The 9 Best Travel Pants for Women: Joggers, Plus-Size & More

Comfort when traveling is key – so a great pair of travel pants is a must. Whether you’re on a plane, a cruise or a road trip, you want something that looks good and moves with you. U.S. News & World Report has compiled a list of pants for any travel occasion, with stylish yet comfortable options that can be worn in transit and easily go from day to night.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues or other factors.)

What sets the pants apart: Not only are these ankle-length pants wrinkle-resistant, making them ideal for any type of travel, but they’re also flattering on a variety of body types, with regular, tall and petite sizes available. These stretchy, tapered pants by Athleta feature pockets with zippers and a zippered ankle. They are made with a recycled polyester Featherweight Stretch fabric that is light and flexible, for all-day comfort on long flights or while dashing around to see the sights on your next vacation. These pants are available in several shades, including black and berry rose.

Travelers appreciate: “I love the versatility of these travel pants,” says Amanda Norcross, content and SEO strategist for travel at U.S. News. “Not only can they be dressed up or down, but they’re also lightweight and comfortable.” She recommends wearing them with white sneakers or sandals for a casual (and comfortable) look on the plane, and dressing them up with Chelsea boots or flats when the occasion calls for it.

Price: $99 or less
Shop now: Athleta

Size range: XS to XXL for regular sizes; 0X to 4X for plus sizes

What sets the pants apart: For a budget-friendly option, the Traveler Pull On Pant by Maurices fits the bill. These pants are casual with a drawstring, pull-on waist and two front zippered pockets. Whether you want to relax in the airport lounge or do some laps around the cruise ship deck, these versatile, affordable pants are made with soft, stretchy polyester and spandex fabric to keep you comfortable. These pants, which come only in black, are available in three lengths (short, regular and long) but meant to be worn at the ankle.

Travelers appreciate: Frequent traveler Kristin McClement says, “For a chic yet comfortable look, my go-to is a sleek pull-on pant or jogger. I want to look put together while being on the move. Maurices Traveler Pull On Pant is perfect for those long travel days.”

What sets the pants apart: These sweatpants are buttery soft – you won’t want to take them off. During manufacturing, they go through a breaking-down process that makes them feel worn in. Five stripes down the legs give these joggers a hip, retro vibe that travelers love. Hand-sewn in Los Angeles, these sweatpants and their stripes are available in more than 20 color variations.

Travelers appreciate: “I absolutely love traveling in AV sweats! They’re so chic and cozy, which is especially important when the plane is freezing cold,” says frequent traveler Brianna Holochuck. “On a long flight, they never dig into my waist when I’m sitting for hours and they’re stylish enough to look like I’m not wearing my PJs to the airport – even though they’re as comfortable as my pajamas.”

What sets the pants apart: If you love clothing that is made for being on the move – such as lugging suitcases around or racing to catch your flight – you’ll love these high-waisted, form-fitting leggings from lululemon. Designed for comfort, the brand’s lightweight Nulu fabric feels like a second skin, and the added Lycra means they will stretch and move with you. The leggings are breathable and sweat-wicking, and you can choose from five colors, ranging from blue to gray. The pant length options are 28 or 32 inches.

Travelers appreciate: Shellee Howard, CEO of College Ready, always packs her lululemon Align pants when traveling the globe. “My Align pants are the first thing I pack when going on a long flight,” Howard says. “They are perfect from takeoff to college tours and I can dress them up with a cute sweater or down with an oversized sweatshirt. I have a pair in my carry-on at all times!”

Size range: 24- to 36-inch waist

What sets the pants apart: These relaxed-fit jeans – made from Tencel, cotton and spandex – are just right for women on the go. They are roomy and feel worn in, with a mid-rise waist, straight leg and just enough stretch. These jeans also dry faster than cotton jeans. Not only do they feel good, but they also look chic with a faded stonewash and custom distressing. Keep your keys and cash safe with hidden zippered back pockets. If your size is too long for you, you can get them hemmed for free by Aviator. The jeans are made in the U.S., with free shipping and returns for U.S.-based purchases.

Travelers appreciate: Women who’ve purchased these pants have commented that they are comfortable to wear while traveling and don’t feel confining.

Price: $145 or less
Shop now: Aviator

What sets the pants apart: This stylish Vuori pant, with an ultra-wide leg, allows you to move freely while jet-setting. It can easily go from day to night with a relaxed fit made from a silky soft, moisture-wicking recycled material that has four-way stretch and an elastic waistband. The wrinkle-resistant fabric means you can take a long-haul flight and not worry about it looking wrinkled on arrival, or pack it in your suitcase and not have to iron it when you’re ready to go out. Wear it with sneakers or heels to go from casual to dressy. These pants come in neutral shades of black or pistachio green.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers praise the versatility and lightweight fabric, though some say the material is thinner than they expected.

Price: $118 or less
Shop now: Vuori

What sets the pants apart: Wondery Outdoors creates clothing designed for women, by women, that encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle. The brand is also size-inclusive and promotes diversity. The straight-leg Everyday Pants have a comfortable elastic waistband, an adjustable belt, two front pockets and two back pockets. They have a mid-rise fit and are made with a cotton-spandex blend that provides a comfortable stretch. A unique feature is the gear loops: one metal D-ring in the front and two cloth ones in the back, which makes these pants especially ideal for hiking and adventure travel. The Everyday Pants are available in 11 sizes, including five plus sizes, and two colors – emerald and black.

Travelers appreciate: Jenny Willden, managing editor of Outdoor Sports Guide, always packs these pants when she hits the road. “I love how they masquerade as regular pants but with durable fabric that makes them ready for adventure,” Willden says. “The built-in belt provides a better fit and they look stylish whether I’m heading on a hike or to the airport.”

What sets the pants apart: When you’re on a winter trip, you don’t want to step out into freezing weather without being prepared. For cold weather gear, these lined pants – which are designed to endure temperatures of 20 to 60 degrees – are a great option. The polyester micro tricot lining keeps wearers warm and wicks away moisture. The nylon and spandex fabric adds breathability, abrasion resistance, 50 UPF sun protection and water repellence. A zippered back pocket as well as hand and thigh pockets can keep your small items safe. Choose from black or stone blue color options.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers comment that they appreciate the warmth and moisture wicking, saying these pants work well in various chilly weather conditions.

Price: $84.95 or less
Shop now: REI

Size range: 0 to 16; inseam ranges from 30 to 34 inches

What sets the pants apart: Not only do these KÜHL pants look cool, but they will also help keep you cool in hot weather around the globe. These full-length pant legs can be rolled up when you get hot and secured in place with a snap. The quick-drying Freeflex fabric provides comfort and stretch while also offering moisture management, water resistance and sun protection of UPF 50+. The pockets on the back and thighs have hidden snap closures. These pants are so versatile that you might want to keep an extra pair in your carry-on bag, just in case your luggage gets lost. These relaxed-fit pants come in nearly a dozen colors, including twilight blue and antique gold.

Travelers appreciate: Travelers ranging from casual explorers to seasoned adventurers praise these pants for being lightweight and quick-drying.

Price: $99 or less
Shop now: KÜHL

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor. As a full-time travel writer, she spends a fair bit of time in airports and cars, as well as on cruise ships and airplanes. She always wants to be comfortable while traveling but still look presentable and stylish upon arrival. Her favorite travel pants include the Athleta Endless Pant and the Vuori Villa Wideleg; for more casual road trips, she loves the Aviator Nation 5 Stripe Sweatpants. To curate this list of best travel pants for women, she used her own experience and research skills.