ideal travel pant.
Caslon Plus Pull-On Barrel Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
Aerie Street Trouser
Part trouser, part lounge pant, this Aerie style is a no-brainer. Opt for a versatile solid colorway, or experiment with a versatile print like cheetah/leopard print.
Aerie Street Trouser, $, available at Aerie
Damson Madder Tatianna Culotte
Roomy, crisp, and utility-coded, these Damson Madder high-waist culottes guarantee a comfy in-flight snooze and then looking polished straight off the plane into your travel plans.
Damson Madder Tatianna Culotte, $, available at Damson Madder
Ava & Viv Plus High-Rise French Terry Wide Leg Cargo Pants
Rather than a standard sweatpant, opt for a cargo lounge pant that offers extra edge (and pocket space). This affordable option from Target is guaranteed to delight.
Ava & Viv Plus High-Rise French Terry Wide Leg Cargo Pants, $, available at Target
Ugg Terri Rib Pants
If you already love Ugg’s suede boots and shearling ear muffs, than why not add to your collection with a pair of ribbed pants for a head-to-toe cozy look?
Ugg Terri Rib Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
Maeve The Colette Sweater Crop High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants
Your airport outfit doesn’t need to be boring. It can be professional and festive too with these Maeve by Anthropologie plaid and bow-adorned sweater pants.
Maeve The Colette Sweater Crop High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants, $, available at Anthropologie
Skims Oversized Double Waistband Pant
With seamlessly endless lounge pant options at Skims, you can’t go wrong with any of them. But we’re eyeing these sheen double-waistband pants that’ll standout from the rest of your sweats.
Skims Oversized Double Waistband Pant, $, available at Skims
Abercrombie & Fitch YPB Restore Wide Leg Pant
A wide-leg pant is always a good idea for travel days when you want roominess. These cozy Abercrombie & Fitch ones are also perfect for wearing knee-high boots underneath for extra warmth.
Abercrombie & Fitch YPB Restore Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Abercombie & Fitch
Madewell Pull-On Pants in Crepe
Again, a pull-on trouser can’t be beat. This Madewell style will be the building block for your travel outfit and all your travel plans from daytime strolls to nighttime parties.
Madewell Pull-On Pants in Crepe, $, available at Madewell
J.Crew Cosmo Sweater Pant in Merino Wool
Stay warm and cozy all fall and winter long with a pair of J.Crew merino wool sweater pants that are so luxe, no one will know that you feel like you’re in a pair of pajama bottoms.
J.Crew Cosmo Sweater Pant in Merino Wool, $, available at J.Crew
Reformation Julien Poplin Pant
A track pant is a staple for any athleisure look, but this silky poplin pair from Reformation is slightly more elevated so you can style with an oversized hoodie or a cashmere sweater and blazer.
Reformation Julien Poplin Pant, $, available at Reformation
Aritzia Homestretch Rib Pant
These stretchy ribbed pants are built for movement, whether you’re racing to your gate or walking the streets of a new city. Made from a heavyweight version of Aritzia’s cult-loved HomeStretch fabric, they hug in all the right places with a soft, cottony feel.
Aritzia Homestretch Rib Pant, $, available at Aritzia
Mango Knitted Pants with Elastic Waistband
We’re obsessed with knitted pants for cozy season because they’re perfect for everything from Netflix-binging and road tripping to fall activities.
Mango Knitted Pants with Elastic Waistband, $, available at Mango
Gap Mid Rise Corduroy Baggy Pants
Corduroy isn’t just reserved for the holidays, and thanks to this effortlessly cool baggy style from Gap, you can wear it all fall and winter long.
Gap Mid Rise Corduroy Baggy Pants, $, available at Gap
Spanx AirEssentials Brushed Straight Leg Pant
Comfort meets polish: These straight-leg pants have a silky-soft feel, four-way stretch, and pintuck details for a more refined travel look — perfect for long-haul flights, road trips, and beyond.
SPANX AirEssentials Brushed Straight Leg Pant, $, available at SPANX
Topshop Printed Wide Leg Pants
These funky wide-leg pants are begging to join your fall closet rotation. Roomy and silky, they guarantee comfort no matter those long your travel day is.
Topshop Printed Wide Leg Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
Abercrombie & Fitch Lounge Brushed Wide Leg Sweatpant
A wide-leg pant is always a good idea for travel days when you want roominess. These bold Abercrombie & Fitch ones are also perfect for wearing knee-high boots underneath for extra warmth.
Abercrombie & Fitch Lounge Brushed Wide Leg Sweatpant, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Buck Mason Surplus Rib Weekender Pant
Lightweight, ribbed, and featuring a wide waistband that’s extra-comfortable for long travel days — we love to see these pants shine. Bonus: They are editor-approved.
Buck Mason Surplus Rib Weekender Pant, $, available at Buck Mason
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