From long-haul flights to traversing across a new city, traveling puts you in all types of unique (and sometimes unpredictable) situations. As a frequent traveler who puts a lot of thought into my travel outfits, I sought out the best travel pants for women that make getting from point A to point B easier and more comfortable. After reviewing dozens of pairs and getting firsthand recommendations from our team, I selected the Cozy Earth Bamboo Joggers as the best travel pants overall for women, thanks to their soft, breathable fabric and comfortable waistband. I also recommend the affordable Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Wide Leg Pants, which feature a stylish wide-leg design.
The best travel pants for women are comfortable, durable and have helpful features like side pockets.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
As a lifestyle writer and product researcher, I prioritized comfortable fabrics that move with you, versatile styles and helpful features like phone-friendly pockets. For more key insights and recommendations, I spoke with Ally Gibson, a travel content creator who has visited 30 countries and prefers soft knit fabrics (especially on long-haul flights). The final selections were approved by deputy editor Jane Sung, a style expert who reviewed these selections. Ahead, you’ll find all our winners, ranging from refined pairs ideal for business trips to stretchy joggers for more casual getaways.
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: 7 total, including Black and Navy | Inseam: 26 to 28 inches | Pockets: 2 | Waist type: Pull on with drawstring; mid-rise | Material: 62% bamboo viscose, 28% acrylic, 10% spandex
What you’ll love:
Made from temperature-regulating material
Comfortable drawstring waistband
Has two large pockets
Keep in mind:
The sizing runs a little big
Cozy Earth is well-known for its responsibly sourced, super-soft garments, and its Bamboo Jogger Pants are no exception. They’re made of mid-weight bamboo viscose, a luxurious, silk-like fabric that makes them great for high-movement travel days. These joggers have quickly become a weekly essential in my wardrobe; the fabric is silky smooth and breathable, which makes them great for long travel days. They’re so soft that they make you feel like you're wearing PJs to the airport. (This pair also comes in rib knit.)
The Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Wide Leg Pants are an ideal candidate for long-haul flights for a few reasons: Their Ponte fabric is smooth and wrinkle resistant, so they’ll still look sharp even after you’ve been sitting for several hours. They have a flexible elastic waistband that won’t cut into your stomach, and a wide, relaxed cut that doesn’t constrict your legs. Keep in mind that the front and back welt pockets are merely decorative—however, if you prefer to keep your essentials stashed in your personal item, this isn’t a dealbreaker.
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: 2 total, including Classic Black and True Red | Inseam: 28 to 32.5 inches | Pockets: None | Waist type: Pull on; high-rise | Material: 68%Ecovero viscose, 28% nylon, 4% elastane
What you’ll love:
Have hidden tummy control technology
Made from soft four-way stretch fabric
Can be dressed up or down
Keep in mind:
They fit a little snug
No pocket space
Though it comes at a higher price point, the Spanx Spanxsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Slim Straight Pant is worth the splurge if you travel a lot and care about style. These pants are infused with Spanx’s signature core-shaping technology for a distinct, sleek look that smooths out your midsection, and the premium ponte straight-leg fit gives you a polished, wrinkle-free look even if you just rolled off an eight-hour flight.
Best Lightweight Travel Pants For Women
Quick-Drying Pick With Extra Pockets
MOST POPULAR
Amazon
Libin Cargo Joggers
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: 14 total, including Khaki and Navy | Inseam: 27 to 31 inches | Pockets: 5 | Waist type: Pull on with drawstring; mid-rise | Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
What you’ll love:
Affordable
Made of comfy polyester and spandex blend
Built-in UPF 50+ for long days outside
Keep in mind:
The lightweight fabric is not optimal for colder weather
With its five functional pockets (two side zip pockets, two cargo ones and one back zip option), water-resistant fabric and lightweight, stretchy fit, these cargo joggers from Libin are sporty and comfortable. If you’re traveling outdoors or in the heat, the added UPF 50+ protection is a bonus, as is the affordable price and fast Amazon delivery.
Most Comfortable Travel Pants For Women
A Relaxed Fit With 4-Way Stretch
Vuori Clothing
Vuori Performance Jogger
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Colors: 9 total, including Midnight Heather and Sea Spray Heather | Inseam: 25 inches | Pockets: 2 | Waist type: Pull on with drawstring; mid-rise | Material: 89% recycled polyester, 11% elastane
What you’ll love:
Fabric has 4-way stretch
Two side pockets
Breathable and moisture-wicking
Keep in mind:
The leg is slightly cropped
For a versatile travel pant that moves with you, we recommend these joggers from Vuori. They’re made from a polyester and elastane blend that moves with you through the airport on long travel days and as you’re exploring a new city. The pants have a slim yet relaxed fit with slightly cropped legs. Pair this style with sneakers, a tank top and a cozy sweatshirt for a cool and sporty travel day ensemble.
Best Travel Joggers For Women
Stretchy, High-Rise Fit
Athleta
Athleta Coaster Luxe High Rise Jogger
Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Colors: 7 total, including Black and Mineral | Inseam: 27.5 to 30.5 inches | Pockets: 2 | Waist type: Pull on; high-rise | Material: 78% tencel lyocell, 19% polyester, 3% lycra
What you’ll love:
Wide, ribbed waistband is comfortable and supportive
Fabric is buttery soft and breathable
Keep in mind:
Some customers say this style runs large
The Athleta Coaster Luxe High-Rise Jogger is an excellent pick if you’re looking for a casual pair of pants for traveling, lounging and running errands. Customers love the super-soft fabric blend, noting that the material is comfortable, soft and flattering. This pair also stands out for its wide, ribbed waistband, which provides support and comfort without feeling constricting.
Best Travel Leggings For Women
Ultra Stretchy And Available In 24 Colors
Beyond Yoga
Beyond Yoga Spacedye High-Waisted Legging
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Colors: 24 total, including Silver Mist and Candy Apple Red Heather | Inseam: 28 inches | Pockets: None | Waist type: Pull on; high-rise | Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane
What you’ll love:
Fabric has 4-way stretch
Buttery soft and moisture-wicking
Wide variety of colors to choose from
Keep in mind:
No pockets
These buttery-soft leggings are ideal if you’re looking for gentle compression that provides extra support without compromising comfort or looks. Commerce editor Katherine Louie owns these leggings and loves the 4-way stretch and comfortable waistband. “These have quickly become my go-to pick whether I’m traveling or working out,” she says. "They’re so comfortable, I sometimes forget I’m even wearing leggings.” Plus, there are 24 fun colors to choose from, ranging from neutral to brighter hues.
Best Travel Pants With Pockets For Women
Loose, Casual Design With Added Storage Space
Amazon
Baleaf Women's Joggers
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 15 total, including Dark Grey and Grape | Inseam: 25.5 to 28 inches | Pockets: 5 | Waist type: Flat elastic with drawstring; mid-rise | Material: 77% nylon, 23% spandex
What you’ll love:
Five roomy pockets
Fabric provides UPF50+ protection
Keep in mind:
The drawstring isn’t secured within the seam
If you need a lot of pockets to store essentials (card holders, wallets, phones, snacks) on the go, I recommend these affordable joggers. They have five spacious pockets—two sides ones, two zip cargo ones and one rear pocket—that offer ample space to hold your goods. The four-way stretch fabric also creates roomy ventilation so that you can move about with maximum comfort.
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: 2 total, including Classic Black and True Red | Inseam: 24 to 29 inches | Pockets: None | Waist type: Pull on; high-rise | Material: 68% Ecovero viscose, 28% nylon, 4% elastane
What you’ll love:
Comfortable yet dressy enough for the office
Hidden tummy control technology
Easy pull-on style (no zippers or buttons)
Keep in mind:
No pockets
As with its straight-leg counterpart, the Spanx Spanxsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Kick Flare Pant is the foundation of any travel wardrobe. This petite number rests perfectly at the ankles for those with shorter legs, and with Spanx’s signature core-shaping technology, the fit is flattering with a pull-on waistband. I find these look polished enough to go from the airport to a meeting, making them a great choice for business travel.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, our team has researched, tested and reported countless fashion stories, including several travel-oriented roundups.
Whitney Bruno, the author of this story, is a lifestyle editorial assistant who writes across the travel, fashion, beauty, and home and kitchen categories. She’s written numerous travel apparel roundups, like the best travel outfits for women and the best garment bags.
Deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the fashion vertical along with travel and beauty, edited this story. She has two decades of experience reporting on men’s, women’s and kids’ fashion and accessories.
We also gathered key insight and guidance from Ally Gibson, a travel content creator who has visited 30 countries and typically reaches for knit pants while traveling.
We regularly update this story to ensure our recommendations continue to be relevant. In the June 2025 update, commerce editor Katherine Louie added three new picks: the Athleta Coaster Luxe High Rise Jogger (our favorite travel joggers), the Vuori Performance Jogger (our top choice for the most comfortable travel pants) and the Beyond Yoga Spacedye High-Waisted Legging (our pick for the best leggings). She also interviewed an expert and added more information to our buying guide to help customers make an informed purchase decision.
How We Chose The Best Travel Pants For Women
To find the best travel pants for women, we considered several factors: fabric, size range, inseam length, number of pockets and waist type.
We focused on top-rated brands and retailers known for their high-quality garments, such as Cozy Earth, Vuori, Athleta and more.
Since travel pants should be comfortable first and foremost, we prioritized designs that feature stretchy fabrics and elastic waistbands for maximum flexibility. The price was also taken into account; we’ve included styles ranging from around $30 to $150, so there are options for every budget.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writers and meticulous vetting by our fashion editorial team.
What To Consider In The Best Travel Pants For Women
As you embark on your journey, it’s important to choose the right pair of travel pants that work best for you. After consulting with an expert, here’s what to consider.
Materials
“I always look for lightweight, breathable, and ideally wrinkle-resistant fabrics, like nylon, polyester blends, knits, merino or technical fabrics with a bit of stretch (spandex or elastane),” says Ally Gibson, a travel content creator. “Lately, I’ve been favoring knit fabrics, since they’re soft, stretchy and comfortable for long-haul flights, while still looking polished.” If you’re going to be taking a longer flight, choose something with plenty of stretch and movement, as tight or constricting materials can be a concern for circulation.
Comfort
Travel days can be long and arduous, so select an option that makes movement as easy as possible. Many styles on this list feature four-way stretch fabrics for maximum leisure; others, like the Cozy Earth Bamboo Jogger Pant, are made of breathable materials designed to give your legs as much airflow as possible. “Personally, I love wide-leg or straight-leg styles for travel, since they’re cozy but also look more chic and put together than leggings, while remaining comfortable,” says Gibson.
Pockets
The most experienced jet-setters tend to travel light, and for good reason: Doing so creates additional packing space and saves you time during security. If you don’t want to be weighed down, opt for pants with plenty of pockets like the Baleaf Women’s Joggers. Its pouches can hold your hotel keys, passports and more, and the zippered enclosures provide an extra layer of protection against pick-pockets.
Versatility
If style is a priority, consider a pick you can effortlessly dress up or down. The timeless silhouette of the Spanx Spanxsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Kick Flare Pant, for instance, allows you to pair it with a cozy hoodie for your flights before swapping that out for a blouse (and a matching pair of heels) in the evenings. Pants like the Libin Cargo Joggers, meanwhile, come in a variety of colorways that suit just about any outfit. “I usually opt for darker colors over lighter ones, as they show less dirt and are more forgiving for travel days,” says Gibson.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Joggers earned the top spot on our list thanks to their soft, breathable fabric, comfortable waistband and roomy pockets. Whether you’re heading on a long-haul flight or road trip, these pants are the ideal travel companion.
The best materials for travel pants are smooth, moisture-wicking and stretchy: Think polyester, nylon or viscose blended with spandex or elastane for increased flexibility. Cotton is another lightweight, breathable choice, and if you’re concerned about your pants wrinkling, opt for a blend of cotton and spandex.
For travel clothes, it’s generally a good idea to stick to neutral shades such as black, dark gray and navy. These versatile hues can be easily paired with the other pieces in your wardrobe, which is especially helpful if you’re packing light.
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We added the Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Wide Leg Pants to the list as the best option for long flights; we also added a section of frequently asked questions.
We updated links, prices and added the Loft Versa Ponte Deluxe Split Hem Slim Pants as our best travel work pants for women.
