12 Stylish Travel Pants That Aren’t Leggings

Run straight from your flight to a meeting in these office-ready bottoms. The cropped fit is great for anyone petite (like Katie) or those who want to show off their shoes. They have a zip front and elasticated back for extra room, and the front pockets make them extra functional. Reviewers say they’re ultra comfortable and dressy enough to wear to work, but do call out that the material is lightweight enough that it’s not ideal for colder weather.

The key to keeping your luggage from being overweight? Picking multi-purpose pants that can do it all. Despite being created for rugged outdoor adventures, the smooth material and mid-rise fit of these make them appropriate for everything from early-morning beach walks to casual lunches while you explore. And since these are designed for hiking, there are pockets galore: six in all, including one that’s big enough to fit a whole dang iPhone. And we can’t get over the hidden cinch system that allows you to adjust the length of the leg, by pulling a hidden drawcord tucked away in one of the pockets.

A favorite of Katie’s, these wide-leg sweatpants are made from a buttery soft fabric, so they’re easy to curl up in while crammed in an airplane seat — but still have a polished look. A drawstring waist allows you to adjust the fit while you’re on the go, and the breathable material keeps you from getting too hot while rushing to your gate. Reviewers say these feel like your favorite pajamas while looking way more put-together. The only downside is that they don’t have pockets, so you’ll have to stow your passport elsewhere.

Don’t feel stuck between the decision of wearing sweatpants or jeans: Do both, with Rag & Bone. These genius pants are a trompe l’oeil marvel, tricking your eye into thinking they’re a pair of stiff denim when in reality, they’re sweats with a photorealistic print stamped onto them. These recently went viral on TikTok, and one reviewer shared that they “traveled in them and received so many compliments! No one believed they weren’t jeans.”

Any pair of pants made from a structured material instantly elevates a travel look, and these ones from Everlane offer shape and style without feeling restrictive. The cotton twill fabric has a touch of stretch for added comfort, and the pull-on style is perfect for easy dressing. We know the barrel shape won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, so we also found a less-trendy silhouette for those who prefer a classic fit. 

At under $100 and with 13,000 five-star reviews, we’d be remiss to not mention Athleta’s famed Brooklyn pants. A sporty option for travelers, these are made from a stretchy recycled polyester blend that helps prevent wrinkling and allows for lots of movement. It’s also an abrasion-resistant fabric, so it’s less likely to pill or snag with regular wear. Heading somewhere sunny? Built-in UPF 40+ will protect your legs from strong rays, and the quick-drying fabric will keep you dry if you get sweaty.

It’s the small details that take a garment from “meh” to “wow.” With a pintuck seam running down the side, these look more like trousers than frumpy sweatpants, allowing them to be styled in a number of different ways. Reviewers say they’re easy to launder, are extremely soft, and wear beautifully over time. (One note: A reviewer mentioned that the pockets look slightly bulky, which may be a drawback for some.)

In our book, there’s no such thing as too many pockets. In total, there are six in this pair of pants, but they still somehow manage to look sleek. These have a zip front with an elasticated-waist back, giving them a clean silhouette upon first glance, while still offering plenty of stretch. They’re made from a polyester-nylon blend, which won’t be as breathable as natural fibers but will look smoother than cotton or linen.

When Katie strolled into a meeting wearing textured satin pants recently, we immediately had to find a similar pair. These ones from J.Crew are nearly identical to the pair she wore. The textured satin shows creases, but in a laidback chic way (don’t be afraid to pack them in a suitcase), and the wide-leg silhouette is on-trend and easy to wear on and off the tarmac.

There’s nothing wrong with wearing straight-up sweatpants to travel in, but this tapered pair elevates the look of the classic style. We love that these have zippered side pockets to keep your necessities safe, while a curved seam above the bum highlights and flatters your derrière. Made from quick-drying fabric, these could easily be washed in a hotel sink in a pinch. 

Thick fabric makes these pants a must-have for chilly climates and cold airplanes. They easily pull on (no buttons or zippers here), and the welt pockets in the back make them classier than your average pair of sweats. A word of caution: Some reviewers say these can stretch out, so consider going down a size if you prefer a snug fit.

Leave it to lululemon to achieve the perfect balance of comfort and style. This high (and adjustable) waist means you’re covered while hoisting your luggage into the overhead bin, and functional pockets allow you to keep your passport right where you need it. While these look like trousers, they actually have an elastic waistband (complete with a faux zipper placket), and they’re made from a four-way stretch material that’s as soft as your favorite cozy pants. 

A stretchy waist, helpful pockets, and a trendy side slit at the hem? Sign us up. Made from a silky trouser-like material, these are wrinkle-resistant and launder easily. Reviewers say the wide leg provides just the right amount of material, so they never feel overwhelmed by the silhouette.