When I travel, I want to be comfortable—but not at the cost of looking put together. There’s a time and a place for sweatpants (and yes, we’ve all boarded a flight in them), but I’d argue the best travel pants are something more versatile: soft enough for a six-hour flight, stretchy enough for a spontaneous sprint to the gate, breathable enough for wandering a new city, and spruced up enough to wear straight to dinner.
That sweet spot is something many of us editors at Condé Nast Traveler think about—and, frankly, obsess over. The good news is that there are plenty of options beyond your standard jogger. Think jeans with just the right amount of give, yoga pants that pass surprisingly well as trousers, lightweight utility pants with room to roam, and clever, packable styles designed for staying put in your suitcase until you need them again for the flight home.
Our editors have tested dozens of travel pants in cities all across the globe—and some really stand out for comfort, versatility, and style. Below, the tried-and-true travel pants we recommend wearing on the plane and long after you land. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
