9 Best Travel Pants for Female Travelers
Regardless of where your adventures take you or what you have planned once you get there, a great pair of pants is a must-have item for any and all travelers. Luckily, there are plenty of pant styles and fabrics to choose from, so the trick will be finding the ones that work best for you.
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9 best travel pants for 2024
1. Best travel pants that are sustainably made: Wayre’s Cruiser Pant
Made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled spandex, Wayre’s Cruiser Pant is more comfortable than sweat pants and at the same time, looks incredibly chic. The wide leg, flowy fit and flexible waist make this travel pant easy to slip into and features 4 total pockets: one hidden pocket, a zip closed stash pocket and two side pockets. Available in multiple bright colors and fun patterns, this pant is sure to become a go-to staple in your travel wardrobe.
Price range: starting at $129
2. Best travel pants for the budget traveler: Eddie Bauer's Departure Ankle Pants
Even if you’re traveling on a limited budget, there's tons of clothing out there that’ll make a great addition to your suitcase without breaking the bank — like these Departure Ankle Pants from Eddie Bauer. At just over $50, you’re sure to get your money’s worth with the amount of wear these pants have to offer. Not only are they made from a lightweight and flexible material, but they have front hand pockets, a secure back zip pocket, built-in moisture-wicking, and even sun protection to keep you safe and comfortable no matter where you venture off to.
Price range: starting at $80
3. Best travel pants for a denim look: Athleta's Flex Ultra Skinny Jeans
For anyone who likes to take a pair of jeans with them while they travel, the Sculptek line from Athleta is really where it’s at. These Flex Ultra Skinny Jeans are made from the brand’s Innovative Sculptek™ fiber, which helps them ‘stretch every way you do’ and then snap back into place without getting baggy. This amazing flexibility makes them a great option for any activity you’ve got scheduled, since you know you'll look put together and picture-ready. Not to mention, these come in sizes 0 through 26, and can be machine washed and dried in snap.
Price range: starting at $118
4. Best travel pants for versatility: Outdoor Voice's Rectrek Pant
For travelers who need pants with a lot of versatility, we’d recommend the Rectrek Pant from Outdoor Voices. Although these are technically athletic pants, they’re elevated just enough so they don’t feel like traditional athleisure. They have a relaxed, yet cropped fit, and are made from sturdy, ‘elements-resistant’ TerraStretch fabric for the epitome of comfort and mobility. Wear the RecTrek pants while you’re out hiking, or in town running errands, or truly doing anything in between, and you’re sure to feel pulled together (while still feeling at ease).
Price range: starting at $98
5. Best travel pants for a night out: Summersalt's Everywhere Legging-Pant
What’s more fun than treating yourself to a nice night out while you’re traveling in a new city? And when you want to pack a cute outfit to coordinate with your evening, you should definitely consider the Everywhere Legging-Pant from Summersalt. This selection has all the ‘buttery softness of your favorite leggings,’ but with the added polish of a classic dress pant — in other words, they’re the perfect example of comfort meets style. And with sleek pockets and zippered ankle details, you have the ability to create a custom-feel fit that’s all your own.
Price range: starting at $80
6. Best travel pants for getting outdoors: Patagonia's Happy Hike Studio Pants
Few companies make gear for getting outdoors at the level Patagonia does, and their Happy Hike Studio Pants are no exception to this rule. These jogger-style, pull-on pants feature a wide waistband for added comfort, as well as four-way stretch-woven fabric for incredible freedom of movement. What’s more, they have four large pockets and elasticized cuffs that allow you to adjust them from capris to full length pants. But our favorite part about this pick? They’re made from totally recycled materials and are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn — we love to see it!
Price range: starting at $79
7. Best travel pants for all weather conditions: PrAna's Buxton Pant
Like it or not, the weather is one of the few things we’ll never be able to control about our travels. But the good news is, you can pack a pair of pants that’ll hold its own in all types of weather conditions. The Buxton Pant from prAna will do exactly that, thanks to its organic cotton blend stretch denim, performance mesh pocketing and button fly, and Lycra® Elastane which create extra stretch and durability.
Price range: starting at $119
8. Best travel pants with a drawstring waistband: Lululemon's Stretch High Rise
We’re all about a drawstring waistband for ease of wear and maximum comfort, which is why we’re such big fans of Lululemon’s Stretch High Rise. As the company themselves put it: ‘When life gets busy, these versatile, relaxed-fitting pants keep up.’ The four-way stretch, Luxtreme™ fabric is designed to be on the move (i.e. ideal for your upcoming travels), and the front hand pockets even have a hidden zipper pocket with card sleeve. And if you’re not into the look of the drawstring, you can actually opt to hide it for a smooth, uninterrupted waistband.
Price range: starting at $118
9. Best travel pants for an office setting: Everlane's Dream Pant
We’re huge proponents of the digital nomad lifestyle, which means we understand that your time spent exploring occasionally has to be balanced with time spent at a coworking center. Our choice for the best travel pants for an office setting is the Dream Pant from Everlane, for its chic yet easy, breezy aesthetic. These pants have a tailored look with a sweatpant feel, and feature an elastic waist, pintuck detail, and a sleek tapered leg. Did we mention they’re also wrinkle-resistant, so you can transition from morning meetings to late night lounging?
Price range: starting at $78
Travel Pant FAQs
What kind of fabric is the best for travel?
The best kind of fabric for your travels will largely depend on where you’re traveling and/or what time of year you’ll be gone. For colder climates, things like Merino wool, fleece, and polyester will pack well and also keep you warm. If you’re headed for hot weather, you’re advised to bring fabrics like linen, cotton, or silk which are all lightweight but still durable.
How much should I spend on a pair of quality travel pants?
The truth is, there’s no reason to bust your budget when buying travel pants. Whether you’re looking to purchase leggings, joggers, jeans, or chinos, you can absolutely find a great pair for under $100, and sometimes even closer to half that price. Just make sure to do your research and read product reviews to ensure the quality is up to par with what you need.
How many pairs of pants should I travel with?
It’s often suggested to bring two pairs of pants for each week you’ll be away; however, keep in mind if you’ll be gone for more than a month at a time, you can probably cap at four to six pairs (and simply wash them as you go). You’re smart to mix up the styles you bring, as well, like packing one pair that’s denim and another that’s an athletic cut.