Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, comfort is key. And while we love our trusty leggings and sweats, some folks prefer looking a little more pulled together with stylish bottoms during their trips.
When it came to curating our list of best travel pants, we put in a place a set of criteria to meet: look versatile enough to wear straight off the plane and into a business luncheon, be comfortable enough to withstand whatever weird contortions we end up in when trying to catch sleep on a long-haul flight, and match the rest of our wardrobe enough to be worn multiple days throughout our trip. Along with those requirements were a handful of secondary concerns like wrinkle resistance, technical fabric, and of course — pockets.
Say hello to our nine top travel pant picks below. Once you learn the beauty of a sweat-wicking and stretchy trouser, we promise you’ll never go back.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Outdoor Voices Rectrek Pant
If the people behind the athleisure powerhouse brand are brave enough to call this their most versatile pant, then we’re game to believe them. These cropped, relaxed-fit bottoms are made with OV’s special TerraStretch fabric (a fancy term for four-way stretch) and are weather resistant (so spill however many in-flight cocktails you want on them).
Shop Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices Rectrek Pant, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Everlane The Dream Pant
Wrinkle resistant and business appropriate in appearance (there’s pintuck detailing!), you’d never guess these 58% cotton pants are almost as comfortable as your favorite sweatpants. Look sleek and chic when you get to your destination in Everlane’s tailored Dream Pant.
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Everlane The Dream Pant, $, available at Everlane
Athleta Nolita Wide Leg
Wide-legged cuts are an underrated hero when it comes to good travel pants. They offer some additional circulation for when you and your partner are fighting over the A/C knobs during a long-distance car drive, and they allow your legs to feel a little less restricted.
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Athleta Nolita Wide Leg, $, available at Athleta
Zella Getaway Pants
In case you haven’t picked up on it, we’re big fans of the cropped trouser look. Aptly named Getaway Pants, these bottoms were specifically created for long-distance travel. They’re even topped with an elastic waistband for optimal comfort.
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Zella Getaway Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
Lululemon LA Wide Leg Side Split High-Rise Pant
Remember what we said about wide legs being a smart choice? These side-split pants take it to the next level with slits on the inside that allow for better movement. And don’t forget the naturally breathable cotton terry fabric, which your legs will thank you for once that stuffy airplane air starts to feeling overwhelmingly warm.
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Lululemon LA Wide Leg Side Split High-Rise Pant, $, available at Lululemon
Summersalt On-The-Go Pant
Don’t overthink it: seek out the pants that were quite literally made for travel. Summersalt’s On-The-Go Pant takes care of all of your uncomfortable flying woes. The fabric is moisture-wicking and made with four-way stretch. You can work in them, work out in them, and crumple them on your hotel floor, only for them to look as good as new the following day.
Shop Summersalt
Summersalt The On-The-Go Pant, $, available at Summersalt
Dayoung Bootcut Yoga Pants
When wearing these fitted pants, you’ll feel like you can confidently hand over your business card the next time you’re hanging out in the airport lounge. They’ll never have to know that your comfort level is on the same wavelength as your favorite ratty yoga leggings.
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Dayoung Bootcut Yoga Pants, $, available at Amazon
Eloquii Wide Leg Knit Pants
Want to look cute while getting just as much comfort as you would in your pajamas? We recommend a 100% cotton matching set, like this getup from Eloquii. The knit pants and the elastic pull-on waist are just the cherries on top of looking extra chic as you turn the airplane’s aisle into your own personal runway.
Eloquii Wide Leg Knit Pants, $, available at Eloquii
H&M Linen Joggers
As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Just because we live in our cotton sweats at home doesn’t mean we can’t find a more suitable alternative for our travel excursions. Consider a pair of linen joggers. The breathable fabric leaves you comfortable everywhere, and is chic enough to wear throughout your vacation (especially if it’s a trip near the beach).
Shop H&M
H&M Linen Joggers, $, available at H&M
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