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 25 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.
FP Movement Mesmerize Me Solid Pants, $, available at Free People
Anthropologie Utility Wide-Leg Pants
Traveling is a production: You have to get to the airport and your gate on time — all without misplacing your phone or ticket. Enter these utility wide-leg pants equipped with pockets to store essentials. They're made from a cozy cotton blend, so you can just enjoy the journey.
Lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket High-Rise Wide-Leg Pant, $, available at Lululemon
Skims Soft Lounge Ruched Pant
Thanks again to Skims for another cute but comfortable travel outfit. These super-soft (and stretchy!) pants are ready to globetrot with you whether for nine hours in a car or 13 hours on a plane.
Skims Soft Lounge Ruched Pant, $, available at Skims
Spanx The Perfect Wide Leg Pant
You do not have to look unprofessional to be comfortable while traveling. Spanx's Perfect Pant makes sure of that. The Ponte fabric and pull-on factor provide a polished and comfy look for traveling whether you're traveling for business or pleasure.
SPANX The Perfect Pant, Wide Leg, $, available at SPANX
Abercrombie & Fitch Crinkle Textured Pull-On Ultra Wide Leg Pant
Maybe you're on your way to the beach, or 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 pull-on pants.
Abercrombie & Fitch Crinkle Textured Pull-On Ultra Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Alo 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
Eddie Bauer Departure Ankle Pants
Stretchy? Yes. Plenty of storage space? Check. Cute cropped fit? Oh yeah. Eddie Bauer is a brand traditionally associated with outdoor clothes. But did you know it makes functional and fashionable clothes as well? These moisture-wicking ankle pants that also provide sun protection are proof you can have it all.
Eddie Bauer Departure Ankle Pants, $, available at Eddie Bauer
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.
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Bootcut Pant, $, available at Quince
Everlane The Dream Kick Flare Pant
She's stretchy, she's comfy, she's professional. What more could you want in a travel pant? While this pair may look like it's ready for the office, the feel is more couch potato.
Everlane The Dream Kick Flare Pant, $, available at Everlane
Vuori Halo Essential Wideleg
These mid-rise wide-leg pants feel like a dream, made of Vuori's DreamKnit fabric, they are probably one of the softest pairs of performance pants you will ever wear.
Vuori Halo Essential Wideleg, $, available at Vuori
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
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
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
Buck Mason Surplus Rib Weekender Pant
"Stay comfy friend," is what I imagine these pants are saying. Made from 295 GSM stretch cotton (very comfy), these high-waisted pants are going to keep you looking cool and collected while on the go.
Cotidie Larissa Perfect Length Trousers, $, available at Cotidie
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.
Wit & Wisdom High Waist Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
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
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.
Summersalt The Softest French Terry Tie-Waist Pant
Summersalt's super-soft French terry pant is the perfect combination of comfort and style that is ideal for a plane ride or a more dressed-up vacation 'fit.
Summersalt The Softest French Terry Tie-Waist Pant, $, available at Summersalt
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.
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. You'll look sleek and chic when you get to your destination in Everlane's tailored Dream Pant.
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.
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.
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).
Who said you can't wear silk sleep pants as a travel outfit? Not me. Pair these with a white tank and some sneakers, and you're ready to go off, off, and away!
Wit & Wisdom Sky Rise Wide Leg Pants, $, available at Nordstom
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.
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 six different colors.
PACT Denim Chambray Sailor Pant, $, available at PACT
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.
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
Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend Pull-On Wide Leg Pant
Maybe you're on your way to the beach, or 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
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.
Open Edit Linen Blend Trousers, $, available at Nordstrom
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.
While the fashion trend pendulum swings back and forth from season to season, going from dopamine dressing to businesscore in a single year, you can always count on the return of knee-high boots come autumn. More comfortable than their thigh-high counterparts (which tend to slide down and only work with slim-fitting pants and mini dresses) and more versatile than the ankle booties, the knee cap-grazing footwear is a fall wardrobe staple that pulls even the most casual of looks together effortlessly.
Personally, while I’ve long loved seeing people wear knee-high boots with mini skirt sets and dresses, the minute I would try a pair on, I would mysteriously hate how the footwear style looked and lament how it just might not be the one for me. This year though, as I read Tibi creative director Amy Smilovic’s book The Creative Pragmatist, I realized that I didn’t have an issue with the style but the “skin sandwich” — “that slice of skin peeking out between the edge of my pant or slim skirt and the top of my boot” — that it created.
“Sandwiches make me feel chopped off. For me, they ruin the flow of my style,” Smilovic explains in the book. “For many, it is the thing that bugs you that you were never quite able to put your finger on. Now you know.”
Armed with this knowledge and excited to give the style another try, I set out to test-drive Larroude’s Kate boots in sleek croc-embossed leather. For a week, I wore these boots every day to see if they were as versatile as street style made them out to be. With no sandwich in sight, not only did I like the look on myself for the first time but I didn’t want to take the shoes off come the following week.
From styling the heels with non-skinny jeans to wearing them with suits and dresses, ahead, knee-high boot outfit ideas for every occasion.
How To Style Knee-High Boots With A Skirt
The easiest way to wear a knee-high is with a midi hemline, whether that’s an A-line skirt or a bodycon sweater dress (like this Reformation number). Preppy fashion is back (yet again), which has me reaching for knitted polo shirts and collegiate-esque blazers. To avoid looking like I just literally got back from school, I contrasted the look with a pleated skirt in a modern denim fabric, rather than traditional wool, and opted for a pop of Barbiecore pink.
How To Wear Knee-High Boots With Pants
For a more casual look, tuck your favorite pair of pants into the knee-high boots and let the fabric pool around the knees. Next, pair the combo with a cozy knit (a cashmere turtleneck in my case) and a light jacket. While a trench or a pea coat would make this look appear more classic, I love the juxtaposition of a modern, sporty windbreaker (from my new favorite collaboration between Ganni and 66°North!) with tailored, vintage-looking pants.
How To Style Knee-High Boots With A Suit
Another midi hemline option for more modest dressers (like me), a business core-approved skirt suit paired with a knee-length stiletto feels appropriate for the office without looking too corporate at a post-work happy hour. While you lose more of the shoe when wearing with a pantsuit, a pointy toe and heel add a feminine touch to the traditionally masculine silhouette.
How To Wear Knee-High Boots With Jeans
While most people tend to wear knee-high boots over skinny jeans, ever since I started wearing baggy jeans again last year, I’ve had a hard time forcing myself into tight-fitting denim. It’s a good thing then, that this boot style looks equally well when paired with wide-leg styles. Just opt for a shorter crop and/or an interesting cuff to bring attention to the boot. If you’re not into the denim-on-denim look, you can substitute the jean button-down for a tee and a bomber jacket.
How To Style Knee-High Boots With A Dress
Even though I am not big on mini skirts and dresses or anything too revealing, I can’t deny how good knee-high boots look with a shorter hemline. To avoid showing more skin than I am comfortable with, I opted to wear this Hill House Home mini (which has since sold out in this colorway but is on Rent The Runway) over an oversized shirt and tights. For a more athletic look, borrow from Taylor Swift and pair the shoes with an oversized polo shirt (and no pants). For a more nighttime look, go with a tuxedo-style blazer dress with a lacy bodysuit or bra underneath.
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 us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
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