Even for the most seasoned of fliers, the perfect airport outfit remains one of the trickiest style formulas to master. It needs to withstand early alarms, long security lines, fluctuating cabin temperatures, and the inevitable sprint to the gate — all while looking polished without sacrificing comfort. Whether the goal is channeling the effortless cool of a ’90s off-duty supermodel, embracing a more elevated travel uniform, or simply slipping into the coziest loungewear, the formula always comes down to one key piece: the right pair of travel pants.
Of course, not all travel pants are created equal. The best styles strike that elusive balance between comfort and polish, delivering the ease of loungewear without looking like it. They resist wrinkles, adapt to changing climates, and transition seamlessly throughout the journey. For fashion insiders who double as frequent fliers, a reliable pair is nonnegotiable. Ahead, industry professionals — from fashion directors and editors to founders and public relations executives — share the travel pants they reach for again and again when comfort and style are equally essential.
Lauren Chan, Model and Writer
“My favorite pants to travel in are the Spanx Air Essentials wide-leg pants,” Chan said. “I wear them in black with the matching Air Essentials half zip and together they are undoubtedly the most comfortable sweat-set I own. And I’m not alone on that! I’ve bonded over this set with everyone from fellow models to my best friend’s mom (hi, Shelley!). Why are they so beloved? The mid-weight material is suuuper soft to the touch; because they’re a bit fleece-y, they keep you warm in airplane AC; and, as a set, they are thin enough to layer under jackets easily. On the inclusivity front, they come in sizes XXS-3X and have petite, regular, and tall lengths. They also come in 13 colorways.”
Spanx Air Essentials Wide-Leg Pant
Linda Cui Zhang, Fashion Director at Nordstrom
“The poplin pant is my go-to for travel — the relaxed, roomy fit keeps you comfortable on a long flight, but the fabric stays crisp so you step off the plane looking effortlessly put-together. I love that you can go straight from the gate to a dinner or event without missing a beat.”
Leset Kyoto Cotton Drawstring Pants
Sandrine Charles, Founder of Sandrine Charles Consulting and Cofounder of the Black in Fashion Council
Courtesy Sandrine Charles
“My current go-to travel pant is the Kai Collective Koa denim barrel-leg jean. Despite being a denim style, they run slightly oversized and are exceptionally comfortable — making them a great alternative to sweats for travel. They’re my preferred option to and from the airport when I want to stay comfortable without compromising on style.”
Kai Collective Koa Denim Barrel Leg Jean
Kerry Pieri, Editor and Writer of Why Not? Substack
Courtesy Kerry Pieri
“I am a full-on Suzi Kondi stan. Let’s be honest, these are elevated sweatpants, but they look so good on and are wildly comfortable. As a bonus they’re terrycloth, so after you wear them on a plane with a tank and cashmere sweater they work beautifully over a maillot for the beach. This silhouette also comes in a cotton poplin that I love, if you’re looking for something lighter.”
Suzi Kondi Tosk Pants in Terry
Chrissy Rutherford, Creator and Writer of FWD Joy Newsletter
Courtesy Chrissy Rutherford
“I’m a firm believer in dressing up for my flights, so I almost always wear a pair of trousers. If you pick the right material, they can be just as comfortable as anything else. My go-to is Aritzia’s Effortless pants — they’re lightweight, and most importantly, they don’t wrinkle.”
Stella Hong, Founder of Affection Blvd
Courtesy Stella Hong
“When traveling, I look for pants with a soft, elastic waistband,” Hong told WWD. “They should have a soft hand feel and breathable texture, since I’ll be wearing them for long stretches of time and I don’t want anything to be cutting into my skin. That said, I still want to look chic — which is why the Bow pants are perfect for me. They feature a cute flared hem, an elastic waist, and subtle pointelle detailing, so you look polished and put-together even though you’re really comfortable.”
Affection Blvd Bow Pants
