We Tested 32 Pairs of Men’s Travel Pants – These Are Our Top Picks (2024)

The Lululemon ABC Classic-fit Pant Warpstreme checks all the boxes for the optimal men’s travel pants. We gave it a five out of five in every single category, so these pants really could not have done much better. Whether you’re looking for comfort, quality, durability, design, or value, these pants fit the bill. Their comfortable build means you can stretch your legs when sprinting to catch the bus, and they’ll get you through long, 16-hour travel days with ease. After weekly wear for commuting over a five-month period, they still look good as new with no signs of shrinkage or fading.

The pants come in a classic style with five pockets deep enough to fit the biggest phones and thickest wallets. They can be worn in almost any setting, including for workouts, work, travel, nights at home, brunch, and dinner dates. On top of that, they don’t stretch or shrink after multiple runs through the wash and the material doesn’t pill.

All in all, the Lululemon ABC Classic-fit Pant Warpstremes are the travel pants to beat. While the price is a bit higher than others on the list, we wouldn’t be surprised if you headed back to the store and picked up a few more pairs in different colors. Luckily, there are 16 options to choose from.

The Details: 26 to 50 | 53 percent elastomultiester, 47 percent recycled polyester

The Everlane The Performance Traveler Chinos might seem a bit tight at first, but after giving them a couple wears and washes throughout five months of tests, we found them to have a perfect fit. They’re known for being super comfortable, even while walking through terminals or spending hours waiting for a flight.

Everlane uses high-quality material for their pants, so the stretch waistband and jogger cut around the ankles won’t fall apart after a couple washes. We don’t recommend throwing them in the dryer, but if they somehow end up there, just give the pants a wear and they should stretch out after a couple minutes.

When it comes to design, the jogger cut gives them a different feel than some of the other pants on this list. The pockets are also deep, while the side zipper pocket allows for additional security. Even with the zip pockets, these are pants you could wear at the office or out with a white T-shirt in summer.

The Details: 28- to 40-inch waist, 30- or 32-inch length | 94 percent cotton, 6 percent elastane

The Mack Weldon Radius Pant manages to be comfortable and breathable, while also bringing a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe. The material is not as thin as other travel pants, which helps the fit stay true through multiple wears. While we didn't find them to be as comfortable as other pairs on this list, we didn't struggle when wearing them throughout an entire day.

The pants come in a classic four-pocket style — two in front, two in back. We noted the high-quality feel of the pants and think they’d be a good fit for formal events. They can be dressed up easily and look like a nicer pair of chinos, and they come with tiny extra compartments for smaller items like coins or Airpods. Additionally, the fabric wicks moisture and is lightweight without being too thin. Better yet, the fabric is not impacted by washing or drying and there’s no pilling, either.

The Details: S to XXL | 91 percent polyester, 9 percent spandex

Unlike some of the other travel pants out there, the Alo Day and Night Pant is not adjustable nor is the waist elastic, which gives it a bit of a dressier look. Still, these pants’ durability impressed us overall. They are stretchy and made from high-quality fabric that’s light and breathable for ultimate comfort. Over our five-month test, we loved their versatility and quality design.

Their dressier look means you can wear them to meetings or on long travel days and they’ll remain wrinkle-free. They’re breathability makes them perfect for a warm summer day, while their durability means you can even throw the pants in the drier if need be. They come in a classic, four-pocket style and your phone can fit in the back pockets without falling out. While these pants are on the pricey end, we feel it’s warranted for a pair of this quality.

The Details: 28 to 38, regular and long

When you’re tall, it can be a challenge to find a comfortable pair of pants. L.L.Bean, however, seems to have solved the problem with their Men's Venture Stretch Five-pocket Pants. These pants are breathable and light, and aren’t super stretchy. They have a trim fit and look more like slightly relaxed slacks than joggers.

Offering a wide range of motion, we felt these seemed more athletic compared to dress pants, but we noted that they aren't casual-looking like men's sweatpants or shorts. The pants are a step above casual, making them versatile enough to work in a variety of settings. The material is comfortable and pockets are deep enough to fit your phone, wallet, and keys and still looks new after five months of wearing.

While we wouldn’t consider the pants to be luxury, they certainly are not “fast fashion,” either, so you can feel good about buying them in multiple colors.

The Details: 30- to 44-inch waist, 29- to 34-inch inseam | 96 percent nylon, 4 percent spandex

Sometimes, life isn’t as smooth as we hope it will be. Whether that means running for the bus or climbing five flights of stairs because the elevator is out, it’s nice to have a pair of pants that can do the athletic things we didn’t necessarily plan for. The Patagonia Skyline Travelers Pants can do just that. We love the jogger-like ankles and the elastic waistband which keeps the pants snug around the waist. After five months of considerable use, they still look great and feel just as comfortable as their first-wear.

The material is thin, breathable, and moisture wicking. It has a good amount of stretch, making movement effortless, and it can even be used for yoga in a pinch. We also love how durable these pants are; they hold up well when put in the washer, even when worn a few times per week.

The Details: XS to XXL | 64 percent recycled nylon, 25 percent polyester, 11 percent spandex

The Chubbies Everywear Pants are slimming without being skinny, while the fabric is light, breathable, and slightly stretchy. You can sit in them, walk in them, and even go for a jog in them.

During our tests, we found these are high-quality pants that hold up in the wash without any changes. They have five pockets, including two zippered pockets in the back and a hidden zip pocket on the right side for valuables. The significant storage is particularly worthwhile if you’re planning to wear these pants all day, and they can even be worn at work or for business casual occasions.

The Details: S to XXL | 90 percent polyester, 10 percent spandex

With travel pants, versatility is of the utmost importance. In this area, the Cotopaxi Veza Adventura Pant truly impressed us. These babies fit almost like sweatpants, with an extremely comfortable relaxed fit and adjustable waist, and still remain extremely stylish. These pants are great for the office and workouts alike. The pants are breathable and allow for a full range of motion, plus they have two zippered side pockets.

The Details: S to XXL | 91 percent nylon, 9 percent spandex stretch woven

We all deserve to indulge ourselves every once in a while, and if you’re considering splurging on a pair of travel pants, look no further than Livsn’s Ecotrek Trail Pants. The material sits in that perfect space between thick and thin and feels very high quality, making them perfect for all seasons. These splurge-worthy pants will last a long time, and won’t wear easily over time or in the wash.

There’s a bit of stretch to the fabric so we were comfortable wearing them for light workouts as well as commuting to work and dining out after. In total, the pants have six pockets: two in the front and two sets of two in the back. The back pockets all have zipper closures so your belongings remain secure.

The Details: 29- to 40-inch waist, 30-, 32-, and 34-inch inseam | 70 percent recycled nylon, 25 percent nylon, 5 percent spandex

Lululemon managed to make it on our list of the best men’s travel pants twice, and if you get the opportunity to try these on, you’ll know exactly why. Frankly, these are some of the most comfortable pants we’ve ever worn. They have a drawstring for a perfect fit, the tapered leg is slimming, and they find the perfect balance between a relaxed and put-together look. After five months of use on planes, trains, and during daily commutes, we found these to be incredibly comfortable.

These are high-quality pants as well (typical for Lululemon as a brand), and have an almost satin-like texture. Even after several washes, the pants retained their form and fit perfectly. They have four pockets, including two zippered back pockets.

The Details: 26 to 50 | 52 percent polyester, 42 percent cotton, 6 percent Lycra® elastane

The Vuori Sunday Performance Joggers have an adjustable waist made of stretchy elastic, a snug overall fit, and breathable fabric — basically, they’re the kind of pants you’ll never want to take off. Luckily, they’re stylish and comfortable enough to be versatile for most occasions.

The drawstring adds adjustability, while the tapered legs with fitted cuffs give wearers a slimming look. We loved that the pants felt lightweight without being too thin, and they retained their shape and feel even after many wears and washes. There are two front pockets and two zippered back pockets, along with an additional zippered pocket on the upper thigh. You can wear the pants while hiking, traveling, or running errands, though we might not take them to the office or out to dinner. After five months of use, they still look good as new and the versatility and comfort of these joggers will have you coming back for a second purchase.

The Details: XS to XXL | 88 percent polyester, 12 percent elastane

A soft pair of joggers will quickly make their way into your everyday wardrobe, and there’s no softer travel pant than the Vuori Ponto Performance joggers. The extremely stretchy material is soft and comfortable, lending itself well to lounging around the hotel room or taking a long flight.

Made of high-quality material, these pants are incredibly breathable and are some of the comfiest pants we've ever worn. Despite running on the tight side, we didn't find them restricting and they maintained their comfort and softness throughout a long day of wearing. The pants also have a variety of well-thought-out details, like the inverted zipper on the pockets with a spring loaded pull and metal aglets on the drawstring. The pants have two zippered side pockets that will fit a phone or wallet comfortably, making them a great choice for the gym as well.

The Details: XS to XXL | 89 percent recycled polyester, 11 percent elastane

Finding casual pants that can be worn around town, on the road, and even on the soccer field makes life a touch more comfortable. The Vuori Transit Jogger is just that pant. They are neither too tight, nor too baggy, and the drawstring combined with the elastic waist makes it possible to wear them while playing sports. They breathe well and can be worn whether the temperature is hot or cold, and they allow for a full range of motion. There are two spacious front pockets that have enough space for a wallet or cell phone as well as two back pockets.

Made from good quality material, we loved that these pants are comfortable for days spent at the computer as well as long trips on the bus or in the car. Throw them in the washer and dryer without needing to worry about wearing them out.

The Details: XS to XXL

With a tapered silhouette and flattering fit, the Vuori Meta Jogger is an extremely stylish pair of travel pants. These pants have a particularly clean look to them, even with the drawstring waistband, which is impressive. We found them to be comfortable without looking unkempt, breathable, and light. Somehow, they managed to give off a stylish, dressy appearance without truly being dressy. A lot of this comes down to the cut, which is a bit more formal than your typical joggers.

The pockets are big and the rear pockets have zippers, which is great for travel. They’re made from high-quality fabric that is slick and light, and feel like a more fashionable choice than a typical pair of lounge pants. They don’t stretch or change in the wash, which speaks to their overall quality.

The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent polyester

A good pair of wool pants will automatically be some of the most comfortable in your closet — and the Icebreaker Merino Shifter Wool Jogger Lounge Pants are the wool pants you can wear almost anywhere. The slim fit adds a bit of style, while the adjustable waist and drawstring ensures they're the perfect fit. We loved that the lightweight merino wool was exceptionally soft and felt like it floating around our legs.

While the wool is on the thinner side, its high quality, so the pants hold up over time and after several trips through the washing machine. The material feels silky smooth and it's surprisingly durable. The two front pockets are deep and stitched all the way around, so they don’t flop about. Additionally, these pants are extremely versatile and can be worn in a variety of situations.

The Details: S to XXL | 88 percent wool, 9 percent nylon, 3 percent elastane

If you can bring your travel pants into the great outdoors, that feature alone may be worth the purchase. And if we’re choosing any particular pair to take hiking, it’s going to be the Coalatree Trailhead Pant. They’re extremely versatile and even have drawstrings on the pant legs so you can shorten them if you’re getting warm during a long hike.

The pants are well structured, so we didn't have to worry about them stretching out after each wear or trip through the laundry. They’re comfortable, breathable, and the fabric is high-quality and soft on the inside. We also loved that the stretchiness is perfect for climbing over a log or squatting down to pick something up. The pants are durable and repel water making them as good for hikes as they are for yard work or trips around town.

The Details: XS to XXL

If you’re looking for a pair of travel pants that are perfect for lounging, then the Kuhl Freeflex Jogger is what you’ve been waiting for. They have an elastic waist, a drawstring, and elastic on the ankles, meaning they’ll always fit perfectly even if you only plan to wear them around the house. They are particularly stretchy, but still remain polished, and they're far more comfortable than a pair of jeans.

The fabric is soft yet durable and flexible, so you won’t have to worry about any pinching or squeezing. It also won't stretch after wearing or washing; even after many wears the pants still looked brand new with exactly the same fit as when we first tried them on.

The Details: S to XXL waist, 27-, 29-, or 31-inch inseam | 50 percent polyester, 50 percent new polyester

Frequently Asked Questions

• How should I fold pants for travel?

  If your travel pants are stretchy, you should roll them rather than fold them so they won't wrinkle and you’ll save space. First, lay your pants on a flat surface, such as a bed or kitchen table. Next, fold them in half from the waist. Then, take one pant leg and fold it in a 90 degree angle outwards at the knee. Grab your pants at the waistline and roll downwards by the waistband. Once done rolling, pull the left out pant leg over the top of the roll, so that the rest of the pants are encapsulated inside. Make sure to button any buttons before rolling up your pants, too.

• How do I wash travel pants?

  We always suggest following the care instructions on the tag when washing any pair of pants (or any other garment, really), to avoid damage or shrinkage. When in doubt, either hand wash or run it in the machine on a cold, gentle cycle and hang to dry, which should be safe for most clothing.

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