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The 12 Best Travel Pants for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 40 pairs of pants to find the best options for every traveler.

stylish travel pants

In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Our top picks
  • Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

  • Tips for Buying
  • Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia

Building up a wardrobe of travel clothing can be a challenging process. Luckily, we tested a whopping 40 pairs of women’s travel pants so you don’t have to. From long-haul flights to commuting to the office, we thoroughly examined each pair of pants for qualities like comfort, durability, fit, and design to recommend the very best styles for every adventure. 

To test out a variety of styles, sizes, and colors, we tried out trousers, leggings, joggers, cargo, wide-leg, and straight-leg pants to make sure we covered all of our bases when it came to style preferences. We researched and chose travel pants from trusted brands like Lululemon, Spanx, and Everlane and wore them as often as we could during the multi-week testing period. Based on our results, we selected 11 pants that are stylish and comfortable, making them the perfect new addition to any travel wardrobe.

Best Overall

Lululemon high-rise jogger.

  • Comfort 5 /5
  • Design 4.5 /5

The waistband is stretchy and the material is exceptionally soft.

The fabric is a bit baggy. 

These Lululemon joggers have all the comfort of sweatpants with a more elevated look thanks to the tapered leg and silky-soft fabric. Designed for sitting on a plane for hours or sprinting through an airport, the nylon blend fabric will keep you cozy when there’s a draft and plenty cool in humid conditions. We’re big fans of the stretchy waistband that is lined with an incredibly soft fabric so it won’t cause any itching or discomfort. The drawstring waist also makes it easy to adjust the fit, but we found that the 0 to 20 size range runs true to size so adjustment may not be necessary. The pockets are helpful for storing your phone or passport and the sturdy waistband keeps these pants from falling down, even with packed pockets.

We found the material to be a tad baggy and wished the taper around the shins was a bit slimmer, but we didn’t mind the roomier feel in the rest of the legs. After machine washing these pants several times over a five-month period, they look good as new, so we feel confident the high-quality fabric and stitchwork will ensure a long lifespan, making them an excellent choice for frequent fliers.

The Details: 0 to 20 | Nylon, lycra, polyester, elastane | High-rise waist | Pockets

Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia

Best Budget

Libin cargo joggers.

  • Design 4 /5

There are tons of pockets to place items like a phone, passport, or keys. 

These pants run small, so consider sizing up. 

If you’re in a pinch for time before a trip, these budget-friendly cargo joggers from Amazon are super comfortable and will arrive in time with a Prime membership. Our favorite thing about these travel pants is the number of useful pockets on the front, back, and sides. After five months of use for travel, trips to the gym, and running errands, they still look and feel good as new.

The front and back pockets have zippers to give you peace of mind that your valuables will be safely tucked away whether you’re on an airplane or walking down the street. The polyester material is extremely lightweight and breathable, so these pants are ideal for traveling in warmer climates but might not be warm enough in the winter. Plus, the UPF 50+ sun protection built into the fabric is a huge benefit for traveling in the summer. We found they run a bit small, so we recommend sizing up to get the best fit.

The Details: XS to 3XL | Polyester, spandex | UPF 50+ | Zippered pockets 

Travel + Leisure / Kim Sommerfeldt

Best Wrinkle-resistant

Everlane pant.

  • Comfort 4.5 /5

The wrinkle-resistant fabric can withstand being packed in a suitcase for long periods of time. 

The pants have cropped legs. 

Packing clothing that’s prone to wrinkling can be difficult, so we love that the cotton blend fabric used to make these Everlane slacks is resistant to wrinkles. The fabric is soft and breathable but thick enough to wear in cooler temperatures which is ideal for year-round traveling. While these pants run true to size, the waistband has a slight stretch to it so we were plenty comfortable while wearing them for a 12-plus-hour day of traveling. After being worn over a five-month period, the quality of the fabric and stitchwork never faltered or showed signs of pilling or fading. Plus, the pants can be machine washed and hung up to dry for easy cleaning. The only thing to note is that these come in a single cropped length so if you’re tall, they may be extra cropped.

The Details: XXS to 4XL | Cotton, modal, elastane | Wrinkle resistant | Pockets 

Best Straight Leg

Spanx the perfect pant, slim straight.

Spanx 

  • Design 5 /5

The pants look professional and sleek but are soft and cozy like sweatpants.

They are a bit dressier than other travel pants.

From the office to the airport, these comfortable slacks are the perfect pair of bottoms for a more elevated travel look. The best part of these pants is that they have the comfort of a pair of leggings thanks to the stretchy and soft rayon blend fabric, but the straight-leg design makes them incredibly versatile. The material is fairly thick, so they’re best suited to moderate temperatures and might be a bit too warm in hotter climates. With a high-waisted fit, the waistband is nice and stretchy while still feeling compressing and flattering thanks to the thicker fabric trim. We had some issues navigating the size chart, so if you’re in between sizes, you may want to order a size up in addition to your regular size and return the one that doesn’t fit (Spanx has a generous 90-day return policy).

The Details: XS to 3XL (regular, petite, tall) | Rayon, elastane, polyester | No pockets

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Liverpool The Gia Glider Ankle Skinny Jean

These jeggings are the perfect combination of comfortable and stylish.

Since there is a faux button closure, we noticed the elastic waistband does stretch out over time.

For those who love both the look of jeans and the comfort of leggings, these Liverpool travel pants offer the best of both worlds. The cotton blend material is just as soft as any pair of stretchy leggings but they look exactly like a pair of denim skinny jeans. We found the material to be thicker than an average pair of leggings making these perfect for cooler climates, but the fabric is still thinner than jeans so they’re well suited for all seasons. Plus, these pants have functional pockets in the front and back with a faux zipper and button to make them appear identical to a pair of jeans. We noticed these pants stretch out after being worn several times, but putting them through the washer and dryer returns them to their original true-to-size fit.

The Details: 0 to 16 | Cotton, rayon, modal | Mid-rise | Faux zipper | Back pockets

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Best Splurge

Frank & eileen murphy billion dollar pant.

Frank & Eileen

The high-quality materials and effortlessly stylish design of these pants make them well worth the higher price point. 

The back pockets are just for show. 

Frequent travelers will appreciate the luxurious feel and effortless style that comes with wearing the Frank & Eileen Murphy Billion Dollar Pant. While the pants are certainly an investment due to the higher price, they exceeded our high expectations for the cost. The pants run true to size and are easy to slip on thanks to the silky-smooth fabric which has enough stretch so that mobility isn’t compromised. The tapered legs that crop at the ankles make it easy to pair these pants with sneakers for a casual look or heels for going out to a nice dinner on vacation. We love that the front pockets are big enough to hold a phone discreetly, but note that the back pockets are just for show. Apart from the stylish silhouette, these pants can be machine washed and air dried for hassle-free upkeep, and we feel confident the quality of the materials will hold up well over time.

The Details: XS to XL | Cotton, spandex | Mid-rise | Front pockets | Faux back pockets

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

  • Travel + Leisure/Tamara Staples

Best Sustainable

Wayre jetsetter trouser.

These wide-leg pants are made entirely of recycled plastic water bottles. 

The fabric might not be warm enough for the winter.

These wide-leg pants from Wayre are specially designed for travelers thanks to the stylish silhouette and four-way stretch fabric made of recycled water bottles from landfills in Taiwan. One of our favorite features of the Jetsetter Trousers is that they come with a variety of discreet zippered side pockets that are specifically designed to hold a passport or credit cards. Besides the pockets, we love that these true-to-size pants come in a wide range of size options and the stretchy waistband offers just the right amount of give without feeling too tight or loose. After several washes over a five-month period, they did not stretch or fade at all. While the recycled material is soft and breathable, it might not be warm enough for colder weather. Finally, we found these pants to be wrinkle-, spill-, and stain-resistant due to antimicrobials built into the fabric, and they have UPF 30+ sun protection, too.

The Details: 00 to 20 | Aire-flex fabric | High-rise | Wrinkle resistant | Zipper pockets

Travel + Leisure / Julia Sayers

Best Lightweight

Everlane the easy pant.

The cotton and twill fabric is breathable and airy without feeling thin or flimsy. 

The fabric wrinkles easily. 

Everlane’s The Easy Pant lives up to its name, being one of the most versatile pairs of pants we tested. The simple wide-leg design goes with virtually any top and the elastic waistband makes it a breeze to slip them on and head out the door in a pinch. Made from a cotton blend fabric, the bottoms are airy and breathable without being see-through or thin, but they do wrinkle fairly easily, which is something to note for traveling. The material is thicker than expected which makes these pants functional for fall or spring when the temperatures are a bit cooler. And if you tend to run warm while sitting on a plane or sightseeing in the summer, these pants have a cooling effect so you won’t get sweaty or clammy. In fact, after five months of regularly using these pants, we found them to get more comfortable the more we wore them. The only downside is that they aren’t adjustable, so you’ll want to follow Everlane’s sizing guide to ensure you get the right fit.

The Details: XXS to XL | Cotton, elastane | Pockets

Best Leggings with Pockets

Lululemon wunder train high-rise tight with pockets.

  • Quality 5 /5

The material is stretchy enough for all-day comfort without feeling restrictive.

The pants aren’t warm enough for cold weather. 

These buttery smooth leggings from Lululemon are made with a stretchy and cooling nylon material that’s warm enough for the airplane but plenty breathable for long days on your feet. They're also an excellent choice if you want hiking leggings to take on warm-weather adventures. The leggings come in a huge range of sizes and color options to choose from and the high-rise waistband has enough give that it doesn’t squeeze or dig into the waist. Since the material is quite breathable, these pants might not be the warmest for winter travel but they will still keep your legs warm in moderate temperatures or if there’s a draft on the plane. The highlight of these leggings is the discreet side pockets that make it super easy to slip earbuds, a phone, passport, or an airplane ticket into the pocket for convenient access while traveling. And when you’re carrying cash or a credit card, there’s even a hidden pocket in the back of the waistband for additional storage.

The Details: 0 to 20 | Nylon, lycra | 23 and 25-inch lengths | High rise | Side pockets

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Mcintyre

Best Leggings

Abercrombie & fitch ypb studiosoft legging.

Abercrombie & Fitch

They boast the same quality as Lululemon leggings but cost less. 

There aren’t any pockets. 

For a pair of comfortable and soft leggings, you can’t go wrong with this pair from Abercrombie’s YPB collection. After five months of use, we didn't notice any pilling, stretching, or fraying, plus the nylon material feels just as soft and compressing as similar Lululemon styles — and these are available at a fraction of the price. While there aren’t any pockets, we didn’t find this to be a dealbreaker, especially for those who often travel with a sling bag or tote bag anyway. One of the best things about these leggings is they run true to size and come in short, regular, and long sizes for an optimal fit in both the waist and legs. After working out and washing these pants many times, they still look good as new. We found these wallet-friendly leggings offer excellent value for the high-quality materials and lower price.

The Details: XXS to XXL (short, regular, long) | Nylon, elastane | High-waisted

Travel + Leisure / Sophia DeVito

Best Wide-leg

Cozy earth women's modern modal wide leg pant.

Cozy Earth 

The fabric is cozy and silky-smooth which is ideal for long-haul flights.

The legs are very long.

These Cozy Earth travel pants are basically a pair of elevated pajamas that can be worn for long-haul flights or while lounging around the hotel. The loose-fitting pants are made with a buttery soft modal fabric blend that is breathable and moisture-wicking while still feeling warm enough for chilly flights or cooler weather. We loved that these pants have a wide-leg fit that made us feel like we were wearing a cozy blanket while still offering a full range of motion while walking or sitting. The elastic waistband has a high-waisted fit and the pants run true to size, but the legs are very long so if you’re shorter, you may need to get them hemmed or they will drag on the ground. Best of all, these pants don’t wrinkle easily and the fabric feels durable enough to be worn time and time again without the quality diminishing.  

The Details: XS to 4XL | Modal, polyester, spandex | Pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jodi Epsinosa

Quince 100 Percent European Linen Pants

They fit true to size and hug the body without feeling too clingy.

We wish the waistband had a drawstring for adjustability.

These 100 percent linen pants are the perfect choice for early flights or long days of sightseeing. The linen doesn't wrinkle nearly as much as we would expect so you can wear them while sitting for long periods of time or pack them in your suitcase without worry. The material is thick enough that you can't see undergarments through even the lighter colorways, yet these pants are still light and breezy. They also feature two side pockets and one back pocket so you can store all of the travel essentials you may want on-hand.

Throughout our months of testing, they did not show any signs of fading or piling, even after multiple washes. They even survived coming out of the dryer without shrinking in any way. These straight-leg pants hit just above the ankle, making them a fun choice to pair with sneakers, sandals, or even heels, depending on your day's itinerary. While we love the true-to-size fit of these linen pants, they do not have a drawstring at the waistband and tend to stretch out throughout the day, so we recommend sizing down if you're between sizes.

The Details: XS to XL | Flax linen | 25-inch lengths | Two side pockets and one back pocket

Other Travel Pants We Liked

While the pants below scored highly, we ran into some slight issues during testing that knocked off a few points for quality and fit. However, we still felt they earned an honorable mention.

Quince Ultra-stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant : The material is thick and cozy, but we wish the waistband had a bit more compression to it for a more comfortable fit. 

SweatyRocks Women's Casual Wide Leg Trousers : These budget-friendly trousers are versatile enough to take you from the airport to the office, but we didn’t love the fake pockets for practical purposes.

We got our hands on 40 pairs of travel pants from notable clothing brands like Vuori, Lululemon, Athleta, and more to uncover the best styles for every type of trip. From leggings to trousers, we covered our bases by trying a variety of styles, colors, and sizes to get thorough testing insights on each pair of pants. 

Whether traveling by plane, train, or car, we wore the pants for hours on end to get a feel for their overall fit, quality, and comfort. After wearing them on long-haul flights, in the office, or on lengthy road trips over a five-month period, we noted if the pants ran true to size, remained comfortable for long periods of time, and held up after being washed multiple times. In the end, our favorite pants for travel had the perfect balance of being breathable and warm, soft and cozy, and offered superior versatility no matter what kind of adventure they were needed for.

Tips for Buying Travel Pants

Opt for wrinkle-resistant materials.

Since your clothing will likely be tucked away in a suitcase at some point while traveling, it helps to get a pair of pants that have wrinkle-resistant qualities. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and elastane have anti-wrinkling properties which make them excellent fabrics for traveling. Generally, materials like cotton, linen, and hemp are prone to wrinkling if they aren’t mixed with other synthetic fabrics. You’ll want to check the specifications while shopping for a pair of pants to see what the materials are and if they are made with any type of wrinkle-resistant treatment. 

Look for pockets

While not having pockets isn’t a dealbreaker by any means, they are helpful for conveniently accessing items on the go. Pockets can also be handy for tucking away valuables like credit cards, passports, and cash, especially if the pants offer zippers in discreet places. 

This is ultimately a personal preference, and we tested dozens of different styles to offer plenty of versatile options. Common comfy pants styles you might see in an airport include joggers, leggings, and sweatpants, but you’ll also see trousers and straight-leg pants for a more elevated but still comfortable travel look. 

Travel pants can be made of all types of both synthetic and natural fibers. The most common materials you’ll see are polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, elastane, and linen. Synthetic fabrics are better if you’re looking for a pair of wrinkle-resistant pants and natural fibers are usually better for breathability and moisture-wicking properties. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L Commerce Writer Anna Popp reviews travel products and writes most of the team’s Travel + Leisure Trusted articles. She owns several pairs of pants on this list and tested each pair on domestic and international trips. She drew from her knowledge of wearing travel pants and combed through in-house testing notes to write this list of the best travel pants for every adventure and style preference. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

stylish travel pants

The Best Women’s Travel Pants of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Look good on the go while maximizing comfort and convenience

stylish travel pants

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Marcus Millan

A great pair of travel pants is a lot like a great friend: supportive without being restrictive and ready for any occasion. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking materials that won’t wrinkle in your suitcase or after hours on the airplane. A relaxed fit (or plenty of stretch if you opt for form-fitting leggings) is essential for freedom of movement on your adventures, while the ability to transition from day to evening wear with the right accessories is a major plus that cuts down on packing requirements. 

Finding pants that meet all these criteria can seem difficult, which is why our team of travel experts took on the task of testing 40 of the most popular options currently on the market. We wore each pair in multiple scenarios from air travel to gym workouts for two weeks, then scored them for fit, comfort, quality, durability, design, and value to choose our favorites. Our overall winner was the Stretch High-Rise Jogger from Lululemon, with its super soft material; loose, breathable fit; and useful pockets. Here are all the travel pants we loved.

Final Verdict

How we tested.

  • What to Look for in Travel Pants

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, lululemon high-rise jogger.

  • Comfort 5 /5
  • Quality 5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5
  • Design 4.5 /5

Incredibly soft

Breathable and moisture-wicking 

Versatile drawstring waistband

Some may prefer a slimmer cut

The Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger may well be the perfect travel pant, with a classic, loose-fitting silhouette that we found supremely comfortable. Although they’re meant to be full-length, the tapered ankle means they look good even if they come up a little shorter on tall women, while the Luxtreme fabric’s combination of softness and stretchiness offers a slightly more elevated aesthetic than one might expect from a pair of joggers. Designed for breathability, the moisture-wicking fabric also handles temperature changes well (as proved when we tested them on a journey from chilly San Francisco to balmy Hawaii). 

We loved the butter-soft waistband and the fact that while stretchy, these joggers also have a drawstring that you can cinch for a more tailored fit. The drawstring can be worn visibly or hidden inside for a more streamlined look. We also appreciated the extra-deep pockets, which held our phone securely even when sitting down. The pants also boast a hidden zipper pocket and card sleeve. Best of all, after multiple plane and car journeys (and three washes) the pants looked and felt brand new. Color choices are mostly muted and include kelly green, utility blue, and black. 

Sizes: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 | Materials: Nylon, Lycra, elastane, polyester

TripSavvy / Elena Garcia

Best Lightweight

Outdoor voices relay wide leg pant.

Public Lands

Easy-on elasticated waistband

Great freedom of movement

Generous pockets

Sizing is not particularly accurate

The mid-rise Relay Wide Leg Pants from Outdoor Voices score sustainability points with their recycled polyester and spandex construction. We also found the combination to be incredibly comfortable, even on a journey from New York City to Florida that involved several different modes of transport and a significant temperature change. The pants are breathable and lightweight without feeling cheap, with a decent amount of stretch. We loved the branded, elasticated waistband—no more struggling with zippers, buttons, or drawstrings while rushing for a flight. 

The elasticity also gave us full freedom of movement while performing squats as part of our testing process. As a result, we feel the pants would be ideal for everything from all-day walking tours to hiking, biking, and working out on vacation. Spacious pockets are another highlight, although we noticed that anything weighty did tend to pull the pants down a bit. They come in black, oceanic (blue), and gravel (beige). We recommend sizing down for the best fit. 

Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL | Materials: Recycled polyester, spandex

TripSavvy / Phoebe Sklansky

Best for Work

Quince 100 percent european linen pants.

  • Design 5 /5

Flattering, supportive shape

Wrinkle-resistant material

Elasticated for pull-on convenience

Multiple inseam lengths available in select colors only

Pockets are purely decorative

If you’re looking for pants that you can wear straight to a meeting after arriving at the airport, look no further than the Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants. They offer all the convenience of traditional travel pants, with an elasticated waistband for easy on and off and four-way-stretch fabric for complete freedom of movement. But, with their straight cut and thoughtful detailing (think belt loops and faux pockets on the front and back), they are also elegant enough for the boardroom. 

We love that these pants are wrinkle-resistant, so you don’t need to waste time looking for an iron in your hotel room. And finding the right size is easy with three inseam lengths to choose from. Our tester wears an XL and has a pear-shaped body type. She loved the pants’ fit, finding them comfortable yet supportive with good tummy control (without feeling like shapewear). The only downside? We wish there were even more sizes to choose from and that all inseam lengths were available in every colorway.  

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL; 28-inch, 30-inch, 32-inch inseam | Materials: Rayon, nylon, spandex

Liverpool The Gia Glider Ankle Skinny Jean

Available in regular and tall lengths

Can be dressed up or down

Functioning pockets

Fit loosens slightly in between washes

Sometimes you have to pack light and one way to do that is to opt for pants that you can dress up or down for any occasion—like the Liverpool Los Angeles The Gia Gliders. Thicker and more supportive than leggings yet stretchier, softer, and more comfortable than regular jeans, these mid-rise jeggings come in two lengths and can be pulled on in seconds. We found them amazingly comfortable, even after full days in the office, running errands, or traveling across the city. 

A faux zipper, a working button, and belt loops add style points. And, although the front pockets are too small to be very useful, we really appreciated the functionality of the full-size back pockets. We found that the pants offered a great range of movement (although we wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for your next yoga session!), and loved that they were thick enough never to have to worry about see-through areas. We did find that they bagged slightly after a few days’ wear, but also that they returned to their original shape after washing. 

Sizes: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16; regular, tall | Materials: Cotton, rayon, modal

Best With Pockets

Wayre jetsetter trouser.

Inclusive sizing

Incredibly versatile

Sustainable and ethically made

Not ideal for colder weather

If you prioritize pockets when looking for the perfect pair of pants, you’ll love the Wayre Jetsetter Trousers. They offer six functional pockets: four on the sides and back, each large enough for a phone or wallet; a card pocket; and a pickpocket-proof zippered pocket capable of accommodating a passport, cash, or keys. We also love the broad range of sizes offered, including standard and tall lengths. We loved the fit, finding them true to size with a waistband that wasn’t too tight or loose, but just right. 

The style is wide-legged, with a cropped length and high-rise waist. They’re flexible enough to be comfy on the plane or when exploring your destination, but also smart enough to dress up come evening. We feel this versatility helps to justify the pants’ admittedly high price tag. They are made of durable Aire-Flex fabric, which is breathable, spill- and odor-proof, wrinkle-proof, and rated for UPF 30+ sun protection. It’s also bluesign-certified for sustainability points, and available in six gorgeous colors from bronze to rose water. 

Sizes: 00, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 | Materials: Aire-Flex (rPET)

TripSavvy / Julia Sayers

Most Comfortable

Vuori performance jogger.

  • Design 4 /5

Unbelievably soft fabric

Completely unrestricted movement

Can be tumble dried 

Pockets aren’t particularly functional

Cropped style may not suit all tastes

Vuori Performance Joggers are made from DreamKnit fabric: a recycled polyester and elastane blend that’s impossibly soft and comfortable on long travel days. The pants are also breathable and moisture-wicking, with four-way stretch for full freedom of movement. The fit is slim yet relaxed, with a mid-rise waist and a tapered, cropped leg. We liked the adjustability of the drawstring waist and the fact that the fit remained consistent on every wear. Some of us that are tall weren't a big fan of the cropped style, though. 

The joggers have two side pockets, which are deep enough to hold your phone or wallet. However, we found that anything bulky looked a little odd due to the pants’ slightly clingy style. Nevertheless, we believe the durable, quality fabric makes them well worth their high-end price tag and appreciated that unlike many of the pants on this list, ythese ones can be tumble dried without shrinking, stretching, or pilling. Colors range from black camo and navy to a dusky pink marsala heather. 

Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane

TripSavvy / Sophie Mendel

Best Leggings

Abercrombie & fitch ypb studiosoft legging.

Abercrombie & Fitch

  • Quality 4.5 /5

Flattering, sculpting design

No movement, even during high-impact activities

Relatively affordable

Lighter colors may show sweat when working out

The Abercrombie YPB StudioSoft 7/8 Length Leggings are made from a super soft, stretchy, and supportive nylon and elastane blend. We loved that they were like a second skin without making us feel like a stuffed sausage. The double-layer waistband compresses without being uncomfortable for a smoothing effect, while an ultra high-rise cut and sculpting, V-shaped back seaming help flatter your figure, whatever your body type. We felt that the leggings were pretty breathable, although some sweat did show through on the light color we tested. 

One highlight for us was that the leggings stayed firmly in place with no sagging, looseness, or riding up no matter what we wore them for—including a high-impact gym workout. With completely unimpeded movement, we could see them performing well in any travel scenario, from sightseeing to adventure tours. There’s even a hidden interior waistband pocket for cards or keys. The leggings are the most affordable on this list and come in three inseam lengths (short, regular, and long) and four colors (lilac, oat, onyx, and mineral blue). 

Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; short, regular, long | Materials: Nylon, elastane

TripSavvy / Sophia Devito

Quince Ponte Straight Leg Pant

  • Durability 4.5 /5

Naturally heat regulating

Retain quality after multiple washes

Ethically sourced and produced

Unstructured fit loosens throughout the day

These beautiful linen pants from Quince are ethically woven from 100 percent European flax, making them naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and heat regulating. We found them so light and comfortable, it was easy to forget we were wearing pants at all. After trying them on, we would describe them as “just easy,” from putting them on to accessorizing them for different occasions. The linen is also very high quality, with no changes to its look or feel after several washes and enough thickness not to have to worry about visible underwear. 

The fit is true to size, with a streamlined, straight-leg aesthetic that we feel is very versatile. The cropped legs hit just above the ankle, making them practical for navigating less-than-pristine airport bathrooms and cute when paired with sneakers, sandals, and flip-flops. If we could make one change? We’d add a drawstring to the elasticated waist to counteract the fact that it does stretch a little with extended wear. Finally, the pants have three functioning pockets and come in nine attractive colors. 

Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Materials: European flax linen

TripSavvy / Jackie Napalan

Our overall favorite travel pants were the Stretch High-Rise Joggers from Lululemon, which we loved for their butter-soft comfort, stretch, and stylish appearance. For something a little more formal, choose Quince’s elegant yet eminently practical Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants .

Each pair of pants considered for this article went through the same real-life testing process. First, we unboxed and visually inspected the pants to gain an overall impression of material and construction quality. We tested the design and function of features, including pockets, zippers, buttons, and drawstrings; then put the pants on to perform a series of squats. This gave us an idea of their fit, breathability, and stretch. 

Then, we wore each pair for at least four six-hour periods over two weeks. We wore them for traveling and everyday activities, including going to work, attending social events, and running errands. Finally, we washed the pants at least once according to the manufacturer’s care guidelines to see how well they held up. Each pair was scored from one to five for fit, comfort, quality, durability, design, and value, with overall scores informing our category winners.

What to Look For in Women's Travel Pants

Comfort and flexibility are key when it comes to travel pants, which is why many of our favorites are made from technical blends featuring materials like nylon, elastane, spandex, polyester, and Lycra. These blends are typically breathable and moisture-wicking, too, making them easily able to handle temperature changes and great for active vacation pursuits such as hiking or sightseeing tours. Natural materials like cotton and linen are also comfy and breathable, although you’ll have to pack carefully to avoid too many wrinkles. 

The travel pants that we tested for this article ranged in price from $22 to $228, but the most affordable pair that scored highly enough to be featured cost $70. This is a good illustration of the old adage, “you get what you pay for,” and if you want a pair of pants that tick all the boxes for comfort, versatility, and durability, then you should expect to pay somewhere around the $100 mark. Although this may seem expensive, consider that you’ll be able to wear the right pair of travel pants over and over again on your trip and hopefully for many years to come. 

Above all, travel pants should be comfortable. You want full freedom of movement so you can run for that bus, take on that hiking trail, or dance the night away at that sidewalk taverna. You also want to be able to sit comfortably for several hours while traveling without experiencing any uncomfortable pinching or compression. This either means choosing pants with a relaxed fit, or, if you prefer form-fitting leggings, opting for ones with super soft material, plenty of stretch, and a waistband that stays firmly in place without being too tight.

Style is very personal and there’s no right or wrong when it comes to travel pants (or any other clothing). Whatever style you go for, though, we recommend choosing one with plenty of versatility. That means pants that you can dress up with heels and a blazer for a night out or formal business meeting, for example, or pair with sneakers and a T-shirt for more casual adventures during the day. This way, you’ll cut down on the number of different pants you need to take and save extra space in your suitcase for other items. 

Although pockets aren’t necessarily essential if you’re the kind of person who always travels with a purse or backpack, they can be a very handy addition to your travel pants. After all, how much easier is it to whip your passport out of your pocket at security than having to rummage through your purse for the 99th time? Look for pockets that are deep enough to hold your valuables securely, even when you’re sitting down. The smartest travel pants may even have a zippered pocket or a hidden pocket in the waistband to dissuade pickpockets. 

Whether for women or for men , the best pair of travel pants is the one you feel most comfortable in. Generally speaking, opt for soft, stretchy fabrics or pants with a relaxed fit that won’t feel too restrictive after hours in one position on the airplane. Pockets are ideal for keeping essentials like your wallet, phone, or passport handy, while breathable, sweat-wicking materials are great if you’re headed somewhere warm. Finally, choosing pants that you can wear for different scenarios (from daytime sightseeing or hiking to dining out in the evening) will help you pack smarter and lighter. 

When it comes to the kind of casual pants listed in this article (leggings, joggers, lightweight travel pants), the best way to pack for wrinkle-free results is to fold the pants in half vertically, then roll them up tightly starting from the waistband. Bonus: This is also a great space saver, giving you more room in your suitcase for other clothes or souvenirs you pick up along the way. 

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor of travel-related commerce articles. She’s visited more than 50 countries and tried countless pairs of travel pants, from lightweight technical pants for jungle expeditions to her favorite comfy leggings for adventures with her kids. This article is based on real-life tests carried out by members of TripSavvy’s expert travel team, as well as product descriptions and customer reviews.  

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The Best Travel Pants for Men and Women

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Megan Johnson

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two young children, and their dog, Indiana Bones (Indy).

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Pants are probably the top choice for what to wear when traveling, over shorts and skirts. However, not all pants are created equal. 

Pants can come with a variety of problems: waistbands digging into your skin, fabric wrinkling, or not being able to wear them with any other outfits. You may find yourself wishing you could just wear sweatpants and call it a day. However, sweatpants don’t exactly have a reputation of being stylish, so,  if you want to travel and still have a little style, we’ve got you covered. 

There are four key elements that go into the best travel pants: comfort, fabric, style, and versatility. These options for men and women tick all the boxes, so you know you’re making a good investment. Below you’ll find categories for athleisure, activewear, and business casual, as well as many styles including plus-size options.

Table of Contents

Best athleisure travel pants, aday turn it up pant.

ADAY Turn It Up Pant

Comfort: 4/5. These tailored, slim-fit pants are available from size XS to XL and are comfortable for all shapes and sizes. Two side pockets make them ideal for a busy travel day and the elastic waistband adds to a high comfort level.

Fabric: 5/5. These pants are stretchy, pill-resistant, breathable, and thermo-regulating.

Style: 5/5. When paired with a button-down, these pants can be dressed up; when paired with a tee, they can be dressed down. The three-inch cuff at the hem adds a stylish detail, too.

Versatility: 5/5. These go straight from the plane to a casual dinner or meeting.

Lululemon ABC Pant Classic Warpstreme

Lululemon ABC Pant Classic Warpstreme

Comfort: 4/5. A favorite among male travelers, Lululemon’s ABC line of pants is favored for comfort and stretch.

Fabric: 5/5. A patented fabric, Warpstreme provides a coveted four-way stretch. It is also machine washable and can be dried in the dryer on low.

Style: 5/5. These pants look like a classic work pant and can easily be worn in a casual setting or dressed up with a linen or cotton blazer.

Versatility: 4/5. My boyfriend literally lives in these … at the office, while traveling, on the golf course, or hanging out at a brewery, these are his go-tos. The combo of style and comfort can’t be beaten when looking for a travel pant for men. Running a marathon is just about the only thing he wouldn’t do in them.

Duluth Trading NoGA Namastash Slim Leg Pants

Duluth Trading NoGA Namastash Slim Leg Pants

Comfort: 5/5. These ultimate travel pants from Duluth have not one, but six pockets to stow all of your day-of-travel essentials. The three-inch wide waistband (with interior drawstring) is tummy-flattening, and the fit is designed for both curvy and straight body shapes.

Fabric: 5/5. Duluth’s special NoGA fabric is silky and super stretchy. It has more than 850 five-star reviews, meaning that it must be that good. Fans of the fabric rave about its figure-flattering features and support. It also wicks moisture, has UPF 40 sun protection and is machine-washable.

Style: 3/5. While this pair of women’s travel pants is slightly more like a legging, the back pocket and slightly flared leg details dress ‘em up.

Versatility: 4/5. These pants are slightly more casual and could also be worn as activewear.

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Women’s UA Motion Ankle Leggings

Women's UA Motion Ankle Leggings

Comfort: 5/5. Not too tight and not too loose, these Motion Ankle Leggings make for a super comfortable trip. 

Fabric: 5/5. The ultra-soft double-knit fabric is breathable & comfortable, and the 4-way stretch material makes these pants your new go-to. 

Style: 4/5. There isn’t too much special about these leggings- they are just that- leggings, but they are definitely a step up from some basic leggings. 

Versatility: 4/5. Leggings can always be used for several different occasions, easily dressed down with a sweatshirt, but can quickly change into a nicer outfit with a dressier tunic and cute flats, heels, or boots. 

Alo ⅞ High-Waist Airlift Legging

Alo ⅞ High-Waist Airlift Legging

Comfort: 5/5. Described as “second skin,” these high-waist leggings from Alo may just be the closest thing you’ll find to traveling with no pants on (or in pajamas at least). Super comfortable 

Fabric: 5/5. The double-layered waistband provides comfortable support without rolling down and the compression fabric fits tight to the body without being too constricting. 

Style: 4/5. Like the Motion Ankle leggings above, nothing is too unique about these leggings. They are a stylish and well-executed basic that will get you through travel days with ease.

Versatility: 4/5. Great for the plane, working out during your trip, or as a warm base layer to an outfit in colder climates.

Athleta Women’s Venice Jogger

Athleta Women’s Venice Jogger

Comfort: 5/5. Super soft fabric and a knit waistband give these pants the ultimate stamp of approval when it comes to comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The Sculptek Light™ fabric is super light and stretchy. It’s also quick-drying, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant.

Style: 5/5. This pair of travel pants is semi-fitted with a tapered leg and has a mid-rise, sitting just below the natural waist. Four pockets (two secured front and two back) make accessing your essentials on travel days even easier.

Versatility: 5/5. These travel pants make up the perfect travel day uniform but can also be dressed up with a silk blouse and heels to go out on the town.

Patagonia Women’s Happy Hike Studio Pants

Patagonia Women’s Happy Hike Studio Pants

Comfort: 5/5. The pull-on jogger style of these pants couldn’t be more comfortable, especially with the knit waistband and hidden drawstring cord.

Fabric: 4/5. The lightweight fabric is ideal for warmer climates and water repellent with 50+ UPF.

Style: 5/5. These pants have four large pockets, ideal on travel days, and the elasticized cuffs allow you to adjust the length from capris to full length.

Versatility: 4/5. I personally love the jogger-style pants for versatility. You can hike, bike, or work out in these and keep them on for dinner or other casual activities.

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Public Rec All Day Every Day Pant

Public Rec All Day Every Day Pant

Comfort: 4/5. As Public Rec itself says of these pants , “a more stylish alternative to sweatpants, a more comfortable alternative to jeans.” With an elastic waistband and interior drawstring, you have all the comfort elements of the perfect travel pant for men.

Fabric: 4/5. This pair of travel pants have a spandex-nylon blend that is breathable and moisture-wicking.

Style: 4/5. Elements like a faux front fly and tapered bottoms give this pair of travel pants a smart finish.

Versatility: 5/5. Reviewers comment that they have ordered these pants in every color because they can’t wear them enough.

Best Activewear Travel Pants

Coalatree unisex slim fit trail head pants.

Coalatree Unisex Slim Fit Trail Head Pants

Comfort: 4/5. The elastic waistband and drawstring are super comfortable and the fabric is thicker than that of most hiking pants, but still stretches. These pants have a 4.5 star rating based on 1966 reviews.

Fabric: 4/5. These pants are waterproof, quick-drying, antimicrobial, and tear-resistant, and they have a four-way stretch.

Style: 4/5. The unisex style is flattering on most figures and has four handy-yet-stylish pockets.

Versatility: 4/5. While these pants don’t do double duty for something like a business dinner, they could pass for sit-down meals at a casual restaurant or nature lodge. Plus, you can wash them easily and will get multiple re-wears.

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pants

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pants

Comfort: 5/5. The soft and stretchy fabric of these pants make them perfect for travel. With a snap closure waistband, they don’t gape. They also feature two side-zip security pockets.

Fabric: 5/5. The nylon-elastane blend is soft and stretchy. Other fabric features include UPF 50 sun protection and water and stain repellency.

Style: 4/5. Featuring a mid-rise and straight leg, these pants have a feminine and flattering fit.

Versatility: 4/5. These convertible pants come in tons of neutral-colored options to go with any outdoorsy vacation. While these travel pants do have a sportier look, they can be dressed up.

Patagonia Men’s Quandary Pants

Patagonia Men’s Quandary Pants

Comfort: 5/5. These pants have a curved waistband to reduce gapping and help them stay in place during activities.

Fabric: 5/5. They’re water repellent, lightweight, quick-drying, stretch-woven, sun protective with 40+ UPF—can the fabric be any better?

Style: 4/5. The slim-straight fit is designed to be stylish and comfortable, but reviewers note that the pants are best for lean to medium builds. Five pockets make this pair of pants even better on travel days for easy access to essentials.    

Versatility: 5/5. Great in all seasons, the Quandary Pants go from trail to town.

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Best Business Casual Travel Pants

Betabrand dress pant yoga pants.

Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants

Comfort: 5/5. These pants were made famous by a crowdfunded campaign and are known for their comfort. With a thicker waistband and super stretch material, reviewers rave about comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The rayon-blend fabric is machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and stretchy.

Style: 4/5. The Dress Pant Yoga Pants come in a variety of cuts: boot-cut, straight-leg, skinny-leg, and cropped-leg to fit almost any body type.

Versatility: 4/5. These are the ultimate comfortable dress pant. They look better dressed up but are comfortable enough to be a staple in your travel day uniform.

Cotidie Harriet Trousers

Cotidié Harriet Trousers

Comfort: 4/5. With faux back pockets, front pockets, and a tailored leg, these trousers don’t look like leggings, but they sure are as comfortable as leggings are, thanks to the stretchy waistband and elastane-blend material.

Fabric: 4/5. These pants are made with StellaForm, a nylon and elastane blend that’s machine washable, stretchy, wrinkle-resisting, and moisture-wicking.

Style: 4/5. With a slim leg and fitted look, these chino-style work pants are stylish and practical for business travelers.

Versatility: 4/5. These are one of the dressier-looking pairs of travel pants on the list, so if you need to look like you’re at the top of your game while traveling, choose these.

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Bluffworks Ascender Chino Pants

Bluffworks Ascender Chino Pants

Comfort: 4/5. While the waistband of these pants looks like a chino, it’s actually stretchy for a more comfortable fit. They are also designed to hold everything you would need in a travel day, including an anti-theft hidden money pocket and two designated phone pockets for the things that matter most.

Fabric: 4/5. Wrinkle-resistant, machine-washable, soft, and lightweight, these pants check all the boxes.

Style: 5/5. This pair of travel pants for men is the classic chino style, so if that’s the style of travel pants you’re looking for, these are it.

Versatility: 3/5. These are definitely more for dinners and the office, but equally comfortable as activewear.

Linksoul 5-Pocket Boardwalker Pant

Linksoul 5-Pocket Boardwalker Pant

Comfort: 4/5. These pants have five pockets, so you’ll have no shortage of options for stowing your travel day essentials. Reviewers love the stretchy fabric for comfort and a modern fit without being too tight.

Fabric: 4/5. Designed for golfers, these travel pants are breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying, made from a soft cotton-poly-spandex blend.

Style: 5/5. These pants are styled like more traditional pants.

Versatility: 4/5. Go from the plane straight to the green in these versatile travel pants.

Bluffworks AirlineTrevi Pant

Bluffworks AirlineTrevi Pant

Comfort: 5/5. These business casual pants are made from lightweight polyester with some stretch. When paired with the elastic waistband, they couldn’t be more comfortable if they tried.

Fabric: 5/5. The fabric is machine washable and provides odor and moisture-wicking control, and it doesn’t wrinkle.

Style: 5/5. The polished pants are designed to look like business casual chinos.

Versatility: 4/5. Whether you are traveling for business or just want a refined look, these pants are stylish, comfortable, and provide travelers with an extra perk: eight pockets (and three of them even have a zipper closure).

prAna Men’s Brion Pants

prAna Men’s Brion Pants

Comfort: 5/5. Stretchy and breathable, these pants are made with a spandex blend. Reviewers call them “outrageously comfortable.”

Fabric: 5/5. prAna’s sustainable, stretchy “ReZion” fabric is wrinkle-, water-, and stain-repellent, and is lightweight, quick-drying, and UV-protective.

Style: 5/5. The slim-fit-style pant is available with multiple inseam options, making them flattering on most body types. Plus, the five pockets keep all of your travel day essentials secure.

Versatility: 5/5. Whether you’re traveling, doing indoor climbing, or going out to dinner, these pants work.

Travel Shoes That Are Good for Your Feet

Vuori Ripstop Pant

Vuori Ripstop Pant

Comfort: 4/5. These pants feature an elastic waistband, are stretchy, and have a draw cord for the perfect fit. The slimmer fit does mean a narrow leg, so size up for ultimate comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The DuraTerra™ ripstop fabric made from 98% Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane features a two-way stretch

Style: 5/5. The midrise waist and slim fit make these a polished look, and they can be easily dressed up or down. 

Versatility: 5/5. The slim fit of these pants makes them ideal for whatever occasion comes your way – you can easily go from a flight to a business meeting in them, and smarten them up with a jacket or nice blouse and dressier shoes. 

Everlane 90’s Cheeky Jean

Everlane 90’s Cheeky Jean

Comfort: 4/5. While many jeans may not be super comfortable for travel, these jeans from Everlane beg to differ. Once they are broken in, these jeans will be your go-to for comfort. 

Fabric: 4/5. Unlike most of the pants we have here, these jeans have no stretch to them, but their loose-fitting, lived in style still makes them super comfortable, despite no stretch. After washing, they do take a bit before they loosen up. 

Style: 5/5. These jeans are straight and super cute. Like any jeans, they are easily dressed down or up, with the right shoes, shirt, and accessories. 

Versatility: 5/5. Isn’t versatility the point of jeans? You can wear them for almost any occasion, and they work great for going from the airport to a meeting or dinner- just add a belt and change your shoes! 

Boston Proper Beyond the Travel Pant

Boston Proper Beyond the Travel Pant

Comfort: 5/5. You can never have too many dressy yoga pants like these travel pants from Boston Proper. They are super comfortable for travel and work. 

Fabric: 4/5 . Made with 95% nylon/5% spandex, these pants are stretchy, but may seem a bit flimsier than you’d like. However, they don’t wrinkle, making them perfect to pack in your suitcase. 

Style: 5/5. From the yoga studio, the airplane, to the office, the style of these travel pants cannot be beaten. Plus, they are available in three lengths. 

Versatility: 5/5. Whether you dress them up or down, these pants can fit the bill no matter what the occasion is. 

FAQ About Travel Pants

What are the best travel pants for long flights.

As most things, it depends on your circumstances. If you are just traveling for leisure, a basic legging will do the trick for women, and you can’t go wrong with the Women’s UA Motion Ankle Leggings . They are a typical legging, with a pocket to keep anything you want handy while traveling, they allow for movement, and are super breathable, making them perfect for any trip you take. For men, the Public Rec All Day Everyday pants are our pick. More stylish than sweatpants, but just as comfortable, you’ll be a happy traveler when you wear these! As far as something dressier goes, for guys we pick the Prana Brion Pant II . They are super comfortable with 5 convenient pockets, and can easily be dressed up when you need them to be. For Women, our top choice is the Cotidie Harriet Trousers they are insanely comfortable, yet super stylish. 

What are the most comfortable travel pants? 

This depends on your personal preference, but typically, the simpler, and the more stretch, the more comfortable they are going to be. Alo’s ⅞ High-Waist Airlift leggings are a basic legging, but are soft, stretchy, and are probably the closest you will come to wearing pajamas while you travel. Again, for men the Public Rec All Day Everyday are going to give you the most comfort while on the road. 

Should I wear shorts or pants on a plane?

It’s really a personal choice—but just keep in mind that it can get chilly on airplanes. You also may want to consider  your bare legs hitting up against the seat at the airport and on the plane, if you aren’t going to be able to shower shortly after you land, you may want to consider pants so you don’t have to worry about germs. 

What material is best for travel?

Again, this can boil down to personal preference, however, a lightweight, breathable, stretchy material is going to be best. Typically stretchier material won’t wrinkle, which is an added bonus on top of comfort.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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  • InStyle Picks

The 15 Best Travel Pants of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Even if you’re flying coach, these comfortable pants will make you feel like you’re in first class.

stylish travel pants

In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Our top picks

Other Options You Might Like

Our testing process, what to keep in mind, your questions, answered, what is instyle picks, why shop with us.

InStyle / Reese Herrington

In a perfect world, we’d be able to teleport to faraway places, but the fact of the matter is long flights, drives, and train rides are a big part of traveling. Sure, there are steps you can take to make a trip more pleasant (like pre-downloading your favorite TV show), but the pants you wear can transform a miserable travel experience into an enjoyable one.

“A good pair of travel pants will be breathable and nonrestrictive, but still feel put-together,” says California-based professional stylist Kat Eves. “The idea is to look low-effort, not no-effort, so you’re ready for whatever adventure is waiting at your destination.”

With so many styles, fabrics, and silhouettes to choose from, finding the best travel pants for your needs can be an overwhelming task. That’s why we tried 40 of the most popular options available. Over the course of two weeks, these bottoms became frequent flyers — we wore them on planes, trains, and automobiles and evaluated their fit, comfort, quality, durability, design, and value each step of the way. We certainly liked some more than others, which is why we narrowed our list down to the first-class pairs that felt the most comfortable while in transit and offered styling flexibility once we reached our destination.

Best Overall

Lululemon wunder train high-rise tight with pockets.

  • Quality 5 /5
  • Opacity 5 /5
  • Performance 5 /5

What We Love: The two deep side pockets hold a surprising amount of travel necessities without becoming bulky or getting weighed down.

What We Don’t Love: The pants aren’t insulated, so we were a little cold during flights.

When we need a pair of pants that will move with us through every part of our journey — from the plane to our destination to all the expeditions in between — we lean on these Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tights. We immediately put the leggings to the test on multiple four-hour flights, where we were able to hustle hands-free through the airport, thanks to the stretchy deep side pockets that securely held our Airpods, phone, ticket, and ID with room to spare. Even with so many items attached to our legs, it didn’t feel heavy or stiff — actually, we barely felt the items in there — and the high-waisted pants, which feature a hidden drawcord, remained secure along our midriff, never drooping as we made our way to the gate. We appreciated the extra support offered by the high-rise, too, because like many folks, we tend to bloat on extended trips, but they never cut into our stomachs or felt uncomfortable in any way. And with the choice of two different inseams — 23- and 25-inch — they fit throughout our entire body.

The soft, sweat-wicking material, which comes in over 10 colorways, also made these pants feel more luxe than other run-of-the-mill leggings . Not only did they never pill, but they also maintained their shape and color through multiple washes. We’ve been able to use them in everyday life, not just traveling, like a sweaty workout. But given the breathable qualities, the bottoms left us a bit cold in the air. We easily looked past this, though, because the leggings simultaneously regulated our temperature once we stepped off the plane into the tropics and we never overheated.

Size: 0–20  | Material: Nylon, lycra elastane | Colors: 11 | Pockets:  3

InStyle / Taylor Mcintyre

Best Budget

Libin cargo joggers.

  • Comfort 5 /5
  • Quality 4.5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5
  • Design 4 /5

What We Love: With five functional and secure pockets, we can store all our necessities and ditch an extra bag completely.

What We Don’t Love: Although stretchy, these pants run slightly small.

Most of the travel pants on our list are around $100, but these affordable bottoms include many of the same well-thought-out details for less than half the standard price — a true steal in our eyes. The soft and stretchy polyester-spandex blend felt comfortable throughout a six-hour drive and allowed us to take long walks and hikes without feeling restrained. Admittedly, we thought we ordered one size too small at first, but the more we wore them, the more they conformed to our bodies. Still, if you prefer a bit more breathing room, we suggest sizing up.

With a toddler in tow, the fabric’s flexibility and breathability were invaluable (we don’t have to tell you that running after children while traveling is extremely tiring), but we were most thankful for the five functional pockets that allowed us to travel nearly hands-free. With three zipper-closure compartments (two on the sides and one on the back) and two hook-and-loop-closure cargo pockets, we could store all our personal necessities — wallet, keys, and phone, as well as a tantrum-soothing binky — at arms reach without the need for an extra bag. At such a low cost, we couldn’t help but purchase the casual pants in multiple colors.

Size: XS–3XL  | Material: Polyester, spandex  | Colors: 14 | Pockets:  5

InStyle / Kim Sommerfeldt

Best Splurge

Frank & eileen murphy billion dollar pant.

Frank & Eileen

  • Design 5 /5

What We Love: These pants feel like luxurious athletic bottoms, but look like deluxe work slacks.

What We Don’t Love: While the pockets add a sophisticated flair, they’re not very functional.

With a name like the Billion Dollar Pant, we had high expectations for how these travel pants would perform, and we were blown away from the moment they landed on our doorstep. So much thought was put into the unboxing experience: The pants arrived with tea samples and a typewritten note that shared the history of Frank & Eileen and highlighted the brand’s generous 30-day return policy — though, we had no intention of returning them.

Flashy arrival aside, slipping these on made us feel expensive. While they look like a typical pair of rigid cropped work slacks, they felt more like custom-made high-quality leggings that still gave us the freedom to move without restrictions. We even wore them for some nighttime yoga and were impressed with how well they moved with our bodies. The pants have a functional button, yet no traditional zipper fly. But honestly, you could never tell as an onlooker or wearer, and we actually ended up appreciating that feature because when it came time to actually travel in these, the stretchy waistband prevented any uncomfortable digging. By the time our flight landed, we didn’t feel the need to freshen up or change as we normally do because the pants looked just as crisp as when we took off.

The pockets did lack functionality, though. Because much like the fake zipper fly, the back pockets were merely for decoration, and the ones on the side were so shallow we couldn’t even store our phone. Despite this minor shortcoming, the pants made traveling much more pleasant — and they gave us first-class confidence, even when flying in coach.

Size: XS–XL  | Material: Cotton, spandex  | Colors: 3 | Pockets:  2

InStyle / Tamara Staples

Best Plus-Size

Wayre jetsetter trouser.

  • Design 4.5 /5

What We Love: These sustainable pants are crafted from recycled bottles.

What We Don’t Love: When not in use, the hidden pocket bulges out a bit.

Out of all the travel pants we tested, the Jetsetter Trouser from Wayre has the most expansive size range — going up to a size 24 — and is also offered in a tall version . But beyond commending these pants for inclusivity, we want to discuss the pockets (there are six!), which in our opinion, far outperform any of the products on this list. Along with the standard front and back pockets, a mini pouch lays on the front of the pants, while a hidden pick-pocket-proof compartment with a zipper sits on the side to store your passport.

With so many storage capabilities, we worried these pants would quickly feel weighed down. To our surprise, though, these stayed snugly in place thanks to the buttonable waistband that featured a sneaky elasticized back. Even though the elastic didn’t fully reach to the front, the band still had plenty of give and easily expanded when we sat down — which Eves says is a make-or-break attribute for plus-sized women. “Our bodies expand as we sit down, so you want to make sure that when you take a seat, the waistband rests at a comfortable spot and your hips and thighs aren’t tightly restricted,” she explains.

Luckily, the legs of the pants are also stretchy: Made of the brand’s Air-flex technology (a material fabricated from plastic bottles), the flexible material bent with our body. Along with the stretch, the fabric is completely spill- and odor-proof, as well as wrinkle- and UV-resistant. Combined with the athleisure-like quality and work-appropriate cropped length, the travel-friendly details quickly earned these bottoms a spot on our list.

Size: 00–24 | Material: Aire-flex (recycled plastic bottles) | Colors: 6 | Pockets:  6

InStyle / Julia Sayers

  • InStyle/Julia Sayers

Best Petite

Abercrombie & fitch ypb studiosoft legging.

Abercrombie & Fitch

What We Love: Abercrombie gives us the option to select a length, something that isn’t very common for leggings.

What We Don’t Love: Sweat shows through on the lighter colors.

Over the years, we’ve struggled to find leggings that fit our petite frame without bunching at our ankles. This pair from Abercrombie came to our rescue: Hitting right at our ankles, the leggings never looked too long. And while many affordable leggings stretch out with wear, these continuously provide the perfect amount of compression, almost like a second layer of skin, which allows us to feel secure without being constricted. Unlike many of the pants on this list, there is only one pocket that’s well hidden within the waistband and rather small (we could only store our ID and a credit card). Anyone who typically carries a crossbody while traveling, though, shouldn’t be too bothered by the lack of storage because the fit far makes up for it.

To determine how truly functional these leggings are, we took our test to an additional level by wearing these pants during a high-intensity workout, rather than just en route to a vacation. They stayed in place through every move. But we did notice during our workout that sweat stains popped up around our backside on the lilac color we wore. For those who are prone to sweating, we recommend choosing one of the darker hues, like onyx to be safe. However, unless you plan on wearing these during a tropical hike, we don’t imagine this to be a huge issue.

Size: XXS–XXL | Material: Nylon, elastane | Colors: 4 | Pockets:  1

InStyle / Sophia DeVito

Outdoor Voices Relay Wide Leg Pant

Public Lands

What We Love: These feel just like a cushy pair of sweatpants but look more refined.

What We Don’t Love: Though the pockets are large, putting too much in them can weigh the pants down.

Any tall woman knows the struggle of picking out a pair of pants only to find they land well above the ankle without actually being labeled as cropped. So, you’ll be happy to know that with its 32-inch inseam, these wide-leg pants from Outdoor Voices (which are the pants version of the brand’s best-selling Relay Short ) completely covered our long legs with even a little extra fabric to spare and kept us cozy throughout our trip.

We’d consider these pants to be two steps above your typical sweatpants — the recycled polyester material was much more flowy and lightweight than our favorite cotton sweats, making them much more suitable for outdoor activities, like hiking, in warmer temperatures. Plus, they’re so much more stylish because we’d easily wear these for errand runs or chill days in the park.

The two deep side pockets held our phone and keys throughout every part of our journey on a subway, bus, car, and airplane (seriously, we did a lot of travel in these). However, the pants did feel slightly weighed down with those items. The secure elastic waistband prevented any drooping, but it felt slightly uncomfortable.

Size: XXS–XL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Colors: 3 | Pockets:  2

InStyle / Phoebe Sklansky

Best for Work Trips

Everlane pant.

  • Comfort 4.5 /5

What We Love: These sophisticated trousers are wrinkle-resistant and just as cozy as our favorite pair of leggings.

What We Don’t Love: The pants are cropped, which won’t suit everyone’s style.

When we need to be prepared to walk directly into a meeting after a lengthy train ride or flight, you need a pair of work pants that you can rely on. We’ve considered replacing every pair of work-appropriate bottoms in our wardrobe with Everlane's The Dream Pant because, while maintaining a professional flair suitable for a boardroom meeting, these wrinkle-resistant trousers still feel more comfortable than our most-broken-in pair of jeans yet look more sophisticated than our usual travel leggings.

Rather than having a zipper and snap closure like ordinary slacks, these feature hidden adjustable drawstrings to customize how tight or loose they fit. As for the mainly cotton fabric, it felt soft, smooth, and breathable, striking that hard-to-achieve middle ground of weightiness because it felt thick enough to wear during cooler months (or in chilly airports) without overheating us in the summer. We consider them to be just as comfortable (and versatile) as our favorite Lululemon leggings, albeit not as stretchy and with less pocket space, since we couldn’t squeeze our iPhone into the side pockets as we could on the Lululemon’s.

Aside from the functional design, we loved that these pants remained wrinkle-free after over 12 hours of travel and full days at the office. The cropped leg grew on us, too. We were worried they might look like capris on longer legs, but they stopped just short of the ankle and actually accentuated our height in a positive way. The crisp tapered look became another one of our favorite aspects of these pants, though we do hope Everlane will offer a full-length option in the future for those who aren’t fans of cropped styles.

If you’re still not convinced about how amazing these pants are, two of our close friends purchased the Dream Pant after seeing us wear them — without even knowing the noteworthy details.

Size: XS–4XL | Material: Cotton, modal, elastane | Colors: 6 | Pockets:  2

Best Lightweight

Everlane the easy pant.

What We Love: Along with being cozy enough for the plane ride, they were so stylish we were able to wear them multiple times throughout our vacation.

What We Don’t Love: We weren’t able to tote items around in the pockets without the waistband sagging.

If you’re zipping around the airport with heavy luggage, the last thing you want to be wearing is a pair of pants that will weigh you down. Thankfully, these featherweight cotton bottoms flexed with our bodies, and thanks to the elastic waistband, they kept us comfortable while we waited through a four-hour flight delay.

In the past, we always preferred comfort to style while traveling. But these slip-on pants gave us the best of both worlds. Once at our destination, we were able to don the pants for multiple vacation looks, from dinner at the hotel to an exploration of the local communities. The bottoms’ adaptability made our trip more enjoyable since we were able to create trendy, functional outfits while saving space in our carry-on.

Compared to the Everlane Dream Pant , these are much more casual, due to its waistband and flowier fit. But both pants could use a pocket redesign. Although The Easy Pant’s pockets were quite large, heavier items (namely, our cell phone) dragged the waistband down. If you plan on purchasing these pants, we suggest storing important items in a purse or handy belt bag to prevent sagging.

Size: XXS–XL  | Material: Cotton, elastane | Colors: 5 | Pockets:  4

Best Dressy

Spanx the perfect pant, slim straight.

Spanx 

What We Love: While these pants have a structured look and beautifully sculpt your bottom, they are just as soft as a pair of leggings.

What We Don’t Love: If you have a curvier figure, these gap at the waist.

We can always count on Spanx to deliver dressy, body-contouring pants that feel like leggings — and though the faux-leather bottoms often steal the show, we think the Perfect Pant, which we’ve called one of the best work pants before, deserves just as much (if not more) attention. The weighty ponte fabric felt much more luxe than other items we’ve purchased from the brand and looked extremely elegant without skimping on comfort.

In typical Spanx fashion, every time we slid them on we felt secure but not restricted — the pants lifted and sculpted our backside and never once sagged. The thicker waistband didn’t dig into our stomach, even after hours of sitting, and because the pant legs themselves were wider, we were able to move freely. We washed them multiple times throughout our two-week test, too, and they maintained their shape.

As for the faux pockets, they enhanced the dressy factor, but the lack of functionality was rather annoying on our travel days. Ultimately, we looked past the design flaw because of how versatile the pants are; beyond traveling, we wore them multiple times to dinners, the office, and for other special occasions. And the pants almost have a customizable feel to them because they are offered in multiple lengths (including petite — no hemming necessary!). We had difficulty selecting a size, though. We have an hourglass figure, so our measurements fit into two different sizes. We opted to size up to fit our thighs, which led to some gaping along our waistline. With this body type, finding the perfect fit might not be attainable, but overall, we recommend them for their polished look, high comfort, and utility.

Size: XS–3X | Material: Rayon, nylon, elastane, polyester | Colors: 3 | Pockets: None

InStyle / Morgan Ashley Parker

Liverpool The Gia Glider Ankle Skinny Jean

What We Love: Complete with a faux zipper and functioning pockets, no one will be able to tell these are jeggings.

What We Don’t Love: They stretched a lot after frequent wear.

The thought of wearing jeans on a long flight sent shivers down our spine for years — why would anyone put themselves through that misery? We’ve come to the conclusion that people sporting jeans at the airport must be wearing The Gia Glider Ankle Skinny from Liverpool Los Angeles. These stretchy jeggings have become our staple travel pants for when we want to look put together without trying hard or forgoing comfort.

With a faux zipper and functioning button, the pull-on bottoms look like a high-end pair of jeans but operate exactly like leggings. Typically, we’ll wash our jeans after every two wears, but because these have similar stretch to leggings, we found that we needed to wash them after every wear for the waist to stay secure. A quick cycle in the dryer was enough to shrink them back to size, and we think a smaller size would remedy this issue completely.

Just like many women’s jeans , the pants are available in regular and tall lengths. The tall was perfect for our five-foot-nine frame, and hit directly at our ankles (no flood-water pants here!) They also feature four pockets. The front two were a bit too small to store anything substantial, but we could easily slip our phone and wallet into the larger pockets on the back. Truthfully, if these were available in a few more wash options and silhouettes, we’d probably replace our entire jean collection because the comfort level and price (less than $100) is hard to beat.

Size: 0–16 | Material: Cotton, rayon, modal, t400, lycra | Colors: 2 | Pockets:  4

InStyle / Taylor Fox

Most Comfortable

Lululemon high-rise jogger.

What We Love: These pants get softer with each wash and the color doesn’t fade.

What We Don’t Love: If you’re on the shorter side they bunch at the ankles — it doesn’t alter the pants’ function, but definitely affects the style-factor.

It may be a no-brainer to say this, but all travel pants should be comfortable. We’d consider any of the pants on our list to be cozy — that’s why we mentioned them, after all — but these joggers from Lululemon broke our comfort scale. Roomier than leggings yet softer than the average pair of sweatpants, we lived in these bottoms for the entirety of our two-week trial. In fact, we wore these so much that we had to clean them three times in two weeks, but they didn’t shrink, pill, or fade; they remained good as new, with a bonus that the drawstring never fell out during any of the washes.

Wearing them on our six-hour flight from San Francisco to Hawaii, we had never ever felt so comfortable while on a plane. The mix of nylon and lycra elastane allowed the pants to stretch perfectly around our waist without any sliding or rubbing against our skin the entire time we were in the air. The pockets were also deep enough for our phone, and although there was no closure, it didn’t slip out — even while seated.

The joggers bunched more than we typically prefer for our pants, but we suppose our shorter stature had something to do with it. (And they might land at the ankle for anyone on the taller side.) But in the end, we appreciated the laid-back style that looked more versatile than most joggers.

Size: 0–20 | Material: Nylon, lycra elastane | Colors: 8 | Pockets:  2

InStyle / Elena Garcia

Best for Long Flights

Cozy earth women's modern modal wide leg pant.

Cozy Earth 

What We Love: These pants are like a hybrid between pajamas and our favorite blanket.

What We Don’t Love: If you’re shorter than five-foot-five they’ll need to be hemmed.

We’ve crossed many faraway destinations off our bucket lists, but long-haul flights never seem to get easier. Simply put, sitting on a cramped plane for eight-plus hours is easily the worst part of the vacation. Thankfully, these pants from Cozy Earth made our latest journey much more pleasant. Seriously — we don’t own any other everyday pants that compare to the comfort level of these. As borderline pajama pants, these bottoms felt irresistibly soft and stretchy, thanks to the blend of modal and polyester that gave them a lightweight and breathable quality. The extremely long legs also enhanced the blanket-like effect and kept us cozy in chilly airplane cabins.

Because of the length, these wide-legged pants dragged a bit along the ground. This wasn’t a big issue when we were lounging at home, but we found that they became dirty very quickly — especially in the lighter shades — as we traipsed around the airport and outside. We’re five-foot-five, which we think is the height cutoff: Anyone shorter should consider getting these hemmed, otherwise you may trip, and the bottom will get soiled pretty quickly.

Size: XS–3XL | Material: Modal, polyester, spandex | Colors: 5 | Pockets:  2

InStyle / Jodi Epsinosa

Best Joggers

Outdoor voices rectrek jogger.

Outdoor Voices

  • Durability 4.5 /5

What We Love: These joggers are completely weatherproof, so they’re a great pick for all destinations and climates.

What We Don’t Love: While the exterior is very durable, the interior lining started to pill after three washes.

Most joggers we own are meant for lounging and not much else (case in point: The comfortable Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger ). The Outdoor Voices RecTrek Jogger on the other hand was a fresh take on the classic silhouette that took us through many travel expeditions and climates, thanks to its sporty nylon fabric that was not only soft but also sturdy.

The exterior of these pants reminded us of a windbreaker — strong and waterproof. Despite the solid material, we never overheated while wearing these. The bottoms were surprisingly lightweight and breathable so we could easily wear them in warm weather, yet they still felt insulated enough to keep us warm in colder temperatures (and in chilly airplane cabins) — paired with a lounge-worthy sweatshirt . Along with short car rides, we wore these on a mini adventure to the park, and were able to play in the grass with our toddler without any mobility problems. At five-foot-three, we did find the 27-inch inseam to be a little long, but rolling the waistband prevented bunching around the crotch.

Because of the style, we wouldn’t consider wearing these to the office by any means, but the bottoms were definitely more structured and elevated than run-of-the-mill sweatpants, and we appreciated that they were wrinkle-resistant. However, the interior lining wasn’t quite as sturdy. After a few washes we noticed that it began to pill. This wasn’t a major issue because the lining hasn’t felt itchy or uncomfortably rubbed against our skin (and the exterior has remained crisp through each wash). But with the price, it was a bit of a bummer. We’re happy to report, though, that the initial pilling hasn’t increased either — the pants still function as if they were good as new.

Size: XS–XL | Material: Nylon, elastane | Colors: 3 | Pockets:  4

Wondery Isabel 2.0 Outdoor Pants

What We Love: The six pockets are substantial — they can fit your passport, headphones, wallet, and more.

What We Don’t Love: You’ll want to keep a lint roller on hand because fuzz and pet hair stick to the pants.

Cargo pants may have originally been worn by the military, but the sheer amount of functional pockets make them ideal for travel. Think about it, with more pockets than your average bottoms, they can hold headphones, your passport, phone, wallet, keys, and more. The exact number will differ between styles, but similar to the Wayre Jetsetter Trouser , this pair from The Wondery has six: two deep ones in the front, two button-closure compartments on the back, and two massive button-closure pockets on the thighs. Each one was practical, too — a welcome change to the teeny jean pockets we’re used to.

Of course, the pockets aren’t the only major selling point of these bottoms: Besides the inclusive sizing (which goes up to a size 4XL and includes standard, short, and tall lengths) they struck a perfect balance between being fitted and casually baggy. The cinched high waistband fits snugly around our midsection, and, beyond adding a dash of style, the metal side buckles could be easily adjusted to get the perfect fit. But don’t focus on the word “fitted” too much because the waist was the only part of the pants that was very fitted. The legs were looser, especially around the calves, and gave us full range of movement, allowing us to sprint through the airport to reach our gate. The airy cotton fabric also kept us cooler than jeans or leggings , so we weren’t a sweaty mess when we boarded.

Overall, the performance of these pants wowed us so much that we completely ditched our go-to travel leggings. However, we experienced one small pet peeve: The fabric noticeably attracted fuzz and pet hair. A quick swipe of a lint roller removed it all, but we don’t typically carry one around while traveling.

Size: XS–4XL | Material: Cotton, spandex | Colors: 1 | Pockets:  6

InStyle / Elise Wojczyk Wang

Quince Ponte Straight Leg Pant

What We Love: These pants are extremely versatile — we could dress them up for work or wear them as a beach coverup.

What We Don’t Love: While the elastic waistband is stretchy, we wish these had adjustable drawstrings to get the perfect fit.

Summer travels and linen go hand in hand: The lightweight, sweat-wicking material is ideal for hot climates and can easily be dressed up or down. When it comes to pants, this pair from Quince stood out because of its 100 percent linen makeup, vast color options, and convenient slip-on style, and summer-friendly cropped silhouette. The 25-inch inseam hit us right at the ankle (we’re five-foot-four). Sure, they were a bit longer on our petite frame, but this meant they didn’t drag through dirty airport terminals, and we considered the length ideal for in-between weather days as well as spring and summer travel.

As expected with linen, the bottoms did wrinkle slightly. But rather than looking disheveled, they had a lived-in appeal. Even with the creases, we still felt they were appropriate for special events, including fancy dinners (and the stretchy elastic waistband made them perfect for meal times). We actually found these to be so comfortable, we completely forgot we were wearing pants (a dream come true). However, the addition of a drawstring would make these bottoms near perfect. The waistband slightly stretches throughout the day, and this small enhancement would keep them fitting perfectly over the course of long travel days.

Size: XS–XL | Material: Linen | Colors: 9 | Pockets:  3

Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant

For a comfortable, office-appropriate pant that isn’t tapered like the Everlane Dream Pant , we loved these Quince straight-leg pants . We were able to choose between three different inseams, and at five-foot-six the 30-inch landed right at our ankle. Although these look like work slacks, the thick stretchy fabric felt supportive and flexible — not quite like shapewear, but compressive enough that it held our stomach in. The only thing holding these pants back is the size range. Offered in XS to XL, we wish there were more inclusive options to fit a wide array of body types.

Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants

If you aren’t a frequent flier but are looking for versatile bottoms that will work with your lifestyle and keep you comfortable when you finally plan a trip, we consider these great introductory travel pants . Similar in style to Spanx The Perfect Pant, Slim Straight (yet a fraction of the price), this option has the fundamental characteristics of a good pair of travel trousers: They feature two deep side pockets, wrinkle-resistant, breathable fabric, and an elastic waistband. Plus, we love the fun color options, which include vibrant hues like emerald and orange.

After researching the top-rated travel-friendly pants, we selected 40 pairs in a range of styles and sent them to our team of fashion and travel experts. Over the course of two weeks, each person wore the bottoms while traveling over long and short distances on planes, trains, and automobiles and while going about their daily errands and activities (which included wrangling toddlers, cleaning, and going to the grocery store). We then rated each pair based on fit, comfort, durability, design, and value. We also performed light physical activities (squats and stretches) to see how they moved with our bodies. Once we wore them enough to need a good cleaning, we washed the items at least twice to see how they held up to wear and tear. At the end of our trial, we narrowed down the list to the top-performing travel pants that we now rely on to keep us comfortable through every journey.

InStyle / Jackie Napalan

Regardless of how you’re traveling, sitting for hours on end is pretty uncomfortable. That’s why New York-based image and wardrobe consultant Beverly Osemwenkhae recommends opting for travel pants made with an elastic waistband or drawstrings because she says they “give a little more freedom to play around with.” She thinks drawstrings specifically allow you to alter where the waistband sits on your midsection, which can relieve pressure and help you feel more relaxed in transit. You can find these features in many of our picks, but look to our favorite Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Joggers for the most comfortable.

While many stretchy materials conform to and move with your body, there are some — like cotton and linen — that can lose their shape over time and wrinkle easily in transit. We felt like the linen Quince pants looked more lived-in, rather than a wrinkled mess, but that’s fairly rare for linen pants. For a more flexible yet sturdy option that’s just as weightless as linen can be, New York-based personal fashion stylist Nejla Renee recommends looking for styles made from spandex, elastane, or nylon because they generally hold their shape through countless washes and wears. Along with their resiliency, these fabrics (as well as most poly blends) are wrinkle-resistant, making them ideal for business trips because they will still look crisp after hours of sitting.

For easy access to your boarding pass, passport, or phone while traveling through the airport, pants pockets help keep everything handy. Not only do they allow you to skip digging through tons of other travel essentials to find what you need, but pockets also give you peace of mind knowing your most important items are for sure on you.

We recommend choosing pants with at least one deep pocket that can hold your phone without it sliding out. But a majority of the picks on our list have much more than one pocket. The Wondery Isabel 2.0 Outdoor Pants has six, while the Wayre Jetsetter Trouser also features six with one pick-pocket-proof hidden compartment to store valuables. Although Renee and Osemwenkhae say it's not imperative for pockets to have some sort of closure, zippered and buttoned compartments can be a bit more secure.

Versatility

Sure, comfort tops our list for necessary qualities our travel pants should have. But we also aimed to find pants that are functional and versatile enough to wear on vacation, too. “I like to be able to wear a pair of pants at least two to three times while traveling to optimize packing space,” says Renee.

Think about your destination and what types of activities you’ll be doing to decide what bottoms you’ll wear the most. “Certain pants like jeans are trans-seasonal, [while] trousers can be taken from day to night, spring to summer, and the boardroom to the club if styled accordingly,” says travel expert Thithi Nteta. Beyond the more fashion-forward options like the Quince 100% European Linen Pants , leggings, including the Abercrombie YPB StudioSoft legging , can double as athleticwear while on vacation, if you plan to hike or take any fitness classes.

Should you wear compression pants while flying?

According to Dr. Emily Splichal, an Arizona-based board-certified podiatrist, prolonged sitting on long flights puts pressure on veins in your legs, reducing circulation and ultimately leading to swelling. Paired with higher sodium intake while traveling, your body is more likely to retain water and bloat while in the air. Compressive garments counter the effects because they “are designed to address venous return and prevent swelling,” she explains.

To ward off bloating, Dr. Splichal recommends wearing compression pants or socks on flights over six hours. “They can be worn on shorter flights if you have a medical condition that contributes to swelling and leg edema,” she adds. For light compression, we recommend our best overall pick Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight because it feels supportive without restricting movement.

How do you style pants for travel?

We get it, putting together a stylized outfit for early (or late) departures may not be your top priority, but there are some simple pairings that can transform a groutfit into a cute and comfy ensemble. Renee says that layering is key, even if you’re going to a warm destination because plane temperatures tend to be chilly. She advises styling a high-rise elastic waist pant (like the Wayre Jetsetter Trouser ) with a simple cropped tee shirt, casual leather sneakers , and a packable puffer. “The puffer can be used for warmth or as a pillow in a pinch,” she says.

If you don’t want to take a heavy coat, opt for something lighter like a leather or jean jacket . Both options will keep you warm in transit and look more refined than a sweatshirt. But for a dressier option, Osemwenkhae suggests throwing on a blazer , especially if you’re headed to a work function directly after the trip. Regardless of which overcoat you select, the jacket and sneakers combo will mesh well with any travel pant style.

As for accessories, Nteta suggests investing in a nice cross-body or belt bag if your favorite travel pants don’t have large enough pockets to store your passport or other items, so you can still keep your essentials at arms reach.

Is it better to wear tight or loose pants on a plane?

This comes down to personal preference. All of our experts agree that you should wear what feels the most comfortable. “It’s important to have freedom of movement, especially for long haul flights,” says Nteta. Looser styles, like Cozy Earth Women's Modern Modal Wide Leg Pan , give you a lot of freedom and feel incredibly cozy, almost like a blanket. If you prefer tighter silhouettes, make sure the pants aren’t totally restrictive and have some stretch so they can move with your body, like the Abercrombie YPB StudioSoft legging .

Did you notice the InStyle Picks seal of approval at the top of this story? That means our team of testers has reviewed every product on this list using a unique methodology to ensure it's really worth your time, money, and attention. We may get samples for free to try but we never promise positive (or any!) coverage in exchange. Put simply: InStyle Picks are products we love, and we've put them to the test to be sure you will too.

Mary Honkus is the commerce editor at InStyle with over five years of experience covering fashion and beauty. For this story she compiled the insights from our two week travel pants test, analyzing the details our skilled team of testers reported to select the best. Along with those insights, she consulted with California-based professional stylist Kat Eves , New York-based image and wardrobe consultant Beverly Osemwenkhae , New York-based personal stylist Nejla Renee , and travel expert Thithi Nteta to learn more about elements that are essential in a good pair of travel pants. She also tapped Arizona-based board certified podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal to learn about the benefits of flying with compression garments.

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The Most Comfortable Pants for Travel If You Don't Want to Wear Leggings

best-travel-pants-for-women-279639-1625693059903-image

If you're anti-leggings or simply refuse to wear them outside of the house, we have all the pant alternatives that will offer just as much comfort to you while you're traveling  as leggings claim to. On the flip side, if you were convinced leggings were the only pant option available to you for your upcoming travel outfits, we have got a treat for you. We have assembled a list of  comfortable  pant styles that will ensure you have the most stylish and cozy travel experience ever. In this case, you really can have your cake and eat it, too. 

Including relaxed denim (don't knock it until you've tried it), knit and ribbed pants, and more, get ready to shop all of the most comfortable pants for traveling, according to me. As someone who has traveled in all of the below styles, I can personally attest to feeling comfortable and cute while on my journey, and now that traveling is a thing again, what more could you hope for from a pair of pants? 

Relaxed Jeans

I know what you're thinking—jeans on an airplane seems like the worst idea known to man. Rigid, high-rise, skintight jeans certainly are not the move, but relaxed, slightly baggy pairs just might be your new go-to travel pants. They are roomy and comfortable and go with just about everything. 

Frame + Rosanna Organic High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

This one is a no-brainer. Sweatpants have been the travel pant go-to since the beginning of time. They are cozy and look great with sneakers, and wearing them on the plane versus packing them in your suitcase frees up some more space in that likely overpacked luggage of yours. 

H&M + Wide-Leg Joggers

Knit & Ribbed Pants

If you're one of those people who refuse to wear sweatpants outside of the house (no judgment), then maybe knit or ribbed pants are more your style. From textured cable knitting to sleek ribbing, these particular pants are the kind of travel choice that tells me you're a fashion girl without telling me you're a fashion girl. 

Nanushka + Fina Cable-Knit Wide-Leg Pants

Wide-Leg Pants

Last but not least, we have wide-leg trousers. Undeniably the most formal choice on the menu, these relaxed and roomy trousers will ensure you step off the plane looking perfectly polished no matter what. 

Free People + Pia Dad Pants

Next up, shop the 8 summer trends everyone's wearing with jeans . 

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.

Kendall Jenner wears a black and white dress.

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stylish travel pants

The Atlas Heart

21 BEST Travel Pants for Women in 2024 [Stylish & Comfy]

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

Short on time? Our pick for the best travel pant for women is the  Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants .

The best travel pants for women that are stylish, functional, and ready for action on your next adventure!

When it comes to finding the perfect travel pants for women, the key is a balance between comfort, durability, and style.

I’ve traveled a lot , mainly throughout Europe. Because I often found myself in airports or on trains, I’ve primarily opted for durable and form-fitting pants when traveling. 

But when I’m on a summer vacation and heading to the beach, you’ll find me in a lighter flowy option as soon as I step off the train.

As I’ve learned, women’s clothing with quick-drying fabric can be a big plus. But it also depends on the situation. On a long-haul flight in the middle of the night? Forget everything else and find your comfiest pair of leggings !

To guide you through this process, I’ve found a variety of top-rated pants that make the best travel pants to prepare you for whatever comes your way.

A young woman wearing a white tank top and an example of some the the best travel pants for women in army green stands on a steep, cactus-lined trail.

Here’s a quick look at our recommendations

  • Best Travel Leggings – Fabletics Define Power Hold Leggings
  • Best Pants for Long Flights – lululemon Align Leggings with Pockets
  • Best Stylish Pants for Travel – Brooklyn Ankle Pant by Athleta
  • Best Travel Business Pants – Everlane the Dream Pant
  • Best Women’s Travel Pants With Pockets – Outdoor Voices RekTreck Pant
  • Best Winter Pants for Travel – Athleta Headlands Hybrid Pant
  • Best Quick-Dry Travel Pants – Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pants
  • Best Travel Adventure Pants – Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants
  • Best Travel Hiking Pants – Viodia Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants
  • Best Wrinkle-Free Pants for Travel – Quince Performance Tech Wide Leg Pant
  • Best Travel Jogger Pants – Yogipace On The Fly Pants Drawstring Casual Lounge Joggers
  • Best Travel Pants for Plus-Sized Women – Eddie Bauer Women’s Departure Jogger
  • Most Versatile Pants for Travel – Athleta Sculptek Ultra Skinny Jean Pant
  • Best Travel Jeans – Aviator Boyfriend Jeans
  • Most Classic Travel Pant – Levi Heritage High-Rise Loose Straight Jean
  • Best Women’s Travel Pants for Hot Weather – TBA Women’s Wide Leg Capris
  • Best Women’s Travel Pants for a Cruise – Quince 100% European Linen Pants
  • Best Warm Pants for Travel – MERIWOOL Base Layer Merino Wool Thermal Leggings
  • Best Travel Sweatpants – prAna Cozy Up Pant
  • Best Budget Pants for Travel – Bootcut Yoga Travel Pant
  • Best Pants for Europe – lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket High-Rise

#1 Fabletics Powerhold Leggings

Best Travel Leggings

Product image for the Fabletics Powerhold Leggings in black.

Material: 88% Polyester, 12% Elastane Main Features: Chafe-Resistant, Moisture-Wicking, UPF Protection, 4-Way Stretch

I have to admit that for me, comfort wins over style when it comes to traveling. 

You’ll typically find me flying in a jacket, loose t-shirt, sneakers, and these Fabletics Define Powerhold Leggings .

Fabletic Powerholds are my favorite leggings! I love the stretchy fabric, the hidden waistband pocket, and the snug, slim fit. 

I’ve been wearing them continuously since I discovered them three years ago. 

I initially turned to these Fabletics leggings as a cheaper alternative to Lululemon leggings, but the quality is no lower–I’m still not at the point where they need replacing. They are durable and long-lasting. 

Travel clothing with hidden pockets can help store things like cash or IDs. While the waistband pocket on these Fabletics Powerholds is small, I often use it to store my AirPods temporarily if I don’t want to go through the hassle of digging the case out of my carry-on bag. 

One downside to leggings, in general, is that they reveal more than traditional pants. However, if you have a thick pair in a dark color, you may feel less exposed.

  • Long-lasting
  • Waistband Pocket

#2 Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets

Best Pants for Long Flights

Product image for the Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets in brown.

Material: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra Elastane Main Features: Breathable fabric, Sweat-Wicking, UPF Protection, 4-Way Stretch

Lululemon leggings have one of the best reputations for feeling buttery soft and fitting like a glove, thanks to their Nulu fabric, a blend of nylon and lycra. 

The Lululemon Align High-Rise pant with Pockets offers the advantage of a high waist and deep side pockets.

Deep pockets like this give you a quick and accessible place to slide things like your phone, keys, credit card, or ID. 

Because of the weightless fabric, some people find the Lululemon Aligns too see-through for their liking. Factor this in when choosing a color (darker will hide more) or style your outfit accordingly.

  • High quality materials
  • Side pockets

#3 Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants

Best Stylish Travel Pants

Product image for the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants in black.

Material: Recycled Polyester, Spandex Main Features: Rib knit waistband and side panels for superior mobility and comfort

The Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants’ standout feature is their Featherweight stretch fabric. The fabric blend is recycled polyester (nicknamed rPet). 

Known for being lightweight, durable, quick-drying, and eco-friendly, this fabric uses fibers extracted from recycled plastic water bottles. 

These pants are comfortable enough to wear traveling and formal enough to wear to work as travel dress pants.

A unique feature of the Brooklyn pants by Athleta is the subtle stripe design along the legs. It’s not an overwhelming design, but it is something different enough to set it apart from other plain pants.

The lighter colors are known to show a bit more than the darker options, so consider this when choosing your color or if you buy more than one pair.

These Brooklyn pants sit below your natural waist (making them more of a mid-rise option), so they don’t offer the same comfort or tummy control as high-waist pants.

  • Multiple color options

#4 Everlane The Dream Pant

Best Travel Business Pants

Product image for the Everlane The Dream Pant in black.

Material: 58% Cotton, 38% Modal, 4% Elastane Main Features: Professional look, flat finish, wrinkle resistant, elastic waist

The Dream Pant by Everlane captivated me because of the slim fit, sleek tapered leg, and pintuck detail (the sewing technique that creates the fold down the front of the leg). 

They look professional and can easily pass as business casual travel pants.

The Dream Pants are perfect for wearing if you’re on a business trip with colleagues or heading straight to a meeting from the plane!

But don’t let the refined look fool you– the Everlane Dream Pants are very comfortable. The fabric’s blend of materials (cotton, modal, and elastane) resists wrinkles, making these easy to wear out of the suitcase.  

Not only do you have various color options with these pants, but they also offer sizes ranging from XXS to XXXXL.

One con to pay attention to is that these pants run on the short side. While this may not be an issue for shorter people like myself, you should expect these to be ankle-length pants if you’re tall.

  • Can pull off as business attire
  • Wrinkle resistant 
  • Tapered leg
  • Shorter fit

#5 Outdoor Voices RekTreck Pant

Best Women’s Travel Pants With Pockets

Product image for the Outdoor Voices RekTreck Pant in black.

Material: 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane Main Features: Internal drawstring, Relaxed fit, Slightly Cropped

The RekTreck Pants are Outdoor Voices’ most versatile pants. The lightweight and sweat-wicking material makes them perfect for summer or active wear.

A unique feature of these pants is the internal drawstring waist, providing the functionality of a drawstring waist but keeping the outer aesthetic sleek. 

These pants have a hidden pocket within the zippered pockets, making them great anti-theft pants, and giving them extra protection for things you want to keep close.

Outdoor Voices encourages hiking, rock climbing, camping, travel, and foraging–basically, these pants can go with you anywhere to do anything.

  • Comfortable look and feel
  • Hidden pocket
  • Internal drawstring waist

#6 Athleta Headlands Hybrid Pant

Best Winter Travel Pants

Product image for the Athleta Headlands Hybrid Pant in dark blue.

Material: 91% Recycled Nylon, 9% Spandex Main Features: Water-repellent, Regular and tall options

Grab your snow boots and snow gloves , and you’re ready to go with these Athleta Headlands Hybrid Pants!

Athleta’s Headlands Hybrid Pants are adventure-ready cold-weather pants with nylon/spandex fabric that resists nicks and tears.

Something that stands out is that the back pockets are zippered and flawlessly incorporated into the pant design.

On the other hand, I wish they had petite sizes like their similar Glacier Snow Skinny Pant , but if you prefer the breathability of a looser bottom, these are the better choice.

  • Range of regular length sizes
  • Tear resistant
  • No petite length size options

#7 Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pants

Best Quick-Dry Travel Pants

Product image for the Columbia Women's Saturday Trail Stretch Pants in dark grey.

Material: 96% Nylon, 4% Elastane Main Features: UV Protectant, Water repellent, Short, regular, and long inseam options

Columbia’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pants are woven with adventure in mind.

They’re wrinkle-resistant and incredibly water-repellent. In fact, they’re the quickest-drying pants I’ve encountered. They protect your legs from the sun with UV protectant recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. 

The pant legs roll up and convert to capris, making these a two-for-one pant option.

The Trail Stretch Pants are mid-rise pants and may not be the most stylish, but the trade-off is they’re the most durable.

  • UV Protection
  • Quick Dry Fabric
  • Convertible to Capri length
  • Multiple size and inseam options
  • Adventurewear look, which may not fit everyone’s aesthetic

#8 Kuhl FreeFlex Roll-Up Pant

Best Travel Adventure Pants

Product image for the Kuhl FreeFlex Roll-Up Pant in grey.

Material: 50% Polyester, 50% New Polyester Main Features: Lightweight fabric, multiple styles

The coolest part about the Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants is that they offer so many different style options that all use their FreeFlex fabric. 

FreeFlex is ultra-lightweight, sun protected, quick drying, and moisture managing. 

You can choose from relaxed fit, straight fit, move, or dash options–each offering a slightly different look but all composed of the same fabric.

The relaxed roll-up fit featured here allows you to convert the pants to capris and has back front, and side pockets.

Since the Kuhl pants are some of the best hiking pants and made for an outdoor lifestyle, they would make good travel backpacking pants.

  • Water resistant 
  • Flexible Material
  • Roll-up to Capri length
  • A less versatile aesthetic that won’t transition to a more dressed-up look

#9 Viodia Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants

Best Travel Hiking Pants

Product image for the Viodia Women's Hiking Cargo Pants in light blue.

Material: 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex Main Features: Sun and water protection, Multiple pockets, Made for adventure

Traveling doesn’t always involve flying– it could just mean taking a short road trip to a new hiking trail. In this case, you’ll want to throw on your hiking boots and be ready to go as soon as you step out of the car.

If formal and sleek pants aren’t your style, consider a pair like the Viodia Hiking Cargo Pants .

These pants are well-suited for hiking, camping, climbing, athletics, travel, golf, gardening, workouts, fishing, and casual work wear–essentially, any activity.

The Viodia pants also have five pockets: multiple deep front pockets that are zippered and easy-to-reach back pockets that close with velcro.

The four-way stretch of the fabric adapts to movement and multiple body types. Knowing that a variety of people are happy with the fit of the pants always makes me more inclined to buy a pair.

  • Budget-friendly 
  • Deep Pockets
  • Zippered Pocket
  • Lightweight
  • Lower Quality

#10 Quince Performance Tech Wide Leg Pant

Best Wrinkle-Free Pants for Travel

Product image for the Quince Performance Tech Wide Leg Pant in dark blue.

Material: 88% Recycled Polyester, 12% Spandex Main Features: Smooth fabric with stretch, sun protection, quick dry

The stylish Quince Performance Tech Wide Leg Pants can easily function as dressy travel pants. On top of that, these women’s quick-dry travel pants come with a relaxed fit.

I often see my European friends sporting this pant style, so I know I can wear these pants confidently when traveling through Europe.

  • Sun protection
  • Relaxed Fit
  • Minimal color options

#11 Yogipace On The Fly Drawstring Casual Lounge Joggers

Best Travel Jogger Pants

Product image for the Yogipace On The Fly Drawstring Casual Lounge Joggers in black.

Material: Polyester & Spandex Main Features: Soft, Moisture-wicking, 4-Way Stretch, Petite, regular, and tall inseam options

I prefer joggers to traditional yoga pants when traveling.

Jogger styles vary, but most have a cuff at the ankle, protecting your pants from dirt and debris on the ground. 

I have a good pair of yoga pants (also from Fabletics), but I wouldn’t want to wear them while traveling. Because of their flare-out style, I can only imagine all the dirt they could collect from touching the ground.

The reality is that when traveling, your pants face a lot more action than they do during your day-to-day activities.

Yogipace On The Fly Drawstring Casual Lounge Joggers are very standard-looking joggers. The identifiable features are a drawstring waistband and tapered leg.

They also offer a detailed guide on measuring your inseam (length from the crotch to the bottom of the leg) to help you choose the most accurate size for your height.

This budget-friendly option comes at a price low price that allows you to stock up on multiple pairs or easily replace them if you need to.

  • Budget-friendly
  • Tapered Leg
  • Only dark color options

#12 Eddie Bauer Women’s Departure Jogger Pants

Best Travel Pant for Plus Size Women

Product image for the Eddie Bauer Women's Departure Jogger Pants in grey.

Material: 86% polyester, 14% spandex Main Features: Moisture-wicking, mid-rise, Petite, regular, tall, and plus-size options

The Eddie Bauer Women’s Departure Jogger offers the same traditional jogger style but the improved perks of a true travel pant. 

The best part about these pants is the range of size options. From petite to regular to tall to plus size, they’ve genuinely included a size for everyone.

Their price point makes it worth it for the wrinkle-resistant moisture-wicking material with UPF 50+ sun protection!

Eddie Bauer women’s travel pants are available at Costco, Amazon, and their official site.

  • Multiple size and length options
  • Tight around ankle

#13 Athleta Sculptek Ultra Skinny Jean Pant

Most Versatile Travel Pants

Product image for the Athleta Sculptek Ultra Skinny Jean Pant in blue denim.

Material: Cotton, Polyester, Spandex Main Features: Sculptek fiber for movement, Regular and tall sizes

Outside of traveling, my go-to pants are a pair of blue skinny jeans. While I would usually opt for leggings over skinny jeans for a plane ride, jeans are suitable for those vacation outfits beyond just travel days. 

Athleta Sculptek Ultra Skinny Jean Pant uses Sculptek fiber, described as a material that moves every way you do. So, they have the advantages of jeans with the stretchiness of leggings.

If you’re going straight to a gathering after flying in, you could head there without changing. 

An advantage to jeans is their durability, and because they are heavier than many of the pants mentioned in this list, they may be better suited for cold weather. 

If you’re traveling in the winter or somewhere that has cooler weather, a pair of jeans may serve you better than some of those incredibly lightweight options.

  • Good for cooler weather destinations
  • Not as comfortable as a loose pant

#14 Aviator Boyfriend Jeans

Best Travel Jeans

Product image for the Aviator Boyfriend Jeans in light blue denim.

Material: 64% Tencel, 34% cotton, and 2% spandex Main Features: Free hemming, faded indigo or dark indigo colors, relaxed fit

Manufactured in the USA, Aviator designed the Boyfriend Jeans with travel in mind.

The front pockets on these jeans are deep, so you can easily fit a phone or passport. The pockets on the back of the jeans have hidden zippers!

If you’re traveling with just a few essential items, these secure travel pants make it easy to go hands-free thanks to spacious pockets in the front and secure pockets in the back.

One fantastic advantage to purchasing from this company is that they offer free hemming! For someone short like myself, that’s a huge draw. Aviator jeans are the first brand I’ve heard of that offers this service, and I’m impressed. 

I’ve chosen to highlight the boyfriend style of jeans, as it offers more space in the leg than skinny jeans.

While I tend to gravitate toward fitted pants for traveling, others appreciate looser-fit pants that provide more circulation. 

Aviator Jeans make various styles and colors, so I recommend choosing the best fit for your preference. These jeans are mid-rise and run true to size. 

Still, if you want them on the snug side or to have a higher waist fit, you should size down. Or, when in doubt, you can always size up and use a belt in the belt loops to adjust your fit. 

One thing to note is that Aviator Jeans recommends you wash by hand if possible and only dry on medium or air dry.

  • Innovative design
  • Relaxed fit
  • Casual look

#15 Levi Heritage High-Rise Loose Straight Leg Jean

Most Classic Travel Pant 

Product image for the Levi Heritage High-Rise Loose Straight Leg Jean in a light black denim wash.

Material: 87% Cotton, 12% Polyester, 1% Elastane Main Features: High rise waist, plus size options, vintage-inspired fabric

The Levi Heritage High-Rise Loose Straight Jeans are fantastic women’s pants for long travel days.

I recently got a pair like these and wanted to try something new. I tend to have a much more casual style when journeying through the airport, but I tried a good pair of straight jeans for my flights this past weekend.

A con I noticed was that when I stood up to deboard,the jeans felt warm and heavy towards my waist. That’s not too surprising, however, since jeans are not known as quick-drying pants.

Still, straight-leg jeans make great pants for women, and Levi’s specifically offers a range of plus sizes.As a bonus, I felt slightly more put together and stylish than when traveling in my typical leggings.

  • Classic style
  • Durable 
  • Afforable price point
  • Less comfortable than loose pants

#16 TBA Women’s Wide Leg Capris

Best Pants for Hot Weather

Product image for the TBA Women's Wide Leg Capris in dark brown.

Material: 97% cotton, 3% spandex Main Features: Wide leg, Pull pants, Lightweight, Casual style

Fun fact: did you know Capri pants are named after the island in Italy? They became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, primarily because the movie star Audrey Hepburn sported them often.

Based on my body shape and height (I’m short ), I always look for cropped travel pants or women’s pants that come in a ⅞ length. I often find that cropped pants fit me like regular-length pants.

On the other hand, if you’re taller, you can expect capris to hit your leg around your calf.

The cool thing about the TBA Women’s Wide Leg Capris is that people have taken to rolling them up, which gives chic style but also adds versatility and adaptability to people’s varying heights.

These could be an excellent option if you’re headed somewhere with hot weather.

  • Breathable fabric
  • Very loose style

#17 Quince 100% European Linen Pants

Best Women’s Travel Pants for a Cruise

Product image for the Quince 100% European Linen Pants in dark blue.

Material: 100% European flax linen Main Features: Elastic waistband, Breathable and heat regulating

When I see a nice, loose linen pant, I immediately picture a warmer weather vacation.

The Quince 100% European Linen Pants are lightweight and breezy, making them perfect for summer. 

These pants have three pockets: two on the front and one on the back (though they may not be the most functional). 

While it’s great that these pants have pockets, they are not deep or secure.

Linen travel pants are comfortable and have a relaxed fit, but they don’t need to come across as casual wear. They become more formal when paired with a nice top (and if you’re all in on this linen look, you can pick up a matching top by Quince made with the same fabric).

They come in white and black, as well as earthy tones like olive, driftwood, terracotta, and a dark blue navy. So, you can pick up multiple pairs and experiment with color!

  • High-quality materials
  • Many color options
  • Matching top option
  • Short length

#18 MERIWOOL Base Layer Merino Wool Thermal Leggings

Best Warm Travel Pant

Product image for the MERIWOOL Base Layer Merino Wool Thermal Leggings in black.

Material: 100% Merino Wool Main Features: Warmth, pull-on pants, moisture-wicking, odor resistant

When you read the word wool, your mind may picture an itchy winter sweater. Don’t worry; that’s not the case here.

Merino wool is a natural fiber fabric known to be breathable, adaptable to different temperatures, ultra-lightweight, and moisture-wicking.

If you want a Merino wool option for the benefits but don’t want to commit to full wool pants, buying a pair of leggings is a great alternative.

Many people use these as a base layer under another pair of pants, making these adaptable to cold-weather trips.

  • Good for layering
  • Adaptable fabric
  • Best for specific use

#19 prAna Cozy Up Pant

Best Travel Sweatpants

Product image for the prAna Cozy Up Pant in blue.

Material: 55% Hemp, 39% Recycled Polyester, 6% TENCEL™ Lyocell Main Features: Elastic waist with drawstring, Front patch pockets, Responsible Forest Material, Natural odor reducing features

When it comes to travel lounge pants and coziness while traveling, it doesn’t get better than these Prana Cozy Up Pants .

The Cardiff material and fleece knitting ensure that these are incredibly comfortable. Yet the tapered fit and elastic hemming allows a sleek, stylish look and avoids the baggy, lumpy feeling of ordinary sweatpants.

Although these prAna pants are pretty expensive for a sweatpant, you can venture out in these and travel rather than just staying in and lounging at home.

  • Comfortable
  • Tapered fit

#20 Bootcut Yoga Pant

Best Budget Travel Pants

Product image for the Bootcut Yoga Pant in black.

Material: 87 % Nylon, 13% Spandex Main Features: Elastic closure, High waist, Tummy control, Contours your features

I added these pants to the list thanks to Genx Gypsy’s Youtube review . Gen found these Bootcut Yoga Pants while looking for a cheaper alternative to the famous Spanx version.

At the time of making the video, she had been wearing them for four months and was still impressed with how they held their shape and fabric quality. She even recommends these as travel pants for seniors.

The most notable features of these pants include their elastic waistband, wrinkle-resistant fabric, versatility, and affordability.

Because these pants are one of the more budget-friendly options in this list, the stitching, fabric feel, and durability might not compare to the more premium choices on this list.

  • Elastic waistband
  • Wrinkle resistant fabric
  • Lower-quality material

#21 Lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket High-Rise

Best Travel Pants for Europe

Product image for the Lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket High-Rise in brown.

Material: 46% Elastomultiester, 40% Cotton, 14% Elastane Features: Five pockets, sleek style, quality lightweight material 

Lululemon designed the City Sleek 5 Pocket High-Rise to be on the move.

The City Sleek is a high-rise full-length pant that uses Utilitech fabric. They’re lightweight, sweat-wicking, and adaptable to different environments.

Between these features and how stylish they are, I’d wear these around Europe in a heartbeat. 

Did I mention they have five different pockets? That even includes a coin pocket, which will come in handy visiting European countries that use coins more often than the US. 

One thing to watch for is the length. These pants may suit a taller figure better than a short person, although hemming is always an option.

  • High-quality material
  • Five pockets

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Travel Pants

A woman in red leggings and a black tank top seen from behind walking towards a rocky cliffside on a beach.

What to Look for in Women’s Travel Pants

When I’m shopping for the best travel pants for women, I always look for comfortable, wrinkle-resistant, and stylish pants. 

Traveling comes with enough discomfort naturally, and the last thing I want is to feel it from my clothing. Comfort is a must for pants I travel in.

Wrinkle Resistance

A pair of pants made of synthetic fibers will be less likely to wrinkle, which is a game changer for traveling. Clothing is much more prone to wrinkles when you fold or roll it to fit in a suitcase.

It’s a bummer when practicality and style don’t go hand in hand. The good news is that enough brands out there have recognized that pull-on pants and stretchy pants can be stylish and convenient for traveling.

Types of Travel Pants

A woman in jeans, a yellow beanie,  and a striped shirt stands amongst ice plants on a hilltop with a blue sky behind her.

Tapered Leg Pants

Tapered pants are any type of pants whose fit is wider on top and gradually narrows towards the ankle.

Capris are longer than shorts, but shorter than trousers. Typically, Capri length pants end at the calf. 

Jeans come in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and cuts. The main identifying feature of jeans is that they’re made of denim.

Leggings are pull-on and form-fitting pants whose appeal is stretchy material and comfort. They come in various materials like spandex, nylon, or polyester.

Sweatpants are loose-fitting, comfortable pants, often made from soft fabric like jersey or cotton. Sweatpants usually have a stretchy waistband and cuff at the ankle.

Joggers are a style of pants that’s popular for athletic use because they offer a range of movement. 

Like sweatpants, they usually have an elastic or drawstring waist and a cuff at the ankle, but they’re typically more lightweight than sweatpants.

FAQs About Travel Pants

A woman wearing patterned grey leggings and a jean jacket seen from behind walking along a wooden boardwalk path through a marshy landscape with rolling hills in the distance.

What are travel pants? 

Technically speaking, any pants can be travel pants. Women aren’t all the same; we like different things. The best travel pants for women will be based on each woman’s individual preferences.

Some agreed-upon key characteristics that make good options are when the base material offers flexibility, comfort, and wrinkle resistance. Traditionally, that means synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester.   

What are the best pants to wear on an airplane? Is it better to wear tight or loose pants? 

Because aircraft cabins are often kept on the cooler side, it’s usually better to be fully covered and snug with tight leggings or fitted full-length pants. This is especially true on longer flights and when traveling between colder areas.

A looser or shorter pant option works well for shorter flights or warmer locations, even if it means being exposed to more elements. 

If you want to be ready no matter what, an adjustable pair like the Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants is a great choice.

Should I roll or fold travel pants? How do I keep them wrinkle-free?

The highly debated packing question! 

Check out Travel Tips by Laurie’s Youtube video “Test Rolling Method versus Folding” for packing a suitcase:

Or, to see some methods for packing pants quickly and in action, check out the show’s video “How to Roll-Pack Your Dress Pants: Travel Solutions.”

I opt for folding, which probably comes down to the fact that I’m not the most patient person.

As Laurie points out in her video, the best tip for the rolling method is to roll your clothing tightly–which takes just a bit longer to do right.

Packing cubes are another effective way to reduce wrinkles. We tested different brands of packing cubes to help you pick the best set of packing cubes for your travel style.

How many pairs of pants should I travel with?

A woman in jeans, a red puffy jacket, and a yellow beanie walks along a trail lined by bushes overlooking the ocean beneath an overcast sky.

This depends on your trip details. 

If you’re going on a weekend hiking getaway, you may be fine with one or two pairs of pants that you don’t mind getting dirty or re-wearing in that condition.

If you’re traveling for more extended periods, attending more formal events, or visiting people, you may want to bring three or more pairs of pants.

How much should I expect to spend on a pair of travel pants?

A high-quality pair, on average, will cost anywhere from $70 to $100. 

Budget-friendly options typically range from $30 to $50 each.

Are travel pants worth it?

My answer is yes. I love having what I call ‘closet constants’: pieces in my wardrobe that I know I can always rely on. 

Investing in a pair that provides comfort and durability could make for your next closet constant.

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Travel Pants for Women

A woman wearing, sunglasses, dark green pants, and a white tank smiles as she walks along an oceanside path with a beach and hills in the background.

If I had to pick one pair from this list to highlight, it would be the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pants . 

These Athleta pants have impressed me because they’re neutral but still fashionable, making them appealing to various people. 

They have a healthy balance of each feature you’d want in the best women’s pants for travel: they’re quick dry pants that are wrinkle resistant and comfortable. They have functional pockets and lots of color options.

These pants will serve you well while traveling and are a fan favorite for events and experiences outside of travel days. They’re versatile and the same pair can suit a few different styles, depending on what yo wear with it.

The perfect pants for women travelers can stand up to any challenge: exciting adventures like horseback riding or exploring a European city…but also less exciting hazards, should your airplane seat neighbor accidentally spill their complimentary drink!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Monroe Dziersk

Monroe Dziersk is a twenty-something American who’s lived in the USA, Italy, and Czechia. Monroe’s wardrobe is heavily influenced by her years of traveling. She loves finding practical, comfortable pieces that evoke the classy Italian aesthetic and work for any occasion. Her style was quite playful growing up, but since moving to Europe, she has a newfound love for neutrals and sophistication. That being said, playful pieces still get the best of her from time to time!

With her expert eye for style, Monroe writes reviews and guides to help fellow travelers find reliable brands and pieces to use for both day-to-day life and travel experiences.

Gearing up for your next big trip? Check out these related articles below!

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The 13 Best Design-Driven Adventure Travel Pants for Any Trip

The best breeches for everything from a hut-to-hut mountain adventure to a multi-day foreign city food tour

The 13 Best Design-Driven Adventure Travel Pants for Any Trip

Alex Tzelnic

Alex Tzelnic

Field Mag may receive a minor commission from purchases made via affiliate links.

In the past, the variety of activities you might work into a single trip's itinerary might have meant packing hiking pants , jeans, sweatpants, and maybe something else to go out in. Now, in the age of ever more versatile apparel, a single pair of travel pants can provide all the stretch, comfort, and class one needs on a getaway, saving space in your carry-on for important items like your beloved film camera and the summer reading that you haven't actually read yet.

Though a pair of breezy linen pants may be the cure-all for traveling during warmer months, the following travel pants are more tailored to a range of activities you might pack into a trip, from hiking to hanging around the hotel, offering a wide range of Swiss army knife style options for active lifestyles.

The Best Travel Pants of 2023

travel-pants-patagonia-skyline-traveler

Best for Casual Travel: Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pant

The Skyline Traveler Pant is a looser and stretchier travel clothes option for those that will spend a lot of time in transit. The recycled nylon, polyester, and spandex blend moves with you, the adjustable drawcord waistband and elasticized cuffs won’t be restrictive, and there are plenty of pockets, including two zippered pockets for valuables, for your essentials. With its relaxed fit, the Skyline can certainly perform in a pinch as well, though they are designed more for casual exploration.

Price: $129

travel-pants-fjallraven-vidda-pro-ventilated-trousers

Best for Adventure Travel: Fjällräven Vidda Pro Ventilated Trousers

Fjällräven's heritage is in backcountry trekking and these pants are a lighter, airier version of one of the brand's most popular bottoms for bushwhacking. The straight leg pants are made with Fjällräven's super durable and wind- and water-resistant G-1000 Eco fabric and feature cinch ankle cuffs and cargo pockets, snap button pockets that make for good security pockets, and even pockets within pockets (there are more pockets than you'll ever need). These trekking trousers work well in cold weather but they also have decent breathability thanks to zippered side vents and are surprisingly stretchy thanks to panels made of lighter fabric. If your itinerary is more about adventuring outside than lounging indoors, these could be the best travel pants for you.

Price: $175

travel-pants-topo-designs-global-pant

Most Versatile Travel Pants: Topo Designs Global Pant

Comfort meets utility for these all-around go-to travel pants. Part of Topo Designs Global Collection , a line geared specifically towards travelers, these pants feature a straight cut and internal mesh zippered pockets for keeping essentials safe. There are also two back pockets with hidden zippers to maintain the simple and sleek silhouette. Made with a cotton/nylon/spandex blend, they have the perfect amount of sturdiness and stretch for versatility and durability.

Price: $109

travel-pants-myles-apparel-everyday-pant

Best For Crushing Mountains and Breweries: Myles Apparel Everyday Pant

Cargo pants are having something of a moment, and as great as they are for high-pocket activities, when it is time to head to the brewery I don’t always want to look like I’ve stepped out of a '90s time machine. Luckily, Myles Apparel makes apparel designed for movement that looks just as good when posting up at the bar, and the Everyday Pant is no exception. Featuring an incredible amount of stretch, a drawstring elastic waistband, and durable double-weave nylon, these will tackle any peak while remaining breathable and durable. The front pockets are bounce-proof and you can keep your belongings secure with hidden zipper back pockets. The trim fit allows them to make the proverbial trail-to-tavern transition seamlessly.

travel-pants-western-rise-evolution-pant-2.0

Most Professional Travel Pants: Western Rise Evolution 2.0 Pant

Dress pants don't make good travel pants. But some travel pants, like this pair from Western Rise, can work as dress pants in a pinch. So if you're headed out on a work trip but also want to bike around town, go on a hike, and enjoy a dinner out, take a look at the Evolution 2.0. The idea behind the Evolution Pant, which raised over $235k on Kickstarter, is that it can replace three pants in your wardrobe by virtue of having four-way stretch, a touch of professionalism, and packing down smaller than a t-shirt. These chino pants also feature hidden pockets and a zipper pocket for your wallet, and an extendable inseam, making them ideal for the long haul.

Price: $128

travel-pants-on-running-active-pants

Most Comfortable Travel Pants: On Running Active Pant

Swiss brand On is known for their trending running footwear, but don’t sleep on their apparel, which features the same blend of precision and comfort. The Active Pant won’t be the pant you run in, but it will be the pant you do just about everything else in with stretch thanks to a polyamide-elastane construction, UV protection, an elastic waist, ankle zips, and an understated and casual look. The On Active Pant is a pair of comfy, casual pants that will keep you looking and feeling your best on the road.

Price: $150

travel-pants-duer

Best Travel Jeans: DUER Performance Denim Jeans

While they are hardwearing and styled for many occasions, jeans don't make the best travel pants. Except for DUER's, which, thanks to a denim recipe that includes lycra for stretch and Coolmax polyester for breathability, plus a gusseted construction, are ideal for everything from work trips to road trips. They come in three fits—slim, regular, straight leg—and loads of different color washes (just like regular jeans).

Price: $129+

travel-pants-vuori-meta-pant

Best Travel Pants for Work and Play: Vuori Meta Pant

The Meta is California brand Vuori’s take on the classic five-pocket pant. Given that Vuori makes uber-comfortable performance apparel, that means you’re getting jeans with extra functionality like four-way stretch that are quick drying, moisture wicking, anti-odor, feature UPF 30+ sun protection, and have a wife-approved tailored slim fit. The Meta is robust enough for the rigors of the road while remaining plenty flexible.

travel-pants-foehn-brise-schoeller-cargo-pant-

Best Cargo Pants for Travel: Foehn Brise Schoeller Cargo Pant

If you are looking to explore terrain that is equally rugged and refined, the Brise Schoeller Cargo Pant is the real deal. The Swiss-engineered Schoeller fabric is super tough and stretchy, and with a water-repellent DWR finish, crotch gusset, knee articulation, and copious pockets that are the perfect fit for valuables like a phone or passport, these baggy-fit pants are more than capable of city or mountain adventures. The more belted waistband allows them to fit your liking whether you prefer a slouchy joggers fit or cinch them for a more tailored tech pant look, helping to make the Brise the ultimate pant for versatile one-bag travel. If cargo isn't your style you can check out the classic Brise Schoeller Pant ($160) for a slimmer, sportier version for hiking or climbing.

Price: $170

travel-pants-coalatree-trailhead-pants

Best for Wide-Ranging Activities: Coalatree Trailhead Pants

The Trailhead Pants are among the most versatile pants I’ve ever worn. Supremely comfortable and stretchy (thanks to a blend of nylon and spandex) and convertible to ankle pants with cuff ties, they've accompanied me biking, hiking, climbing, running, squatting, and chasing around my toddler on the weekends. (They also work well as yoga pants if need be.) The water-repellent finish will repel most anything you encounter on extended travel days, and when you're living out of a backpack the simplicity and ease of a pant that can comfortably take whatever you throw at it can’t be overstated. The Trailhead Pants dare you to find the travel scenario—outside of a black tie event—that they couldn’t handle with gusto.

travel-pants-rapha-explore-pant

Best for Bikes and Beyond: Rapha Explore Pants

Recently, one Field Mag contributor argued that bike pants are the best travel pants. After rocking Rapha's Explore Pants on trips to Tokyo and the Rocky Mountains, we tend to agree. Rapha's Explore line is made for bikepacking and gravel riding, but the Explore Pants are even more versatile than that. They're lightweight, packable, made with an abrasion-resistant fabric that's treated with DWR for water repellency and they have an integrated belt to cinch up on your waist. Pockets placed strategically for comfort while pedaling happen to be excellent places to stash a passport, and cuffs that cinch up so they don't get caught in a chain are also great for climbing and hiking. All of these features, plus durability and clean looks, are precisely why they double as excellent travel pants.

Price: $180

travel-pants-nike-acg-smith-summit

Best Convertible Pants for Travel: Nike ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pant

We know zip-off pants can be polarizing, but if you like to keep your travel plans loose and find yourself in a situation where pants are overkill, they can really come in handy. Luckily, Nike has integrated a solid amount of style into the Smith Summit Cargo Pant, which draws its name from Oregon's Smith Rock. They're made with 75% recycled nylon fabric with Spandex for added stretch and have a relaxed fit with a slightly tapered leg. Other features include drawcord hems, an integrated webbing belt, and of course, pockets. Lots of 'em.

Price: $195

travel-pants-reigning-champ-coachs-jogger

Best Joggers for Travel: Reigning Champ Coach's Jogger

Reigning Champ has taken their beloved Coach’s Pant and turned it into a jogger, creating a near perfect travel pant in the process, so long as formal attire isn’t necessary. Sure the Coach’s Jogger is suitable for pacing the sideline, but the Primeflex four-way stretch fabric, which is also water-resistant, odor-resistant, and wrinkle-resistant, is suitable for pacing foreign cities and peaks as well. Other features include a rear zip pocket, drawcord waist, and a mesh sleeve for your phone.

More Great Travel Pants

They didn't quite make our tip-top list, but we're also fans of Lululemon's ABC Classic-Fit Pant ($128) , which is made with wrinkle-free, quick-drying, four-way stretch fabric and include a hidden zip pocket and Prana's Stretch Zion Pant II ($95) , which feature UPF 50+ sun protection.

If zip-offs are more your speed, check out our list of the best convertible pants .

Published 09-08-2022

Updated 04-05-2023

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9 Best Travel Pants for Women (Comfort, Style, Versatility)

Ever since I discovered a few of the best travel pants we’ve included on this list, they are almost all I ever wear. Who knew that travel pants (jeans and leggings too!) could be so comfortable and versatile; why would I choose to wear anything else?

One of the biggest travel challenges we all face is staying comfortable. When you’re stuck on a plane for 10+ hours, what you’re wearing suddenly becomes an issue.

If you’re a day hiker, you want pants that don’t limit your range of motion. If you’re on a city break, you want stylish travel clothes that can be mix and matched for different situations.

palma chinos

This is why we went on a mission to find the most comfortable and versatile travel pants for women (see our choices for men’s pants here ). The good news is that, after testing dozens of pairs, we found some really great choices!

To help you avoid all the necessary researching and testing involved in finding the best travel pants, I’ve put together a guide to the best travel pants and jeans to make the search easy for you! Rest assured that I own every single pair of the pants on this list (often multiple pairs) and I personally wear them every day.

» Want more travel gear reviews? Check out our favorite travel purses and travel sandals and walking shoes . And don’t forget the perfect carry-on luggage .

Table of Contents

Quick Pick List – Best  Women’s Travel Pants

Don’t have time to read the whole list and spend hours debating?

Below are four of my favorite women’s travel pants. These are my go-to pants that I wear every day. You can click directly to purchase through the links below (they are affiliate links – meaning we’ll receive a small commission at no charge to you.)

*My Top Picks

Mott & Bow slim boyfriend jeans

Mott & Bow Slim Boyfriend Jeans

  • Super comfortable
  • 23% elasticity for comfort and fit
  • Stylish, modern cut
  • Fit true to size
  • Don’t stretch out with repeated wear

Aviator women's travel jeans

Aviator Travel Jeans

  • Flexible, durable, breathable
  • Stylish, modern design
  • Hidden security pocket
  • Handcrafted in the U.S. (can be shipped worldwide)

Petaluma ponte pants

Bluffworks Petaluma Ponte Pants

  • Dress pants / oh-so-comfortable leggings
  • Ankle slits & leg sea add visual length
  • Smoothing stretch with light compression
  • 5 total pockets (4 zippered!)

What to Look For in the Best Women’s Pants for Travel

My main reason for wanting to find the best travel pants was for comfort on airplanes. I need to sit for long periods of time in these pants without them digging into my skin. I want pants that don’t restrict my movement or pull down in the back when I bend over. I am also looking for a pair that doesn’t stretch out after prolonged wear.

⇒ Lightweight Material

We  pack really light  using just a carry-on backpack, so lightweight and compact are top on my list. Even when I use packing cubes , I still can’t fit in multiple pairs of regular pants or jeans.  A good pair of travel pants will be lightweight, yet durable.

⇒ Wrinkle-Resistant

I really hate it when we arrive at our destination and all of our clothes are wrinkled. I don’t want my travel pants to wrinkle during travel.  If I forget to fold my pants before bed, I’d love for them to not be wrinkled in the morning. Wishful thinking? I actually found a few pairs of travel pants that don’t wrinkle.

⇒ Versatility

One very important thing for me is versatility. Being a light packer, I don’t pack multiple pairs of pants. I need one pair to do double duty, so it can be worn during casual and dressy situations. I want to wear a pair of travel pants during the day for tours and then wear them to a fancy dinner without anyone noticing.

Multi-Functional Travel Pants for Women

I like to think in terms of how I can pack the right clothing options for every situation without packing my entire wardrobe. This is where a good pair of travel pants comes in.

I highly recommend having at least one pair of black or dark grey travel pants. Why? Because black goes with everything, and because black pants can always be made to appear dressy.

I pack my Woolx or Bluffworks leggings and either my Mott & Bow or Aviator jeans and those two pairs of pants get me through every situation while traveling.

If you buy the right pair of travel pants, they will be multi-functional enough to be worn in all of these situations without anyone wondering what you were thinking.

  • Dining out at a nice restaurant
  • Walking around museums
  • Airplane travel
  • During hot summer days
  • On an impromptu run in the park

The Best Travel Pants Reviews for Women

★ our favorite women’s jeans: mott & bow slim boyfriend jeans.

Mott & Bow slim boyfriend jeans

I’m a sucker for a good pair of jeans, and I’ve definitely found that at Mott & Bow. I actually have a few pairs of these jeans, both in the boyfriend fit, which is a modern slim fit with a mid-rise that’s not baggy like some boyfriend fit jeans are.

They are a nice medium weight demin that’s soft and flexible, so they don’t feel like they’re painted on and won’t allow for easy movement. They do have some elasticity to make them moveable, but they don’t get baggy with repeated wear, which is great because I often take only 2 pairs of pants for a 7-day trip.

I also really like that the sizing is really accurate. Unless you’re between sizes, you can definitely order your regular size and not worry about them fitting. Both pairs I own fit me exactly the same.

The jeans can be machine washed in cold water, inside out. You can tumble dry them or hang dry, which is what I do when I’m traveling. I do go quite a few wears between washes usually. They don’t need to be washed with every wear.

They come in mid-rise and high-rise skinny, slim boyfriend, and mom jeans. Colors are Dark Blue, Medium Dark Blue, and Medium Blue, Medium Light Blue, and Light Blue.

Key Features

  • NYC-based clothing company

Aviator Women’s Travel Jeans

Aviator Fly Straight Jeans

These are one of the most comfortable pairs of jeans I’ve ever had. I can’t imagine wearing regular jeans while traveling again. The skinny jeans fit like skinny jeans, but they feel like leggings. All I had to do to find the right fit was order my regular size. I didn’t try them on before ordering. And they fit perfectly. 

The features of these jeans are what led them to be called the “best travel jeans in the world” by USAToday. They have deep front pockets (large enough to hold a cell phone, and two hidden anti-scratch zipper secure back pockets (large enough to hold a Kindle).

They are made from a premium stretch denim blend that’s durable, fast-drying and easy to clean. I recommended not to put them in the dryer to extend their life, but that’s not a problem because they dry very quickly.

Shape recovery is great – I’ve worn them for up to five days in a row without any issue with them stretching out. I appreciate the extra stretch so kneeling down doesn’t cause the pants to ride down.

The colors I have are dark indigo (which is great for dressing up), black and silver. They also come in medium indigo and white. There are 3 different fits, so you can pick the one you like most. 

They are made in a family-run factory in Los Angeles. If you order the wrong size, it’s not a problem. You can return them for a new size. Worldwide shipping is available.

Pros: Very soft, comfortable, stretchy material. They look great on. Cons:  These jeans come in only one length, so you’ll have to hem them, but Aviator offers a free hem. The seam in the crotch of mine stretched and started to come apart after 2 years (normal wear & tear)

⇒ Read our full review of these jeans here .

  • Hand-crafted in the U.S. (can be shipped worldwide)

💲 Everyone loves a discount! GET 15% OFF your Bluffworks purchase, exclusive for Savored Journeys readers. Use code SAVJOUR1 5 at checkout. CLICK TO SHOP

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Probably the most versatile of all the pants we’ve reviewed, the Bluffworks Ponte pants can be worn in almost any situation. They are the closest to stretch pants – reminiscent of yoga pants, but thicker – and definitely the most comfortable to wear. As Bluffworks puts it, they are “Athleisure meets business casual”.

Pull them on like leggings – no zipper or clasp – and The material is a tightly woven double-knit fabric that’s soft and naturally wrinkle resistant. They also have anti-mocrobial properties so you can wear them more than once between washes – perfect for a long weekend getaway.

You can wear them out walking around during the day and dress them up with a nice shirt – perhaps the Bluffworks Azores blouse – for a classy dinner date.

If anything, they almost look too nice to wear for adventure travel, because of their sleek, soft fabric. While they fit in better for the office or museums and afternoon tea stops, I’d definitely still wear them hiking because of their stretch and comfort.

Bluffworks is really great for pockets. there are 5 total pockets, including 4 zipper pockets, for security.

  • Ankle slits & leg seam detailing add visual length
  • Quick drying, wrinkle resistant and stretch
  • Machine washable
  • Hidden waistband pocket for cards and cash.

Bluffworks Palma Chinos

Bluffworks Chino pants

One of the best pairs of women’s travel pants I own are Bluffworks Chinos. The thing I like most about this pair of pants is that they are incredibly lightweight and don’t wrinkle. I can roll them up in a ball for two days and 5 minutes after I’ve put them on, they’re smooth again.

Inside the front right pocket is a patch to fit your phone, or you can put your device in our signature phone pocket in the back right waistband. The rear welt pockets feature invisible zippers to provide security when traveling and peace of mind at home.

Our women’s chinos have all the benefits of a quick dry, wrinkle resistant twill fabric, with the feel of cotton and a four-way stretch. Inspired by the traditional chino cut, these pants have a slightly tapered leg and sit at the natural waist with a 9” rise. Roll up the cuffs (or leave them long) and dress them up or down effortlessly.

I like the flexibility to wear them as long pants or as capris. They look nice and modern and streamlined. And best of all, they are super light, so they’re perfect for a light packer. They currently come in 3 colors.

  • Pros: Wrinkle-resistant, soft, comfortable material, no large waistband to dig in
  • Cons:  There might be too many pockets?
  • Comfortable relaxed fit, and cozy!
  • Quick dry, wrinkle resistant twill fabric
  • 6 total pockets, including 2 zippered
  • Waistband pocket for phone and cards

Bluffworks Naha Joggers

bluffworks naha joggers

Bluffworks Naha Joggers are probably some of the most lightweight, comfortable pants you can find. They’re great for traveling because they’re so comfortable for the plane and long road trips, in a very casual style.

I’m always into a capsule wardrobe and these joggers are a great addition to the Bluffworks collection. The chinos are great for during the day, these joggers are perfect for relaxing and being casual, and the Petaluma Ponte pants are great for evening wear.

As with all Bluffworks clothing, there are 8 pockets so you can go hands-free, if you want to, including a set of low-profile cargo pockets, and an internal patch pocket for your phone.

Made from a stretchy polyester/spandex weave that inherently resists wrinkles, these navy joggers are the very definition of easy care. With thoughtful details, such as a drawstring waistband, leg seam detailing, and half-cuffed ankle with flat front hem, these stylish women’s joggers are truly in a class by themselves.

  • Pros: Super comfortable and soft material, very lightweight
  • Cons:  Drawstring waist is a bit stiff
  • So incredibly comfortable!
  • Lightweight, stretch weave with a silky feel.
  • Quick-dry fabric with water and stain repellent properties
  • Leg seam detailing adds slimming effect.

Columbia Sportswear Saturday Trail Pants

Columbia Women's Saturday Trail Pant, Water and Stain Resistant, 8 R, Black

These are one of the most comfortable pairs of pants to wear, they are very lightweight and easy to take care of, and they are versatile enough to wear in multiple situations. I am very picky when it comes to comfort. I don’t want pants to be tight around the waist so that they are restricting when sitting for long hours on a plane. I want them to feel like I’m wearing yoga pants instead. These are fantastic. 

There is a double snap button closure at the waist that lays flat and doesn’t dig in. They stay in place without having to pull them up all the time and they don’t really stretch over time, so if you wear them for 4+ days without washing, they don’t start to fall down and become uncomfortable after getting stretched out.

The material is soft and lightweight. They take up practically no space. I could fit 3 pairs of these in the same amount of space as one pair of jeans.

The material has Omni-Shade included, which offers UPF 50 sun protection and water repellency. I also like the feature that allows you to roll the pant leg and secure it at just below knee length with the snap tie.

Even though these are active wear pants with lots of “on-the-go” features  – like 2-way stretch material, zippered pockets, and articulating knees – the black ones can be dressed up to wear out to a nice dinner, if paired with the right top.

There are no visible logos or cargo-style pockets to give them away. Overall, these are a great pair of travel pants for women. I would recommend them over all of the others on this list. It’s all about the little details.

Pros: Lightweight, versatile, very comfortable Cons:  Don’t fit as true to size as expected. Can wrinkle easily.

  • Water and stain repellent fabric
  • UPF 50 protection.
  • Partial elastic waist for added comfort.
  • Lots of pockets, plus hidden security pocket.
  • Elastane 2-way stretch fabric with articulated knees.

>>Sign up for free shipping and exclusive member offers at Columbia.com.

PrAna Womens Halle Pants

prAna Halle Straight Pants II Black 8 S

There are quite a few differences between the PrAna pants and the Columbia pants. The PrAna Halle pants are made with 97% Nylon and 3% Spandex, and they have a thicker, slicker look and feel. The four-way stretch design with reinforced knees makes them really comfortable to move around in, so they’re great for all types of travel situations, even in more adventurous situations.

I find them to be fairly wrinkle-free and quick to dry. This pair of pants has two pockets in the back with flaps sealed with silver buttons, plus a secret hidden pocket on the top right leg, which you can see fairly well, making this pair of pants not quite as easy to dress up.

The front closure consists of a zipper and two silver buttons. They are not as relaxed in the front as I would hope and the buttons do have a tendency to dig in after a few hours.

Aside from being really durable, breathable and water resistant, the Halle travel pants also have a roll-up feature, so you can easily turn them into shorts. They come in three different lengths and it’s important to get the one that fits you right, or you may find the fit doesn’t feel right and it’s hard to keep them up.

  • Pros: Great for adventure travel
  • Cons: Side pocket makes them less multi-functional, hard to find the right size
  • Trouser styling with front snap
  • Durable water repellent finish
  • Moisture managing and water resistent
  • Reinforced at the knees
  • Multi-functional and versatile

Arc’teryx Gamma Tapered Pants

Arcteryx Gamma Pants

One of the most important pieces of a versatile travel wardrobe is a great pair of pants that can be worn for adventure and sporty situations. I pack my Arc’teryx Gamma pants for whenever I’m planning things like climbing or hiking.

They are really comfortable, with a casual, light and breathable polyester taffeta material. I wouldn’t necessarily wear these on the plane or for general walking around and sightseeing, but they are great for more active situations.

These pants are very lightweight so they are breathable and quick drying. That makes the perfect for summer travel. They have a tapered leg and a trim, casual style so they are great in many different situations. They have a slightly articulated knee for more flexibility.

There are pockets in the front and back, plus a low-profile zippered pocket on each thigh for your cell phone or room key. I really like the feel of these pants. They’re soft and slightly stretchy. I find them to be very comfortable.

  • Casual, relaxed fit
  • Warm yet breathable and wicking
  • Durable softshell pant
  • Wind-resistant, water-repellent
  • Narrow leg, zip at ankle

Now that we’ve found these great women’s travel pants, there’s no need to go back to traditional pants. These have a lot of great features that are great for travel, but also fantastic for every day wear.

I think you’ll love them as much as I do. If there are any pairs of travel pants that you love that I left off the list, let me know and I’ll review those as well.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

  • Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
  • Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
  • Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
  • Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Best Wrinkle-Free Travel Clothing for Men

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Laura

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

2 thoughts on “ 9 Best Travel Pants for Women (Comfort, Style, Versatility) ”

What a fantastic post. Thank you for all the research and information on women’s travel pants. Pointed me to exactly what I was looking for.

That’s great to hear, Jackie. I hope you love the pants!

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The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

We’ve tested the best wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and comfortable travel pants for men this year. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure.

stylish travel pants

Have your flights booked? We’ve got your backside covered with the best men’s travel pants on the market for 2024.

From the Andean cloud forests to deep desert canyons, to long backcountry road trips and Parisian markets, these pants have been tested to tackle any adventure and do it all in style. Our travel-worn team has beaten paths around the globe in these slacks, and we’ve tested over 150 different pairs for almost a decade now. If it’s got the right stuff, we’ve saddled up in a pair.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide . Curious just what makes a pant fit for the rigors of travel? Take a peek at our FAQ section. And if you’re still on the fence (or trying to sneak in under a carry-on weight limit), consult our comparison chart .

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on March 11, 2024, to add our new line-up of travel pants for the year, including our new best overall pick, the Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants , as well as a fresh selection of new and old favorites.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Best Overall Men’s Travel Pants: Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants
  • Best Budget Men’s Travel Pants: UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos
  • Best Travel Pants for Adventuring In: LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants
  • Best Travel Pants to Look Like a Local: Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants
  • Most Comfortable Travel Pants: Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant

Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants

  • Fabric 57% recycled polyester, 33% polyester, 10% spandex
  • Fabric weight 210 gsm
  • Fit True to size
  • Weight 15 oz.

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  • Lightweight fabric dries quickly
  • Wrinkle resistant
  • Looks and feels more recreational than the Ascenders
  • Anti-UV properties
  • More comfortable than most pants on the list
  • The rear device pocket is uncomfortable to sit on a phone in the back phone pocket
  • Lacks a DWR

Bluffworks’ Ascender Chino has been at or near the top of our travel pants list for four years now. Our main gripe with the Ascender is the heavy lean into the business side of “business casual.” That and the sheer number of pockets sometimes confounded our sleep-deprived travel brains. But now with fewer pockets and less golf-course chino, Bluffworks nailed the perfect travel pants with their Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants iteration ($125).

Trimming the fat started with the pockets. The Envoy drops a pocket to give us nine, but all are functional, and five of them zip shut. Two stealth pockets zip inside the hand pockets, both rear pockets zip shut, and a device pocket zips closed off the thigh and is a great place to store your documents.

Behind the right rear pocket, the Envoy tucks a drop-in style phone pocket below the waistband. This is a brilliant design that is easy to access, yet deep enough to curb sticky fingers. We did find it more comfortable to store the phone on the thigh when seated.  

The Envoys close shut with a zippered fly and metal button sewn into the elastic, belt-friendly waistband. In case you left the belt at home, silicone tabs are welded to the inside of the waistband and help keep the pants from shifting down.

Instead of a 100% durable polyester fabric found in the Ascender Chino, the Envoy is constructed from a recycled polyester spun with 10% spandex, giving the pants a 4-way stretch. On the inside, all seams are overlocked and tacked down with a double stitch on the inseam to keep them from rubbing against the skin and reducing exposure to snags. The pants wear light and supple, and given that they don’t have a gusset sewn into the crotch, we found the Envoys very flexible if not the most comfortable pants on our list.

And that’s really where the Envoys shine. If nothing else, a travel pant should go unnoticed — both on you and among potential troublemakers. These pants wear effortlessly, yet are capable of storing all your essentials safely away.

If you haven’t tried Bluffworks before, we recommend looking at the Envoy Lightweights over the Ascenders. While the Ascenders have one more pocket (a passport sleeve on the inside of the left front pocket), only three of the 10 pockets zip shut. The styling of the Envoy has five pockets that zip shut and wears more casually without compromising its city chops. 

UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos

  • Fabric 94% nylon, 6% spandex
  • Fabric weight 173 gsm
  • Weight 13 oz.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Comfortable
  • Security options
  • Well priced
  • Pants run long
  • Material tends to collect lint

Travel should never be about the gear. It should be about the experience. An Amazon darling, at $40 a pair, UNIONBAY’s Rainier Travel Pants are a steal, leaving more cash in the wallet for traveling.

True to size, the nylon-spandex blend offers just enough stretch for a full range of motion. The pants keep around the waist with a button and have traditional belt loops if you want to class them up with a belt.

Three nylon zipper pockets pair with deep hand pockets. With two in the back and one on the upper right leg, they’re big enough to secure a passport, the latest iPhone, a notepad, or all of them together.

The Rainiers are rated to 50 UPF and feel durable in the hand, making them acceptable for activities like hiking. The outermost layer is lightly brushed and tends to collect lint and show stains quicker than other pants we tested, but they wash up easily and the 170 gsm fabric is quick to dry.

While a simple pant when compared to the Bluffworks attention to detail, these chino-style pants hit the core elements we looked for when evaluating the best men’s travel pants. If you’re looking for a budget pair of travel pants that pack up tight and breeze from the tarmac to restaurants (and maybe a light hike in between), these are it.

The Rainiers are available in four colors: charcoal, navy, black, and khaki.

LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants

  • Fabric 70% Blue Ocean nylon, 25% nylon, 5% spandex

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Form and function meet the apex pant
  • Bomber hardware
  • Tons of pockets with versatile security options
  • DWR is negligible
  • Styling is less formal

LIVSN’s Ecotrek Trail Pant  ($129) brings more stretch, lighter weight, and a more athletic design to their tried and true Flex Canvas Pants. And while these new pants are great for climbing, hiking, or other fast-paced activities in warmer climates, we find they hit all the marks for what we love in travel pants too.

Let’s start with the many pockets, most of which are zippered. Both rear pockets close with a zipper, offering some much-needed peace of mind. Angling off the back of the left thigh is an additional, horizontal zippered pocket, which is great for gadgets or a small wallet.

Both of the mesh hand pockets have coin sleeves to prevent loose currency or keys from shifting around, and the left front hand pocket has a hidden zippered pocket large enough to protect your phone. Rounding out the seven pockets is a reinforced multitool pocket sitting on the right thigh. With so many pocket options, there’s a place for everything that feels designed with purpose instead of over-engineered.

The pocket configuration is dialed, but what sells these pants are the little details. The fabric’s synthetic blend doesn’t feel stiff, and the smartly tailored material walks quietly, fitting our testers with an ergonomic, yet surprisingly athletic fit.

A metal button closes the front and is backed with a leather pledget to prevent busting out. The Ecotrek Trail pants have belt loops, but if you forget your belt, they include a drawstring that hides inside the waistband. The cuffs are reinforced around the heel and so is the utility tool pocket.

While they don’t have a robust DWR, the material breathes very well. When things heat up, the pant legs roll up and keep under a buttoned strap that’s been sewn with reflective tape. These little details add up pretty quickly to make the Ecotrek a stellar pant.

Turn the pants inside out, and you really get an appreciation for the quality and care taken to make these pants. All seams are overlocked, with the flat-felled inseam. This kind of stitching increases durability where you need it and comfort where you want it.

Sustainability is core to LIVSN’s line of clothes, and the  Ecotrek Trail pant  walks the talk. The material is woven from Oceanflex fabric (70% recycled fishing buoys recovered from the ocean), and the YKK zipper taping is made from recycled ocean plastic. The rest is 25% nylon and 5% spandex for stretch.

If you are looking for lightweight, stretchy, durable pants, the LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pant stands out as one of the best men’s travel pants on the market and can tackle a wide range of activities.

The Ecotrek Trail pants are available in olive, caramel, and charcoal colors, and they come in a range of sizes up to a 40-inch waist and a 34-inch inseam.

Read Review:  Darn-Near Perfect Pants, Made With Recycled Plastic: LIVSN EcoTrek Review

Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants

  • Fabric 90% nylon, 10% elastane, woven in Sweden, cut and sewn in the USA
  • Fabric weight 107 gsm
  • Weight 11 oz.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Lightweight material breathes just as well as the first
  • More durability than the first iteration
  • Fantastic fit and construction
  • Better mobility than the first iteration
  • New fabric feels slightly stiffer (breaks in over time)
  • Patch on the inside pocket can feel sticky against the legs (they are changing it to a print)
  • Single security pocket is limiting for some travelers

The first iteration of the Evolution was a GearJunkie staple around the office. Simple, functional, durable — it’s what we recommended to all our friends who ask us, “What’s the best pant for everyday use?” This year, Western Rise updated the Evolution 2.0 ($128) with more stretch, and they are only all the better for it.

This new bump in elastane gives the Evolution 2.0 significant four-way stretch and increased flexibility without sacrificing durability. The jean-like five-pocket design wears more like denim but has the durability of a hiking pant. In fact, one of our editors wore their pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

At the core of the pant is the nylon-elastane blend with a trim jean cut. The nylon fibers are softened by running them through an air-texturized process and then weaving them into a dynamic yarn. The material has a durable weave that mimics denim (and feels less “khaki”).

The DWR coating — or maybe DBR (Durable Beer Resistance) — is outstanding. We wore these pants to Oktoberfest last year where they took the brunt of the fickle Bavarian weather and a rowdy beer hall.

Reach around back, and you’ll find a double pocket on the right, with a hidden zipper pocket that’s large enough to swallow your passport. Western Rise expanded the front coin pocket and made it big enough to holster the largest phone on the market.

After your trip, roll them up and watch them disappear in your luggage. They tick all the boxes for traveling and were the envy of our photographer while cycling through Colombia.

There aren’t many reasons to ding the Evolutions; the material on the new pant feels stiff out of the box but that softens up over time. To help differentiate its pant models (which all have a similar cut and color), Western Rise screened a patch on the inner left pocket. It can feel a little sweaty against the legs.

Aware of this issue, Western Rise is changing that label to a print going forward. One thing that hasn’t changed is the pocket configuration. Some will find the additional zipper pocket just the right amount of added security. Others will prefer more pockets to keep their EDCs. And that’s where we find the Evolution falls short. An extra security pocket would send this pant to the top of the list again.

If you want that Western Rise styling but with a wrinkle-resistant fabric, the Diversion pant ($168) is also a great pick. The double-knit canvas weighs 286 gsm, making it more durable overall but sacrificing packability.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This fantastic five-pocket jean-style pant has been on our list of the best men’s travel pants for 6 years now. For 2 of those years, they were our top pick. We use the Western Rise Evolution 2.0s as a benchmark for fit and comfort and we recommend them to friends looking for a do-everything pant that flies fashionably under the radar.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant

  • Fabric 47% merino wool, 33% nylon, 14% polyester, 6% elastane
  • Fabric weight 247 gsm
  • Weight 16.5 oz.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Gusseted crotch
  • Good fit and stretch
  • Pricey — $200 can buy you two (or three) other pants on the list
  • Weighs an ounce or two more than other similar pants
  • Lacks a dedicated device pocket

Merino pants? 100%. Proof is Huckberry’s in-house performance wear, with the 72-Hour line as their go-to travel clothes under the Proof name. New this year, Huckberry released the 72-Hour Travel Pant ($198), and while expensive, it has a lot of merits. We learned it’s all in the fabric.

Wool has natural antimicrobial, DWR, and UPF protection characteristics that we usually laud about when discussing base layers . Because wool wicks moisture, the pants breathe well and keep you feeling dry even in hot climates and sticky bus rides. It keeps the stench down and the comfort high. All things we look for when traveling. 

This is the first merino wool pant we’ve seriously considered, and it makes a lot of sense. If you are going far with limited space, you need to trim the fat. And while cutting out extra shirts and pants may once have been a questionable decision, it’s a lot easier when one pair of pants delivers so well.

The design team gave some thoughtful reflection to the 72-Hour pant. Complimenting the five-pocket design is a hidden zippered pocket inside the right rear pocket. The panels are sewn together with a combination of comfortable overstitched inseams, flat-sewn gussets, and durable flat-felled side seams.

The pants are sewn together with a combination of flat-felled and welted overlocked joints, then finished with a robust DWR. All this tech stays under the radar with black hardware finishes.

As styling goes, we find the Proof 72-Hour Travel Pant to be on par with Western Rise’s Evolution 2’s, which around the office we can agree are one of the best styled pants available today. The comfort award, however, goes to the Proofs.

Teren Lightweight Traveler Pants

  • Fabric 88% nylon, 12% spandex
  • Fabric weight 154 gsm

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Pre-treated with an insect repellant
  • Stain resistant
  • Internal drawstring for extra waist security
  • Three zipper-closed pockets
  • Lightweight
  • Tanto-style pocket to clip your EDC
  • Magnetic closure catches on anything metal
  • No durable water repellant finish

Threading the needle between style, function, and durability, Teren’s Lightweight Traveler ($130) is our pick for folks who want one pant to do it all.

The Lightweight Traveler is a tapered chino-style pant with six pockets. Three pockets secure your goods with a zipper. Two zip shut vertically behind the front pockets and the third secures the right back pocket. The pants are washed in Permethrin to ward off critters. Plus, they’re antimicrobial, stain resistant, and offer UV protection.

Our editor Chris Carter wore his Lightweight Travelers on the Continental Divide thru-hike, where they withstood miles of intense bushwhacking through thorny, overgrown trails and post-holing through deep snow. Carter lauded the pants’ ability to stay stench-free for weeks on end.

After the adventure is done, the stain-release fabric readily releases dirt and grime in the wash. These chinos easily suit up for a night on the town.

The Lightweight Travelers ditch the classic button and use a pair of sewn-in magnets to close around the waist. While wearing the pants around town and doing weekend chores, the magnetic closure often got stuck on metal objects.

They snapped to my grocery cart, to my truck bed, to my knife, to loose screws while repairing my gate. Curious about the strength, I went into my garage and started hanging hardware off the pants. The magnet is strong enough to hold a hammer.

But, lean over to tie your shoes (or eat a big meal) and the magnetic fasteners slide apart easily. Stand up, and they pull right back together.

Yeah, the magnetic closure is different and takes some getting used to. Is it problematic? Maybe. The gauss, or magnetic induction, could demagnetize small metal springs in mechanical watches. Given the most popular watch is a smartwatch — this isn’t an issue for most of us. But magnets can also demagnetize credit cards and hotel room keys. We didn’t try to demagnetize a credit card, but it’s something to consider when zipping items in the front pockets.

Worried about the magnet holding the pants up? Backed with belt loops and an internal drawstring, the pants have plenty of options to keep them around the waist.

Other issues: The offset zippered front pockets drop into the same front hand pocket sleeve. They fight for the same real estate, compromising overall storage. We found these pockets a little challenging to access while seated in tight spaces.

For those looking for rain or spill protection, the Terens don’t sport a durable water repellant (DWR). But they do dry out quickly.

With so many pros, these are small cons. The spandex weave yields significant mobility while the nylon deflects catches and tears — all while keeping the pants just over 10 ounces. It’s a great combination of durability and flexibility in a quick-drying pant that packs down small. At 11 ounces, the Lightweight Traveler is truly lightweight, competing only with Western Rise’s Evolution 2’s.

KÜHL Suppressor Jogger

  • Fabric 85% nylon, 15% spandex
  • Fabric weight 165 gsm
  • Weight 12 oz.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Light and packable
  • Durable and stretchy
  • KÜHL drop in style pockets are fantastic
  • Fabric is noisy
  • No button-no fly minimalism may not appeal to everyone
  • Only one zippered pocket on the backside

KÜHL has a strong reputation throughout the outdoor industry for making bomber, thoughtfully designed pieces. And its sub-$100 Suppressor Joggers exemplify those qualities in spades.

The 85% nylon, 15% spandex blend is lightweight, stretchy, breathable, and durable. Plus, a solid DWR treatment rebuffs Mother Nature’s fickle temperament.

Like any good pair of travel pants, the Suppressor’s sport well-thought-out pockets. The angled hand pockets are deep and easy to access while seated. A single stealth pocket zips behind the right back side, and drop-in pockets grace both thighs.

Drop-in pockets are our favorite design to haul devices. They snug the phone but keep your data within reach. The best of the batch fit on the backside of the leg, maintaining accessibility and minimizing the bounce. KÜHL has two of them. Riding down the back of the quads, they are perfect for clipping multitools, knives, or pens, and sheath a phone, passport, or tickets. And it’s these drop-in pockets that make the Suppressor our favorite pant to wear on the plane. Everything stays within easy reach.

If there’s any knock against the Suppressor Joggers , it’s that these are simple pull-on pants. No button, no fly — just an elastic waist and drawstring. On the flip side, this keeps things quick when moving through TSA – there’s no pulling off the belt and redressing after pat-downs.

Ornot Mission Pants

  • Fabric 95% nylon, 5% elastane
  • Fabric weight 232 gsm
  • Weight 14 oz.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Gusseted design gives a great fit
  • Reflective details on cuffs
  • Made in USA
  • Not many – An extra pockets or a drop in phone sleeve, and these would be our top choice for travel pants

When it comes to fit and function, cyclists have it all figured out. Stretch, durability, DWR, and ergonomic pocket layout make a great commuter pant. Fall short on any of these, cyclists will be quick to call you out.

San Francisco-based Ornot hit all the paces with its Mission Shorts. This year, the brand released its beloved short in a pant. True to the brand, the Mission Pants ($148) pull off an effortlessly classy-looking pant. Minimalist aesthetics, five pockets (two that zip shut), and the rear pockets angle off the midline for easy access. The stealth thigh pocket zips contents securely off the back of the leg. The leeward position pegs the device to the leg while in the saddle.

We found the Mission Pants to be lighter than other commuter pants on the market. The 232 gsm fabric breathes well and moves with the body without feeling like a protective shell. They wear easy at the office and feel at home on the street. And if you grab a bike by the horns, both cuffs flip up to reveal reflective hits to keep you seen on the go.

We’ve been following this small brand for years and it keeps bringing its A-game to market. These garments are all made in the USA and offer a 1-year warranty. The brand’s Mission Pants are great on the bike … or not.

Jetty Acadia 2.0 Utility Pant

  • Fabric 100% polyester
  • Fabric weight 240 gsm
  • Weight 16 oz.

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Good stretch
  • Comfortable fit
  • Drawstring and belt loops
  • Only available in a 32 inseam
  • Pants stretch and lightly pill over time
  • Front occasionally unbuttons too easily

Jetty’s Acadia Utility Pant ($100) straddles the shoreline between board short and the boardroom. But don’t let its slick chino veneer dissuade you. 

The 100% polyester material is warp-knitted, interlocking the poly fibers into a smooth-faced fabric. Jetty sewed in a gusset in the crotch to add extra room for the legs. The combination of cut and materials gives the Acadia an amazing amount of stretch in all directions. 

And it also gives the pants fantastic wrinkle resistance. We’ve pulled our Acadias out of overstuffed bags and walked into meetings with deceivingly fresh-pressed-looking pants.

Two pockets zip shut on the backside to keep your goods protected, and the mesh hand pockets are deep. Riding down the right leg is a drop-in device pocket. There is plenty of room in the drop-in pocket, and plenty of room in the relaxed quads before they taper slightly to the bottom hem. This extra room in the thighs lets the phone bounce more than we’d like.

The Acadia Utility Pants close with a tarnished brass button embossed with the Jetty logo. A drawstring is sewn into the waistband so you won’t ever lose it in the wash. And in case you do need to go into the boardroom, Jetty ports the drawstring on both sides of the waistband, so you can tuck the drawstring on the inside of the pants for a polished look.

KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pant

  • Fabric 96% nylon, 4% spandex
  • Fabric weight 156 gsm

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Integrated web belt
  • Three zippered pockets (two in back and one behind the thigh)
  • Deep mesh hand pockets
  • Quiet material
  • Lifetime free repair program
  • Free shipping and returns
  • Slim fit won’t appeal to some. Slimmest pant in the lineup
  • Front snap is weak
  • Metal belt clasp may invite a wanding at TSA

At $100, the KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pants are a refreshing blend of style and tech and one helluva outdoor pant. The nylon twill is blended with a touch of spandex yielding room for adventure in a quiet yet bomber pant. 

Should you decide to bring these trousers off-piste, the durable twill has a robust DWR, shunning even the wettest brush. Deep mesh hand pockets and zippered rear pockets make sure all your goods stay where you put them. A roomy device pocket zips shut along the right thigh.

To keep the pants up, an integrated web belt hooks over the button closure. For better (or worse) the belt is sewn into the pants and cannot be removed. KETL bonded a bead of silicon inside the waistband to prevent the pants from riding down. We found these pants stay glued to the backside while wearing a pack.

Across the board, KETL pants fit slim. If you have athletic calves and quads, these will feel snug. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, these probably won’t be a pant for you. What it lacks in room, it gives back in performance. The lack of extra material makes the Shenanigan a great choice for cycling. The durability, flexibility, and tapered fit soar on the mountain bike.

Available only online, KETL makes it easy to buy and return. They offer free shipping both ways and back up their products with a lifetime repair program. But trust us, you’ll want to keep a hold of your KETL Mountain Apparel Shenanigan Outdoor Pants .

Orvis O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants

  • Fabric 51% cotton, 45% nylon, 4% Lycra
  • Fabric weight 213 gsm
  • Fit Casual boot cut, true to size

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Classically inspired 5-pocket design
  • Hidden 6th zippered pocket in right rear pocket
  • Reflective strips sewn inside both legs for visibility
  • Smallest size is 32”
  • No gusset for extra mobility. Not that they need it.
  • Slightly less fashionable option to Western Rise’s Evolution 2

You don’t have to pack a rod to appreciate Orvis’s O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants ($129). These easy-wearing cotton-poly pants are a cross between your favorite denim and a lightweight khaki. The warp-knit twill has a touch of mechanical stretch and a DWR that is tough enough to negotiate riverside scrambles after work but with enough swagger to make it back to dinner in style.

Sewn together with an exposed overlock stitch, the seam is left exposed on the inside. It’s not tacked down. Though not as durable as a welted seam, the O.O.O.O. (that’s Out-Of-Office, Office) pants trend more durable than many of the pants we’ve seen. This seems entirely appropriate for the classic 5-pocket design pants.

The rear right pocket has an extra hidden zippered pocket to keep your wallet, passport, or fishing license securely stowed. In case you are riding home, both leg’s bottom hems have a six-inch strip of reflective tape sewn into the side seam. We didn’t expect that kind of attention to detail from a fishing brand, but it’s a nice touch that we appreciate.

We’ve been wearing the O.O.O.O. 5-Pocket Pants for years now and found that they are durable, lightweight, and breathable.

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro End-to-Ender Pants

  • Fabric 56% CORDURA® nylon, 37% nylon, 7% spandex
  • Fabric weight Unnkown

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Burly CORDURA fabric
  • Seven pocket design with three that close securely
  • Limited color ways
  • Backcountry styling doesn’t blend as well in the city

Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro is a favorite with the GearJunkie staff. Classic fit, logical pocket layout, and top-shelf construction, these pants are frequently on sale and will last you for years. The Guide Pro End-to-Ender ($120) is Bauer’s beefed Guide Pro, and with a CORDURA nylon build, it’s more durable without sacrificing the weight, and it is 2 oz lighter. If you like to scramble around and get a little dirt under the nails while traveling, these pants are for you. 

Constructed with a vertical weft knit and a generous portion of spandex, the pants have some lateral stretch but are vertically static. Articulated pleats help buy the pants mobility around the knees. 

Seven generous and well-positioned pockets dot the pants. In addition to the pair of double-reinforced deep hand pockets, a pair of map pockets rest over the thighs. The left zips shut while the right thigh pocket has a flap that overlaps the lip of the pocket, keeping the contents from bouncing out. On the backside, two flap pockets snap shut and a third patch pocket hides under the right rear pocket.

The thigh pockets are sewn into the pants. This gives the pockets a clean and integrated look. Because Eddie Bauer stitches the entire pant together with overlocked seams, you can feel the extra bulk of the pocket seams against the leg.

These are the one of two pants on our list sewn entirely with overlock stitching, and it’s worth noting. This extra measure of stitching provides more durability, but you’ll feel the bulk. You get used to it over time. It’s really a testament to the overall bomber construction of the End-to-Enders. 

The pants close with a beefy zipper and fat button which stay closed. Belt loops are tacked to the waistband for extra options. And two eyelets are punched through the bottom hem of each pant leg, allowing you to run a gaiter cord through the pants if you want.

Eddie Bauer is a stalwart when it comes to value. While the styling is more traditional, the Guide Pro End-to-Ender is one of the best-built pants we’ve seen on the market. And since Eddie Bauer seems to run a sale about every other month, you can eventually find them about 40% off, making the a fantastic deal.

Municipal Overland Cargo

  • Fabric 98% cotton ripstop, 2% spandex
  • Fabric weight 160 gsm
  • Fit Athletic

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2024

  • Forward style
  • Six pockets, with three that zip shut, and one that snaps shut
  • Draw cord around the bottom hem
  • Elastic waist
  • Offered in one length
  • Treading into expensive territory for a simple pull-up cargo pant

Military meets gym day. From Mark Wahlberg’s warehouse of hustle and sporting style, Municipal’s Overland Cargo ($128) deconstructs the traditional cargo pant and injects modern flair. Which is a notable feat in itself.

Typically, function dictates form on cargo pants. Patched with oversized, baggy pockets can make them wear bulky and look unflattering. The Overland weaves a touch of spandex into the mostly cotton material, sews in a gusseted crotch, and pleated articulated knees to net functional mobility in a slim jogger style pant. These wear less Operation Desert Storm and slide right into urban core.

This doesn’t imply they lost their way. With six streamlined pockets, there is room for all your EDC essentials. In addition to the two deep hand pockets, two rear pockets zip shut. A vertical zipper pocket glides easily over the thigh, and the definitive cargo pocket snaps shut over the left leg with a single button. The entire pant is sewn together with overlocked and welted seams.

Available in size S-3X, the Overlands come in one length — the ideal length for anyone. True to jogger style, the bottom hem stops before the ankle.

An elastic cord is sewn into the bottom hem and can be cinched tight around the leg with a cord lock. Because of these design decisions, the length rides on its style credibility and has an acceptable universal size allowance.

Wahlberg’s style keeps you guessing whether he’s coming from or going to the gym. No button to pull out, no fly to blow, these pants pull up like sweatpants and stay around the waist with a simple drawstring. The Overland Cargo follows Wahlberg’s “I don’t care … but I look good doing it” aesthetic and is a great option for a casual lightweight pant with pockets aplenty.

For those that are cargo-curious — or simply want to throw on a pair of pants and look good without giving it much thought — the Overland Cargos have subtle posture without leaning heavily into athleisure.

Men’s Travel Pants Comparison Chart

stylish travel pants

How We Tested Men’s Travel Pants

There are few other products we test at GearJunkie that are considered non-negotiable in society. Outside the house, you gotta wear pants (or shorts). And if you’re choosing shorts, you’re probably not looking at the right pants. Travel pants are part of our everyday uniform allowing us to test them daily. We test pants for the office grind, after-school errands, dispatching weekend chores, and yes, of course, travel, constantly logging test hours to find the best travel pants on the market.

Cozy in coach, capable of tackling adventure, but formal enough to wear to dinner, travel pants span the use case spectrum. We’ve worn them on intercontinental flights to Germany, Italy, France, and Slovenia, as well as transcontinental flights from Jacksonville to Boise. In warmer climates, we’ve pulled them out of our bikepacking bags on cool nights in Nicaragua and high up on the Colombian Coffee Triangle. One tester even wore his pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

When we get our hands on a new pant, we first take a look at the materials. We gauge the fabric weight, breathability, and the material’s ability to resist wrinkling. Synthetics with a DWR will pack down smaller, bounce back from being jammed in luggage on an overnight flight, and resist stains (and spills) better than cotton.

A touch of spandex affords some stretch and nylon tends to be more durable. We then turn them inside out to look at the seams joining the pants together, looking at where costs were cut and potential quality issues might cause a blowout on the road.

To be considered for our list, pants need at least one pocket that can be zipped shut to safely secure a passport or wallet. The hand pockets should be deep enough to keep keys and change from accidentally spilling out, or have zippers that prevent mishaps. No joke, one pair of pants we tested (not on this list) spit a wallet out at work without us even knowing it.

We then evaluated each pant’s fit, durability, packability, ability to bounce back from repeated wash and wear, and unpacking. We want to find out if a pair of pants can be washed in the sink in the evening and be ready to wear the following morning.

We want to see if the material resists wrinkling. And we want to know if the pants are cut too large, too small, or hike up the legs. The best material and construction alone can’t fake a good fit. We test pants for mobility and proper length. Does the pant bind in the crotch? Are the gussets appropriate? Are the legs cut at a proper length or do they ride up when walking?

Our testing focuses primarily on comfort, versatility, and functionality when in transit, so if you’re looking for something more durable for active pursuits, check out our picks for the  best hiking pants . We also have a guide for the  best women’s travel pants  to get your travel companion ready for the long haul.

stylish travel pants

Testing History

Steve Graepel has been leading the men’s travel pant buyer guide since 2015. Over the span of 8 years, Graepel has seen over 225 pairs of travel pants, rigorously testing 150 pants. Graepel has worked at GearJunkie as a contributing editor since 2009, testing everything from packrafts, to bike bags, sleeping bags, winter boots, and trail runners. His latest beat is travel pants and flannels. Before his time as a fashion blogger, he wrote for Travel Idaho, National Geographic Adventure, Patagonia’s Tin Shed, Trail Runner, and Gear Patrol.

Graepel has researched and tested travel pants extensively — traveling, working, and camping in the high alpine desert of Idaho, Montana, and Utah, and traveling abroad in a variety of environments including Europe, Asia, Central, and South America. He continues to test travel pants year-round and searches for anyone who will listen to his yarns about the best travel trousers.

In 2020, we tried 27 pairs and listed 15 pants on our men’s buyers guide. In 2021, we tested an additional 35 pairs, highlighting nine new pants on our list. In 2022 we saw an additional 23 pairs, adding six new pants. In 2023 we looked at 38 pairs, adding seven new pants to the men’s travel pant buyer’s guide. Finally, in 2024, we’ve reviewed 27 pants, updating our Men’s Travel Pants buyer guide with nine new pants.

Each year introduces new styles and materials, and we try to reflect the best on the market of that year. Some trousers remain on the list, year after year. They are either so good, or so good of a deal, that they are tough to topple.

To keep a finger on the pulse of pants, we read reviews from top sites and contact manufacturers directly. Steve Graepel has regular conversations with pant brand owners and representatives in the travel pant space. These relationships allow us to stay up to date on what makes pants better every year, and keep an eye on sleeper pants that just don’t have the marketing budget to get mass attention.

stylish travel pants

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Travel Pants

Regardless of whether the pants are straight-leg or slim, a good pair is one that follows the human form and doesn’t bag out after repeated washings, or bloat when packed with your phone and keys. The length should fit your inseam or run longer so you can roll them up or get them tailored.

Almost every pant on our list has a great fit. If they didn’t, we’ve shared the cons. Both the Jetty’s and UNIONBAY’s pants ran a little long. On the other end, Municipal’s Overland Cargo is short by design and is only available in one length. Both Eddie Bauer and Orvis offer a variety of inseams for a dialed fit (from 30″ to 34″).

stylish travel pants

We scored each pant for both its ability to adventure, wear in coach, and hit the streets. Some pants, like KETL Mountains Shenanigans, have a bias for stout use. The Shenanigans are coated with a solid DWR and are our choice for adventure trips where you can’t sacrifice durability.

If traveling by plane, we prefer comfortable pants with accessible pockets. While 5-pocket styled jeans or chinos wear well on the street, their pockets are harder to access when sitting on the plane. Instead, we prefer a jogger or cargo pant that has vertical zippered pockets and drop-in device pockets on the legs.

Both Municipal and KÜHL had easy-to-access pockets in the plane. Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro End-to-Ender has two generous thigh pockets. But both are sewn into the pants and tighten up over the thigh when seated. This makes it harder to pull the contents out.

For comfort in coach, you don’t need to look past Bluffworks Envoy . They look great and have plenty of pockets to stay organized. KÜHL’s Suppressor Jogger dialed in the drop-in pockets and is lightweight and durable, but the material isn’t nearly as soft as Eddie Bauer’s pants. It’s always a trade-off.

stylish travel pants

Style Matters

While comfort is key, we also need to be able to show ourselves in public (no washed-out gray sweatpants on this list). The most versatile travel clothes should be able to tackle a hike without getting roughed up, or walk into town looking sharp enough to peruse a museum, and duck in for fine dining afterward.

Unfortunately, the cargo pockets take away some formality while out on the town. With its jogger styling, KÜHL didn’t design around Michelin stars. They prioritized function and durability, mapping to utility. KÜHL, Municipal, and Eddie Bauer each have unique cargo styling that brings a touch of modernity to the military-inspired side-pocket pants. In general, we love cargo-style pants and joggers while sitting on the plane. It keeps all your essentials within reach.

On the other hand, Western Rise’s Evolution 2 and Proof’s 72-Hour Merino are fantastically styled everyday pants, but both have a single security pocket to maintain that sleek look. They are our go-to choice for travels to big cities where we want to kick up the look and feel at home while traveling abroad.

Clean lines, darker colors, and traditional styling help you blend into crowds and stave off the would-be pickpocket’s radar. The best men’s travel pants should look as good as they feel without shouting “ tourist .”

The material should be lightweight and, in our preference, darker to minimize showing the dirt collected along the way. That said, we were astounded by how well a fresh DWR can resist stains on even the fairest beige pants.

stylish travel pants

Fabric Weight

Lightweight performance fabrics can withstand repeated washings in a sink, line dry overnight, and stay wrinkle-free after weeks on the go. Today’s fabrics offer advanced sun protection and moisture-wicking properties and are often water-resistant or water-repellent.

Fabric weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). A heavier GSM will take up more room in your bag and take longer to dry. We find a 200-ish GSM fabric weight, like on our top pick from Bluffworks, light and breezy, and dries out quickly.

A welterweight fabric will disappear in the bag and dry out insanely fast, but going too light sacrifices durability. All the pants we tested are durable enough to venture off the pavement.

If you want the lightest pant you can find, give KETL Mountain’s Shenanigan a look. The 156 GSM fabric rolls up tight and is exceptionally durable. Western Rise also uses a lighter GSM fabric, but the pants weigh more overall.

stylish travel pants

Fabric Type

A cotton blend fabric adds breathability and a cooling effect, which is great for warmer climates, but can also sacrifice durability. And, unless treated with a DWR, cotton can wet out more easily and hold water longer.

The Orvis and Municipal’s Overland Cargo weave some cotton into their blend. To beef up the durability, the natural fiber is woven with a synthetic like polyester or nylon and an elastic component for stretch.

If you choose to go with denim or cotton, consider a stretchy fabric with a bit of spandex or elastane for comfort and flexibility while on the road. It will resist wear longer, dry faster, and feel much more comfortable. While not on this year’s list, Aviator’s The Best Travel Jeans in the World are very comfortable and weave in some stretch, but they weigh nearly twice as much as every other pant on the list. Our cotton choices keep the weight down.

Most of the pants on this list are woven from synthetic fibers. Synthetics tend to stand up to more abuse than their natural counterparts. For example, Ornot’s Mission Pant is incredibly durable and is built for men who abuse pants while in the saddle.

Unique this year, we saw a merino wool synthetic blend with Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant. Wool is known for its odor-resistant and insulative qualities. Contrary to what you might think, they stay surprisingly cool and breathe well in hot climates. For durability and stretch, Proof weaves nylon, polyester, and a touch of elastane.

Weaving in spandex or elastic adds mobility, but can also give the pants a polished, slick finish. KÜHL weaves in a whopping 15% spandex into the material, but most pants will have between 2-6% for a combination of durability and mobility. Bluffworks , Unionbay , and Jetty feel more formal with their smooth-faced fabric finishes. Material finishes are more of a personal preference and don’t affect their water resistance, which is added with a DWR wash.

Our favorite pants come from Bluffworks. While the fit is fantastic, they don’t have a DWR. This makes them less desirable if you are traveling to places that rain a lot. However, they excel in so many other ways that they still stand out as our top choice. On the flip side, Western Rise’s DWR not only deflects dirt and grime on the road, but liters of beer simply rolled off them at Oktoberfest. We really took one for the team while testing.

Performance fabrics are standing up to heavy use like never before. Shelling out a few more bucks for quality generally gets you into a more durable pant that should hold up to more extensive use. We’ve put in countless hours testing the pants on this list, so you’re starting in the right place.

stylish travel pants

Seam Construction

Seams are often overlooked. Out of sight, out of mind, seams bring two patches of fabric together and are crucial for durability and comfort. But this is where we can differentiate the good from the great, and this is where we get passionately nerdy.

Flat-felled seams are best for joining heavy fabrics together. Think denim. The material doesn’t stretch and the fabric is woven from heavy cotton yarn. You want a solid seam to join the pants together. The fabric is joined, then rolled over itself and double stitched for a clean, bomber fasten.

None of the pants on our list are joined entirely from flat-felled seams, though LIVSN and Proof incorporate a flat-fell seam on at least one leg seam. In general, we find it more important to flat-fell the inseam of the pants (which is what Proof does).

Too much material tacked together with a flat-fell seam can cause rubbing against the legs. And most travel pants are constructed from lighter-weight fabrics, so pants don’t always need this extra durable seam construction.

They can get away with a less expensive, and more comfortable overlocked seam. An overlocking stitch, or welt-seam, has a lower profile, leaving the raw edge exposed but sewn down to the pant. Plus they are nearly as durable as the venerable flat-felled stitch, but can feel more comfortable.

Some overlocked stitches aren’t tacked down. That is, the seam isn’t locked down flat with a second row of stitching, leaving the surged seam exposed on the inside. This usually isn’t a big deal. Our main concern would be that the stitching could get caught on something and start to unravel. But we haven’t ever had this experience and it’s a fine option to use when binding two lightweight materials together. Orvis, Ornot, and even Bluffworks uses a combination of overlocked and welted overlocked seams.

The simplest seam, or plain seam, joins the two sides together with a simple, single stitch. Often the cut material is finished with a surger to prevent the material from fraying, but the joining seam itself is sewn together with a single stitch, and the exposed edges butterfly on the inside of the pant.

This is often used for lightweight material where want to reduce the bulk as much as possible. We see this used on Western Rise’s Evolution 2. In theory, this is not a highly durable seam construction. And we’ve seen this kind of seam unravel on a few pants we’ve tested. We’ve also been beating our Western Rise’s for years now and have yet to see their plain seam blow.

stylish travel pants

We like a pant that doesn’t ride up or bind when seated, and moves with you when active. DUER and KÜHL are very close at the top, for pure comfort, you can’t beat  Bluffworks Envoy . Beyond the fantastic material, the pant is is available in slim and regular fit, so there’s truly a comfortable pant for everyone’s preference.

stylish travel pants

We’ve tested  Western Rise’s Evolution lineup   standing outside in Bogota monsoon season, climbing snow and ice on the Grand, and prosting over beers at Oktoberfest. The DWR not only sheds spills, but it deflects dirt and grime too.

After a week of wearing them across the Alps, including a day sitting in the stairwell of an overbooked train to Munich, we were shocked at how clean our light khaki Evolution 2.0s walked off the return flight. We were also impressed with KETL Mountain’s Shenanigan’s. Water immediately beads off the surface.

If you’re bringing one pair of pants, you’ll eventually have to wash them while on the road. A lightweight synthetic pant is your best bet for a comfortable morning. Here again, Western Rise’s Evolutions  rose to the top. They are lightweight, durable, and dry out quicker than most. They also remain cool and breezy in hot climates and wear supremely well.

The pair of large cargo pockets on Muncipal’s Overland Cargo are easy to access and have plenty of space to hold your kit and do it without looking like Urkel. For an equally impressive pocket game, but a more polished look, we recommend looking at Bluffworks Envoy, which stealthily hides nine pockets in the otherwise casual-looking chino. Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro End-to-Ender is close, with seven practical and accessible pockets.

stylish travel pants

With their high CORDURA count, the Eddie Bauers are tough to beat. Ornot’s Mission pants weaves a high nylon count, and come in a very close second for durability.

For long flights on the plane, we like comfortable, casual look with easy pocket access. We give the nod to Municipal’s Overland Cargo. The deep horizontal pockets are easy to access while seated and the high cotton count breathes well.

KÜHL’s Suppressor Joggers have the highest spandex count on the list at 15%. They are super flexible, light, durable, and have a good DWR. For a more formal look, Bluffworks has an equally impressive spandex weave (10%) and is by far the most comfortable pant on our list. 

For a good combination of flexibility, durability, and all-around wearability, we recommend Western Rise’s Evolution 2. If you want to splurge, we also liked Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant, which blends 6% elastane into the wool-synthetic base. Proof’s pants are nearly a one-and-done purchase. They are durable and stay stench-free on the road, making them the only pants you may need to bring.

The Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2024

The Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2024

With a focus on comfort, durability, and performance, we’ve found the best hiking pants for men. Get ready to hit the trail.

The Best Work Pants of 2024

The Best Work Pants of 2024

Work pants provide functional utility for carpentry, construction, ranch work, or DIY home projects. These are the best work pants we have found.

Steve Graepel

Steve Graepel is a Contributing Editor and Gear Tester at GearJunkie. He has been writing about trail running, camping, skiing, and general dirtbagging for 10+ years. When not testing gear with GearJunkie, he is a Senior Medical Illustrator on the Neurosurgery Team at Mayo Clinic. Based in Boise, Idaho, Graepel is an avid trail runner, camper, angler, cyclist, skier, and loves to introduce his children to the Idaho outdoors.

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I’m a Fashion Editor — These Are The Best Women’s Travel Pants.

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Kara Blakeslee

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If you’re anything like me, comfort is a top priority when it comes to travel clothing. As someone whose wardrobe is 90 percent athleisure, I think it’s safe to say that I know where to find the best women’s travel pants.

From leggings to comfy joggers to versatile pants, I’ve tested and tried all the big brands so you don’t have to. As an athleisure expert, I‘m excited to share my list of the best travel pants to wear on a long-haul flight, long road trip or even a short trip when you just want to be comfortable!

What’s not to like about leggings? For one, they’re made with stretchy fabrics that keep you supported and comfortable throughout the day. And brands like Lululemon and Athleta offer inclusive sizing, bold colors and versatile styles.

With endless Spandex options, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. Luckily, I’m confident that my foolproof lineup of leggings will soon become your go-to for the best women’s travel pants.

Lululemon Wunder Train Tight

These are arguably my favorite pair of leggings that I own. The nylon and Lycra blend make these leggings lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking. What I love about these leggings is that I can wear them during my workout classes or running errands. The Lycra provides shape and support without being overly tight. They also have a drawstring waist that keeps them in place and a small pocket for a credit card, or key.

Also, these leggings come in another style that includes side pockets. We love a side pocket for busy travel days!

Lululemon Wunder Train Tight

Honorable mentions

These full-length, yoga pants are another favorite of mine. What I like about yoga pants is they’re timeless and flattering on just about everyone. These are a great option if you like the support and stretch of leggings, but want something full-length.

Also, you’ll be right on trend with these — yoga pants are having a moment!

Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant Nulu

Amazon Favorites

For every pair of Lululemon leggings, there is an Amazon pair that we love. The viral Colorfulkoala leggings made a splash on TikTok back in 2021 with users calling them the best alternative for the Lululemon Wunder Train Tight .

These have a very similar look and fit to the Wunder Tight and retail for a fraction of the price.

Colorfulkoala Women's Buttery Soft High Waisted Yoga Pants

Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Tight

Last winter, my mission was to find a pair of black leggings that were perfect for travel. I walked into my local Athleta and walked out with not one, but two pairs of these ultra-high rise elation tights. Yes, they are that good.

With more than 3,000 reviews and a 5-star rating, these tights are made for your indoor/outdoor yoga activity. The Powertiva blend makes them stretchy, supportive and breathable.

What makes these leggings one of my choices for the best women’s travel pants is the three-layer waistband. It offers additional tummy support without feeling uncomfortable. These are my go-to leggings for longer travel days when I need extra support.

Ultra High Rise Elation Tight | Athleta

Honorable mentions:

Another trend I’m seeing on the rise is over-the-heel tights. These have the look and feel of ballerina tights, while being practical for everyday wear. Plus, this style is great for colder climates with the extra foot insulation.

Elation Over the Heel Tight | Athleta

Utility Pants

If you’re planning on being active during your trip, then you might want to add a pair of cargo pants to your packing list. Cargo pants are more durable than leggings and traditionally have multiple side pockets. And for the outdoor enthusiasts, they are also known for being great hiking pants!

No matter what your travel itinerary is, these options will have you looking on trend.

Anatomie Kate Navy Camo Print Cargo Pant

If you aren’t familiar with the brand Anatomie, let me introduce you. Since 2006, Anatomie has been creating luxury performance apparel for women. Backed by European craftsmanship, the company’s philosophy centers around creating luxury apparel that is both stylish and functional.

If you appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into clothing, then Anatomie is worth the splurge. The company’s apparel is the go-to for women who want a more elevated, high-end look while still being comfortable and having those all-important cargo pockets.

Among their highly-rated travel pants for women, the Kate Navy Camo Pant is my favorite. The slim fit, mid-rise silhouette provides both shape and structure. The ankle length is long enough to cuff for a sporty, cropped look. Bonus points for them being wrinkle-free.

Anatomie Kate Navy Camo Print Cargo Pant

Prana Halle Pant II

My next (more affordable) favorite utility travel pant is the Prana Halle Pant, which has been a crowd favorite for decades. The Prana Halle Pant II is made with ReZion , an earth-conscious performance fabric.

The pant itself is mid-rise, with a boot cut leg, and made with a nylon stretch blend. The inseam comes in short, regular, and tall — we love inclusivity! Plus the snap-closure front and back pockets are great for active travel days.

And for the outdoor enthusiasts, they are water-repellant and offer UPF 50+ sun protection.

Prana Halle Pant II

Honorable mention

These Viodia Women’s Hiking Pants are affordable, water resistant and also offer UPF 50+ protection.

Viodia Women's Hiking Cargo Pants with Pockets

It’s no surprise that my Lululemon joggers are at the top of my list of best travel pants for women and my favorite pair of travel pants. These are more than sweatpants. They are versatile, can be styled in different ways, and have that all-important elastic waist. Fit-wise, they are relaxed but you won’t look shapeless.

Stretch High-Rise Full Length Jogger

The Stretch High-Rise Jogger was the first pair of joggers I ever purchased. Spoiler: They weren’t the last. These are the best all-around joggers out there.

First, the overall fit is universally flattering. The Luxtreme fabric and Lycra blend make them stretchy, breathable and moisture-wicking. Also, they come in plus sizes and trendy colorways. Pair them with a comfy sneaker or easy slide sandal and you’re ready to seize the day.

Stretch High-Rise Full Length Jogger

Spanx Tapered Pant

The Spanx Tapered Pant is one of the company’s best-selling products; reviews call them “life changing.”

So what makes them so good? This straight-leg pant is made with spacer fabric that is both lightweight and ultra soft. The fine knit structure makes them soft, breathable and easy to move in. They have a flexible waistband with a drawstring so you can adjust for a more customized fit.

And I love how inclusive Spanx is with its sizing.

Women's Tapered Jogger Sweatpants | SPANX – Spanx

Relaxed, Casual Pants

Thanks to the ever-popular menswear trend, we have so many fantastic options for casual travel pants. The mid-rise, off-the-body silhouette is perfect for looking timeless and feeling comfortable. It’s not uncommon to see cargo pants or chinos being worn by trendy travelers.

My go-to brand for stylish, timeless trousers is Everlane . Not to mention, the company’s philosophy centers around ethical, sustainable practices.

As far as pants go, highly rated styles are the relaxed chino pant and the lightweight easy pant with an elastic waistband. Another style that is popular is The Way-High Drape Pant , a slightly dressier high-waist trouser with front pockets. This is a great option to include in your carry-on if you need to change for a business trip.

Definitely pay attention to the fabric blends when looking for relaxed, casual travel pants. Cotton blends will offer enough stretch to ensure you are comfy throughout your travels. Also, look for elastic, or stretchy waistbands for longer travel days. Nothing is worse than an uncomfortable waistband digging into you for hours!

The Relaxed Chino Dark Khaki - Everlane

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The 10 Best Travel Pants, From Comfortable Chinos to Tailored Drawstrings

Forgiving waistbands and nary a sweatpant in sight., isaiah freeman-schub, isaiah freeman-schub's most recent stories.

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Depending on the nature of your trip, you’ll require particular things from your travel pants, meaning something a little different, whether you’re jumping across the pond for a board meeting in London or exploring Portland’s micro-brewery scene. In our search for the best travel pants, we included options at every point on the spectrum, from rugged to refined. Many are versatile and can be worn in various scenarios, and a few are intended for a more specific travel lane. But all, rest assured, are incredibly comfortable.

How To Choose the Best Travel Pants:

We boiled down the criteria for the best travel pants to three main characteristics that apply across that rugged-to-refined gamut: waistband, material, and silhouette. 

Waistbands: Waistbands on travel pants should be elasticized, stretchy, or feature a drawstring. The amount of elastic can vary, but some amount of give is non-negotiable. A fixed, unforgiving waistband is akin to a middle seat in the farthest back row of economy by the bathrooms. With enough foresight and planning—and elastane!—this situation can be avoided. 

Fit: Silhouettes can be largely based on your own personal style, but too slim or tailored travel pants aren’t the best idea. This is not the time to break out your finest bespoke suit (change at the hotel). Wider, roomily tapered or straight-leg fits will serve you well. Luckily, the tides of fashion have shifted in favor of spacious pants, so options abound whether you veer toward polished or gorpcore.

Best Overall Pants for Travel

Rhone commuter pants.

stylish travel pants

Rhone’s forte is fitness gear, but it turns out many of the same qualities that make clothes great for the gym also make them excellent for travel. These Commuter Pants have all the sleek trappings of an office chino, made with—and this is key—its Flex-Knit four-way stretch fabric for mobility. When you think about it, traveling really is just a series of similar movements to your workouts: the overhead bin press, the passport retrieval squat, the duffel deadlift . . .

Materials: Flex-Knit fabric. Waistband Type: Stretch with button closure.  Silhouette: Straight-leg. Pros: Versatile look, four-way stretch for mobility. Cons: Potentially limiting straight slim leg.

Buy Now on Rhone: $138

Best Trail Pants for Travel

Livsn ecotrek trail pants.

If your summer travel plans involve hiking, biking, climbing, or even just walking through a wooded area, don’t sleep on these trail pants from Ecotrek. Definitely on the rugged end of the travel pant spectrum, they’re lightweight, water-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and comfortable in hot or cold climes. In other words: pretty damn tough. In a pinch, with an oxford shirt, you could wear these to dinner indoors, too. 

Materials: Blue ocean, nylon, and spandex twill. Waistband Type: Body-contoured stretch with button closure.  Silhouette: Straight leg. Pros: Breathable, abrasion- and water-resistant. Cons: Specific casual look.

Buy Now on Livsn: $129

Best Chino Pants for Travel

Bluffworks performance khaki chinos.

Standard-issue khaki chinos aren’t often the best choice for long hauls. They can wrinkle and stain easily. Stiff waistbands make for uncomfortable flights. Very little stretch. Bluffworks addressed all of those issues in creating its Performance Khaki Chinos. This pair is wrinkle- resistant, quick-drying, soft, and stretchy. It also has a whole slew of hidden pockets for all the little stuff you somehow accumulate from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4.

Materials: Moisture-wicking polyester. Waistband Type: Stretch button closure. Silhouette: Straight leg. Pros: Stretchy, moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant, handy pockets. Cons: Some fit issues.

Buy Now on Bluffworks: $125

Best Soft-Tailored Pants for Travel 

Stòffa straight leg cotton twill drawstring trousers.

Squaring smart-looking trousers with qualities that make pants great for traveling isn’t the easiest endeavor—but it is possible. Though not strictly positioned for traveling, Stòffa’s commitment to relaxed tailoring and soft fabrics (plus easy drawstring waists) make these twill trousers ideal for being on the move. Hopefully they’ll make you more relaxed on the journey, too.

Materials: Cotton twill. Waistband Type: Drawstring. Silhouette: Straight leg. Pros: Tailored look, easy silhouette, brushed for softness. Cons: Specific style, limited colors.

Buy Now on Mr Porter: $450

Best Zip-Off Pants for Travel

Nike acg zip-off trail pants.

Versatility is prized for travel gear. We want things to do more than one thing. Adaptability. Nike ACG’s trail pants zip off into shorts on the trail or as you get closer to the warm temps at the equator. They’re made from tough, water-repellent fabric and a webbing belt, but would also serve as a foundation for the trekkiest fits even if there aren’t mountains or inclement weather nearby.

Buy Now on Nike: $125

Best Fashion Flex Pants for Travel

Jil sander elasticated waist trousers.

Feel free to pull off a big fashion fit on the plane. Zero judgment here. But the swerviest, loudest pieces may not function particularly well on the road. Perhaps a quieter flex courtesy of minimalist hero Jil Sander is the move. These relaxed black trousers have an elastic waist and will keep looking sharp for the journey and the arrival. 

Materials: Recycled polyester. Waistband Type: Elasticated. Silhouette: Loose tapered leg. Pros: Polished look, elastic waist. Cons: Not the lightest fabric, limited color options.

Buy Now on Matches Fashion: $666

Best Linen-Blend Pants for Travel

Frescobol carioca mendes trousers.

We’ve sung linen’s praises for its summertime ventilation and versatility, which also makes it an excellent choice for travel pants. Frescobol Carioca has beachiness in its roots, so its Mendes linen blend trousers have a laid-back vibe that could easily take you from aisle seat to sunset cocktails on the water. These pants aren’t just about the flow, though. The durable fabric blend makes them perfect as a three-season travel uniform.

Materials: Linen, cotton, and elastane. Waistband Type: Elasticated drawstring. Silhouette: Relaxed tapered leg. Pros: Versatile fabric blend and silhouette. Cons: No extra pockets.

Buy Now on Frescobol Carioca: $235

Buy Now on Mr Porter: $235

Best Cargo Pants for Travel

Fourlaps rover cargo.

Like a few others here, Fourlaps has athletic roots. Its Rover Cargos feature four-way stretch for mobility and adjustable bungees at the ankles to change up the look. Before you flash back to your saggy middle-school cargos, these are not those. The technical slant and streamlined pockets at the knee mean you might actually use the extra space. 

Buy Now on Express: $98

Buy Now on Fourlaps: $98

Best Wide-Leg Pants for Travel

Nili lotan wade pants.

When we say “wide,” we don’t mean baggy. These Nili Lotan Wade pants are elegantly cut to look purposely, stylishly wide. It just so happens this is the perfect cut for travel and the drawstring waist makes for an almost pajama-like vibe. 

Materials: Cotton and nylon. Waistband Type: Drawstring. Silhouette: Wide straight leg. Pros: Roomy silhouette, pleasant feeling fabric. Cons: Lack of pockets.

Buy Now on Saks Fifth Avenue: $495

Best Pleated Pants for Travel

Todd snyder modern chino trouser.

Todd Snyder gets it. He gets that guys want something comfortable and wearable, but also considered. And beautifully made. His approach is clear in these drawstring chinos made from a soft twill of Italian origin with a single pleat. Wear these when you’re hopping from one office to another or have a long-haul flight.

Materials: Cotton and elastane. Waistband Type: Elastic waist with button closure and concealable drawstring. Silhouette: Relaxed tapered leg. Pros: Concealable drawstring, quality fabric. Cons: Not everyone wants a cuff.

Buy Now on Todd Snyder: $278

Isaiah Freeman-Schub

Isaiah Freeman-Schub is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor. He previously was an editor at WSJ. and Modern Luxury, covering menswear and watches. He's also contributed to Mr Porter, T and more. He…

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stylish travel pants

13 Perfect Travel Pants, Shorts, and Skirts Under $50 That Deserve a Spot in Your Suitcase This Spring

You’ll wear these linen pants, hiking joggers, and breezy skirts on repeat for every trip.

I’m one of those travelers with an inordinate amount of tops in my wardrobe and not nearly as many bottoms to match them to. Open my suitcase and you’ll find this curious mix-and-match situation on pretty much every trip I take. If you can relate, then take your cue from the Internet’s premier arbiters of style — a.k.a. the very discerning shoppers over at Amazon — and stock up on the perfect travel pants . 

Amazon’s trending styles include some of the bottoms I could use most on my spring travels — and you could, too. Lightweight, moisture-wicking pants for your epic early-morning hikes , adorable skirts and tennis skorts for your new pickleball obsession, white linen beach pants for your seaside trip, breezy maxi skirts to rock while cruising the cobblestone streets of Rome — the best bottoms for sporty afternoons, leisurely evenings, and beyond are heating up the charts — and all of my favorites are less than $50.

Ready to find perfect matches for all your lonely T-shirts, tanks, and blouses? Start with these 13 pairs of pants, shorts, and skirts selling like hotcakes at Amazon.

Related: These Are the Only 3 Outfits You Need to Pack for Any Trip, According to a Carry-on-only Traveler

Libin Cargo Quick Dry Hiking Pants

Buy on Amazon

This year, hit the trail in a pair of pants that does so much more for you than those leggings you’ve worn into the ground. This best-selling pair is lightweight and made of a quick-dry, waterproof fabric that’s meant to go the distance with you, climb any mountain, and cross any stream. And if you find yourself traversing trails in the open sun, rest assured these hiking pants have UPF 50+ built in.

Anrabess Linen Palazzo Pants

Any beach trip you take this spring or summer practically requires a pair of breezy white linen pants, and this popular pair at Amazon fits the bill. With a flattering smocked waist and wide legs that are oh-so-comfy, plus a versatile look that’ll match with anything in your suitcase, this one is a no-brainer addition to your shopping cart. One shopper who bought them for Tulum said they’re “ so incredibly flattering and comfortable ” and even said, “I’m about to buy five more colors.” Note that some shoppers said these shrink in the wash, so be sure to buy a size up or hand wash.

Bluetime Women Leopard Print Long Skirt

From a style perspective, you can never go wrong with a maxi skirt . Leopard in particular is a neutral and goes with anything from a graphic tee to bright colors and muted pastels. If you packed one skirt to see you through fancy dinners, all-day walking tours, and all the bus trips it takes to get from point A to point Z, it would be this lightweight chiffon one. “I loved this so much I purchased three different styles for our trip to Costa Rica; they really are beautiful and the print is great, doesn’t fade or stretch out,” wrote a shopper. They continued to rave that it “looks as good as the day I bought them, definitely a closet essential.”

Sunzel Flare Leggings

Talk about going viral. These waist-snatching flare leggings are so popular at Amazon right now that more than 9,000 were purchased in the past month. With a wide-leg and ultra-flattering banded waist, it’s no wonder. The No. 1 best-sellers are made of a stretchy nylon spandex blend that translates to all-day comfort. Say hello to your new favorite airport outfit.

Ododos Athletic Tennis Skort with Pockets

Whether you’re a die-hard tennis player, pickleball enthusiast, or simply love to rock athleisure on the weekends, this tennis skort — a mini skirt with attached shorts beneath —  is perfect for you. The pull-on style accommodates your figure and allows for ultimate freedom of movement while moisture-wicking fabric lets you work up a sweat while looking as cool, calm, and collected as a long-lost Williams sister. Peep that handy pocket hidden in the shorts, too.

Heymoments Women's Wide Leg Lounge Pant

These Amazon No. 1 best-sellers look like they’re made of luxury linen, but they’re actually a travel-friendly, wrinkle-resistant polyester. They’re lightweight, breathable, and everything you’d want for cruises and beach dinners. That bow detail is the cherry on top. “I love these pants. Bought them for a trip to Mexico and they were perfect — great fit, great looking, and nice weight,” wrote a happy shopper.

The Gym People Joggers

The commute to your next destination deserves a pair of joggers so soft that one shopper “fell asleep in them in the middle of the day,” then look no further than this No. 1 best-selling pair with more than 15,000 five-star ratings. The tapered pants not only have style on their side, but they they are also built to perform, too, thanks to the ever-coveted four-way stretch. Count on these joggers to become your go-to for any situation where comfort is a priority — plane rides, car rides, and errands included.

Qianxizhan Harem Pants

One of my biggest revelations while living in places like Bali and Thailand was harem pants. They’re so comfy, are great for yoga or just all-day everyday lounging, and they have a carefree look that makes you want to live in them. This trending pair on Amazon has lots of fans who feel just like I do — more than 11,000 who gave them five stars, actually. “Taking a 16-hour plane trip soon and these will be my travel pants,” wrote one happy shopper.

Grace Karin Elastic Waist Pleated Chiffon Skirt 

The perfect evening wear for strolls around Paris or even a night at the theater, this pleated chiffon skirt shines particularly well in bold hues like emerald green just as well as it does in neutral, Chanel-favorite black . Reviewers are torn: some say the skirt barely wrinkles; others swear the wrinkles are a cinch to get out. Pair this flare skirt with Mary Janes and a clutch, and you’re instantly stylish, like that French girl whose look you’ve always wanted to achieve. “It is gorgeous and fit perfectly,” exclaimed a five-star reviewer. “The color is rich and vivid. I got so many compliments on it.” 

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Curvy Totally Shaping Straight Jeans

The perfect pair of jeans are an absolute necessity for pretty much any trip (and easy for outfit-making if you have tons of travel tops like me). These classic Levi’s are a great option for practically anyone, as they’re stretchy and designed to skim curves without losing their shape — and from a brand like Levi’s, I believe it. There’s a reason this pair has racked up more than 18,000 five-star ratings. “Great stretch in them, flattering on the booty side, light tummy control up front, straight leg without being baggy nor too tight,” wrote a customer.

Baleaf 5-inch High Waisted Swim Board Shorts 

Whether you’re surfing, sailing, or having a pool day, these swim shorts are a staple, especially in basic black. The 5-inch length is especially good for active travelers, and don’t worry about them absorbing too much sun — they have UPF sun protection built in. They’re also chlorine-resistant, so they won’t fade, either. The quick-dry shorts have four-way stretch, so be as athletic as you please; they’ll carry you through. “I ordered these for our Hawaii trip and they ended up being my favorite thing to wear,” wrote a fan. “They pair well with any swimsuit top and look decent enough to wear to walk around in with a T-shirt to grab something to eat.”

The Gym People High-waisted Running Shorts

These flowy, quick-dry shorts are flying off Amazon’s virtual shelves right now and come in colors ranging from soothing sea blue to electric yellow . The super soft pair is built for active days, but honestly cute enough for brunch on the Douro River, too. A hidden double-layered liner keeps you confident and covered even on a windy day. Plus, there’s a hidden waist pocket for you to store keys when you’re on a run or traveling light.

Suuksess Cross Workout Shorts with Pockets

Your transition into biker shorts for gym days and yoga sunsets is complete with this top-rated pair that’s squat-proof, offers a flattering fit on the waist, and has a slimming criss-cross waistband. But this pair has one more feature that makes it perfect for those of us always on the go: pockets. The ability to keep your phone on your person while you lift and lunge is highly underrated. You can even leave your fanny pack at home on your post-workout smoothie run thanks to convenience like this.

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20 Best Summer Pants You're Going to Want to Wear All Season Long

These airy and lightweight pairs will rival your favorite shorts.

a collage of different outfits

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The trick for making pants work during the summer all comes down to choosing more flowing silhouettes and breathable fabrics to keep this light and cool on even the muggiest days summer has to offer. With that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best trousers—from structured options to on-trend wide-leg trousers to airy linen numbers —to fit every fashion need this summer.

Baggy Linen Pants BESALU

Coastal Grandmother Vibes

Magic linen baggy linen pants besalu.

Linen Wide Leg Pants

Wide Leg Style

Dal the label linen wide leg pants.

Mason Pant

Year-Round Fave

Reformation mason pant.

The Linen Way-High Drape Pant

Pretty Pastel

Everlane the linen way-high drape pant.

The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants: Linen Edition

Lovely Florals

Maeve the colette cropped wide-leg pants: linen edition.

The Favorite Pant Pleat Pants

Pretty in Pink

Favorite daughter the favorite pant pleat pants.

Leer Palazzo Pants

Statement Print

Diarrablu leer palazzo pants.

Beach Pant in Willow Boxweave

Mirth Beach Pant in Willow Boxweave

Evelina Wide Leg Chambray Pants

Jeans Alternative

Splendid evelina wide leg chambray pants.

Soleil pant

Everyday Essential

J.crew soleil pant.

Want to master the coastal grandmother aesthetic ? A sandy linen pair with a comfy classic drawstring waist is the way to go. Very Nancy Meyers-esque.

Size range: XS—XL

Colors: 18 shades

Material: 100% European Flax

A wide leg shape ensures a comfy fit, while the linen construction and minty hue give these pants a refreshing feel.

Size range: 2—10

Material: 100% Linen

A simple high-waist style in a neutral shade will serve you well during the summer months but will also be a go-to long after the season is over. Also, this one has pockets... which is everything to us!

Size range: 0—12

Material: 100% TENCEL Lyocell

Between the baby blue hue, the drapey shape, and the understated pleated details, these pants are the definition of easy, breezy elegance.

Size range: 00—16

Because what's a summer wardrobe without a bit of floral?

Size range: 23—34 (Standard, Tall, Petite, and Plus)

Material: Linen, Viscose, Elastane

This polished pair is ready to be worn at the office all summer long.

Size range: 0—18

Material: 63% Polyester, 32% Rayon, 5% Spandex

You can dress these up with a blouse and heels or keep things more low-key with a tank top and mules—either way, this is a standout summer staple you don't want to overlook.

Size range: XS—XXXL

Material: 100% polyester

Mirth may be known for its caftans , but these checked pants made of 100% cotton are just as much a winner style in our book. Wear with a plain tee and strappy flat sandals for a casual chic look.

Material: 100% Cotton

On those excruciatingly hot days when you just can't bare to have anything clinging to your body, these roomy and light palazzos are the perfect alternative to jeans.

Size range: XS—L

Material: 100% lyocell

J.Crew's cult-favorite linen drawstring pants are so versatile and comfortable, you'll want to buy one in every color available.

Size range: XXXS—XXXL (Classic, Tall, and Petite)

Material: 100% linen

Pleated Straight-Leg Sneaker-Grazer Pant

Pleated Straight-Leg Sneaker-Grazer Pant

Whether you're showing off your sneakers, sandals or strappy heels, the jump hem on these white trousers are built to flaunt your best summer footwear.

Size range: 2—12

Material: 62% Cotton, 37% LENZING Viscose, 1% Elastane

Endless High Rise Pant

Endless High Rise Pant

Soft, stretchy, and flattering, it's not hard to see why these pull-ons have become a T&C favorite . "These aren't just glorified leggings," contributor Lauren Hubbard writes. "The fabric has a nice hefty weight, so they drape elegantly and look like actual workwear."

Size range: 0—26

Material: 86% Recycled Polyester, 14% Spandex

Court & Rowe Clean Finish Stretch Seersucker Trousers

Clean Finish Stretch Seersucker Trousers

Seersucker is a classic warm-weather fabric for a reason: it's comfortable, breezy, and its naturally crinkly texture means it's basically wrinkle-proof, even in muggy climes.

Material: 97% cotton, 3% spandex

tropical forest off-white pants

tropical forest off-white pants

Put some vacation in your wardrobe with these fun tropical-printed trousers.

Size range: XXS—XL

Madewell The Emmett Wide-Leg Crop Jean: Welt Pocket Edition

The Emmett Wide-Leg Crop Jean: Welt Pocket Edition

Yes, white jeans are indispensable between Memorial Day and Labor Day (and yes, you can get plenty of mileage out of them long after the seasons have turned, no matter what those outdated rules suggest.)

Size range: 23—33 (Petite, Standard, and Tall)

Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane

Washable Stretch Silk Palazzo Pants

Washable Stretch Silk Palazzo Pants

The breezy shape and washable mulberry silk construction make these pants a no-brainer for an elegant seaside look.

Material: 90% mulberry silk, 10% spandex

MANGO 100% linen suit trousers

100% linen suit trousers

Consider these bold fuchsia linen pants your go-to statement piece for summer parties.

Size range: 1—22

Camilla Printed Linen Wide-Leg Pants

 Printed Linen Wide-Leg Pants

Want the comfort of pants with dress vibes? Look no further than this pair by Camilla, which bring fluttery, beach cool with a complex blue and white print.

Size range: XS—XXL

ASTR the Label Denison Pleated Cargo Pants

Denison Pleated Cargo Pants

The award for most unexpected revival goes to... the cargo pant! If you're looking to dabble in the trend in an elegant way, try this drapey, pleated version that puts a feminine spin on structure.

Zimmermann Tuck Belted Polka Dot Wide-Leg Pant

Tuck Belted Polka Dot Wide-Leg Pant

A polka dot print instantly brings the fun to any outfit; perfectly balanced by the thoughtfully pleated shape of these pants that find the equilibrium between play and polish.

Size range: 0—10

Material: 100% ramie

Headshot of Sophie Dweck

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more. 

Headshot of Lauren Hubbard

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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The Best Hiking Pants for Men Are Ready for Anything

By Tanner Bowden

Image may contain Clothing Pants Shorts Adult and Person

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best hiking pants for men have come a long way since the days where fellas used to scale mountains in desert boots and woolen trousers, gaining much in a century of technological advancements—ripstop! Gore-Tex! fewer ounces! Somewhere along the way many brands got lost in the weeds of functional fabrics, cooking up swagless silhouettes with zero regard to fit. But thanks to the explosion of gorpcore that's yielded menswear-first garms inspired by the outdoors (rather than the other way around), there's now a bounty of options out there that can help you ascend your way to the good lookouts at the top of the trailhead, while looking good yourself along the way.

The Best Hiking Pants for Men, According to GQ

  • The Best Hiking Pants for Most People: Gramicci Gadget Pants , $135
  • The Best Softshell Hiking Pants: Arc'teryx Gamma Pant s, $200
  • The Best Technical Hiking Pant: Goldwin CORDURA Stretch Pants , $260
  • The Best Convertible Hiking Pants : Nike ACG Summit Smith Covertible Cargo Trousers , $195
  • The Best Cargo Pants for Hiking: Foehn Brise Schoeller Cargo Pants , $170
  • The Best Everyday Hiking Pants : And Wander Belted Shell Trousers , $355
  • The Best Hiking Pants for Camping: Snow Peak FR Stretch Pants , $230
  • The Best Weatherproofed Pants for Hiking: Finisterre Rainbird Waterproof Trousers , $165
  • The Best IYKYK Hiking Pants: Earth/Studies Field Pants , $240

Unlike raw denim, a good pair of hiking pants is made to move, whether you're shuffling downhill or scaling a giant boulder, Alex Honnold-style. Typically, that function comes through in lightweight materials like ripstop nylon and polyester, or features like gussets and added stretch. But quality hiking pants should also be able to handle the elements too; they might have a DWR (durable water repellent) finish for rain or high breathability and UPF for heat and sun. Cargo pockets and zip-off legs were once considered necessities, but now they're more nice-to-haves. In the end, the pair you choose should have whatever combination of these that lines up with the kinds of terrain you plan to hike and, of course, your own particularities. Below, 10 of the techiest, stretchiest, most stylish pants for traversing the trails.

The Best Hiking Pants for Most People: Gramicci Gadget Pants

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, and Jeans

Brown Gadget Trousers

Gramicci founder Mike Graham of the legendary Stone Masters made some of the first pants specifically designed for rock climbing way back in the ‘80s. A hit with carabiner guys and streetwear bros alike, the brand is still cranking out styles made for traversing the great outdoors that wouldn’t look out of place on the streets of Bushwick. Take the Gadget, which starts with an airy organic cotton and canvas shell and beefs it up with two oversized pockets for stuffing in your tiny Frank Ocean camera or a fistful of granola bars. Of course, there's also its signature webbing belt that graces everything from its breezy shorts to its cargo skirts.

The Best Softshell Hiking Pants: Arc'teryx Gamma Pants

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Arc'teryx

Gamma Pants

Made for the not-always-common combination of movement and protection, the Gamma Pant's unique fabric blends slight stretch and loads of breathability with wind and water resistance. Arc'teryx's heritage is in alpine climbing, so it made sure these pants, while lightweight, can also handle a scrape or two should you find yourself bushwacking or bouldering. The Gamma Pants also include an integrated belt, zippered hand pockets that keep your precious tech locked up when you're hoofing it on uneven terrain, and cinch cuffs that help you keep the wind out.

The Best Technical Hiking Pants: Goldwin CORDURA Stretch Pants

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, Jeans, Footwear, Shoe, Adult, and Person

Cordura Stretch Pants

This classic climbing-inspired design from one of Japan's biggest outdoor brands has a tapered leg that's more characteristic of technical outdoor pants with a few more modern small details like offset back pockets and elasticized cuffs (there's a zippered cargo pocket, too). But it's what the pants are made out of that's the real kicker here—CORDURA ripstop nylon that's lightweight, and stretchy, yet durable enough to take a beating on the trails.

The Best Convertible Hiking Pants: Nike ACG Summit Smith Covertible Cargo Trousers

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, Adult, Person, Jeans, Footwear, and Shoe

ACG Summit Smith Convertible Cargo Trousers

Zip-offs may have a bad rap—most caricatures of hikers include a pair—but they're also undeniably practical. With a style upgrade from Nike's ACG line, this pair's slightly oversized fit feels flattering, but still functional thanks to zippered cargo thigh pockets and a webbing belt. The woven fabric is also water-repellent and reinforced at the knees with CORDURA against the inevitable tumble or two.

The Best Cargo Pants for Hiking: Foehn Brise Schoeller Cargo Pants

Image may contain: Clothing, Pants, and Khaki

Foehn Brise

Schoeller Cargo Pant

Quebec-based Foehn got its start in 2017 by reimagining the modern rock climbing pant. This newer silhouette is another reinterpretation of a gorpy classic, this time of the humble cargo pant. Instead of big, bulgy pockets, these Brise Schoeller ones have theirs subtly stitched in the thighs. The lightweight, tear-resistant Swiss fabric feels comfortable even miles up your ascent, all while repelling dirt and water.

The Best Everyday Hiking Pants: And Wander Belted Shell Trousers

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Straight Leg Belted Shell Trousers

Two Issey Miyake alumni spun their garm savvy into the outdoorsy brand And Wander in 2011, and in the decade since, it's been churning out grail-worthy, tech-heavy pieces that feature subtly stylish details like contrast stitching, reflective trim, and bungee-style drawstrings. This understated pant serves as a perfect example of what the brand does best, from its modern, straight-leg fit for running errands on weekends to the water-repellent shell when it's time to transition to the trail.

The Best Weatherproofed Pants for Hiking: Finisterre Rainbird Waterproof Trousers

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Rainbird Waterproof Trousers

Borne from the place where the North Atlantic collides with the shores of Albion, Finisterre is a brand that knows a thing or two about inclement weather. These waterproof pants are made for whatever the forecast throws at you with a 10k/10k breathable waterproof membrane that keeps rain out without hampering heat transfer. The pants have just a hint of stretch that's ideal for walking, and a drawcord waist plus zippered cuffs make it easy to quickly pull them on over your boots in a surprise shower.

The Best Hiking Pants for Camping: Snow Peak FR Stretch Pants

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FR Stretch Pants

Founded by a young, Japanese climber in the '50s, Snow Peak is one of the OGs making well-crafted, sharply designed gear for outdoor enthusiasts. For hikes that end at a campsite instead of a car, it has the perfect pair of bottoms to meet the occasion. They're stretchy, breathable, and water-repellent, as good hiking pants should be, with a slightly baggy fit in keeping with Japanese style. They're also fire-resistant thanks to fabric made with aramid, meaning you can relax by a crackling campfire without fear of wayward sparks.

The Best Joggers for Hiking: Houdini Sportswear Pace Light Pants

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Houdini Sportswear

Pace Light Pants

If pinstripes and matching track jackets are what you have in mind when you hear the word "jogger," Houdini offers something new entirely. Namely, Japanese fabrics, a drawcord waist and hems, and PFAS-free water repellency (but none of that trademark swish). The Pace Light Pants are also wildly lightweight—less than five ounces—and made with fully recyclable fabric so you can toss it with your takeout containers when it's past its prime.

The Best IYKYK Hiking Pants: Earth/Studies Field Pants

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Earth/Studies

The result of experiments with uncommon fabrics and very limited batching, these 100% cotton made-for-anywhere Earth/Studies trousers feature offset and oversized pockets, additional interior mesh pockets, an extra-long integrated belt, and plenty of room to move.

Tanner Bowden is a writer, editor, and photographer based in Vermont. With over a decade of experience in media, he's tested and written about hundreds of products for camping, hiking, skiing, cycling, running, and more for publications like Gear Patrol, Men's Journal, Field Mag, and Outside, among others. He's also a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School and a former wilderness educator.

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Travel Fashion Girl

What to Pack for Russia in Summer: Day to Night Style

Europe Packing List , Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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Wondering what to pack for Russia in the summer? Our Russian-born author shares her tips and tricks on dressing for both day and night!

What to Pack for Russia: Summer

Written By: Julia K.

If you made it to Moscow, Russia during summer, you’re in luck. Moscow offers a plethora of beautifully landscaped parks and festivals all over the city. If you want to know how to visit all those locations in style, continue reading!

Traveling to Russia in the winter? Read this post instead.

Packing List for Russia in the Summer

what-to-pack-for-russia

White Top  | Blouse |  Tank | Top |  Shirt |  Pant |  Pants | Skirt | Dress |  Dress  | Jacket | Cardigan | Flats | Wedge | Bag  | Hat

Summers in Moscow can get hot. It can range between 77-86°F (25-30°C) and sometimes be humid. Dressing appropriately, comfortably, and accordingly will save you a headache and make your stay more enjoyable.

Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe , which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.

Must-see attractions during summer include many parks, such as VDNH, Chistyye Prudy, Izmaylovo and Izmailovsky Park, and of course the famous antique and flea market called Vernisaj.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

  • Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
  • Top Summer Dresses Perfect for Europe
  • Lightweight Jackets for Easy Layers
  • Best Walking Shoes for Europe’s Cobblestone Streets

One can see a range of different styles in Moscow. After all, it’s a hub for many travelers, businesspeople, and locals. However, if you’d like to be perceived and treated in a particular way, then pay attention to the way you dress.

You may attract unwanted attention if you wear clothing that’s inappropriate to the local culture. Observe what people are wearing around you and these tips should help point you in the right direction before you arrive.

The following suggestions are based on the perspective of a local born in Moscow.

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to any of the parks:

what-to-pack-for-russia

Blouse | Shorts |  Hat | Scarf | Watch | Sunglasses | Purse  | Flats

  • Flat sandals or flats
  • Dressy shorts or a midi skirt (no shorter than one hand above the knee)
  • A nice blouse
  • A crossbody bag
  • A hat and sunglasses
  • Jewelry and a watch

If you’ll be staying out all day into the evening, wearing layers is key. Pack a shawl or a cardigan for romantic walks next to the Moscow River.

Pro tip: Take a mosquito repellent just in case and apply sun protection wherever you go.

Read this post to find out our stylish strategies on how to layer clothes !

What not to wear:

As a local, I wouldn’t recommend wearing flip flops, short shorts, mini skirts, bright makeup, or see-through clothes. It’s a good idea not to show cleavage, unless you have a layer underneath. Choose understated jewelry instead of flashier pieces.

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to a festival:

what-to-pack-for-russia

Dress |  Hat  | Umbrella |  Crossbody  | Earrings | Lipstick | Watch |  Flats

  • A nice day dress
  • A pair of comfortable wedges
  • A light purse
  • A scarf for the evening
  • Light jewelry
  • Light makeup (bronzer, mascara, lip gloss, blush)
Find out the top ten wedges readers recommend!

Travel shoes:

what-to-pack-for-russia

Flats  |  Wedge |  Oxfords

If you’d like to explore Moscow, then comfortable shoes are a must!

The summer weather is pretty predictable. Based on that, you’ll need three pairs of shoes. One to explore the city, a pair to wear in your hotel room, and something for going out. Think: wedges, dressy flats with a thick sole, and flip-flops.

What are the most comfy shoes? These experts are giving you the inside scoop on their twenty-one top picks. Take a look !

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to enjoy dinner and a ferry ride along the Moscow River:

what-to-pack-for-russia

Top  | Skirt | Jacket |  Sunglasses  |  Wedge  |  Lipstick  | Clutch | Earrings

  • A midi skirt or cropped dressy pants
  • A dressy blouse
  • Comfortable but dressy shoes
  • An evening clutch
  • A jacket for any unexpected chill

Make sure your clothes are clean and neat, and that there are no flashy colors or over-the-top prints.

Summer is also a perfect opportunity to take a short trip to St. Petersburg, one of the most iconic cities in the world. It’s full of heritage, architecture, galleries, and art, even for the most discerning travelers and art lovers. You can get there by train or plane. Whichever is in your budget, pack with comfort and style in mind!

Whether you’re spending a summer abroad or finally taking that vacation you’ve been dreaming about for years, TFG has the ultimate long term packing list for your European adventures !

What to pack for Russia for a 3-day getaway to St. Petersburg:

what-to-pack-for-russia

Dress  |  Earrings | Clutch | Wedge |  Cardigan  | Tank  | Pants |  Flats | Purse  |  Blouse  | Pants | Jacket |  Scarf | Hat | Flats

  • Day/night dress that’s easy to dress up or down with some jewelry
  • Comfortable flats to explore the city in
  • A change of clothes that covers your knees and shoulders
  • A scarf and sweater for when the city becomes cooler during the evening
  • A windbreaker
  • Everyday jewelry
  • A hat to protect yourself from the sun
  • A small umbrella
These are the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!

Some museums and churches might refuse service or admission if shoulders and knees are uncovered. I also recommend avoiding jean cutoffs and tank tops, as they may get unwanted attention.

When entering any religious building modesty should be considered, these tips will help you learn how to pack!

Shopping tips:

Moscow has every single store you could think of! From global luxury brands to everyday wear, it caters to many budgets.

If you want to arrive during sale season, then arrive one to two months before the end of the season. You can pick up European-made goods cheaper than in North America. Good shopping malls include Afimall located in Moscow City (another must see) and Evropeiskii located at Kievsky train station.

What are your tips on what to pack for Russia in the summer? Share in the comments below!

For more ideas on what to pack for Russia and Europe, please read:

  • Ten-Step Packing Guide for Europe
  • What to Wear in Russia in Winter
  • Best Shoes for Europe
  • What to Wear in Moscow in the Winter

Suggested Travel Resources:

  • Lonely Planet Russia (Travel Guide)
  • Lonely Planet Russian Phrasebook & Dictionary

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We hope you liked this post on what to pack for Russia in summer. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

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Author Bio: Julia K is a travel blogger who believes in utilizing every item in her luggage 101%. When at home, she likes to explore what’s new in the world of travel fashion, food, and travel gadgets. Follow her on Instagram ,  Facebook , Twitter , and her blog .

Toni

I’m traveling to Moscow in five days and was wondering if I should really not wear shorts. I’ve been to Nizhny Novgorod in the summer and Moscow in the winter so I have a few ideas about what to wear, but I thought that shorts wouldn’t be so bad.

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The Best Crossbody Bags For Travel, Built With Storage And Style

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Roomy enough to carry everyday essentials, the best crossbody bags for travel give you the freedom to explore without having to lug your suitcase around. We researched the best crossbody bags for travel that offer both storage and style and selected the MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe as our top pick. We also found other great options for different travel styles, like a spacious crescent bag for beach trips and a sleek sling bag for organization.

The best crossbody bags for travel give you the freedom to explore without having to lug your ... [+] suitcase around.

A solid crossbody bag is versatile and provides convenient hands-free storage for every situation. This 4-in-1 leather bag from Lo & Sons stylishly transitions from day to night, while Lululemon’s popular Everywhere Belt Bag can be worn on the hip or across the body. Meanwhile, active travelers will get great use out of the Nomatic Navigator Sling , which features a water bottle holder and a stabilizer strap. Below, the best crossbody bags for travel in a variety of price points, styles and materials.

  • Best Crossbody Bag For Travel Overall: MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe
  • Best Affordable Crossbody Bag For Travel: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
  • Best Crossbody Bag For Organization: Aer Day Sling 3
  • Best Crossbody Bag For Parents: Hobo Sheila Large Satchel
  • Best Crossbody Bag For Beach Trips: Baggu Large Nylon Crescent Bag
  • Best Crossbody Bag For Active Trips: Nomatic Navigator Sling 6L
  • Most Versatile Crossbody Bag For Travel: Lo & Sons Waverley 2 in Nappa Leather
  • Best Belt Bag For Travel: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1 L
  • Best Crossbody Bag For Men: Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack
  • Best Leather Crossbody Bag For Travel: Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Crossbody

Best Crossbody Bag For Travel Overall

Lightweight, stylish storage, mz wallace small sutton deluxe.

Dimensions: 9.8 × 5.5 × 10.20 inches | Weight: 1.08 pounds | Materials: Recycled oxford (polyester, nylon), leather

With a handy key ring strap and five interior pockets, this versatile bag is perfect for staying organized during travel. It can be worn as a crossbody or top handle tote and its water-resistant oxford fabric won’t weigh you down on your journey. There’s an easy-to-adjust nylon strap for a customized fit and the detachable interior pouch is big enough to hold a pair of shoes, plus the ample pockets provide plenty of space for your phone, keys, tickets and more. It weighs only a pound but can fit a surprising amount of items, plus its plush fabric folds down for packing.

Best Affordable Crossbody Bag For Travel

Security features plus many pockets, travelon anti-theft classic mini shoulder bag.

Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Materials: Polyester, nylon

Travelon’s Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag packs an impressive punch for being so small. Its six pockets keep everything where you need it—including an RFID-blocking passport and card interior organizer—while a tethered key caddy with an LED light eliminates that dreaded “can’t-find-it-in-my-bag” feeling. The 5-Point Anti-Theft security system protects against theft threats with slash-resistant fabric, lockable straps and secure zipper pulls. Not only will you feel safe wearing this bag, but thanks to its 13 colors and prints, you’ll also look stylish anywhere your trip may take you.

Best Crossbody Bag For Organization

A compact sling bag with room to spare, aer day sling 3.

Dimensions: 11.5 x 6 x 3 inches | Weight: 0.8 pounds | Materials: Cordura nylon

With a ballistic nylon exterior and a unique design that zips open for easy access, Aer’s Day Sling 3 is one of the more durable crossbody options out there. It has a 3L capacity that fits a surprising amount of items and its 8 pockets ensure everything stays in its place. There are multiple loops for strapping onto your luggage or storage and a handy front pocket with a key leash and cool security features like a secret back pocket. There’s also a sneaky Fidlock clasp that makes it harder for a pickpocket to snatch your bag.

Best Crossbody Bag For Parents

Extra space and storage for the whole family, hobo sheila large satchel.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 14 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Materials: Raffia, leather

For parents or travelers who need to tote a lot of stuff on the go, a larger bag might be in order. Hobo’s Sheila Large Satchel offers nice organizational features and high style points. It’s made of a lightweight woven raffia with leather trim for added durability, plus its six interior pockets, key lanyard and accessible side exterior pocket are perfect for storing smaller items you may need throughout the day. Its main compartment is quite roomy, easily fitting a laptop, kid’s tablet, diaper wipes, snacks, toys, a backup outfit and more. The flexibility of its 3-in-1 styling really stands out—the adjustable strap can be worn as a crossbody, shortened for a shoulder bag or simply removed to transform into a classy top handle bag for a night out after the kiddos go to sleep.

Best Crossbody Bag For Beach Trips

Large and easy to wear for sandy days in the sun.

Urban Outfitters

Baggu Large Nylon Crescent Bag

Dimensions: 10.5 × 19.5 × 5.25 inches | Weight: N/A (not listed) | Materials: 100% recycled nylon

A beach bag calls for some pretty specific features: it needs to be durable and water-resistant, it should be big enough to hold bulky towels and ideally, it has a simple shape so sand won’t get lodged in the nooks and crannies. After much research, the Baggu Crescent Bag fits the bill. Its adjustable strap can be worn across the chest or as a tighter-fitting shoulder bag, the large size is roomy enough for a couple towels and a change of clothes and the zippered interior pocket keeps your wallet and keys secure. The quick-drying ripstop nylon is not only recycled, it’s also durable enough to withstand the windiest—and wettest—of beach days. Consider adding a few of Baggu’s fun printed flat pouches for additional organization.

Best Crossbody Bag For Active Trips

A durable sling with no detail spared, nomatic navigator sling 6l.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 9 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Materials: 80% nylon, 20% polyester

Whether you’re hiking, biking or riding the metro, the Navigator Sling from Nomatic offers durability, storage and some impressive features. There’s a water bottle holder that zips away when not in use, a molded EVA back panel for wearable comfort and breathability, a tamper-resistant zipper and tech features like built-in tablet storage, an RFID-blocking pocket for your cards and a cord-pass through for charging your devices in different pockets. If you’re running or moving around a lot, there’s also a stabilizer strap that clips on to keep the sling even more secure to your body. Unlike some sling styles, this bag has multiple zippered storage compartments, the main one opening extra wide for easier access.

Most Versatile Crossbody Bag For Travel

Four ways to wear it.

Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons Waverley 2 in Nappa Leather

Dimensions: 5.6 x 8 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Materials: Nappa, Saffiano or cactus leather

When you’re on the go, sometimes the last thing you want is to ruin the flow of the day by making a pit stop at the hotel to change out a bag before dinner. We like the Lo & Sons Waverley for its inventive versatility that adapts to your needs. The minimal leather design has an adjustable strap that can be worn 4 ways: as a hands-free belt bag, a longer crossbody, a casual shoulder bag or an elevated clutch with (or without) a wristlet. The main compartment is large enough for the essentials and the zippered inner pocket keeps smaller items secure no matter where your day—or night—takes you.

Best Belt Bag For Travel

Hands-free storage in a slim profile, lululemon everywhere belt bag 1 l.

Dimensions: 7.5 x 2 x 5 inches | Weight: N/A (not listed) | Materials: Nylon, recycled polyester

Over 22,500 reviewers agree: the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is sleek, lightweight and versatile enough to be worn just about anywhere your travels take you. It has a water-repellant nylon exterior and one main compartment, three mesh interior pockets for added organization and a back zipper for your phone or cards. Its adjustable strap can tighten for comfortable wearing around your waist or it can be extended as a crossbody sling. With a 1L capacity, this bag is definitely on the smaller side, so you might want to consider their larger 2L size if you need more space.

Best Crossbody Bag For Men

Rugged looks for when you're on the go, cotopaxi coso 2l hip pack.

Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 inches | Weight: 10 ounces | Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester

This easy-wearing hip pack from Cotopaxi combines an urban rugged look with smart storage solutions. The recycled nylon exterior is durable with a matte TPU coating, making it water-resistant and easy to clean, while a fleece interior pocket stores your phone or other small devices without any scratch risk. There’s multiple grab handles for easy carrying, secure pockets for smaller items and in addition to the main zippered compartment, the exterior front flap pocket can store a rolled-up lightweight jacket when you get warm on the go. G-hooks on both sides can be adjusted for customized storage and it can be comfortably worn as a crossbody on the front or back, or around the waist as a belt bag.

Best Leather Crossbody Bag For Travel

Three storage sections in a minimal package, quince italian leather triple compartment crossbody.

Dimensions: 7.8 x 9.5 x 3 inches | Weight: 1.54 pounds | Materials: Leather

Quince’s smooth Italian leather crossbody might look simple from the outside, but there’s actually a lot of unexpected storage inside. The bag has three main compartments—two zippered sections flanking one open area that closes with snaps—plus three internal zippered pockets to take your organization a step further. It also comes with two detachable straps that allow for crossbody or wristlet wear. Quince is known for its fair prices and ethical manufacturing process, and if that’s not impressive enough, the brand also offers a generous 365-day return policy.

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The best bassinets to better soothe baby, after testing 10 top models, why trust forbes vetted.

Our team at Forbes Vetted is comprised of seasoned editors, writers and researchers who not only love travel, but love to shop. We approach all of our travel product roundups with a discerning eye, focusing on quality, value and more, taking the time to assess products so you don’t have to. From the best luggage locks to the best carry-on backpacks , we spend countless hours researching, vetting and testing travel products to bring you the best of what’s on the market so you can make smart and informed shopping decisions for that next big trip or cruise . This story was written by contributor Becky Eaton , who regularly writes fashion, accessory and travel product guides for Forbes Vetted.

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I've traveled to 9 out of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes I made along the way.

  • I've traveled solo to nine countries in Southeast Asia.
  • I've made many mistakes, from traveling during monsoon season to forgetting to bring enough cash.
  • Travelers should make sure they plan ahead and research each country's culture.

Insider Today

Over the last two years, my journey as a travel enthusiast and Business Insider's travel reporter in Singapore has brought me to almost every country in Southeast Asia.

In total, there are 10 countries in Southeast Asia , and I've traveled to nine of them — Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei. Myanmar remains the only country in the region I have not visited, and while I am keen to explore it, I have held off on visiting because of the country's ongoing civil war.

I've watched the sun rise in Angkor Wat in Cambodia and cared for elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I've explored the Bornean jungle in Brunei and crawled the Cu Chi Tunnels in southern Vietnam.

But it hasn't always been easy. I've made several mistakes traveling across the region , especially as a solo traveler. Here are five mistakes I made and how to avoid them.

1. Going during monsoon season and not planning for the weather.

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In July, I traveled to Thailand on a reporting trip to cover the budding cannabis industry . There, I was met with heavy rain nearly every day. In Bangkok, I was staying in a hostel in Chakkrawat , a district with narrow, meandering streets, which made it difficult to walk anywhere in the pouring rain.

I didn't plan for the weather, so I didn't have an umbrella or poncho with me and had to rush to get one at the last minute. I also had a packed itinerary with a lot of travel between meetings, which was a hassle in the constant downpour.

Before traveling to Southeast Asia, make sure to avoid two seasons — the monsoon season, which often comes with strong typhoons in countries like the Philippines, and the burning season, where farmers burn land for fertile soil. This is a common occurrence in countries like Laos, Thailand, and the island of Borneo, which is shared between Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

When I traveled to Laos in April last year during the burning season , most of my plans — including a hot air balloon ride — were canceled because of the thick smog. I also didn't have an N95 mask with me, and I ended up with a sore throat.

If you do plan to come during these seasons, make sure to pack accordingly and plan a flexible schedule.

2. Traveling during Ramadan and expecting the same practices everywhere.

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Having grown up in Singapore, I'm familiar with the practices during Ramadan , the holy month for Muslims, where they fast for most of the day. I studied Malay for seven years, and in school, I often fasted with my Muslim classmates and ate only in private.

Still, in many cities in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia , non-Muslims are free to dine in public, so long as they do so respectfully. But on my trip to Brunei in April — at the height of the burning season and in the middle of Ramadan — there were more practices I needed to observe.

Most restaurants were closed, and diners weren't allowed to eat there even if they were open — only take-out was allowed. Eating in public was a major faux pas even for non-Muslims, and if you want to drink some water, you can only do so when nobody is around.

It wasn't easy, especially as Brunei was sweltering at 100 degrees Fahrenheit on some days. I made do by returning to the hotel for lunch and grabbing a big dinner with the locals at the night market after they had broken their fast.

3. Not packing enough modest outfits when visiting temples and mosques.

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Southeast Asia is pretty liberal, and you can wear whatever you want in many places. In popular destinations like Phuket, Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia, lots of tourists walk around in bikini tops and shorts, and locals mostly tolerate it.

But there are certain places you do need to cover up, like places of worship, which include temples and mosques. When I visited Angkor Wat — the famed temple complex in Cambodia — in February last year, I found some tourists being told off by the local tour guides for wearing shorts and tank tops — "Tomb Raider" style.

I've learned to err on the right side of caution and bring a sarong wherever I go. It's an easy way to cover up and make an outfit more modest when you need to.

4. Forgetting to pack medication, especially when I plan to eat street food.

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Southeast Asia has some of the world's most flavorful food. In every country, you can find food that is cheap and delicious, and that includes Singapore , the world's most expensive city. In countries like Malaysia and Vietnam, street food dishes can cost as little as a dollar.

I eat mostly street food when I travel in Southeast Asia, so medicine for tummy-related illnesses is a must. I've only gotten sick twice from eating street food — and it was the same dish both times— and unfortunately, those were the few times I didn't have medicine with me.

I'm a pretty adventurous eater. I've eaten everything from pufferfish stew to frog porridge and dishes made with intestines off the street. I've learned to wash the utensils provided before digging in and make sure the food is cooked to order and heated up before being served.

5. Relying on my card and not bringing enough cash with me.

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In Singapore, I don't really use cash and often use Apple Pay, mobile payments, and cards. But I've found that many stores in other countries in Southeast Asia only accept cash.

For example, on my third trip to Vietnam, I spent an hour trying to make payment via bank transfer after the staff at a luxury perfume shop — which was selling items priced upwards of $200 — informed me at the last minute that they didn't accept card or contactless payment.

I've also found the majority of street vendors in the region only accept mobile payment — which is limited to local banks — or cash. I've learned to change a considerable amount of money before leaving the airport and keep whatever I didn't use for my next trip.

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The 16 coolest clothing stores and boutiques in Moscow

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2 Afimall City

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4 Metropolis

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Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

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Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

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Explore nearby places

  • Likino-Dulevo
  • Ivanteyevka
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  • Semyonovskoye
  • Ivanovskoye
  • Rumyantsevo
  • Dzerzhinsky
  • Sovkhoz Imeni Lenina
  • Dolgoprudny

All related maps of Moscow

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Moscow throughout the year

  • Moscow in January
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  • Moscow in April
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  • Moscow in October
  • Moscow in November
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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Moscow?

Get inspired for your trip to Moscow with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

  • 1-Day Moscow Itinerary
  • 2-Day Moscow Itinerary
  • 3-Day Moscow Itinerary
  • 4-Day Moscow Itinerary
  • 5-Day Moscow Itinerary

Best attractions in nearby cities

  • Top things to do and attractions in Khimki

Best restaurants in nearby cities

  • Where to eat: the best restaurants in Mytishchi
  • Where to eat: the best restaurants in Khimki

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A guide to the very best shopping in Moscow

Sep 17, 2019 • 5 min read

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While shopping in GUM department store be sure to check out its famous glass roof © Popova Valeriya / Shutterstock

Shopping in Moscow can be quite a daunting experience – you can walk for miles without finding anything but mass-market brands and overpriced boutiques. But, if you do it right, it can also be quite fun. Here are our top tips on how to get the most out of your shopping trip in Moscow.

An interior view of a wide open mall, with a domed glass roof above.

Shopping malls 

There are many shopping malls all around Moscow, but there three that double as bona fide tourist attractions: GUM, TsUM and Detsky Mir, all within walking distance from each other. GUM is one of the oldest department stores in the country. It’s famous for the glass roof designed by one of Russia’s most celebrated architects, Vladimir Shukhov.  Today it serves as a high-class shopping mall. There are plenty of luxury shops, a supermarket that sells lots of signature Russian goods and several places to eat. Head to the more expensive  Bosco Cafe with a Kremlin view or, for a budget option, try the Soviet-style cafeteria Stolovaya No 57 . GUM also occasionally hosts contemporary art exhibitions in one of its three main aisles.

The Red Square and beyond: a guide to Moscow’s neighbourhoods

TsUM  is another shopping mall from the pre-revolutionary times. It’s the most luxurious store in the city, famous for its paper bags that many Muscovites carry around or post pictures of on Instagram to let everyone know they shop there. Full of haute couture boutiques, TsUM also has a rooftop restaurant Buro , frequented by Russian celebrities. Tsentralny Detsky Mir  children's store is perfect if you are looking for a gift for a kid or want to check out its awesome viewing platform with good views over central Moscow. At just R50 per ticket it’s a steal. 

A curved ceiling with a glass domed centre; there is a fruit and veg stall to the left and a row of other market stalls to the right

Food stalls and markets 

There are two food markets that are worth checking out in Moscow.  Danilovsky Market  became the trailblazer of Moscow’s foodie revolution when it got an uplift in 2017. As well as many trendy food stalls, the market also hosts lectures, film viewing and even theatre productions, and it recently opened an antiques section. It’s an architectural landmark, a masterpiece of late Soviet modernism that looks like a UFO. Food at  Usachevsky Market  tends to be a bit more pricey and upmarket. Both markets also sell plenty of fresh produce, local cheeses and cured meats.

An outdoor stall selling Russian dolls painted in bright reds and blues, some with recognisable figures on them, such as Donald Trump and Marilyn Monroe

Antiques and flea markets 

Shopping can also be a way to get away from the major landmarks and explore some sights off the beaten path. Moscow’s #1 flea market is  Izmailovsky , located in and around the pseudo-historical complex 'Izmailovsky Kremlin' with its colourful walls and domes. Open daily, it’s best to come here on the weekend to catch better deals. Admittedly tacky, Kremlin has a handful of weird museums like the Vodka History Museum or Baba Yaga Museum (Baba Yaga is a Russian fairy tale character). Part of the market had been gentrified into creative cluster Vernissage , with hipster coffee shops, various workshops and Svalka , an enormous two-floor secondhand shop with everything from used books to vintage clothing.

For high-class antiques, rare books and icons head to Antikvarnaya Lavka (Antique Store) just off Bolshaya Nikitskaya street (5 Kalashny Pereulok). Here you can snag a real masterpiece – a painting or a sculpture – but the prices are quite steep. 

Four great day trips from Moscow

Russian memorabilia including a picture of politicians Brezhnev and Honecker, three small trucks and a bust of Lenin

If you are looking for a more authentic place with less hustle, one option is the antiques market on the premises of vodka distillery Crystal (4 ul Samokatnaya), which you can reach by taking tram 20 to Samokatnaya ul from the exit of metro Chkalovskaya. The market is located in the basement of one of the red-brick factory buildings. There are plenty of antiques, books and various Soviet-time memorabilia, such as Stalin and Lenin busts. While at Crystal, be sure to check out great works of street art – they are all around the factory premises. 

For die-hard antique collectors there’s also a place right outside of Moscow – Novopodrezkovo market (also know as Levsha market). Take a suburban train from Leningradsky station to Novopodrezkovo (approximately half an hour), cross the tracks to the other side and there you’ll find it – a treasure trove of used books, vinyl records, clothing, paintings and antique furniture.   

Where to shop for Russian designs

Gosha Rubchinskiy might be the only Russian clothing designer of world renown, especially after his collaboration with Kanye West, but there are many more up-and-coming fashion stars worth checking out. One of the places to do it is KM20 , the place Moscow fashionistas, with streetwear brands from all over the world and a lot of very rare items. There's also one of the best vegetarian cafes in Moscow on second floor. 

GUM shopping mall has a two-storey store devoted to Russian designers –  Sektsiya (Section). Section sells products made by 50 Russian brands, from accessories to Heart of Moscow souvenir pins. Plus there’s a bar overlooking the Red Square. 

If you are not into high fashion, but still interested in getting a cool outfit with Cyrillic script, check out the creative cluster centred around two abandoned factories: Flakon and Khlebozavod . One of the biggest stores is Zaporozhets Heritage  at Flakon , which sells clothing and accessories styled after various Soviet pop culture icons. The northern part, Khlebozavod, hosts several shops like Yunost  and Khlebny  that take a more punk-rock approach to streetwear. After shopping, have a pint at a great local craft beer bar Svoboda  or a coffee at Floo .        

Sputnik 1985 is a Russian clothing brand specialising in hoodies and hats with quotes in Cyrillic and retro prints. The store is located in a courtyard on Pokrovka street (19 Ulitsa Pokrovka). 

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