The 8 Best Airplane Pants

Every time I travel, I face the same dilemma: what pants to wear on the airplane? Choosing the best airplane pants should not be such a challenge! But finding pants that both look good AND have a comfortable fit is not easy. After years of trying various styles of pants for the airplane, I have finally found a few good choices. 

What makes the best airplane pants?

Airplane pants should:

• never pinch. Try them on, sit down, bend over, and make sure there’s no pinching.
• be loose enough on the bottom that you can put knee-high compression socks on.
• be easy to take on and off for going to the restroom.
• be loose enough to be comfortable no matter what position you’re in.
• have a flexible waist (drawstring? elastic?)
• be something that you could wear during the rest of your trip.
• be made of soft, flexible fabrics like cotton, Tencel, or a blend (not denim).
• not be sweatpants.

Click the pictures for more information:

What else to consider when choosing the best airplane pants

Everyone’s bodies and tastes are different, so consider your personal needs. For example, I tend to get cold on airplanes, so my favorite travel pants are not thin. I always put compression socks on for long flights, so the best airplane pants for me are loose or stretchy enough that I can easily put them on. I wear a lot of black and travel carry-on only, so my airplane pants are always black. I opt for something simple that I can wear during the rest of my trip.

Read more: The best walking shoes for Europe and How to travel carry-on only

The best airplane pants

The Dream Kick Flare Pant, available in black only:

These were my airplane pants to Spain last month! Just like the above Dream Pants, but these comfortable travel pants have a slight flare. These are my go to for comfortable airplane pants for long flights. I love how soft and comfortable they are while also looking slightly polished.

 

How do they fit? They fit true to size with a mid rise waist. The fabric is stretchy. Only one inseam (27″) so they may be cropped on taller frames. Currently on final sale for only $39 but available in limited sizes.

Everlane offers free shipping on orders over $125 and easy, free returns.

Shop for the Dream kick flare pants here.

For a similar look, try the Quince ultra-stretch ponte pants. They come in 5 colors and 4 different inseams. Only $39.90 and Quince has free shipping and free 365-day returns.

Shop for the Quince ponte pants here.

 

Everlane’s “The Draper” Pleated Pants 

These wide-leg trousers are the “it pants” of the year with a high waist and a wide, flowy drape. Add in Everlane’s knack for crafting well tailored clothes in beautiful fabrics, and you have an elegant yet versatile pair of pants. The fabric, called their “buttersmooth” line, is a mix of 60% Tencel (think soft and sustainable) and 40% cotton. The drapey fit and soft material make them a great choice for the best airplane pants.

How do they fit? Everlane’s pants tend to run a little big, so you may need to size down. On the website, click “Fit” and then “Size Guide” and “Garment” to see the exact measurements for these pants. I took these in one size down and had them hemmed just a bit for my 5’3″ frame.

Available in two inseams, 30″ and 32″, sizes 00-16, and several colors. Be aware that the colors on final sale are not returnable.

On sale for only $89 with free returns and free shipping.

Shop for the Everlane Draper pants here.

 

Dressy travel pants: 

Quince Silk Pants:

I love these silk trousers for dressy airplane pants. Taking these beautiful silk pants on your trip means you can instantly be dressed during your travels. The drawstring waist, drapey fit, and slightly wide legs make them a comfortable choice for the airplane. 

These silk pants come in 8 different colors and 5 sizes from XS to XL with a 30″ inseam. Crafted from 100% mulberry silk in a satin finish, these silk pants are washable! 

Shop for Quince silk pants

J. Crew Charmeuse Pants:

These luster charmeuse pants from J. Crew are made from 100% viscose (no polyester!) and have an elegant, drapey fit. The slightly shiny fabric could take you from the airplane to other occasions during the trip — they could work well for a night at the theater or a nice dinner.

With a stretchy waist, relaxed fit, and super soft fabric, these pants would be a perfect option for a comfortable airplane outfit. Available in three different lengths for petite, regular, and tall inseams, and in a range of colors from ivory and mauve to gray and black. I would opt for the black for versatility and ease. 

Shop for J. Crew luster charmeuse pants

 

Comfortable active wear for airplane pants

Vuori’s Halo Essential Wide Leg Pants

These cozy airplane pants are on my list of best airplane pants because of the softness of the fabric. They are made with Vuori’s signature Dream fabric, which is a super soft, luxurious feeling fabric made from recycled materials. Available in sizes XXS-XXL in three lengths and four colors (black, ecru, dark brown, and blue). $108 with free shipping and free returns.

Shop for Vuori’s essential wide leg pants.

 

Linen travel pants:

If you’re traveling to a warm destination, consider linen for your airplane pants. The breathable fabric is excellent for traveling in hot weather, and the loose, comfortable fit would be great for the airplane.

Quince’s linen is affordable and made from 100% European flax. I have several of their pieces and have been very happy with all of them. Plus, they have free, 365-day returns.

Quince Wide-Leg Linen Pants

These wide leg linen pants have a wide, stretchy waistband, a drawstring waist, and a mid rise with both front and back pockets. The relaxed fit would make them a great choice for the airplane, especially if you’ll be landing in a warm place. Here you can see how the flax color might be a good choice for your warm weather vacation:

How do they fit? They come in 3 different inseams from 26″ to 30″ — I recommend a slightly longer inseam in this style. They run true to size, and the waistband is forgiving.

They come in 7 colors and sizes XS to XL. Only $39.90!

Shop for Quince wide leg linen pants.

 

Quince Pleated Linen Trousers

Another choice from Quince for a more sophisticated look is these pleated linen trousers. With an elastic waistband at the back, they are very forgiving and conform to your body without the restriction of a typical waistband. These come in only one 30″ inseam and a few neutral colors (black, navy, tan, white, and stripes). Only $49!

Shop for Quince linen trousers here.

 What are your suggestions for the best airplane pants?