Not Leggings, Not Sweatpants: These Travel Pants Show You *Can* Be Both Comfortable and Fashionable at 30,000 Feet
'Tis the season for traveling. Whether you're on a plane, train, or embarking on a road trip, one question inevitably crosses your mind the night before departure: What will I wear? If you've ever found yourself gazing into your closet yearning for something that feels like comfy pajamas yet appears thoughtfully put together, you're not alone. After years of traveling for both work and leisure, I discovered the solution I was looking for: elevated sweatpants. This pant style is the ideal blend of trousers and loungewear. It merges the refinement of trousers made from high-quality fabrics with the comfort of sweatpants, featuring relaxed fits, elastic waistbands, and sometimes drawstring closures. While you may be familiar with Rag & Bone's popular Miramar sweatpant jeans and the stylish Leset Lauren pants favored by celebrities, these are just a couple of the elegant travel pant options available; many more are waiting to be explored. Below, you'll find 29 of the most stylish elevated lounge pants to wear this season, regardless of your plans, along with travel essentials to enhance your look.
ZARA
Rustic Wide Leg Pants
Pair with a white t-shirt, tan wool coat, and brown leather loafers.
rag & bone
Miramar Wide-Leg Pants
Sierra Mayhew, fashion editor at Who What Wear, tried these viral Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans and can't say enough good things about them.
Intimissimi
Full Length Palazzo Pants in 100% Cashmere
Cashmere pants under $200 are an incredible deal.
Reformation
Lyle Cashmere Pants
If you wear an outfit like this to the airport, you're definitely a fashion-savvy person. Don’t forget to check out the matching Meritt Cashmere Turtleneck ($248).
BP.
Baggy Wide Leg Cargo Sweatpants
These sweatpants look elevated thanks to their large cargo pockets and wide-leg design.
Not long ago, I finally got my hands on the always-sold-out Leset pants, and to get straight to the point—these are a must-have.
Helsa
Kerstin Knit Jogger
Leave it to Elsa Hosk to make sweatpants appear chic.
Le Bop is the go-to basics brand seen on every fashionista in L.A. and NYC.
DONNI.
The Sweater Rib Simple Pant
Donni creates stylish and effortless pieces that can be incorporated into anyone's wardrobe.
Reformation
Gale Mid Rise Bias Pant
Dress these up with a blouse and heels, or keep it casual with a sweater and loafers.
Enza Costa
Everywhere Pants
The Everywhere Pants are versatile enough for any occasion.
Rag & Bone
Miramar Wide Leg Track Jeans
I love how the stripes lend a sporty vibe to these denim-like pants.
ZARA
Wide Leg Fleece Pants
Another fantastic find from Zara, if I may say so myself.
J.Crew
Cashmere Track Pant
Reformation
Marion Low Rise Pant
These straddle the line between trousers and sweatpants.
Travel Essentials to Pair With Your Elevated Lounge Pants
Nordstrom
Crewneck Wool & Cashmere Sweater
If, like me, you often feel cold on airplanes, a sweater like this is a great cozy layer. If it gets too warm, you can easily tie it around your shoulders.
Last month, these shoes were the top sellers on Who What Wear.
An elegant tote that can hold your laptop, headphones, eye masks, melatonin, and other travel necessities.
Simplicity can be very impactful, as seen in the stylish silhouette of this blazer.
Nordstrom
Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt
A classic white t-shirt is essential for any travel wardrobe.
J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford
A white button-down shirt is as crucial as a white tee.
Jeffrey Campbell
Gunter Slipper
Is it Charvet or Jeffrey Campbell? The difference is hard to discern.
BÉIS Travel
The Essential Weekender in Black
I purchased this when it was first launched, and I'm so glad I did. I appreciate how it easily slips over the handle of rolling luggage and the multiple organizational features inside.
You won’t need the airline’s blanket if you wear this teddy coat on the plane.
Wilfred
London Wool Cashmere Cardigan
Why not introduce a vibrant pop of color into your outfit?
Banbe
The Yasmin Blue Light Glasses
Even if you're skeptical about blue light glasses, they can definitely enhance your polished look.
Other articles
Not Leggings, Not Sweatpants: These Travel Pants Show You *Can* Be Both Comfortable and Fashionable at 30,000 Feet
Make sure to check out these stylish choices before heading to the airport.
