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Move Over, Sweats—These Are the Travel Pants We’re Wearing on All of Our Trips

Your airport outfit just got a serious style (and comfort) upgrade.

By
VerifiedExpert consulted: Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
best travel pants women

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There’s nothing more exciting than planning your next trip, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for comfort while traveling (despite cramped airplane seats and days full of walking while sightseeing). Travel pants should be breathable and flexible for flights and transportation, resist wrinkles in an overstuffed carry-on, and look polished for whenever you want to snap a quick photo. Luckily, Emma Seymour, associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, and Good Housekeeping consumer testers have worn and tried several pants while traveling to find the best ones that fit the bill.

Our Top Picks

We narrowed down our top picks to just six travel pants, all of which were chosen with jam-packed itineraries in mind. Forget the worn-out sweatpants: we found some trendy sweatpants that look like jeans and even tailored yet flowy trousers with pockets.

Best Travel Pants for Long Flights

Rag & Bone Miramar Wide-Leg Pants

Miramar Wide-Leg Pants
Best Travel Pants for Long Flights

Rag & Bone Miramar Wide-Leg Pants

Pros

  • Offers both style and comfort for long-haul flights
  • Has pockets
  • Made from 100% cotton

Cons

  • Inseam is only available in 31.5"; may not be ideal for petites

Rag & Bone's viral Miramar Wide-Leg Pants look exactly like a pair of loose, vintage jeans, but they're not. The denim pattern, along with the zip fly, belt loops, rivets, and pockets, are digitally printed onto the terry fabric. But don't worry, the pants have two side seam pockets for stowing the essentials. They have a pull-on elastic waistband and a mid-rise fit.

Seymour says: "Multiple GH analysts swear by these comfy yet chic pants for long flights. They looks like jeans, but fit like sweatpants. They are made with 100% cotton and feature a stretchy, comfy waistband. I have worn these on dozens of flights and I love that they feel like sweatpants, but have a more elevated look that I feel comfortable wearing outside the airport."

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Features at a Glance

Material100% cotton
SizesXXS-XL
Inseam/LengthNone
Colors3
Best Travel Pants With Pockets

Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Active Wide Pants

Ultra Stretch Active Wide Pants

Pros

  • Inner drawstring for waist adjustment
  • Fabric has a UPF50+ rating for sun protection
  • Has pockets

Cons

  • Some reviewers noted that the fabric isn't as soft as they thought it would be

Uniqlo's Ultra Stretch Active Wide Pants were made for everyday activities—they feature a stretchy nylon blend fabric that's breathable and lightweight. Although these pants have a relaxed, wide leg silhouette, they have a pleated design that gives them a polished look when you need to dress them up.

An online shopper says: "These pants are very versatile. They can be worn very casually with kicks or flip-flops or dressed up with a flat. While all colors offered are rich in tone, I purchased the black to be a super neutral travel pant."

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Features at a Glance

Material77% nylon, 23% spandex
SizesXXS-XXL
Inseam/LengthNone
Colors4
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Best Travel Pants for Petite Women

Athleta Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant

Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant
Best Travel Pants for Petite Women

Athleta Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant

Now 40% Off

Pros

  • Available in tall and petite sizing
  • Wrinkle-resistant design
  • Offers a more slim-fitted look

Cons

  • Some reviewers claimed that the material is too thin

If you prefer a slim-fitted pant, Athleta's Brooklyn Mid Rise Ankle Pant has a jogger-style silhouette with a wrinkle resistant, stretchy fabric. Its tapered silhouette and a mid-rise waist makes this pant a flattering style for shorter women. It also features side panels and a rib knit waistband that helps with mobility.

Seymour says: "Athleta is perfect destination for an on-the-go pant. The synthetic material resists wrinkling and the wide waistband is both flattering and non-constricting. I wore this pair on a trip to California and loved how easy they were to wear on both outdoor adventures and city exploring. "

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Features at a Glance

Material86% recycled polyester and 14% elastane
Sizes00-26
Inseam/LengthRegular, petite, tall
Colors8
Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant

Pros

  • Clean trouser that can be styled in many ways
  • Elastic, high-rise waistband
  • Available in a wide range of sizes and lengths

Cons

  • Tester notes that the fabric isn't the softest and attracts lint

Ranked as one of our favorite wide leg trousers, these Abercrombie & Fitch pants are a versatile option that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. It has an ultra high-wise waistband that's elasticated for comfort and flexibility. We especially appreciate the brand's Curve Love line that offers an extra two inches through the hip and thighs to accommodate a wide range of body types.

A GH consumer tester says: "These pants were really empowering; they fit instantly and they allow me to sit and stand without feeling constricted."

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Features at a Glance

Material80% polyester, 16% viscose, 4% elastane
Sizes23-38
Inseam/LengthShort, regular, long
Colors11
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Best Lightweight Travel Pants for Women

Spanx Wide Leg Pant

Wide Leg Pant
Best Lightweight Travel Pants for Women

Spanx Wide Leg Pant

$118SpanxAlso Consider

Pros

  • Lightweight, breathable feel
  • Stretchy fabric with a flexible drawstring waistband
  • Look put-together while feeling like you're wearing sweats

Cons

  • Some reviewers noted that these can run long

Spanx's Wide Leg Pant is another style that's a favorite among multiple GH analysts for its lightweight and breathable feel. With a drawstring elastic waistband and mid-rise, relaxed fit, these pants feel as comfortable as sweats but look far more polished. The soft fabric drapes smoothly on the body for a flattering, put-together look.

Seymour says: "The lightweight fabric feels cozy, but is super breathable to prevent overheating on flights. The material is substantial and stretchy for a comfortable fit that also looks more elevated than traditional sweatpants."

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Features at a Glance

Material47% lenzing modal, 46% polyester, 7% elastane
SizesXXS-3X
Inseam/LengthRegular, Petite, Tall
Colors10
Best Casual Travel Pants for Women

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant

Align High-Rise Pant
Best Casual Travel Pants for Women

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant

Pros

  • Buttery smooth fabric
  • Comfortable waistline that doesn't dig in
  • Versatile wear for activities or lounging

Cons

  • Some pilling occurs after extensive use, per our testing

Lululemon's bestselling Align Pants are a tried and true style ideal for all types of travel, whether you're enduring a 10-hour flight or need something versatile for outdoor adventures. While they excel in comfort and mobility, these are a bit difficult to dress up and are best for more casual outings. Ranked as our best leggings, our editors and testers love the lightweight, buttery smooth fabric.

Seymour says: "Align leggings are rated as our best overall legging because of their super soft material, second-skin like fit, and wide flattering waistband that doesn't dig in, according to testers. These leggings are a reliable option to wear on all types of travel—whether for warm or cold destinations."

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Features at a Glance

Material81% nylon, 19% lycra elastane
Sizes0-12
Inseam/Length25", 28", 31"
Colors14
Headshot of Emma Seymour
Expert consulted:Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director

Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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