Tuesday, February 6, 2024

The 25 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. 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 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.

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FP Movement Sprint To The Finish Pants


These pants can take you from the airport to the hotel to the mountain. Talk about multitasking. Plus, look at how cozy these babies are with a fleece-lined interior. No more freezing on the airplane.

Shop FP Movement

FP Movement Sprint To The Finish Pants, $, available at Free People

Lululemon Softstreme High-Rise Pant


If it hasn't become obvious, we're big fans of the trouser look. Aptly named the Softstreme High-Rise Pant, these bottoms were specifically created for all-day comfort.

Shop Lululemon

Lululemon Softstreme High-Rise Pant, $, available at Lululemon

Pact Boulevard Brushed Twill Pull-On Pant


Comfort is key in searching for the best travel pants, and as far as we're concerned, these pants have it. The durable organic cotton twill and elastic waistband allow for some stretch that's bound to happen with jet-setting. Plus, the pants are available in four other colors.

Shop Pact

PACT Boulevard Brushed Twill Pull-On Pant, $, available at PACT

Adidas Ultimate365 Solid Ankle Pants


You could plane, train, or automobile in these four-way stretch 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.

Shop Adidas

Adidas Ultimate365 Solid Ankle Pants, $, available at Adidas

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.

Shop Anthropologie

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

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.

Shop Alo

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

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.

Shop Vuori

Vuori Halo Essential Wideleg, $, available at Vuori

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

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.

Shop Athleta

Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant, $, available at Athleta

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.

Shop Spanx

SPANX The Perfect Pant, Wide Leg, $, available at SPANX

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.

Shop Eddie Bauer

Eddie Bauer Departure Ankle Pants, $, available at Eddie Bauer

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.

Shop Everlane

Everlane The Dream Kick Flare Pant, $, available at Everlane

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.

Shop Skims

Skims Soft Lounge Ruched Pant, $, available at Skims

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.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Crinkle Textured Pull-On Ultra Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

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.

Shop Buck Mason

Buck Mason Surplus Rib Weekender Pant, $, available at Buck Mason

Cotidié Larissa Perfect Length Trousers


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

Shop Cotidié

Cotidie Larissa Perfect Length Trousers, $, available at Cotidie

Eloquii Shimmer Sweater Wide Leg Pant


We love a sweater moment, especially if it includes shimmer! Pair these wide-leg pants with the matching sweater, and you'll have a polished, no-frills travel look in no time.

Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Shimmer Sweater Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Eloquii

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.

Shop J.Crew Factory

J.Crew Factory Kelsey Flare Pant, $, available at J.Crew Factory

Juicy Couture Plus-Size OG Big Bling Velour Track Pants


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



Shop Juicy Couture

Juicy Couture Plus-Size OG Big Bling Velour Track Pants, $, available at Juicy Couture

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

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.

Shop Roark

Roark Layover Pants, $, available at Roark

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.

Shop Summersalt

Summersalt The Softest French Terry Tie-Waist Pant, $, available at Summersalt

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.

Shop Free People

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

Everlane The Dream Pant


Wrinkle-resistant and business-appropriate (there's pin-tuck detailing!), 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.

Shop Everlane

Everlane The Dream Pant, $, available at Everlane

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

Wit & Wisdom High Waist Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants


We love a trouser that is not only breathable and polished but also available in four neutral colors like this pistachio.

Shop Wit & Wisdom

Wit & Wisdom High Waist Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants, $, available at Nordstrom

Summersalt The Palazzo Pant With Ties

UNHIDE WHEN AVAILALE

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

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

FP Movement Mesmerize Me Solid Pants


These pants can take you from the airport to the hotel to the mountain. Talk about multitasking. Plus, look at all that pocket space!

Shop FP Movement

FP Movement Mesmerize Me Solid Pants, $, available at Free People

Lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket High-Rise Wide-Leg Pant


If it hasn't become obvious, we're big fans of the trouser look. Aptly named City Pants, these bottoms were specifically created for all-day comfort.

Shop Lululemon

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

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.

Shop Bailey44

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

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

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

Skims Silk Sleep Pant


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!

Shop Skims

Skims Silk Sleep Pant, $, available at Skims

Wit & Wisdom Sky Rise Wide Leg Pants


We love a trouser that is not only breathable and polished but also available in seven neutral colors like this dried thyme.

Shop Wit & Wisdom

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.

Shop Athleta

Athleta Nolita Wide Leg, $, available at Athleta

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 six different colors.

Shop Pact

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.

Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Cropped Side Stripe Pant, $, available at Eloquii

Juicy Couture OG Big Bling Velour Track Pants


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



Shop Juicy Couture

Juicy Couture OG Big Bling Velour Track Pants, $, available at Juicy Couture

Vuori Villa Wideleg Pant


Performance stretch fabric, wrinkle-free, and breezy — all the makings of a great travel pant that is sure to become a new staple when traveling.

Shop Vuori

Vuori Villa Wideleg, $, available at Vuori

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

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.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

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.

Shop Adidas

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

Open Edit Linen Blend Trouser


We love a trouser that is not only breathable and polished but also available in five fun colors, like this oceany teal.

Shop Open Edit

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.

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

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

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.

Shop Skims

Skims Outdoor Woven Pant, $, available at Skims

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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Shop The Final Restock Of The boygenius x Catbird Collab Fresh Off Their Grammy Wins

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.

Coming right off their three 2024 Grammy wins, indie-rock supergroup boygenius is celebrating their music… with a final restock of their Catbird collaboration! “The boys,” consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus, won for best alternative music album for their debut studio album The Record as well as best rock song and best rock performance for their hit single “Not Strong Enough” (which is referenced in their collab.)

Soon after Bridgers’ created her own (nearly sold out) Catbird collab last year, Boygenius launched their shared Catbird collection in November. It sold out quickly and was restocked in December, but it is back for its final drop as of February 2. Inspired by the group’s matching tooth tattoos, the limited-edition collection includes shiny teeth charms, earrings, and pins. The final drop includes three new charms that celebrate boygenius’ Grammy nominations (pre-win).

Most of the jewelry pieces are available in both 14k recycled gold and recycled sterling silver made to order from Catbird’s Brooklyn Studio. In honor of the collaboration, Catbird is also donating $20,000 to the National Center for Transgender Equality, one of the jewelry brand’s many charity partners.

Bite The Hand Charms

We’re a little bit obsessed with boygenius’ matching tooth tattoos, which they got in honor of the song “Bite The Hand” from their first EP. Now, we’re swooning over their tooth charms. Wear them on your favorite bracelet, hoop earrings, or chain for a trendy charm necklace moment (the larger teeth can be purchased with various choker chains).

As part of the final drop, Catbird also released a petite version of the charm in 14k yellow gold that’s the perfect combination of rebellious and adorable.

Angel / God Charms

The two other newest additions to this limited-edition jewelry collection are these cracked heart charms (that would honestly make for great V-Day heart-shaped jewelry gifts). Both the gold and silver charms include lyrics from boygenius’ Grammy-winning song “Not Good Enough.” One side of the charm reads “Always an angel” while the other reads “Never a god,” all engraved in Dacus’ handwriting.

Bite The Hand Studs

We clearly love a musical earring collab over here (see Reneé Rapp’s Mejuri hoops collection), so we’re thrilled by these unique tooth studs. In line with Catbird’s large assortment of single earrings, these individual teeth can be mixed and matched with other studs for an elaborate “earscape.”

Bite The Hand Pin

Finally, paralleling the tooth lapel pins that Catbird made for boygenus’ 2023 Coachella debut, the band and brand collaborated on a tooth safety pin that their fans could also wear. The pin has officially sold out, but we think you can take inspo from it by purchasing one of the Bite The Hand charms and slipping it onto a safety pin (that you likely already have lying around your home). Affix it to your boygenius merch, winter coat lapel, or wear it as a badass earring.

Shop all Catbird

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Take It From Me, The Best Workout Clothes Are Ones You Already Own

A couple weeks ago I was sifting through my drawers, looking for a full gym top. Not a crop top, not a lone sports bra, and not a flimsy pair of sleeves that cuts off at the literal shoulders (i.e. clothes I’ve previously worn to the gym without batting an eye). But after several months away from working out, and growing through grief and mental illness, I have found a steady routine again. What I haven’t found is my old desire to wear my tightest clothes possible to the gym. And, consequentially, the right gym top.

Of the countless micro-trends perpetuated by algorithms and brand marketing, the “gym girl” aesthetic has had a vice grip on us for years. Though the pandemic welcomed a shift towards comfortable fashion, spaces like TikTok have bred more rigid aesthetic rules. What was once an activewear trend has morphed into an aspirational lifestyle driven by consumerism — rather than the actual activities we partake in. We are inundated with “BBL jackets” (zip-up cardigans with cinched waists), controversial (but still popular) waist trainers, layers advertised as “gravity defying” and $100 workout sets to accompany our already pricey gym memberships. 

As a fashion editor, it is my job to let you know what’s trending, suggest brands to shop, and at times, be an unofficial middlewoman between the market and your wardrobe. But I can’t ignore what we’ve all been witnessing, which is an endless cycle towards overconsumption and pressure-fuelled spending. As January comes to a close and the “new year, new you” messaging continues to roll on, I have a not-so-subtle PSA: We simply do not need new clothes in order to work out. And the clothes we wear do not have to be skin-tight.

In that embarrassing moment when I couldn’t find a normal length top for my workout (the two I do have were dirty, okay), I ended up pulling out a regular old T-shirt from a different drawer. It had no sweat-wicking properties, but was equipped with two sleeves and a torso. As it turns out, I did not spontaneously combust, nor was I repulsed by my reflection. I got a good workout in, cleared my mind, and proudly displayed my hard-earned sweat stains.

This reminded me of gym classes as a kid, where I was perfectly content in my basketball shorts and baggy tees and there was no required aesthetic aside from comfortable clothes and sneakers you could run in. I then distinctly remembered how that changed in high school, when us girls started cinching T-shirts with hair ties and rolling waistbands to shorten hemlines. That suffocating feeling of wanting to fit in but not really knowing why is the same one that crops up for me with this pressure to be a certain kind of “gym girl.” The further I’ve gotten into adulthood, the more I’ve understood that clothing is often marketed with bodies rather than people in mind.

In a recent episode of her podcast Say Your Mind, author and activist Kelechi Okafor announced that she is no longer wearing tight leggings and crop tops to the gym. “If I’m perfectly honest, I feel shit when I wear them. I hate them. It doesn’t compliment my physique, I’m not curvy in that way, I’m rather straight in terms of my body shape,” she said in conversation with fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell. “I like things to feel soft on me. And [with] the general exercises that I do at the gym I don’t need to wear tight up, tight up things.” Okafor went on to say that she is now choosing to wear soft joggers and loose tank tops instead.

Actress Jameela Jamil has also regularly admonished this pressure to look a certain way while working out, as founder of the podcast and mental health movement I Weigh. In an Instagram post earlier this month, Jamil referenced the typical January fitness content and its explicit links to shame, exclusion, and diet culture. “Exercise should be accessible, fun and a daily maintenance practice just like brushing our teeth. But that’s so hard with all the pressure surrounding it. The culture has become so toxic,” she wrote.

Body image and fashion have always been linked, so it’s important to acknowledge how uncompromising aesthetics can negatively affect consumers when they don’t, or can’t, adhere. This especially includes people who are differently abled and need clothes that accommodate their needs, or wear specific religious or cultural dress like hijabs or burkas. It’s similar to the outdated concept of the aspirational “bikini body.” We all have bodies to move, so why must there be a certain way for them to look while we do so?


There may be more pressure to dress a certain way when working out… But on the other hand, if treating yourself to some new gym wear that makes you feel confident and motivates you to go, then that’s great.”

Christina Okenla, fitness trainer and content creator

Anti-trends are also just as common, whether that’s through understated shifts like “normcore”; embracing the mundane side of fashion; or the rise of de-influencing. But regardless of whether a trend encourages us to spend money or not (and let’s face it, all trends are rooted in capitalism by nature) it’s really only up to us to choose the clothes that make us feel good. When we’re figuring out what to wear for the gym, the simplest solution may just be to follow comfort and confidence.

Christina Okenla, a London-based fitness trainer and content creator, tells Refinery29 that confidence is most important when it comes to exercising. “There may be more pressure to dress a certain way when working out [but] I would hate to think that this could be another reason to put someone off of exercising and getting started on their fitness journey,” she says. “On the other hand, if treating yourself to some new gym wear that makes you feel confident and motivates you to go, then that’s great.”

When training new clients or in group sessions (which I attended for a period during the pandemic), Okenla notices that sometimes when clients start off wearing dark, baggy sets, they tend to venture out into brighter colors and new styles as their confidence and strength grows.

As for what she recommends for the technical side of working out, she says a proper sports bra is the most important item. “Something that properly supports your breast tissue, especially if you like to do a lot of high-impact workouts,” she says. “A good sports bra will usually come with adjustable arm and back straps, will have some cushioning and contouring under the breast area.” 

“Appropriate footwear is also very important. A lot of fashion [sneakers], especially those with high platforms, aren’t suitable for running or lifting, so I always recommend my clients get a pair of [sneakers] just for the gym.” 

So, yes, there are certain technical clothes that will aid you in working out but as Okenla demonstrates, it is far from necessary to buy a whole new workout wardrobe — especially if you’re just getting back to the gym. Perhaps you can embrace a clean slate like me, whether I’m feeling confident in my tight leggings sets, or in my dad’s old baggy T-shirt and a mind that’s ready to clear.

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3 Plus-Size Valentine’s Outfit Ideas That Will Have You Heart-Eyed

The official season of romance is upon us, and with it comes the perennial question of what to wear for Valentine’s Day. I love any excuse to dress on theme, but I also value versatility in my wardrobe, so when I’m shopping for a Valentine’s Day outfit, I generally avoid overly kitschy, holiday-specific heart prints. Instead, choosing rich colors (red, pink, etc.) that you can wear year-round will let you get more wear out of your purchases. 

Unfortunately, avoiding those on-the-nose items is harder when shopping plus; the industry at large still seems to be under a misconception that we’ll be content with the corniest graphic print tees. Thankfully, there are some brands doing it right. Ahead, plus-size Valentine’s Day outfit ideas I will be bringing out on February 14 this year. The best part? All of these pieces have endless wardrobe potential well beyond this month. 

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

Plus-Size Valentine’s Day Outfit Idea: Date Night

A good slip dress is a wardrobe staple. That said, I’ve tried bias-cut slip dresses from many plus and size-inclusive brands and, by and large, have been disappointed with how they are not fit for curves. When I tried a satin slip dress from Baacal though, I was beyond impressed. Designer Cynthia Vincent has decades of fashion fit knowledge under her belt (see: her work at Vince), and that expertise is apparent in the cut of their slip dresses. I love the brand’s slip dresses so much that I’ve been amassing a collection over the last few years: I have black, cobalt blue, silvery silk, and now this sultry red slip. 

The dress is sexy (with slits on both sides) and date night-ready on its own, but you can easily dress it down with a chunky cardigan like this baby pink cable knit. I took inspiration from the lurex thread in the knit and accessorized the look with silver boots and my beloved Telfar bag. The pale pink looks great with the bold red of the slip, and I love the unexpected pairing of silver with this otherwise classic Valentine’s Day color palette.

Plus-Size Valentine’s Day Outfit Idea: Sexy Night Out

Red is here to stay for 2024, and this mesh set from Wray NYC (that lands on the site later this week) is a great way to add the color trend to your wardrobe. This ethically made, size-inclusive label has become my favorite in the last few years thanks to its bold styles. Available in XXS to 6XL, the separates are size-graded correctly and fit like they are meant to from the smallest size to the largest. The mini skirt is also double-lined, so no extra layers are required. The top is a sheer mesh, so I added a bra from French luxury label Empreinte — something this pretty deserves to be seen, after all! You can layer this over a tank top or under a button-down if you want more coverage though. 

I leaned into the crimson trend, pairing the look with a coat in a deeper black cherry hue, for a night out. The faux leather trench is from actress Ashley Park’s Rent the Runway collaboration but, unfortunately, XXL is the largest size offered, so this item likely won’t work for sizes above 20/22. For a similar look, check out this faux suede option in sizes up to 4x or this black version in sizes up to 6x. The dark red boots are a true wide-calf Journee Collection option from DSW — they fit my 18.5” calves! — and surprisingly comfortable. (The brand also offers extra-wide-calf options if standard wide-calf boots don’t work for you.) 

I already have multiple outfits planned out in my head using these separates: wearing the skirt with a ribbed white tank and my favorite chunky Buffalo sneakers; the sheer top with low-slung baggy jeans and a red patent kitten heel; and the set worn with red tights and boots for a full-on monochrome moment.

Plus-Size Valentine’s Day Outfit Idea: Casual Outing

Never Fully Dressed has become a go-to for me when it comes to bold colors and prints, so they were one of the first places I looked when I started shopping for plus-size Valentine’s looks. They did not disappoint: The British brand has so many great pink-and-red options available now that I had a hard time choosing my final look; a boudoir-inspired slip dress, an embellished pink-and-red button-down, and a pretty pink plisse maxi dress were all contenders. 

In the end, this printed mesh number was the winner. I love how easy it is — very much a throw-on-and-go type of outfit. It can be dressed up with heels if desired, but I preferred styling it more casually with silver boots. I love that the dress is cut to highlight curves without clinging, and the soft stretch mesh is very comfortable. The print and colorway are also festive enough for Valentine’s without feeling too season-specific, and the mesh material and the attached slip are lightweight enough to wear into summer. 

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