Tuesday, April 25, 2023

The Best Travel Pants That Aren’t Leggings

Heading off on a trip and don’t know what to wear? Before you rummage for bottoms in the back of your closet, take a gander at these elevated travel pants you’ll soon grow to love. We understand whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or car, comfort is key. And while we love our trusty leggings and cozy 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 place a set of criteria to meet: They should look versatile enough to wear straight off the plane and for the next stop on your jam-packed schedule, 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 are a handful of secondary concerns like wrinkle resistance, technical fabric, and, of course, pockets.

Say hello to our 18 top travel pant picks below. Once you learn the beauty of these sweat-wicking, breezy, and relaxed-fit bottoms, 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. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Bailey44 Fabina Wide Leg Pant


Wide-legged cuts are an underrated hero when it comes to good travel pants. These will keep you looking fab and feeling comfy as you go from boarding to the boardroom.

Shop Bailey44

Bailey 44 Fabina Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Bailey 44

Everlane The Dream Pant


Wrinkle-resistant and business-appropriate (there's pin-tuck detailing!), you'd never guess these cotton blend 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.

Shop Everlane

Everlane The Dream Pant, $, available at Everlane

Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Bootcut Pant


Quince has once again done the (seemingly) impossible. First washable silk, now an ultra-fashionable travel pant. It has the silky silhouette of dress pants with the comfort of your favorite yoga pants. Plus, its pull-on style and four-way stretch add to the beauty of this timeless bottom. You can run, squat, curl up for a mid-flight nap, and otherwise move with ease. We don't blame you if you decide to wear it to work, too.

Shop Quince

Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Bootcut Pant, $, available at Quince

Lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket Wide Leg Pant


In case you haven't picked up on it, we're big fans of the cropped trouser look. Aptly named City Pants, these bottoms were specifically created for all-day comfort.

Shop Lululemon

Lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Lululemon

Pact Denim Chambray Sailor Pant


Comfort is key when it comes to the best travel pants, and as far as we're concerned these pants have it. The durable organic cotton chambray denim and elastic waistband allow for the comfortable stretch you want when jet-setting, but still look polished enough to wear once you arrive at your destination. Plus, the pants are available in four different colors.

Shop Pact

PACT Denim Chambray Sailor Pant, $, available at PACT

Outdoor Voices RecTrek Pant


If the people behind the athleisure powerhouse brand are brave enough to call these their most versatile pants, then we're game to believe them. The 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

Cotidié Larissa Perfect Length Trousers


The Cotidié thought of everything with the Larissa trouser. Not only are these comfortable, moisture-wicking, and stretchy yet form-fitting, but they're also machine washable. These are the perfect travel pants to dress up or down whether you're headed out to walk Fido or happy hour. Cotidié has your back (or more like your bottoms).

Shop Cotidié

Cotidie Larissa Perfect Length Trousers, $, available at Cotidie

Adidas Pull-On Ankle Pants


You could plane, train, or automobile in these slim-fit pants that do indeed include pockets. These durable bottoms have the comfort of sweats and the polished look of slacks — the best of both worlds. Plus they are made with at least 60% recycled materials.

Shop Adidas

Adidas Pull-On Ankle Pants, $, available at Adidas

Alo Yoga Legend Snap Pant


It's your high school track pants with an elevated twist. The eye-catching snaps down the sides look stylish, not like you might start break-dancing mid-gym class.

Shop Alo Yoga

Alo Yoga Legend Snap Pant, $, available at Alo Yoga

Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant


Who ever thought there could be comfortable yet professional pants with side panels? They not only offer some much-needed circulation for travel days but also add some flair to your 'fit.

Shop Athleta

Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant, $, available at Athleta

Theory Slim Kick Crop Pants


There's always that one person who prefers dressing up for travel. If you've evolved to this higher plane of being, try out Theory's Kick Crop Pants – they're sleek yet still designed for comfort.

Shop Theory

Theory Slim Kick Crop Pants, $, available at Nordstrom

Free People One Billie Pants

Opt for an edgy travel look with the cool jogger-style Billie Pants available in eight colorways. They all have the thoughtful touches of a delicate lace-up bottom hem, pleated front, and dramatic smocked waistband, too. If you're a lover of the little things, this pant has all the extra oomph you could ask for.

Shop Free People

FP One | Free People Billie Pants, $, available at Free People

Ugg Ericka Relaxed Jogger


Sometimes you want a pair of effortless joggers to get you through the long commute. That's where Ugg's joggers come in. They have a relaxed fit with a drawstring waistband that gives off the homey, snug vibe of your beloved sweatpants. The no-fuss look is easy to style and pairs effortlessly with your go-to crewneck or hoodie.

Shop Ugg

Ugg Ericka Relaxed Jogger, $, available at Ugg

Anthropologie Utility Wide-Leg Pants


Traveling is a production: You have to get to the airport, check-in, and get to your gate on time — all without misplacing your phone and ticket. Enter the utility wide-leg pants equipped with pockets to store all your essentials. It's made from a cozy cotton blend so you can just enjoy the journey.

Shop Anthropologie

Daily Practice by Anthropologie Utility Wide-Leg Pants, $, available at Anthropologie

Eloquii Cropped Side Stripe Pant


Want to look cute while feeling just as comfortable as you would in your pajamas? We recommend a ribbed matching set, like this getup from Eloquii. The knit pants and elastic pull-on waist are just the cherry on top of looking extra chic as you turn the airplane's aisle into your own personal runway.

Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Cropped Side Stripe Pant, $, available at Eloquii

Juicy Couture Utility Rib Waist Velour Pants With Drawcord


This one is for all the Y2K girlies out there. Enjoy!



Shop Juicy Couture

Juicy Couture Rib Waist Velour Pants With Drawcord, $, available at Zappos

Summersalt The Palazzo Pant With Ties


Once you reach your destination, you could straight to the pool to lounge in these breezy pants. The fabric is made from recycled charmeuse, so it's wrinkle-resistant, anti-microbial, and anti-static. (No one will know that you've been traveling for hours.) You can work in them, lounge in them, and they're perfect for throwing over your swimsuits.

Shop Summersalt

Summersalt The Palazzo Pant With Ties, $, 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 worn-in yoga leggings.

Shop Dayoung

Dayoung Bootcut Yoga Pants, $, available at Amazon

Pact Chambray Sunday Pant


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 chambray joggers: The breathable fabric leaves you comfortable everywhere, and it's chic enough to wear throughout your vacation (especially if it's a trip near the beach).

Shop Pact

PACT Chambray Sunday Pant, $, available at PACT

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.

Shop Athleta

Athleta Nolita Wide Leg, $, available at Athleta

Adidas Sportswear Wide-Leg Fleece Pants


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 fleece fabric, which your legs will thank you for once that stuffy airplane air starts to feel overwhelmingly warm.

Shop Adidas

Adidas Sportswear Wide-Leg Fleece Pants, $, available at Adidas

Alo Yoga Courtside Tearaway Snap Pant


It's your high school track pants with an elevated twist. The eye-catching snaps down the sides look stylish, not like you might start break-dancing mid-gym class. It's also made of soft French terry instead of nylon, which is perfect for the cooler seasons — and they won't make any noise as you rush for your gate.

Shop Alo Yoga

Alo Yoga Courtside Tearaway Snap Pant, $, available at Alo Yoga

Athleta Keys Intention Pant


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.

Shop Athleta

Athleta X Alicia Keys Keys Intention Pant, $, available at Athleta

Adidas Spacer Pants with Binding Details


These side-split pants take wide-leg comfort to the next level with snappable buttons on the side to allow you to show as much (or as little) leg as you want.

Shop Adidas

Adidas Spacer Pants with Binding Details, $, available at Adidas

Adidas Future Icons Badge Of Sport Flare Pants


You could plane, train, or automobile in these slim-fit pants that do indeed include pockets. These flared bottoms have the comfort of sweats and the polished look of slacks — the best of both worlds.

Shop Adidas

Adidas Future Icons Badge Of Sport Flare Pants, $, available at Adidas

Pact Woven Twill Roll Up Pant


Comfort is key in searching for the best travel pants, and as far as we're concerned these pants got it. The durable organic cotton twill and elastic waistband allow for some stretch that's bound to happen with jet setting and rolled cuff adds some flair to your fit. Plus, the pants are available in nine different colors.

Shop Pact

PACT Woven Twill Roll Up Pant, $, available at PACT

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