Not Leggings, Not Sweats—These Travel Pants Prove You *Can* Be Comfortable and Put-Together at 30,000 Feet
‘Tis the season for travel. Whether you’re catching a plane, train, or taking a road trip by car, one question inevitably pops into your mind the night before you leave: What am I going to wear? If, like me, you’ve ever stared into your closet wishing for something that feels like cozy pajamas but looks like you actually put thought into your travel outfit, you’re not alone. After years of traveling for business and pleasure, I finally found the answer I was searching for: elevated sweatpants.
This pant style is the perfect hybrid of trousers and lounge pants. It combines the sophistication of trousers through tailored, high-quality fabrics with the comfort of sweatpants through relaxed silhouettes, elastic waistbands, and, in some cases, drawstring closures. While you may have heard about Rag & Bone’s viral Miramar sweatpant jeans and the celeb-favorite Leset Lauren pants, these are just two elegant travel pant options; many more await discovery.
Below, find the 29 chicest elevated lounge pants to wear this season, no matter your plans, and then shop for travel essentials to complete your look.
rag-bone
Miramar Wide-Leg Pants
Who What Wear’s fashion editor, Sierra Mayhew, tried these viral Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans and only has amazing things to say.
Intimissimi
Full Length Palazzo Pants in 100% Cashmere
Cashmere pants for less than $200 is a steal.
Reformation
Lyle Cashmere Pants
I know you’re a fashion person if you wear an outfit like this to the airport.
Shop the matching Meritt Cashmere Turtleneck ($248).
BP.
Baggy Wide Leg Cargo Sweatpants
The large cargo pockets and wide-leg design make these sweatpants look so elevated.
A few months ago, I finally got my hands on these always-sold-out Leset pants, and, to cut to the chase, you need them.
Helsa
Kerstin Knit Jogger
Leave it to Elsa Hosk to make sweatpants look chic.
Le Bop is the basics brand you’ll find on every fashion person in L.A. and NYC.
DONNI.
The Sweater Rib Simple Pant
Donni makes such easy and stylish pieces that can be integrated into anyone’s closet.
Reformation
Gale Mid Rise Bias Pant
Dress these up with a blouse and heels or down with a sweater and loafers.
Enza Costa
Everywhere Pants
The Everywhere Pants are a style you can actually wear everywhere.
Rag & Bone
Miramar Wide Leg Track Jeans
I love how the stripes add a sporty feel to these denim-like pants.
ZARA
Wide Leg Fleece Pants
Another amazing Zara find, if I do say so myself.
J.Crew
Cashmere Track Pant
Reformation
Marion Low Rise Pant
These toe the line between a pair of trousers and a pair of sweatpants.
Travel Essentials to Pair With Your Elevated Lounge Pants
Nordstrom
Crewneck Wool & Cashmere Sweater
If you’re like me and always feel cold on the plane, a sweater like this is perfect as a cozy layer. If you get warm, you can simply tie it around your shoulders.
Last month, these were the best-selling shoes on Who What Wear.
An expensive-looking tote that can carry your laptop, headphones, eye masks, melatonin, and other travel essentials.
Simplicity can be incredibly impactful, as shown by the elegant shape of this blazer.
Nordstrom
Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt
Every great travel wardrobe should feature a classic white T-shirt.
J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford
A white button-down shirt is just as important as a white tee.
Jeffrey Campbell
Gunter Slipper
Charvet or Jeffrey Campbell? I can hardly tell the difference.
BÉIS Travel
The Essential Weekender in Black
I bought this for myself when it was first released, and I’m very glad I did. I love how it easily slips over the handle of rolling luggage and the various ways it helps keep your items organized inside.
You won’t need to use the airline’s blanket if you wear this teddy coat on the plane.
Wilfred
London Wool Cashmere Cardigan
Why not add a joyful pop of color to your outfit?
Banbe
The Yasmin Blue Light Glasses
Even if you’re not convinced about blue light glasses, they’ll definitely help you look well put-together.
