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12 Travel Pants for an Effortlessly Comfortable Long Flight

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

12 travel pants for women on long flightsRon Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Best Stretchy Travel Pants

High Sport Kick Pants

Kick Pants

Best Stretchy Travel Pants

High Sport Kick Pants

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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

Linen Pants

Best Linen Pants

Everlane Linen Pants

Credit: Everlane
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

Syracuse Sweatpants

Best Sweats for Travel

Sporty & Rich Syracuse Sweatpants

Credit: Ssense
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

Sandra Baggy Jeans

Best Jeans for Travel

Amo Sandra Baggy Jeans

Credit: Shopbop
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

Align Super-High-Rise Tights

Best Leggings for Travel

Lululemon Align Super-High-Rise Tights

Credit: Lululemon
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

Cashmere Joggers

Best Cashmere Pants for Travel

Tory Sport Cashmere Joggers

Now 40% Off

Credit: Tory Burch
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

Aurelia Pants

Best Travel Pants for an Overnight

Asceno Aurelia Pants

Credit: MyTheresa
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

Jones Trousers

Best Pants for Work Flights

Argent Jones Trousers

Credit: Argent
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

Quincy Stripe Joggers

Best Soft Pants for Travel

Bode Quincy Stripe Joggers

Credit: Bode
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

ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pants

Best Travel Pants With Pockets

Nike ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pants

Credit: Nike
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

Bonnie Croc-Effect Faux-Leather Straight-Leg Pants

Best Plane-to-Party Pants

The Frankie Shop Bonnie Croc-Effect Faux-Leather Straight-Leg Pants

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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

High-Rise Satin Pants

Best Silky Pants for Travel

Vince High-Rise Satin Pants

Credit: MyTheresa
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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