8 Best Travel Pants for Women, Tested by Travel Experts and Editors

ProsSuper soft, smooth fabricWrinkle-resistant Can be dressed upConsPricey, but the fit and feel make it worth the splurge The Vuori Halo Essential Wideleg pant has been at the top of my drawer since I got my first pair nearly a year ago. I’m obsessed with the super-soft and smooth polyester and elastane blend. It feels nearly pajama-like while looking way more polished than your average sweatpant (especially if you opt for a darker color like black or navy).I often reach for this pant when getting dressed for the airport because I know I’ll be comfortable on the plane and that I’ll wear it at least once during my trip. The wide-leg silhouette skims the body in a really flattering way without looking baggy or oversized. It looks great paired with Vuori’s matching zip-up and my fave Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker for long-haul flights, but it just as easily dresses up with a cute sandal and a form-fitting tank or tee.Oh, and the pant never wrinkles. It feels soft and cotton-like but since it's made from a buttery synthetic blend, it always looks sleek—more quiet luxury than airport chaos. The material isn’t too thick either, so I don’t find myself overheating while wearing it, even when I land in a sunny destination. I wore this pant while traveling to Mexico recently and felt totally comfortable from takeoff in New York until I arrived at the hotel.Read More: Vuori ReviewSizesXXS—XXLMaterial89% recycled polyester, 11% elastaneColors10ProsThe rayon blend helps prevent intense wrinklingComfortable, lightweight, and airyGreat for casual or dressy outfitsConsProne to creasing when packed in a suitcaseIf you’re looking for an under-$50 find that holds its own against pricier pairs, the Old Navy Linen-Blend Ankle Pant is it. Made from a 55% linen blend, it delivers the airy look and feel you want from linen—without the steep price tag most comparable styles carry.Comfort-wise, it’s exactly what I want for a travel day: lightweight, breathable, and stylish. The secret is in the fabric. This pant blends linen with rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber derived from natural sources like wood pulp that’s known for being soft, smooth, and less prone to creasing than 100% linen. The result is breezy but cozy fabric that doesn’t feel remotely scratchy or itchy. I also love the clean, straight-leg silhouette and high waist that makes me feel put-together with next to zero effort.I will say, this is one of those pairs I prefer to wear on the plane rather than pack, since it picks up a few more wrinkles when folded in a suitcase (it is still linen, after all). But once I put it on, the fabric bounces back nicely—and I end up reaching for it constantly throughout my trip. The pant is endlessly versatile: I’ll throw it on with flat sandals and a white tee for daytime exploring, then swap in a blouse and heels for dinner without missing a beat.SizesXXS—4XLMaterial55% linen, 45% rayonColors7Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsResists wrinklingComfortable but polishedGreat for work tripsConsPricey, but the material and versatility make it worth the spendIf you didn’t know better, you might mistake the lululemon Daydrift High-Rise Wide-Leg Trouser for a lounge pant—but one mirror check and it’s giving Succession-coded energy. It’s my go-to for when I need to land and immediately be “on,” whether that’s heading to a meeting or traveling with colleagues.Made primarily from nylon and elastane, this pant is breathable, sweat-wicking, and cool to the touch—exactly what I want for a long day on the go. It has a smooth, tailored look that resists wrinkling, making it especially suitcase-friendly. It also features a stretch waistband with an internal drawstring, which makes a big difference when I’m sitting for hours or dealing with the general unpredictability of travel days.I’ll wear it with my go-to Uniqlo Crew Neck T-Shirt and sneakers for a more casual, on-the-move look, but it just as easily leans corporate with a button-down or blazer. Swap in a silky top and heels and it even holds its own for evening plans. It’s that comfort and versatility that make it such a staple in my everyday and travel wardrobe.SizesXXS—XXLMaterial69% nylon, 31% elastaneColors11ProsLightweight, airy materialSuitable for hikingStylish silhouette and contrast pipingConsHigh-rise might be too high for shorter torsosIf you want something that feels barely there for a warm-weather vacation, the FP Movement Champ Is Here Pant is my top rec. Made from 100% nylon, it’s airy and flowy and allows for total free range of movement—perfect for long travel days or more active itineraries. And thanks to the barrel-leg silhouette (meaning it’s a bit wider at the knee area) and the subtle contrast piping, it still feels on-trend.Its nylon construction is naturally lightweight, quick-drying, and impressively durable, which is great if your trip involves anything beyond just walking through airports and lounging around. The water-resistant finish and a reinforced woven design help resist tearing and ripping, so it holds up whether you’re caught in a drizzle, heading out on a hike, or just putting it through its paces. But it still feels soft and breathable—not stiff or overly technical.“I’m a big fan of track pants, and the second I bought this pair, I had travel in mind,” says associate editor Olivia Luppino. “The open, barrel-leg fit makes it super comfortable and yet fashionable to wear on a plane—and I’ve also worn it on a hike, as a beach cover-up, and even dressed it up for dinner.” I’ve found the same—it looks great with sneakers and a tank for daytime, or a fitted top and sandals for nighttime. The only small caveat is the rise: it does sit quite high, which can feel like a lot if you have a shorter torso (I sometimes fold the waistband down for a more comfortable fit).SizesXS—XLMaterials100% nylonColors7Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTwo deep front pockets plus two back pocketsPolished silhouetteStretchy and breathableConsFabric is more structured than drapeyIf you’ve ever tried to juggle your phone, passport, lip balm, and boarding pass while sprinting through a terminal, you get the value of a pocketed pair of pants. The Athleta Skyline High Rise Barrel Leg Pant is my fave in the category. The deep, secure pockets make a huge difference when I’m on the go and don’t want to constantly dig through my bag like I’m Mary Poppins.Made from polyester, cotton, and spandex, it has a structured, almost denim-like feel—but with way more stretch. The pant has a polished, slightly tailored look, but with the kind of softness and flexibility that makes long flights and all-day wear far more comfortable. The breathable fabric allows for airflow and quick-drying properties that come in handy if you’re on the move (or caught in less-than-ideal weather). There’s even UPF 40+ protection for extra coverage on sunny days. I sort of think of it as an upgraded cargo pant— functional, but not in a “I just came from REI” kind of way.The barrel-leg silhouette adds a slightly relaxed shape that still feels put-together, and the material isn’t too bulky. I love that this pant works for air travel, city exploring, light hikes, and casual dinners. The only downside? The slightly more structured fabric means they’re not quite as soft or drapey as some of the other pairs on this list—but I still find the fit super flattering.Sizes0—24Material52% recycled polyester, 34% cotton, 14% spandexColors7ProsSuper soft and lightweightTons of color optionsBreathable and cozy fleece liningI usually don’t wear sweatpants during travel because they read way too casual compared to a jogger or trousers. But for longer flights, I sometimes make an exception—and this is the pair I’ll reach for. The straight-leg silhouette feels a bit more put-together than most other sweatpants, but it’s still super soft and lightweight. This sweatpant looks great with almost any casual fit, but our style team loves wearing it with Alo’s color-coordinating jackets and hoodies for a chic, monochrome vibe.It’s made with a French terry cloth (a cotton blend that’s smooth on the outside) and stylist Alexandra Juric says this makes for a soft, breathable fleece lining. It has a slightly oversized look, but if you want a more snug fit, you can size down. However, I’m into the oversized look and love that this pair doesn’t fit too tightly on the lower belly, since other popular sweatpants I’ve tested can emphasize that area too much. Style contributor Lily Wohlner also prefers it a bit bigger, as she can always roll down the waistband for a more snug fit around the hips.“The only downside to these sweats is the length; the pants go well past my ankle, making them hard to wear outside,” says Juric. But, sizing down, rolling the waistband, or wearing a platform sneaker would likely solve that problem.SizesXXS—2XLMaterial65% cotton, 35% polyesterColors16Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFlattering, drapey fitExtremely comfortablePolished-looking and easy to styleCons Hand wash, line dry onlyThe Vince Bias Cut High Waist Pant is easily the most stylish pair of travel pants in my rotation. It has a liquid-like drape that instantly makes any outfit feel more luxe and the fit is incredibly flattering. I wore it nonstop on my last trip to Spain—on the plane, out to dinner, even just wandering during the day—and it somehow always looked chic with minimal effort.It’s made from a blend of acetate (a semi-synthetic fiber derived from wood pulp—known for a silky feel and subtle sheen) and polyester, which gives this pant that drapey fit. The bias cut, which refers to cutting the fabric diagonally across the grain, allows the material to skim the body rather than cling to it, creating a fluid effect that I find super flattering. It also gives the pant a natural stretch and tons of movement, so it doesn’t feel restrictive. Add in the high waist and the range of chic neutrals it comes in and you have a truly classic-looking pant.During my last trip, I styled this pant with a simple tank and sandals during the day, then swapped in a blouse and heels at night. It packs relatively well, too, thanks to that fluid fabric—and because it’s so lightweight, it doesn’t take up much space in a carry-on. The only downside is the care: it’s hand wash, line dry, which isn’t always the most convenient if you need to freshen up mid-trip.SizesXS—XLMaterial80% acetate, 20% polyesterColors3ProsButtery-soft feelStretchyBreathableConsNot as easy to dress up as the other options on the listIf comfort is your top priority, the Skims Cotton Jersey Foldover Pant is the softest pair in the lineup. This is the kind of pant I put on for a flight and immediately feel better—like I’m wearing my favorite pajamas but still look pulled together enough to step off the plane without a full outfit change. It’s an ideal pant for long-haul days, early morning departures, or anytime you just want to feel cozy without fully leaning into sleepwear or baggy silhouettes.It’s made from a jersey blend (mostly cotton with a touch of elastane), which is what gives it that ultra-soft, slightly stretchy feel. Cotton keeps things breathable and gentle against the skin, while elastane adds just enough give for when you’re sitting, walking, or curled up in a window seat. The foldover waistband is a standout feature—it lets you customize the rise depending on your preference, whether you want a more low-slung, relaxed fit or a bit more coverage. The fabric has that smooth, second-skin quality that moves with you, making it especially great for travel days when comfort is non-negotiable.That said, it’s more versatile than you might expect. I’ll wear it with a simple tank and sneakers for an easy airport look, but it also works with a structured jacket to feel a bit more put-together. It also packs down to almost nothing, making it a great backup option in your carry-on. The one trade-off is that it does lean more casual—so while it’s perfect for the plane and low-key plans, it’s not quite as polished as some of the other options here.SizesXXS—4XLMaterial90% cotton, 10% elastane Colors5Shannen Zitz is the Associate Style & Reviews Editor at Women's Health, where she covers all-things sneakers and activewear. Previously, she was an assistant editor at Prevention. Shannen graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.