The Sisterhood of the Best Travel Pants
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Among a certain set of women, finding the perfect pair of travel pants is a holy grail. They must be comfortable. They must be easy to wash. They must look relatively sharp, and not schlumpy, when you're in an environment where you could bump into anyone from a pro athlete to your work colleagues. Most of all, they must not drag on the floor of the airplane bathroom. It is such a quest that editor Adrienne So has, for years, referred to a spreadsheet known as the real-life Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, in which women from all over the country that she doesn't even know contribute their thoughts on pants that are reliable, comfortable, and usually black.
Adrienne and I have tested dozens of pairs in airports, on road trips, and in random corners of the world. My favorite travel pants stretch while you run to your gate, breathe while you explore a new city, and are stylish enough to wear out to dinner. They need to be cozy enough for long flights, durable enough to withstand unpredictable weather, and versatile enough to go from airport to boardroom. Here's our roundup of the best travel pants for women that don't compromise on style or comfort for functionality.
For more apparel and travel recommendations, check out our shopping guides to the Best Hoodies, Best Leggings, and Best Travel Totes.
Best Overall
I’ve worn the Athleta Venice High-Rise Wide-Leg Pant on long flights, layovers, and sightseeing promenades, and it never lets me down. They’re soft and stretchy, yet still look put-together enough to pass as dress pants if you pair them with an oversized sweater or trench coat. The high-rise, elastic waistband sits comfortably without pinching, and the wide-leg drape gives enough volume to move freely without looking frumpy. They're breathable, dry quickly, and wick away moisture, so I love to wear them through shifting temperatures. The UPF 40+ protection makes them just as reliable outdoors as they are in transit. I especially appreciate the surplus of pockets (two in front, a teeny side zip, and two zippered pockets in back) to stash my phone, lip balm, and whatever else I’m juggling on the way to my gate.
They come in a bunch of colors and three inseams (petite, regular, and tall).
Specs Materials 75% nylon, 25% Lycra Size Range XXS-3X Colors 11 Washing Instructions Machine wash and line dry A More Sporty Pant
These are my favorite travel pants. I wore these for two weeks traveling to Southeast Asia from the United States and for shorter business trips. In the darker black and navy colors, they look more professional and not quite so sporty. The majority cotton blend looks crisp and washes and wears well. The pants still look good after 15 straight hours of flying (and several years), and they dried quickly after I spilled a full cup of apple juice on my lap (thanks, kids).
The drawcord means that it's easy to adjust the fit if you're suffering from airplane bloating or traveler's diarrhea. Also, there are a ton of pockets, and they all either snap or zip closed, which means your phone or earbuds won't fall out when you've fallen asleep while watching Leap Year for the 400th time. They also come in a men's version. —Adrienne So
Specs Materials 70% cotton, 26% nylon, 4% elastane Size Range 24-34 Colors 5 Washing Instructions Machine wash and line dry
Cargo Pants
These knit cargo pants are the most comfortable pair of sweatpants I own. Very few joggers also look this luxe, which makes sense given the price. The cargo silhouette is practical because of its pockets, but the whole aesthetic screams cool-girl-who-just-got-back-from-Aspen. Super heavyweight, these are only suitable for cold weather and seasons. I love pairing them with the matching Scholar Hooded Sweater for the ultimate travel outfit.
Unfortunately, the ribbed knit is delicate and can easily snag or rip, so if you’re not careful with maintenance, these pants might not last long. Sizing is a bit strange, so if you want a tighter fit, go a size smaller; I sized up for extra length and a looser fit.
Specs Materials 90% Cotton, 9% nylon, 1% elastane Size Range XXS-L (00-14) Colors 4 Washing Instructions Machine wash and tumble dry low An Organic Option
I hate wearing synthetic fibers when I'm traveling. (Merino wool FTW!) Lycra and elastane just don't breathe as well, although cotton and wool do take longer to dry, don't retain their shape as well, and require a little more care. If you, too, prefer a natural option, I love these incredibly soft, almost completely organic cotton pants from Prana. The pants have hand pockets and back pockets; I wear these on long road trips, and they're durable enough to stand up to camping. They do wrinkle very easily, and because they're almost completely cotton, you can't wash them in hot water or tumble dry them on high or they'll shrink. —Adrienne So
Specs Materials 98% organic cotton, 2% Lycra Size Range 0-14 Colors 2 Washing Instructions Machine wash on cold, hang to dry
Leggings (With Pockets)
Comfort is a given with Vuori’s Daily Pocket Leggings. The adjustable drawstring waistband comes in handy after hours of sitting and traveling. Vuori’s fabric stretches in every direction and wicks away moisture, making it just as supportive for travel days as it is for workouts. The high-rise fit and cuffed ⅞-length ankles create a polished look that’s easy to dress up or down on the go. Of course, there are side pockets, which are a must when you're traveling. They do pick up pet hair and lint, but that’s a minor inconvenience for such a versatile pair of leggings.
Check out our guide to the Best Leggings for more recommendations.
Specs Materials 72% polyester, 28% elastane Size Range XXS-XXL Colors 2 Washing Instructions Machine wash, tumble dry low, turn garment inside out Business Trip Trousers
Aritzia’s Effortless Pant ran these streets two years ago, and its timeless design is a fabulous addition to any capsule wardrobe. They’re perfect for going straight from the plane to the boardroom. Their clean tailoring—darted back for subtle shaping—back welt pockets, belt loops, and a zip fly with a hook-and-bar closure keep you looking stylish without sacrificing ease. They also transition well for more casual days when you want to feel comfy but not sloppy. I recommend sizing up if you want a loose fit. It’s available in a range of colors, including limited seasonal shades, and styles, including low rise, cropped, and curve.
Specs Materials 100% polyester Size Range 00-16 Colors 18 Washing Instructions Machine wash
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Yoga Pants
I've owned Fabletics Oasis PureLuxe High-Waisted Crossover Flare for four years, and only now are they starting to show some pilling. I'm a sucker for a crossover waistband and flare silhouette, which gives them such a flattering edge. The polyester-spandex blend offers four-way stretch, UPF protection, and wicks away moisture. Pockets are a must, and these are designed with two roomy side ones. They come in a range of colors that sell out fast, but I would keep an eye out as restocks happen regularly.
Specs Materials 82% polyester, 18% spandex Size Range XXS-4X Colors 5+ Washing Instructions Machine wash
Compare Top 7 Travel Pants
| Product | Materials | Size Range | Colors | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athleta Venice High Rise Wide Leg Pant | 75% nylon, 25% Lycra | XXS-3X | 11 | $109 |
| Roark Layover Pants | 70% cotton, 26% nylon, 4% elastane | 24-34 | 5 | $95 |
| Alo Yoga Scholar Knit High-Waist Cargo Pant | 90% cotton, 9% nylon, 1% elastane | XXS-L (00-14) | 4 | $218 |
| Prana Sancho Boyfriend Pant | 98% organic cotton, 2% Lycra | 0-14 | 2 | $95 |
| Vuori Daily Pocket Legging | 72% polyester, 28% elastane | XXS-XXL | 2 | $98 |
| Aritzia The Effortless Pant - Crepette | 100% polyester | 00-16 | 18 | $148 |
| Fabletics Oasis PureLuxe High-Waisted Crossover Flare | 82% polyester, 18% spandex | XXS-4X | $95 |
How We Test Travel Pants
Each pair of travel pants is tested for at least two weeks on flights, commutes, and long travel days, so we can evaluate how they perform in real-world conditions. Here are some features we take into consideration:
| Test Criteria | How We Test | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | We wear for hours on flights and travel, evaluating waistband comfort, stretch, and overall fit. | Travel pants should stay comfortable through long days. |
| Functionality | We load pockets with small essentials and test for secure closures. | Zip pockets keep essentials accessible and secure. |
| Fabric Performance | We evaluate breathability, water resistance, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying claims in different environments. | Fabric should be able to handle airports, humidity, and unpredictable weather. |
| Durability | We wash each pair several times, checking for shrinkage, pilling, and fading. | Travel pants should endure repeated wear and laundering without degrading. |
| Versatility | How well they dress up or down and their ability to transition from plane to meeting or dinner. We also evaluate packability and wrinkle resistance in luggage. | Travel pants should fit into a realistic travel wardrobe. |
| Size Range | Try multiple sizes, inseams, and cuts when possible; review size range across brands. | Most (if not all) recommendations should work for a range of body types. |
What Are We Testing Next?
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