12 Travel Pants for an Effortlessly Comfortable Long Flight
Daniel Cobb
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Best Stretchy Travel Pants
High Sport Kick Pants
Best Stretchy Travel Pants
High Sport Kick Pants
Pros
- Soft, stretchy material
Cons
- Cropped silhouette might make for chilly ankles
These buzzy pants are a favorite among editors and fashion insiders because they look dressy but are surprisingly comfortable when you have them on. That’s a win-win in my book.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 68% cotton, 32% Lycra
Colors: Blue, navy
Best Linen Pants
Everlane Linen Pants
Best Linen Pants
Everlane Linen Pants
Pros
- Lighweight, breathable
Cons
- May be chilly on long, cold flights
When arriving at a tropical destination, the worst feeling is the humidity and heat hitting you while you’re still dressed for the chilly plane. These linen pants bridge the gap nicely.
Sizes: XXS–XXL
Materials: 100% European flax linen
Colors: Bone, sage, black
What reviewers say: “The drape of the fabric is fabulous - not to light, not to thick. The cut and tailoring fit perfectly for my curves. The color is a great basic. Well done Everlane!”
Best Sweats for Travel
Sporty & Rich Syracuse Sweatpants
Best Sweats for Travel
Sporty & Rich Syracuse Sweatpants
Pros
- Soft, comfy
Cons
- Not the most polished option
These days, I’d guess that 50 percent of passengers on my flights are wearing some form of cotton sweats. Sporty & Rich’s take are my favorite, since they’re relaxed, but not schlubby.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: Brown
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Best Jeans for Travel
Amo Sandra Baggy Jeans
Best Jeans for Travel
Amo Sandra Baggy Jeans
Pros
- Relaxed silhouette won’t feel constricting
Cons
- Not as soft or stretchy as other options
I have friends who hate soft pants and will fly only in jeans. If that’s the case for you, at least opt for a style that’s roomy and relaxed.
Sizes: 23–32
Materials: 100% cotton
Colors: Blue
Best Leggings for Travel
Lululemon Align Super-High-Rise Tights
Best Leggings for Travel
Lululemon Align Super-High-Rise Tights
Pros
- Comfy barely-there feel for long flights
Cons
- Not for those who prefer a loose fit
For long-haul flights, I often choose a pair of super-soft leggings. The waistband doesn’t cut in, and seams don’t rub when I’m stuck sitting for hours on end.
Sizes: 0–20
Materials: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra
Colors: Black, navy, coal, olive, espresso
What reviewers say: “I absolutely love how comfortable these are. They are so high waisted that they touch my ribcage, but I love it! I am only 5'5" so it makes sense.”
Best Cashmere Pants for Travel
Tory Sport Cashmere Joggers
Best Cashmere Pants for Travel
Tory Sport Cashmere Joggers
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Like wearing a blanket on your legs
Cons
- If you run hot, they may be too warm.
Planes can run chilly, and as someone who is constantly freezing, I try to prepare by wearing warm knits from head to toe. These cashmere pants would protect me from the pumping AC.
Sizes: XXS–XL
Materials: 100% cashmere
Colors: Gray, blue, natural
What reviewers say: “Fair to good quality cashmere (thickness). True to size. Very warm & soft.”
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Best Travel Pants for an Overnight
Asceno Aurelia Pants
Best Travel Pants for an Overnight
Asceno Aurelia Pants
Pros
- No need to change into pajamas
Cons
- Can wrinkle
When a red-eye is the only option, why not wear pants that basically feel like you’re wearing pajamas? You’ll be as comfy as you can be—eye mask on, plane blanket tucked in.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 100% silk
Colors: Blue
Best Pants for Work Flights
Argent Jones Trousers
Best Pants for Work Flights
Argent Jones Trousers
Pros
- Professional yet comfortable
Cons
- May be constricting on longer flights
If you travel frequently for work, you might need to head straight to a meeting from the airport. These pants are comfy, but will help you pull off a professional vibe when you land.
Sizes: 0–14
Materials: 98% wool, 2% elastane
Colors: Blue, fuchsia, black
What reviewers say: “A direct quote from my husband, ‘Makes you look like you're all legs.’ I love, love, love this suit and am having a hard time not buying it in all the colors.”
Best Soft Pants for Travel
Bode Quincy Stripe Joggers
Best Soft Pants for Travel
Bode Quincy Stripe Joggers
Pros
- Soft, fluid material that looks and feels luxe
Cons
- The thinner fabric may be too cool.
Bode’s soft, swingy pants are a fashionable way to feel comfy on a flight. There’s also a matching polo top if you want to complete the look.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 65% linen, 35% viscose
Colors: Red, white
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Best Travel Pants With Pockets
Nike ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pants
Best Travel Pants With Pockets
Nike ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pants
Pros
- No need for a carry-on
Cons
- Not as soft as other options
For the traveler who prefers to fly light, these cargo pants will hold your phone, Kindle, passport, and gaggle of headphones, no bag necessary.
Sizes: XS–XXL
Materials: 96% nylon, 4% spandex
Colors: Black, navy
Best Plane-to-Party Pants
The Frankie Shop Bonnie Croc-Effect Faux-Leather Straight-Leg Pants
Best Plane-to-Party Pants
The Frankie Shop Bonnie Croc-Effect Faux-Leather Straight-Leg Pants
Pros
- Stylish, for post-plane activities
Cons
- Not comfy enough for longer flights
L.A. to Vegas is only an hour-long flight. If you’re planning a quick trip for a friend’s birthday, these pants are a pair you can wear straight from the plane to a fancy dinner.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 50% polyurethane, 25% polyester, 25% cotton
Colors: Brown
Best Silky Pants for Travel
Vince High-Rise Satin Pants
Best Silky Pants for Travel
Vince High-Rise Satin Pants
Pros
- Relaxed fit with comfy waistband
Cons
- Made from polyester, not silk
Stretchy, loose, and lightweight, these pants will keep you comfy even if you’re squeezed into an economy middle seat.
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: 73% recycled polyester, 27% polyester
Colors: Beige
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