I’ve Flown Thousands of Miles. These Are My Favorite Travel Pants.

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After a 12-hour red-eye, you don’t want your outfit to be the reason you arrive exhausted. A high-quality, well-fitting pair of travel pants can make the difference between a smooth flight or a bumpy ride. As someone who flies often for work, I can tell you: Wearing pants that didn’t stretch or that were too tight at the waist has been my downfall too many times, leaving me fidgety and uncomfortable in my teeny seat. Now, I’ve got the routine down—the best travel pants must be soft, forgiving, and able to keep me warm.

Shorter flights allow for a bit more wiggle room in terms of what pants might work best. (Yes, in some cases, even leather might be appropriate.) But for anything over three hours, I am absolutely putting function first—and it’s a bonus if the pants are cute. And I’m not alone on my quest for comfort. Even celebrities, who are now used to being ambushed by paparazzi post-flight, are most often in airport outfits that feature leggings, loose jeans, or a pair of baggy trousers.

You might be in a coordinated knit ensemble or sweats you can style with a stylish travel jacket up top, but the pants you wear in transit should take at least a bit of the pain out of the experience. For upcoming trips, whether you’re jetting somewhere tropical or simply flying home, here are 12 pairs of pants for travel that deliver first-class comfort, even if you’re sitting in economy.

Kick Pants

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

Linen Pants

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!”

Syracuse Sweatpants

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

Sandra Baggy Jeans

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

Align Super-High-Rise Tights

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.”

Cashmere Joggers

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.”

Aurelia Pants

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

Jones Trousers

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.”

Quincy Stripe Joggers

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

ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pants

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

Bonnie Croc-Effect Faux-Leather Straight-Leg Pants

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

High-Rise Satin Pants

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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