Since holiday travel is annoying enough as it is, you can at least make it a little better by dressing up in a comfortable outfit that doesn’t add to the excruciating experience that long and overbooked flights can be.
We, of course, are not suggesting you wear your favorite pair of sweatpants to the airport. Instead, opt for a more stylish option and go for chic stretchy pants. Trust us, a little spandex can go a long way when it comes to functional travel attire.
Related: The Best Sweatshirts for Stylishly Comfortable Travel
And there are options to match every preference and personal style. The wide-leg silhouette is definitely having a moment and brands like Express and J Brand are offering slip-on styles in soft stretchy velvet.
There are also plenty of classic cuts, from straight-leg capri pants, skinny stretch pants, leggings, and even Corduroy trousers. With detailing such as elasticized waist and front pleats, some of these pants will definitely provide you with more comfort than your regular pair of jeans.
Here, we've rounded up 17 pairs that any traveler will want in their closet this holiday season.
Athleta Ponte Leather Legging
These cool leather pants ooze a rock vibe and feature a stretchy back part that makes them ideal for travel and going out on the town.
To buy: athleta.com, $280
Wit & Wisdom Ab-solution Stretch Twill Skinny Pants in Wistful Mauve
The soft, stretchy twill fabric and slit hems make these mauve ankle pants ideal for your next trip. They also feature interior mesh panels for a slimming fit.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $45
Everlane Stretch Ponte Skinny Pant
According to the description, this high-waisted stretch pant from Everlane “feels like a legging, but looks like you tried.” We couldn’t possibly be more on board with that.
To buy: everlane.com, $78
Leith Pleat Front Trousers
The subtle front pleats elevate these classic pull-on black trousers so you look chic both on board a plane and in a restaurant.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $55
Nike Velour Drawstring Capri Pants
These glammed up sporty pants come in silky and stretchy velour, and feature two front pockets and a drawstring waist.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $65
Express Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Velvet Pant in Chianti
Who said fashion and comfort can’t walk hand in hand? This wide-leg number is the epitome of trendy and is so easy to wear thanks to its slip-on styling, loose fit, and stretchy fabric.
To buy: express.com, $70
LOFT Crop Button Pants
These flattering pants have elegant front pleats, back pockets, and button tab waist.
To buy: loft.com, $40
Pleated Terry Wide-Leg Pants
You will want to live in these pull-on wide-leg pants in soft stretchy cotton so consider buying a couple of pairs.
To buy: anthropologie.com, $88
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
Whether you wear these with a simple t-shirt and slip-on kicks or you dress them up with a silk top and heels, one thing is certain: The stretchy and shaping fabric of these leggings will always keep you comfortable and looking your best.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $98
Michael Stars Smocked Wide-Leg Pants in Tangerine
Headed to a warmer destination? These pants will make sure you look vacation-ready the moment you get off the plane.
To buy: anthropologie.com, $148
J Brand Ardon Wide-leg Pant In Velvet
The elastic waist and wide-leg silhouette of these trousers together with its deep gray hue and silky velvet fabric, will up the ante on the chic factor of your next travel attire.
To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $278
Michael Kors Polka-Dot Pants
This stretch-wool pant will definitely get you noticed in a sea of dark-hued clothing so often spotted among travelers in the winter.
To buy: theoutnet.com, $398
Banana Republic Sloan Stripe Bi-Stretch Pant
Made from fabric with excellent stretch and recovery properties that flatter any shape, this ankle-crop pant has a zip fly with hook-and-bra closure and back and front pockets.
To buy: bananarepublic.com, $70
Lee Platinum Madelyn Straight-Leg Trousers
This elegant straight-leg pant will have you looking chic and professional while the cotton/polyester/spandex fabric blend will make sure you stay comfortable during long flights and business meetings.
To buy: macys.com, $40
Charter Club Lexington Corduroy Straight-Leg Pants in Shadow Grey
Corduroy remains one of the most practical fabrics to wear outdoors, especially in the colder months. It’s extremely warm, dries quickly, and lasts long.
To buy: macys.com, $30
J.Crew Any Day Pant in Navy
As its name suggests, this best-selling pant is truly an any-day and any-occasion piece of clothing. The sleek style is made from thick, stretchy jersey-like fabric that’s flattering and durable.
To buy: jcrew.com, $50
Twig Sassy Pants
Not only is this pair of navy pants extremely comfortable, but you can actually choose the style of the waist (tie or gathered) and the hemline (gathered or straight) so it matches better your preferences. You can also feel good about your purchase: For every pair they sell, the brand contributes to a charity dedicated to girls’ education around the world.
To buy: twigpants.com, $160
Beta Brand Bootcut Pants
This classic silhouette comes in ten colors and is an absolutely must-have for business travelers who need to look professional at all times.
To buy: betabrand.com, $58
