The best travel pants for women

There's a lot of down time between the actual motion of travel, and it goes by a lot slower if I'm not comfortable in my outfit. The best travel pants for women need to be soft, stretchy, and flexible so you can sit for hours in whatever tangled-leg position feels right. That said, you should avoid anything too cozy in case you're stuck in an idle plane with a broken AC (yes, it happened to me once, and I shall never forget it).

To find breezy options you can wear right out of a packed suitcase, we tested 20 pairs to see which resist wrinkles and add virtually no weight on a luggage scale. The pairs below are what we actually wear in order to nail the perfectly laid-back-yet-chic airport outfit. I'm styling them with some strappy sandals and a silk tank this summer, but they pair just as easily with comfy sneakers and a protective hat.

Check out our guides to the best travel jackets and travel purses to pack ahead of your trip.

Best overall travel pants for women: M.M. LaFleur Colby Travel Pant

We elected the Colby Travel Pants as our best overall pick because they're low maintenance, effortlessly chic, and will work hard while you're on the road. With their stretchy waistband and deep swishy pockets, it hardly feels like I'm wearing suit pants. The lightweight fabric drapes crisply, yet remains soft and breathable on the skin after multiple washes.

These will hardly wrinkle, even after being stuffed unceremoniously to the bottom of a travel tote. When you're on a trip with a packed itinerary that leaves you no time to iron, these are the pants to wear. M.M. LaFleur is one of our favorite sources for splurge-worthy office staples, and the Colby Travel Pantsare precisely why. They're made with a remarkably silky and light polyester blend that holds its shape and doesn't crease while crammed in a carry-on.

We know: "polyester" and "luxury workwear" may not sound like they go together. But trust me, these are worth it. After all, not all polyester is created equal — the scratchy, suffocating polyester you'll find at the mall is another thing entirely compared to M.M. LaFleur's 'Origami Tech,' which is soft, smooth, and machine washable. Nothing else I've touched — not even the crepe Aritzia Effortless Pant — can approach the Origami Tech's silk-like texture.

They're so flexible I can sit in them for hours in bizarre cross-legged positions. The sleek, tapered legs allows for smooth movement while I navigated a busy train platform. On my 5-foot-9 frame they're cropped, which I like because it means they won't drag on the floor as I move through crowded public transit stations. They fit full-length on our 5-foot-2 executive editor Sally Kaplan.

The secretly stretchy waistband is bloat-friendly. It's tucked in the rear while the front features a pintuck detail, making them unmistakably polished. I was especially grateful for this feature when I was seated for hours on a train and had to go straight to dinner after. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews

A clever denim dupe: Rag & Bone Miramar Wide-Leg Pants

"I get compliments on my 'sweans' wherever I go," writes senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase. They're some of the best not-so-secret style solutions we've witnessed from the past few years. Real jeans are often too bulky and stiff for travel, but these faux denim terry cotton pants are a worthy replacement. They roll up neatly and look cool with a simple tee and sneakers.

The "denim" looks surprisingly real. When I wore the jogger version of these pants, I fooled my husband who believed I was wearing traditional denim — until I had him feel the soft sweatpant fabric and elastic waistband. "I too was amazed at how real they looked — right down to the faux fly and lightly distressed denim details," adds Gabrielle.

They flatter a variety of body shapes. "I'm 5-foot-9 and when pulled all the way up around my waist, the inseam reaches a bit past my ankles in flats, so I'd definitely recommend these jeans for tall women. Thankfully, because the waistband is so stretchy, I have the option to sling them low and let the hems puddle around my ankles," writes Gabrielle.

"I love the look of a wide-leg jean but have also sworn off hard pants, so these are my dream come true!" writes Sally Kaplan, executive editor. "I'm short and curvy, so I knew these would be a little long on me, but I don't even care. I just safety pin them at the back of the hem to keep them from catching under my heels, and no one is the wiser. Since my first pair arrived, I've already ordered a second."

The fabric is lightweight yet substantial. "The stretchy terry cloth sweatpant air dries quickly, as it's more breathable than fleece sweats," Gabrielle notes. I found the pants were even wearable in New Jersey's July heat. They accompanied me on a six-hour road trip, keeping me snug during the long drive but looking pulled together when we stopped for a mid-way lunch.

Read more in our full Rag & Bone Sweatpant Jeans review.

Best for hot weather: AE Stretch Low-Rise Linen-Blend Pull-On Pant

Our favorite linen pants for summer travel are perfect for stuffy cars and hot weather destinations. This affordable pair comes with anadjustable elastic waistband, with side pockets and back pockets for convenience. Plus, they're made with a stretchy, machine- washable fabric blend that gives off a coastal-chic elegance.

The touch of elastic helps them hold their shape better than pure linen. We've all been there: You do one final fit check in the mirror, step into your car, and those linen pants that looked so polished mere seconds ago are already wrinkled. Because linen is made from stiff flax fibers with virtually no elasticity, it doesn't snap back into shape easily. One way around this is to blend linen with other fabrics, which is what American Eagle cleverly did with these Stretch Low-Rise Linen-Blend Pull-On Pants.

The addition of cotton, rayon, and elastane not only makes the pants feel super soft but also helps keep them relatively wrinkle-free. That makes them an ideal piece to pack in your suitcase. And because they feature a touch of stretch and a drawstring waistband, they're comfy enough to wear even for long-haul flights — but you also won't have to worry about looking sloppy when you arrive at your final destination.

As a general rule, I avoid low-rise pants like the plague (hey, I'm a millennial and I barely survived the early 2000s unscathed). However, I have to say these pants pleasantly surprised me. They only come in one inseam length, but still offer a reasonable amount of coverage. Thanks to the adjustable waistband, I never had any sagging or slipping. — Rebecca Strong, style contributor, Insider Reviews

A tapered ankle-length fit: Cozy Earth Always Cropped Pant

Cozy Earth makes my all-time favorite pajamas, so I was excited to try the brand's daywear. I tested the Always Cropped Pant and found it aptly monikered, thanks to its versatility.

They're easy to dress up or down. I wore these elastic-waist pants with sandals and a t-shirt for a day of running errands. The nylon-spandex blend fabric was about as comfy as yoga pants, but looked more put-together. In the evening, I switched into heels and a blouse for a dinner date. I was impressed with how polished the pants looked, especially since they were forgiving after a pasta dinner. The faux fly helps give a more flattering look, too.

They're not too hot in the summer. Thanks to the cropped silhouette and lightweight, stretchy fabric, these pants kept me plenty cool in 80-degree weather.

They don't wrinkle despite hours of wear. I love that I could wear these for long travel days since they're comfortable, stretchy and don't wrinkle. They're equally great for packing, though. They fold up nicely and are compact.

Though the website says these run true to size, I found they run a touch small, though it wasn't too bothersome for me. I'm 5-foot-7 and they hit me right above the ankle — shorter people might find they fit more like long pants.

Best high-waisted: Athleta Endless High Rise Pant

Athleta's Endless High Rise Pants earned high marks when I tested the most comfortable work pants, but the buttery-soft semi-fitted bottoms are also well suited for travel. For a cozy matching ensemble to wear on your journey, Athleta also make some of the best sweatsuits I've tested.

They're the most versatile pants I own. Comfortable as loungewear, elegant enough for the office, and stretchy and lightweight for workouts, these pants can truly do it all. I've worn them with sneakers and a t-shirt for a light hike but also paired them with heels and a sweater for an evening out. The comfy, wide elastic waistband is always flattering, and the faux zipper makes these pants look dressier than they feel.

They barely wrinkle in a suitcase. I've packed these bottoms for multiple trips and have appreciated not needing to whip out the hotel ironing board when I pull these from my suitcase. The recycled polyester-Spandex fabric stretches and naturally releases wrinkles.

There are so many size and color options. Right now, the Endless High Rise Pants are available in seven colors, but Athleta is constantly adding new hues into the mix. There's also a cargo version, which has two functional cargo pockets along with the same zip pockets as the OG version. Both the cargo and the regular come in petite, regular, and tall lengths.

Best for work trips: Aritzia The Effortless Pant

I've long been on the hunt for the perfect pair of loose trousers, and I've finally found them. Aritzia's wrinkle-proof Effortless Pants check all boxes: comfort, style, versatility, and sophistication.

When you compare the whole collection, we like the Crepette and (Re)ssential light versions best. They both drape nicely, are appropriate for year-round wear, and don't wrinkle much. The CruiseLinen feels nice in the heat, but required a good ironing after being packed away.

The Japanese crepe fabric is wrinkle-proof. The Essential Pants come in a variety of fabric options, but the Japanese crepe is ideal for travel thanks to its subtle texture, breezy drape, and ability to resist wrinkles. I sat in these pants for over eight hours, and they looked just as polished at the end of the day as they did the beginning.

Despite not having a super stretchy fabric, they're unbelievably comfortable. As far as pants without elastic waistbands and super stretchy fabrics go, these are the most comfortable ones I've ever had on my body. The lightweight fabric with a wide-leg silhouette gently drapes like a luxe but not flimsy pair of pajamas. The hook-and-bar closure waistband fits snugly without digging in. I could easily wear these on a long flight without issue.

They come in various lengths and a curve fit. Initially, I sampled the non-curve silhouette and didn't find it flattering on my pear-shaped figure. I then tested the curve version, which has an additional 2 inches in the low hip and 1.5 inches in the thigh, and those fit me perfectly. The only downside to the curve version is that there are fewer colors and only one length option available (Aritzia, please make more!). The original version comes in 22 colors and has four length options, with the Regular inseam just hitting the floor on my 5-foot-7 frame.

Read more in our full Aritzia Effortless Pant review.

Budget-friendly and super stretchy: HalaraFlex Wide Leg Micro Waffle Work Pants

These affordable wide-leg slip-ons are like pajama pants you can wear to work, thanks to their plicated tailoring. They'd be perfect for long plane rides since they're cozy enough to snooze in.

After hours of wear, they didn't wrinkle at all. Crafted from Lycra, these Halara pants have a fine waffle knit that's designed to resist wrinkles. I wore these all day both sitting and standing and they didn't get a single wrinkle. They packed nicely, and once unfolded they were still crease-free.

The fabric is stretchy and breathable. According to the brand, the material absorbs sweat and you can even work out in it. There are functional side pockets, too. Unfortunately, there's only regular and long inseams available — I'm 5-foot-7 and the regular length grazed the floor when I go barefoot.

You can comfortably fly in these pants. Thanks to the stretchy fabric and elastic waistband, these pants are definitely comfortable enough to be worn on long plane rides. Then, you can rewear them as part of a casual or dressy outfit during your trip, saving you precious luggage space.

Best for long flights: Cozy Earth Brushed Bamboo Joggers

The value of these comfy travel jogger pants is that they also come as a matching set. Together they're priced competitively against popular sweatsuits we've tested. However, the Brushed Bamboo Joggers stand in their own right as some of the softest lounge pants to wear on long journeys.

For long-haul journeys and redeye flights, I prioritize comfort and softness above all else. But when I don't want to arrive looking totally disheveled after hours crammed into tight quarters or a sleepless night, I reach for this two-piece Cozy Earth set. They're extremely soft and have substantial weight to them.

Made from a buttery-soft blend of brushed bamboo, acrylic, and Spandex, it's ultra comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I've yet to see a single crease since I started wearing it several months ago. I own the navy color, though it also comes in black, charcoal, or olive. The pullover top and slim-fitting joggers look far nicer than standard sweatpants, and I feel like I'm wearing pajamas without looking the part. — Emily Hochberg, style contributor, Insider Reviews

Best joggers: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Commuter Jogger

Meet the perfect pants for plane travel. The best part of these ultra-comfy Beyond Yoga joggers is that they can be repurposed and dressed up during your trip. They're a bit different than the Cozy Earth joggers in that they're more like a swishy nylon than a soft brushed bamboo. This makes them better for hikes and adventures long after you've deplaned.

The comfy fabric is perfectly warm, but not overly insulating. Plane cabins can get chilly, so I always travel in a pair of comfy pants that'll also keep me warm. That said, you don't want to go overboard on the warmth in case you're stuck idling on the tarmac and the plane's AC is broken (yes, this has happened to me, and it was brutal). These buttery soft joggers with four-way stretch are the perfect mid-weight.

They're durable enough for outdoor activities. The pants are made from a moisture-wicking fabric, so feel free to work out in them. They also offer UV protection for your outdoor adventures.

They can be dressed up, too. Versatile pieces allow you to travel lighter. I paired these slim-fit joggers with a sweater and a pair of heeled boots and wore them out to dinner. They looked plenty cute, and I appreciated the elastic waistband after finishing my meal.

Sharp yet buttery-soft: Carbon28 Split Bootcut Legging

Black flare leggings are some of the best pants for travel because they're both flexible and sporty-chic. This svelte pair by Carbon38 ups the style factor with a split flared bootcut hem.

How they compare: Against Aritzia's wide-leg Effortless Pants or Halara stretchy work pants, they accomplish a different look entirely: a sleek, leg-lengthening fit that contrasts nicely with an oversized tee or wide-shoulder blazer.

They're compact for packing. Dressy leggings are great for packing since you can fold them down a lot and they don't take up much space in a suitcase.

They transition from day to night. I wore these during the daytime with sneakers and an oversized sweater. For dinner and drinks, I threw on a blazer, changed into pumps, and swiped on a red lip. The pants looked polished in both scenarios.

The high waist is flattering and comfortable. I love the high-waisted cut on these pants, which was tummy-smoothing and figure-flattering. It also helps elongate the look of your legs. The light support was comfortable but not compressing, which is better for travel and long hours spent sitting.

The fabric is moisture-wicking. Even though they look elegant enough to wear out, I love that these versatile leggings still have everything you'd want in workout pants. I recently wore them to a workout class and they didn't budge through squats and kicks. My one caution is for pet owners: These attracted a lot of fur from my cat. Now I know to use a small lint roller before I wear these out.

How we tested to find the best travel pants

To find the best travel pants for women, our team tested 20 pairs from popular brands like Athleta, Lululemon, Everlane, and Aritzia. We focused on the features that you can feel when you're traveling. Beyond how I want to look in vacation photos, the best travel pants have to perform over long days in transit.

Each pair was evaluated based on the following:

• All-day comfort: We wore each pair for at least six hours, often while sitting for extended periods to mimic long flights or road trips. We also washed and dried each pair according to the brand's instructions to make sure they held their shape, softness, and overall quality after repeated wear.
• Wrinkle resistance: A non-negotiable with travel pants is that they're actually wrinkle-proof, because realistically, there won't be a garment steamer in every hotel room. We packed each pair in a suitcase, then unpacked and wore them to see how well they resisted creasing.
• Packability: We considered how easily the pants folded or rolled, and how much space they took up in a carry-on. Airy pairs made from crepe or nylon blends helped us lighten our luggage weights at the airport.
• Versatility: I styled each pair for multiple scenarios — from casual travel days to more polished outfits for dinners or business trips. The Colby Travel Pants were the favorites because they even out an off-duty look, but later when you throw on a blazer, they look instantly dapper.
• Breathability and temperature control: We paid attention to how each fabric performed in warm weather and whether it felt too heavy or restrictive. Airplane cabins can get stuffy or drafty, so the best travel pants for women have to wick moisture and not cling to sweat.
• Fit and sizing: I noted how each pair fit on different body types, including feedback from other editors on our team. The best travel pants for tall and petite sizes is Aritzia's Effortless Pants for their multiple inseam options. Overall, the most important aspect for getting the best fit is a stretchy waistband, which allowed us to pull up pants up or sling them low around our hips.

Learn more about how the Reviews team tests clothing at BI.

Other travel pants we tested

Alo Yoga Muse Sweatpant: These are definitely a contender among the best joggers, according to travel writer Maria Yagoda. However, the slouchiness makes them feel a bit too heavy and casual for anything else besides long flights. We must also strongly urge Alo to make pants in a more inclusive range for petite, plus, and tall sizes.

The Everlane Dream Pant: These were our former best overall pick until they were phased out by the brand. The pintucked double-knit fabric has a flat finish, so they looked sharp but still felt comfortable enough to nap in. Everlane, if you're listening: please bring back The Dream Pant.

Lululemon Dance Studio Relaxed-Fit Mid-Rise Cargo Pant: These went viral on TikTok for restocking after a year of us patiently waiting (and yet again, they're largely sold out). The buttery soft, relaxed-fit pants are a more tailored answer to athleisure. It's helpful they have plenty of pockets for storing loose odds and ends while on the go.

What to look for in the best travel pants for women

Your favorite lounge pants aren't necessarily good for travel, as comfortable as they may be. The best travel pants for women come with practical features that make them easy to wear, pack, and rewear throughout a trip:

Wrinkle-resistant fabric: This obviously comes first so you don't have to even think about ironing. Look for materials like polyester blends, nylon, or crepe that naturally resist wrinkles. Ideally you can pull your pants out of a suitcase and wear them immediately on multiple occasions.

Functional pockets: Unfortunately in women's fashion, we're trained to think pockets are a fun bonus. The truth is, pockets are essential for travel. Look for styles with deep or zippered pockets that can hold your phone, wallet, or ID securely.

Stretchy waistbands: When you're bloating or digesting, there's nothing worse than a tight button pressing on your abdomen. Look for high elastane content, four-way stretch fabrics so you're not restricted while seated on a long flight.

Lightweight and packable: Packing cubes can only save you so much luggage space. Your travel pants should tuck and fold easily, and be flexible enough to fit in tight corners.

Low maintenance: Pants that can be spot-cleaned, sink-washed, or air-dried quickly are especially useful for longer trips when you won't have access to a washing machine. If you're prone to mess and stains like me, try carrying these Downy wrinkle-release sprays and Tide To-Go pens.

FAQs on the best travel pants for women

What are the best travel pants for women?

Our favorite pair is the Colby Travel Pants, which are comfortable, wrinkle-resistant, and have a business casual flair that we also dressed down for long train rides. They're made with a lightweight stretch fabric that comes with functional pockets. It speaks volumes that they fit well on two style editors of vastly different heights.

What pants are best for long flights?

If you're about to board a plane for more than 3 hours, prioritize wearing soft, stretchy pants that are breathable enough for unpredictable temperatures. We suggest relaxed-fit joggers and wide-leg pants with a stretchy waistband.

Are travel pants supposed to be wrinkle-free?

Ideally yes, though not every pair has to be 100% wrinkle-proof. It's a win as long as they resist deep creases and quickly smooth out when worn.

What fabric is best for travel pants?

Nylon, polyester, elastane blends, and lightweight crepe fabrics are ideal. These materials are typically the most wrinkle-resistant and breathable. Avoid heavy fabrics that take too long to dry, like ponte, fleece, or thick cotton.

Can you wear travel pants in warm weather?

Yes, and several of us who run cold do so regularly. Plane cabins can turn frigid in an instant. It's best to be equipped with loose travel pants that can protect you from a chill, yet be able to wick sweat once you step out in the heat.

How many pairs of travel pants should I pack?

If you're headed somewhere warm, you may be able to get away with wearing a single pair you alternate with other resortwear. For most trips, two to three pairs of travel pants will suffice.

The post The best travel pants for women appeared first on Business Insider