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.

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Person wearing the Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Jogger Full Length

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.

Lululemon Stretch High-rise Jogger Full Length

lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
Why We Love It
  • The waistband is stretchy and the material is exceptionally soft.

What to Consider
  • 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

Libin Women's Cargo Joggers

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Design
    4/5
Why We Love It
  • There are tons of pockets to place items like a phone, passport, or keys. 

What to Consider
  • 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 

Best Wrinkle-resistant

Everlane Pant

Everlane The Dream Pant

Everlane

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
Why We Love It
  • The wrinkle-resistant fabric can withstand being packed in a suitcase for long periods of time. 

What to Consider
  • 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 

Why We Love It
  • The pants look professional and sleek but are soft and cozy like sweatpants.

What to Consider
  • 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

Why We Love It
  • These jeggings are the perfect combination of comfortable and stylish.

What to Consider
  • 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

Frank & Eileen Murphy Billion Dollar Pant

Frank & Eileen

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • The high-quality materials and effortlessly stylish design of these pants make them well worth the higher price point. 

What to Consider
  • 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

Best Sustainable

Wayre Jetsetter Trouser

Wayre Jetsetter Trouser

Wayre

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
Why We Love It
  • These wide-leg pants are made entirely of recycled plastic water bottles. 

What to Consider
  • 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

Best Lightweight

Everlane The Easy Pant

Everlane The Easy Pant

Everlane

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • The cotton and twill fabric is breathable and airy without feeling thin or flimsy. 

What to Consider
  • 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

lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets

lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • The material is stretchy enough for all-day comfort without feeling restrictive.

What to Consider
  • 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

Abercrombie & Fitch YPB StudioSoft 7/8 Length Leggings

Abercrombie & Fitch

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • They boast the same quality as Lululemon leggings but cost less. 

What to Consider
  • 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

Person wearing Abercrombie & Fitch YPB StudioSoft 7/8 Length Leggings

Travel + Leisure / Sophia DeVito

Cozy Earth Women's Modern Modal Wide Leg Pant

Cozy Earth 

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Design
    4/5
Why We Love It
  • The fabric is cozy and silky-smooth which is ideal for long-haul flights.

What to Consider
  • 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

Quince 100% European Linen Pants

Quince

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • They fit true to size and hug the body without feeling too clingy.

What to Consider
  • 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.

Our Testing Process

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the comfiest style of pants?

    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. 

  • What are travel pants made of?

    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. 

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Edited by
Sophie Mendel
Editor Sophie Mendel at a restaurant
Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter.
Updated by
Taylor Fox
Taylor Fox, Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure
Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.
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