Save yourself some endless scrolling, because we’ve got fifteen fine examples that are tried, tested and true…

A great travel pant is truly an art form in its own right. Not too stuffy, not too baggy. Excellent stretch that wears well. Comfortable but stylish. Quite the laundry list? It certainly is, but with all of the material technology available today, there are more options than ever.

That said, not all travel pants are created equal. That’s why our editors are listing their fifteen favorites, both new and tried-and-true, options that are comfortable enough for your long-leg flight and stylish enough that you won’t require a wardrobe change when you reach your destination.

PREFERRED PERFORMANCE PANTS

Once regulated to outdoor enthusiasts and post-athletic wear, performance pants became the darling of the pandemic and post-pandemic wardrobes. Today, they’re nearly as popular as jeans for off-duty and casual wear. As the name implies, these pants are chock full o’ technical features that lend themselves to being a perfect choice for a travel pant. However, while no one is going to give you too much side eye for donning your gear junkie-loving, baggy hikers, there are so many elevated versions these days, why not put a little lowkey lux in your travel game?

First up on our list, the Salto by outdoor gear brand Cotopaxi. Made from ripstop fabric, this pant is nigh-indestructible, water-resistant, and airy light. All good things. But what puts the Salto on our list is the slim fit cut and healthy dose of woven elastine that helps you cut a lean profile as you maneuver quickly through the tarmac with phone in one hand and a full cup of joe in the other.

Cotopaxi, Salto Ripstop Pant $80

Next up, we have the adidas slim-fit training pant. With the cuffed ankles, zip slash pockets and noticeable reinforced seams, there’s no doubt this reads more “ath” over “leisure” but if a hint of athletic is more your vibe, these are a great option. Made from the brand’s AEROREADY material, it’s moisture wicking and plenty stretchy. Bonus, it’s made from 70% recycled materials, making it a good fit for you and the planet.

adidas, Slim Fit Training Pant $65

Finally, if you’re the type of guy who fully embraces the hands free lifestyle, then LA-founded, outdoor brand 686 has a pant for you. The Anything Cargo Slim Fit has so many pocket options you may just say “What personal item?”. Rugged, stretch nylon is lightweight and durable and the DWR treatment makes for a water and stain resistant pant that still lets you breathe easy.

686, Anything Cargo Slim Fit Pant $77.97 (on Sale NOW from $129.95)

MARVELOUSLY MODERN CHINOS

Chinos are another classic that have come a long way thanks to the advancement of modern materials. Originally made from stiff, heavy duty cotton twill, they were the defacto for military trousers in the mid-19th century. Today’s quality versions give you the best of both worlds – durable material that moves and stretches like your favorite jean.

Starting with one of our brand favorites, Perk, and their iconic Feel Good Chino. If you haven’t already seen our rave review on them, check our last latest article on them here. They have a great collection in plenty of solid color choices, but for the perfect travel pant, our editors recommend going with the Solid Black. The versatility of a black chino can’t be beat, especially when it comes to traveling. With its tailored fit, ultrasoft cotton twill, premium stretch and quick drying material, it makes for a pulled-together airport look. Moreso, once you arrive at your destination, it can just as easily replace your dress pants when paired with a button-down and blazer, or your black jeans when you’re looking to upgrade your off-duty look. Less to pack means less to worry about.

Perk Clothing, Feel Good Chino in Solid Black $119

Next up, Mott & Bow’s Charles Chino shows that when it comes to stylish travel comfort, it’s all about the little details. This medium-weight performance twill chino that has the right amount of stretch for incredible comfort, no matter how cramped that middle seat may be. Slim throughout hip and leg, it fits neither too tight nor too loose. In addition to nice mid-rise fit, this pant sneaks in a subtle v notch in the back end for added ease while sitting. Perfect for those longer flight hauls. Comes in eight color options, but our fav is the classic olive green.

Mott & Bow, The Twill Chino Charles $129

Finally, for the traveler who simply won’t be satisfied until his chinos feel as comfy as his joggers, the XC4 Performance Pant from Johnston & Murphy is here to tick all your boxes. These poly-spandex chino style pants are breathable, moisture-wicking and feel so soft and lightweight you might forget you’re wearing them. Wrinkle resistant and quick-drying, these offer a stretch waistband, and for those who prefer to keep their shirts tucked, there’s an inner grip along the waist to ensure you’re not flashing anything even when bending over to grab that luggage. Comes in six color options, but we’re partial to their clean and classic khaki version.

Johnston & Murphy, XC4 Performance Pant $89.50

CALLING ALL BUSINESS CASUAL

We’d all love to have the opportunity to travel in our comfiest casual clothes, but sometimes that’s just not an option. Business travel is almost always a “hit the ground running” operation. Maybe you have enough time to drop your luggage off at the hotel for storing until your afternoon check in time, or you just have to keep it tossed in the trunk of the rental before heading off to the first of your many meetings. The last thing you have time for is a wardrobe change. Does that doom us to sacrificing comfort? These next three options have something to say about that (spoiler alert – the answer is no).

Our first option comes from a brand that knows a thing or two about what business men like – they’ve literally been making business wear since 1926. Haggar has a series of suits, sports coats and pants to choose from, however our winner comes from their No Iron collection. Their Premium No Iron pleated front pant is incredibly wrinkle resistant. As the name implies, it comes out of the wash with no need to iron and stays smooth even after that four hour early-bird flight. It’s also quite comfortable, thanks to its stretchable cotton-blend fabric, hidden expandable waistband and lighter weight fabric feel. It is a pleated, classic fit, so it may not gel with everyone’s taste, but if you’re looking for a pant that will keep you looking sharp and feeling comfortable all day, this is the one. Comes in nine neutral color options, as well as Regular and Big/Tall sizing. Our fav of the group is this handsome dark gray.

Haggar, No Iron Pleated Front Pants $70

Linen is one of those fabrics that can be polarizing for travel. One the one hand, you cannot beat the breathability of it, and how it drapes in a way that just reads luxe. On the other hand, there’s that wrinkle factor. That’s why we really like J. McLaughlin’s Taylor pant. It has a straight fit, and yes, it looks like and is made from linen. The difference is how this pant is blended with 58% lyocell (a semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose). Having that blend gives you all the look and feel of linen but with a lot less (as in practically zero) wrinkles. Simply put, if your business dealings take you to a warm and humid locale, these are the pants that will keep you cool and collected.

J. McLaughlin, Taylor Straight Fit Linen Blend Pants $228

Finally, for those craving a modern cut that still works as a meeting-friendly pant, the Stafford Trouser by Paige is a great choice. Fitted through the thigh and tapered from the knee down, this pant is made with the brand’s Transcend Knit, which is a performance hybrid fabric containing three super stretch fibers knitted together for maximum comfort and a refined look. It comes in four color options, including this lavender-gray option called Galaxy Mist.

Paige, Stafford Trouser $199