Picture this: You’ve just laid out a cute airport outfit the night before a long-haul flight, proud to have planned a photo-ready travel look from head to toe. That pride turns to panic, though, the second you buckle into your seat. Turns out, your favorite jeans—the ones you excitedly built your entire outfit around—aren’t as comfortable while sitting as they are while standing. With the rigid denim digging into your midsection, and hours of flight time ahead of you, you’re now faced with two options: Either slip into the airplane bathroom and attempt a last-minute wardrobe change only a contortionist could pull off, or try to unbutton them without the stranger next to you noticing.
The good news is that you can prevent such an uncomfortable wardrobe snafu from making your next flight miserable. Amazon is absolutely teeming with comfortable alternatives that move with you, not against you, on exhausting travel days, and lucky for you, we’ve already handpicked our favorites for fall. Within this list, you’ll find breathable cargo joggers, plush sweatpantsand wide-leg yoga pants so stylish that they moonlight as work-appropriate trousers. Unlike stiff jeans, these pants are a traveler’s dream, rather than a nightmare—and they’re all under $40.
Aleumdr Wide-leg Cargo Sweatpants
Amazon
These wide-leg cargo sweatpants from Aleumdr come in 11 colors and up to size XXL, perfect for keeping your legs warm and toasty on a long-haul flight. Made from a plush polyester-cotton blend, they feature two side pockets, two flap pockets on each thigh, and a stretchy waistband with an adjustable silver-tipped drawstring. One five-star reviewer said the pants are “worth every penny” and so comfy and stylish that they plan to buy them in more colors.
Sunzel Flare Leggings
Amazon
Flare leggings are all the rage right now, and we can’t stop recommending this pair from Sunzel over and over again to travel readers hoping to jump on the bandwagon. The ultra-wide, crossover waistband accentuates the waist while the stretchy, supportive fabric provides a smoothing effect on the midsection. With 33 color options and four different inseam lengths, the variety of pants ensures a perfect pair for every type of traveler. Pair the pants with a cropped hoodie, a denim jacket, or a T-shirt for an airport outfit that looks great on and off the plane.
Tronjori Wide-leg Palazzo Pants
Amazon
If a business trip is on your horizon, consider snagging these wide-leg workwear pants ahead of time. Available in 28 colors and sizes up to 2XL, they combine the professional look of office trousers with the comfort and breathability of breezy palazzo pants. With trendy, ultra-wide legs, they feature two deep side pockets, belt loops, and an elastic back waistband that stretches for a comfortable fit while sitting. One short, curvy reviewer shared that they’re true to size, and thanks to the three length options, their pair was “perfect” for their 5-foot 1-inch frame.
Promover Wide-leg Pants
Amazon
Yoga, work, travel: Consider these the Swiss Army Knife of comfy pants. The thick, smoothing waistband, front seam, and hemmed front pockets give these $36 pants a dressier feel without being formal work pants. Over 8,700 five-star reviewers have shared their approval of the buttery-soft material, size accuracy, and versatility. Choose from three inseam lengths and 34 colors to find a pair perfectly suited to your height and style.
The Gym People High-waist Pocket Leggings
Amazon
If you like the look and comfort of leggings but still want the pocket storage that traditional pants provide, we recommend these high-waist pocket leggings from The Gym People. You can carry your smartphone, wallet, passport, and keys hands-free thanks to the two ultra-deep side pockets on each thigh and the smaller hidden pocket in the waistband. These best-selling leggings have garnered an astonishing 44,800 five-star ratings, with some reviewers—like this one—reporting that they prefer them over the higher-end options they’ve tried.
Gracyoga Wide-leg Lounge Pants
Amazon
Be resort-ready from the second you step off the plane, thanks to these effortless lounge pants. Priced at just $20, they come in 42 colors and prints and are made from a soft, stretchy material that, according to one five-star reviewertransitions well between cool and warm temperatures. They feature a wide, smoothing waistband, two side pockets, and wide, flowy pant legs that keep you cool on stuffy flights, train rides, and bus trips.
Heymoments Wide-leg Trousers
Amazon
For a more elevated travel look, we recommend trying these $15 flowy wide-leg trousers on for size. They offer the same comfy, adjustable waist of sweatpants and joggers, with a stylish tie-front belt and elastic waist in place of a drawstring. Available in 47 shades and sizes up to XXL, these pants seamlessly transition from work to travel to date night, depending on the accessories you choose. In fact, one five-star reviewer wrote that they proved a smart choice ahead of a Dubai work trip, thanks to how “professional” they looked.
Libin Cargo Joggers
Amazon
These $36 cargo joggers from Libin continue to be one of our most-recommended favorite pairs of pants for travel. While these stretchy, moisture-wicking pants have all the features you’d want in a pair of hiking pants—like UPF 50+ sun protection—they’re also comfortable enough for long flights. Along with a stretchy, adjustable drawstring waistband and elastic ankle cuffs, they feature five functional pockets, allowing you to carry all your most important travel documents without digging through your carry-on. Don’t just take our word for it: These versatile cargo pants, available in 14 colors and up to a 3XL, have earned over 12,600 five-star ratings on Amazon.
G4Free Wide-leg Lounge Pants
Amazon
These minimalist wide-leg pants from G4Free have a simple silhouette that can be easily dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Pair them with slip-on sneakers and a hoodie for a casual airport outfit, or style them with sandals and a blouse for a comfy dinner look. Constructed with a flattering crossover waistband, ultra-wide pant legs, and deep side pockets, these stretchy, breathable pants are perfect for workouts, long walks, and, of course, lengthy travel days.
Baleaf Women’s Lightweight Hiking Pants
Amazon
These lightweight Baleaf pants boast all the storage options of cargo pants, without the bulk of flap pockets. Featuring two deep side pockets, a hidden rear pocket, and two flat zippered pockets on each side, they also have a wide, adjustable drawstring waistband that can be undone for maximum comfort. The fabric provides UPF 50+ sun protection, four-way stretch, and keeps you cool and dry during outdoor activities. They’re not just for hiking, though—one five-star reviewer said they’ve become their “go-to” pants for just about every activity you can think of.
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