The 21 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 look 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 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.

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

For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

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

Universal Standard Go-Stretch Pant

As the name suggests, the Go-Stretch pant is indeed very stretchy, made of a spandex polyester blend fabric and boasting an elastic waist. Shaped like a trouser with wrinkle-resistant fabric and the comfort of loungewear, these pants seamlessly take you from the plane to the office.

Shop Universal Standard

Universal Standard Go-Stretch Pant, $, available at Universal Standard

Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Linen-Blend 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 pants.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Linen-Blend Pant, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

Dôen Hilaire Pant

These retro-inspired palazzo pants will have you looking chic and ready for strolling around town in no time after a long journey on the plane. We love the horn button detail at the waistband for that extra oomph.

Shop Dôen

Dôen Hilaire Pant, $, available at Dôen

Faherty Dream Cotton Gauze Pants

Made of 100% airy cotton gauze with an elastic waistband, Faherty’s Dream Cotton Gauze pants scream comfortable airplane fit. Bonus: The casual denim-ish wash will go with just about any shirt you’ve packed.

Shop Faherty

Faherty Dream Cotton Gauze Pants, $, available at Faherty

Aerie Xtra Trouser

Think the comfort of a legging but the appearance of a trouser and you’ve got the Aerie Xtra Trouser. This buttery soft bottom is made for moving with you with weightless fabric and medium support so you’re comfortable no matter what you’re doing on the road.

Shop Aerie

Aerie Xtra Trouser, $, available at Aerie

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

Free People Sweet Talk Chino Pants

Opt for a polished travel look with Free People’s take on the classic chino. Fitted with a cropped wide-leg style, these mid-rise pants are a great option for travelers who want to stay comfortable while looking stylish. The pants are available in five other colors, including a bright tangerine if khaki isn’t your vibe.

Shop Free People

Free People Sweet Talk Chino 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 Lululemon bottoms were specifically created for all-day comfort.

Shop Lululemon

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

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

Skims Picot Straight Leg Pant

If you’re on the hunt for a pair of travel pants that feel like sweatpants but look like you put more effort into your look, we recommend Kim Kardashian’s brand Skims. These straight-leg spandex/cotton blend pants feel relaxed but are elevated.

Shop Skims

Skims Picot Straight Leg Pant, $, available at Skims

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

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

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

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.

Shop Everlane

Everlane The Dream Pant, $, available at Everlane

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

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

Reformation Declan Linen Pant

These linen pants scream “I’m ready to party with LiLo in Mykonos” but are loose and cozy enough to wear for your long-haul flight to Greece first. If you’re prone to spilling yourself when traveling, may we we recommend the dark olive color.

Shop Reformation

Reformation Declan Linen Pant, $, available at Reformation

Free People One Billie Pants

Opt for an edgy travel look with these jogger-style Billie Pants, which are available in six 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

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

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

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

Wondery Outdoors Isabel 3.0 Outdoor Pants

The Isabel 3.0 pants look like tricked-up cargo pants, but they are so much more — and are available in short, standard, and tall and in sizes XXS to 6XL. Made of soft recycled cotton and an adjustable waistband, these pants are ready for whatever travel adventure you have planned next (and whatever snacks you want to stash in one of the six pockets).

Shop Wondery Outdoors

Wondery Outdoors Isabel 3.0 Outdoor Pants, $, available at Wondery Outdoors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skims Soft Lounge Ruched Pant

Thanks Skims for another cute but comfortable travel outfit. These super-soft (and stretchy!) pants are ready to globetrot with you whether for 5 hours in a car or 10 hours on a plane.

Shop Skims

Skims Soft Lounge Ruched Pant, $, available at Skims

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

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The 27 Best Weekender Bags For Long-Weekend Travel

The Best Black Leggings The Internet Has To Offer

32 Jet-Set Travel Accessories For Smooth Journeys

Share
Published by
Tags: lifestyle

Recent Posts

11 Puffer Jackets That Make Cold Weather Worth It

.disclaimer{width:90%;margin-bottom:1rem}.disclaimer__lines{width:100%;margin:0 auto;border-bottom:1px solid #999;padding:0;max-width:150px}.disclaimer__copy{width:100%;max-width:355px;font-family:Brown Regular,sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:300;line-height:1.3em;color:#333;padding:0 0 .4rem;margin:1rem auto;text-align:center} All linked products are independently selected by… Read More

6 hours ago

My Son’s Chrismukkah Guilt

As soon as he was old enough to form a sentence, my son, Cole, started… Read More

6 hours ago

The Best Movies Of 2024 That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

When it comes to proclaiming that a movie is among the “best” in any given… Read More

9 hours ago

How I Learned To Celebrate Life Again After Losing My Mother During The Holidays

Each year, when we think of the holidays, we think of a celebratory season filled… Read More

9 hours ago

WomenTalk: The 411 on Femtech Questions

In this episode of WomenTalk, we’ll talk about all things femtech. We’ll explore the legal… Read More

10 hours ago

Bows Are Everywhere — Here’s How To Style The Accessory On All Hair

.disclaimer{width:90%;margin-bottom:1rem}.disclaimer__lines{width:100%;margin:0 auto;border-bottom:1px solid #999;padding:0;max-width:150px}.disclaimer__copy{width:100%;max-width:355px;font-family:Brown Regular,sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:300;line-height:1.3em;color:#333;padding:0 0 .4rem;margin:1rem auto;text-align:center} All linked products are independently selected by… Read More

10 hours ago