If you’ve been seeing flossy, string bikinis tied upside-down, sideways, and crisscrossed all over TikTok and Instagram for the past two summers, you’re not alone. They’re everywhere — on the likes of celebs (see: Kylie Jenner,Lizzo) and your favorite swimsuit brands (Good American, Riot, Sommer Swim). For those undeterred by a swimsuit trend made primarily for dry land or a leisurely swim in the pool, you really only need an adjustable string bikini top. From there, flip your suit upside down and tie the chest straps around your neck, and the neck straps around your chest. Adjust accordingly. Take it a step further by crisscrossing the straps that go around your neck before tying them in the back, or even further, by making the top strapless. For the latter, take the crisscrossed straps from the last step, loop them around your chest (under your arms), and tie them in the back. Goodbye pesky tan lines, hello Instagram fame.
If you’ve been circulating between bandeaus and undercup bikinis for the last few years like many of us have, you may not have a standard string bikini top lying around. Because of that, we rounded up 17 styles that are perfect to get in on the upside-down bikini trend, ahead.
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.
Good American Ruched Halter Bikini Top, $, available at Good American
Good American Ruched String Bikini Bottom, $, available at Good American
Ganni Recycled Printed Open Bandeau Bikini Top, $, available at Shopbop
Ganni Recycled Printed Beads String Bikini Bottoms, $, available at Shopbop
Mango Multi-Position Strapless Bikini Top, $, available at Mango
Mango Brazilian Bikini Bottoms with Bows, $, available at Mango
Sommer Swim Celene Turmeric Halter Bikini Top, $, available at Sommer Swim
Sommer Swim Milla Turmeric Tie Side Bikini Bottoms, $, available at Sommer Swim
Victoria's Secret Twist Multiway Halter Bikini Top, $, available at Victoria's Secret
Victoria's Secret Twist Thong Bikini Bottom, $, available at Victoria's Secret
Madewell Halter String Bikini Top in Floral, $, available at Madewell
Madewell String Bikini Bottom in Floral, $, available at Madewell
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 a jam-packed schedule, be comfortable enough to withstand whatever weird contortions you end up in when trying to catch sleep on a long-haul flight, and coordinate with the rest of your wardrobe for mixing and matching. Along with those requirements are a handful of secondary concerns like wrinkle resistance, technical fabric, and, of course, pockets.
Say hello to our 21 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.
Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend Pull-On Wide Leg Pant
Maybe you're on your way to the beach, maybe you just want to look like you are. Either way, you'll feel like you're headed to a sandy paradise in these breezy linen pull-on pants.
Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend Pull-On Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Roark Layover Pants
Whether you're traveling on an outdoor adventure or to Erewhon, these pants have your behind with plenty of pocket space, a drawstring waist, and zip closures.
FP Movement Mesmerize Me Solid Pants, $, available at Free People
Free People One Billie Pants
Opt for an edgy travel look with these jogger-style Billie Pants, which are available in eight colorways. They have the thoughtful touches of a delicate lace-up bottom hem, pleated front, and dramatic smocked waistband. If you're a lover of the little things, this pant has all the extra oomph you could ask for.
FP One | Free People Billie Pants, $, available at Free People
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.
Lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Lululemon
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.
Eloquii Cropped Side Stripe Pant, $, available at Eloquii
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. You'll look sleek and chic when you get to your destination in Everlane's tailored Dream Pant.
Traveling is a production: You have to get to the airport, check-in, and your gate on time — all without misplacing your phone or ticket. Enter these utility wide-leg pants equipped with pockets to store all your essentials. They're made from a cozy cotton blend so you can just enjoy the journey.
Daily Practice by Anthropologie Utility Wide-Leg Pants, $, available at Anthropologie
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, it's 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.
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Bootcut Pant, $, available at Quince
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 a bit of flair to your 'fit.
Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant, $, available at Athleta
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.
Alo Yoga Legend Snap Pant, $, available at Alo Yoga
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.
Adidas Pull-On Ankle Pants, $, available at Adidas
Bailey44 Fabina Wide Leg Pant
Wide-leg 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 the boarding line to the boardroom.
Cotidie Larissa Perfect Length Trousers, $, available at Cotidie
Pact Denim Chambray Sailor Pant
Comfort is key when it comes to the best travel pants, and as far as we're concerned, this pair has it. The durable chambray denim and elastic waistband allow for the comfortable stretch you want when jet-setting but still looks polished enough to wear once you arrive at your destination. Plus, the pants are available in five different colors.
PACT Denim Chambray Sailor Pant, $, available at PACT
J.Crew Factory Kelsey Flare Pant
There's always that one person who prefers dressing up for travel. If you've evolved to this higher plane of being, try out these flare pants — they're sleek yet still designed for comfort.
J.Crew Factory Kelsey Flare Pant, $, available at J.Crew Factory
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).
Outdoor Voices RecTrek Pant, $, available at Outdoor Voices
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.
Juicy Couture OG Big Bling Velour Track Pants, $, available at Juicy Couture
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.
Dayoung Bootcut Yoga Pants, $, available at Amazon
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Athleta X Alicia Keys Keys Intention 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.
Theory Slim Kick Crop Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
Skims Outdoor Woven Pant
Not only does Skims make uber-comfortable loungewear, but it also makes these outdoor woven pants that will make you feel pretty in pink anywhere you go.
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.
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.
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.
