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While quality travel pants are important for durability and longevity, female travelers still like a bargain and don’t always want to pay a ton for good trousers. Our readers share their favorite budget-friendly pant options with you!
Cheap Pants for Women
Table Of Contents
Stretchy, comfortable, and durable pants are a must for travel, and while you can spend a lot of money on technical pants that withstand the rigors of traveling, the truth is you don’t have to spend a ton to have reliable, sturdy trousers.
A good pair of pants can be worn with anything from sneakers to wedges, all the way to flip flops or sandals.
Here are travel pants recommended by readers that are easy on the wallet but also well-made and good quality!
Top Affordable Pants for Women
Shop Sizes Regular 2-18 and Plus 16-24: Amazon | Columbia | Zappos
Columbia Saturday Trail Pant
A big fave of TFG readers, the Columbia Saturday Trail pants can do no wrong. Though meant for the outdoors; they’re nice enough for casual wear too!
Made of polyester/elastane, they pull on easily and come packed with Omni-Shield to repel water and Omni-Shade UPF 50 to protect against UV rays. The zippered pockets make it easy to store a lip gloss or lipstick which is ideal for travel.
One reader adores these, and says, “I found my holy grail of travel pants!! Columbia Back Beauty pants!!” Note that you can also get this line in a knee style, and a convertible style, check them out here.
Shop Quince: Sizes XS-XL Regular | 1X-3X Plus
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Pants
With legging-like comfort hidden behind a sleek, dressy design, it’s easy to see why these Quince ponte pants are a favorite with our readers. They have a pull-on waistband and four-way stretch, so you’ll be able to move around freely. Wearers highlight how flattering the fit is, as well as wonderful quality and endless styling options.
One reviewer shares, “These pants are so well made and look much more expensive than they are! The fit and feel are fantastic, and the choice of inseam lengths is amazing.”
Shop Sizes Regular 0-16 and Plus 18-22: Amazon | prAna
prAna Halle Stretch Pants
The prAna lined Halle pants are made from special stretch Zion fabric, which is abrasion-resistant, quick-drying, and has UPF 50. They have a durable water repellent finish, so they won’t soak through when caught in a rain shower. You can also roll them up to convert them into capris if it gets hot, and the trouser styling means they’re sophisticated for daily wear—pair them with sandals or slip-ons!
One wearer shares, “I only own the Halle, but that extra front zip pocket on the thigh is fantastic. They’re my go-to travel day pants.” Note: you can grab these in short, regular, or tall sizing!
If you’re headed on a long flight or looking for pants that offer comfort, then look no further than elastic waist pants. TFG readers share their top picks!
Shop Sizes XS-3X Regular, Petite, and Tall: Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer Women’s Departure Ankle Pants
Described as “the best pants ever” by wearers, this Eddie Bauer Departure cropped pants are a hit due to having the right amount of stretch and being an amazingly lightweight and travel-friendly option. The fabric is moisture-wicking, offers UPF 50+ sun protection, and the stretch gives you plenty of mobility.
The elastic waistband and pockets make them comfy and practical, while the polished, trouser-like look allows you to dress them up, too!
A reader says, “I now own two pairs and they are my favorite pants ever. I can dress them up or wear them on hikes, and when out and about. They’re the best!”
Keep warm during winter travel with the best cold weather pants!
Shop Sizes Regular, Petite, & Tall XS-3X: Spanx
Spanx The Perfect Pants
Versatile, comfy, and oh so cute, Spanx’s The Perfect Pant will be your go-to for travel. They have just the right amount of stretch and are amazingly comfortable yet look polished, so they’re great for everything from sightseeing to business travel to a night out! Plus, built-in slimming and smoothing features make them super flattering.
All in all, these pants definitely live up to their name! A wearer says, “These are my new favorite pants! I travel a lot and want to be comfy and these are very comfortable and look great! Definitely recommend them.”
Our readers voted for the best black travel pants and these were their favorite styles!
Shop Sizes 0-26 Regular, Tall and Petite: Athleta
Athleta Brooklyn Pants
A travel dream, readers highly recommend the Athleta Brooklyn trousers. They’re cute, comfy, and stretchy in all the right places, and the ribbed waistband moves with you. We can’t forget the four pockets, two in front, with two in the back that you can zip up.
Not only are these breathable, but you can also sit and walk around without wrinkled looking pants and if you get caught in the rain, they dry fast too! Plus they’re available in regular, tall, and petite sizing.
This review sums up reader sentiments about these slacks, “I call these “anytime all the time” pants. I’ve traveled for two weeks with two pairs of these, and they handled long plane trips, hiking, city sightseeing, and elegant dinners. I’ve been stopped multiple times abroad by impeccably dressed women who wanted to know where to get them. Seriously, these pants are it.”
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon
CRZ YOGA 4-Way Stretch Travel 7/8 Ankle Pants
These CRZ Yoga pants make great on-the-go companions. Made of nylon/spandex, they are super stretchy, wrinkle-free, and lightweight making them uber comfortable to fly in and super packable! These versatile pants can take you from the trails to a day spent sightseeing and then be used if you’re traveling for business.
These can handle the rigors of anything, as this reviewer says, “I bought them for the purpose of travel – and I can confirm that they travel great! But I’ve started wearing them otherwise to run errands, attend casual meetings, hang around the house, etc..”
Shop Sizes Regular & Petite 00-18: Nordstrom
Wit and Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Ankle Pants
Adorably classic yet with modern touches, these Wit and Wisdom cargo pants are cotton/spandex with a comfy waistband for plenty of stretch and has front, side, and back pockets to hold tiny essentials.
Check out a review for these pants, “Needed to replace some casual pants and really happy I found these. Love the fit and the elastic waist is comfortable and sits nicely in place without cinching.” And another wearer had this to say “They have a waistband like leggings on the inside and are the softest, most comfortable pair of pants I own”.
Here are the comfiest airplane pants for travel according to our readers!
Shop J.Jill: Sizes XS-4X Regular | XS-XL Petite | S-XL Tall
J.Jill Wearever Slim-Leg Pants
For a dressier touch, the J.Jill Wearever pants are some of the most comfortable pants for traveling (says many TFG readers!). They’re knit, made with an elastic waist for movement and stretch, and create a flattering shape. Another draw is their range of sizing, from misses to plus-size.
One reader shares that her pair is “super comfortable,” while another one says that she simply “loves them.” You can dress these up with flats or wedges, or go more casual with slip-ons and a white tee. Either way, these work well on a plane or strolling down the cobblestones of Europe.
Our readers voted for the best black travel pants and these were their favorite styles!
Shop Anthropologie: Sizes 23-34 Regular, Tall & Petite | Plus 16W-26W
Anthropologie The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
Anthropologie is a brand that’s synonymous with comfort and I personally love the Colette. I felt so put together for my travel day without sacrificing comfort — they were SO airy, and seriously felt weightless! They have the feel of sweatpants but look incredibly chic and polished and they’ve now become my go-to pant for everything – including travel, flights, conferences, and everyday wear. Order in any of the stylish colors, and you can wear these womens cropped pants with boots for a cute nighttime style!
They come in sizes 23-34, tall 23-34, petite 23-34 and plus 16W-26W!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Betabrand
Betabrand Pant Yoga Pants
Wildly popular with TFG readers, the Betabrand “yoga” pants actually feel like them! They have a four-way stretch and are resistant to wrinkling, so you could leave the travel steamer at home.
These come in short-petite, petite, regular, and long lengths and women describe the elastic waistband and Ponte feel like being wrapped in easy comfort. A TFG reader shares their experience, “I purchased them for my trip to Europe and loved them! Very comfy like yoga pants but dressier, yet I can still wear slip-ons and be semi-casual.”
Our readers voted these as the best quick dry pants!
Shop Sizes XS-4X Regular, Petite, and Tall: Old Navy
Old Navy High-Waisted Pixie Skinny Pants for Women
Another reader fave, the Old Navy pixie skinny pants are comfy and breathable. The contoured waistband, with double hook-and-bar closure, has built-in belt loops and an interior stay button. The smoothing pocket lining holds you in for a slimming effect while the diagonal on-seam hip pockets and decorative welt faux pockets at the back are nicely convenient to slip in a phone or room key. The Pixie pants you love, are now in a more fabulous fit & fabric.
One wearer explains why these are SO great, “These pants are great for travel, they don’t wrinkle and hold up well to packing. I wish the lower legs were just a tad looser and the pockets a tiny bit bigger, but at least they have somewhat functional pockets.” A big plus, the pants are available in regular, tall, or petite sizes.
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Uniqlo
Uniqlo Pleated Wide Leg Pants
Uniqlo’s pleated trousers are chic and effortless, with a loose, drapey fit that adds a cool-factor. They’re stretchy and lightweight, so they’ll feel comfortable whether spending the day sightseeing or sitting on a flight! If you’ve been on the hunt for a polished yet easy-to-wear pant for travel, look no further.
One wearer says, “These pants are comfortable and elegant. The cut is perfect, and you can easily dress them down. The fabric is easy to care for, too!”
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
How to Pack Your Pants
If you’re planning a trip and want to bring your pants, start with packing cubes, they will seriously change the way you pack! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See more in the video below.
The Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This method has helped me travel carry-on only!
What are your favorite affordable pants for ladies for travel? Share in the comments!
For more travel pants, please read:
- Most Comfortable Pants for Women
- Elastic Waist Pants for Women: The Ultimate in Comfort
- Female Travelers Love Ponte Pants. Find Out Why!
- Most Comfortable and Lightweight Jeans
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Thanks for the reviews!
Great post – the anatomie looks so good, but not in my budget yet. I’ll have to give a couple of the others a try – thanks for the list of alternatives.
I love my athleta Brooklyn but the anatomie Skylar looks so good – maybe someday…,.
Pants are great for travel -coverage, adaptability, etc. How about a similar blog on skirts/dresses? I find a dress is much more comfortable on the plane for hours and hours.
Just ordered the Skylers (while holding my breath😳). Looking for a style that can go from trail to dinner. Tried several Columbia and Betabrand, just not sure they’re “it”.
Found this article very informative and helpful. Will be checking out the various styles and hope they don’t break the bank.
Skylark pants all the way! I own 3 pairs now and they have lasted forever!
Welp, now I’m buying those Eddie Bauer pants. Thanks for the recs!
I absolutely love my Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants — and so I love learning about all these other options in a similar category!
Love the Eddie Bauer departure pants!
Thanks! I will check these out!
I have look at the different travel pants I am just disappointed in South Africa we don’t get all the good travel great that you mention on your blog.
Any suggestions on trying the Anatomie pants? I’d love to try them but they don’t seem to have the best return policy, at least for sale items. Since they’re so expensive and it’s hard to find pants that fit right, I don’t want to spend a lot of money on something I can’t wear or return. Love the site, all the tips and comments shared by others as well.
I love the lululemon 7/8 pants- I have 2 pairs and the Athleta brooklyn pants- also 2 pairs. No wrinkles and fold easily.
I just purchased the Eddie Bauer travel pants and look forward to trying them on an upcoming trip!
Pants!
Betabrand pants were literally a game-changer for me. Business travel and vacations alike, they have been my go-to. But after reading this I am going to try a few of these for some variety!
I am traveling to Cape Breton for a week – and am excited to try a few of these suggestions!
I’ve only been following your Facebook page since March but have learned so much already! Here’s the thing, I’m a ‘plump’ little lady and most of the styles shown wouldn’t look good on me but I love looking at them. However, when someone posted the Eddie Bauer Departure Ankle Pants, I immediately ordered 2 pair!!! Perfect for me AND my wallet! Thank you, TFG
I love that you have pants in different price ranges. It’s hard to find travel pants, let alone which ones work best, without a lot of effort. You make it easy, and the reader’s comments are helpful, too.
I really like the 32degrees pants, both the heat and cool.
I will definitely be checking into getting a couple to try out before my next trip.
Two more pants worthy of consideration for this list: the Prana meme pant (although these might not be available anymore – these were phenomenal when I was in Iceland as they were stretchy, comfortable and water repellent), and Uniqlo legging pants – the latter look good at work or on the weekend and are a go-to for me in the fall and winter!
The Skyler Anatomie pants are THE item of clothing that started me on my journey to minimalist packing. I found them on the Travel fashion girl blog right about the time I was preparing for a trip to Iceland and Norway. There were strict, stringent luggage requirements, especially for the flight from Iceland to Oslo, and learning about Anatomie pants and other travel items like it revolutionized how I packed, and continue to refine my packing. I have learned an enormous amount from this fantastic group of women, and this has become an interest that kept me entertained and soothed during the pandemic when I needed to have some way to believe in the future since both my parents had just died. It’s amazing how many connections can be made between travel, fashion, packing and life itself.
Still looking for my perfect pair of travel pants. I need a longer inseam than most recommended brands come in.
I have never owned, let alone, tried a pair of Anatomie Skyler pants, but I have eyed them for quite some time. Thank you for a wonderful blog on affordable alternatives. I will definitely be looking into a few pairs that look appealing to me. You are the best!
Thank you for such a comprehensive guide on travel pants. I’ve been considering several brands and this really helped narrow it down. I look forward to trying some out on my next adventure!
I would second the Brooklyn pants from athleta. I have 6 pairs of these and I live in them three seasons a year. They are not a great cold weather pant, but the rest of the time they are fantastic. I have some junk in the trunk, and they always seem to fit and look good.
I’ve been eyeing the Anatomies pants for a while now but still haven’t bitten the bullet and ordered a pair. But I love that you’ve given us a list of affordable options. I’ve tried the Eddie Bauer Departure Pants and didn’t like the fit, or the feel of the fabric. I’m thinking of ordering the Athleta Brooklyn pants next in the hopes that it will work. The search for the perfect travel pants continues!
Thank you for these great options. I notoriously wear jeans & find they’re not so comfortable for long flights. So excited to check out my Costco to see if they have the Departure pants!
Thanks for sharing a variety of pants. I’m need to purchase these for work and travel.
I love my Lululemon 7/8 pants, Eddie Bauer departure pants and Athleta Brooklyn pants for travel. All are comfortable, wrinkle resistant, can wear them in hot weather and they wash easily in the sink! And dry fairly quickly-especially if wrapped in towel to remove excess moisture prior to hanging. All are great travel choices!
I haven’t done much traveling in the last couple years BUT I still love your blogs and Facebook page for comfy and stylish clothing. Thank you for the suggestions!
Love all the options you give! Have not tried the Anatomie pants. Need to give them a try.
These pants look great!
I love the Eddie Bauer Departure pants. They dry so quickly and have a little stretch to them.
looks comfy
Several years ago I accidentally stumbled upon PrAna pants on a clearance rack in a small shop in Utah. I usually think of yoga when it comes to name recognition and this brand, but the travel pants did not disappoint . I’ve worn my pants in the mountains and the desert. I’m glad you mentioned the Halle in this blog because I’m in need of new pants but need them to be affordable —Especially since I’m midway in a weight loss journey.
Might just have to pull the trigger on the Wit & Wisdom pants
Love my Vuori Ripstop pants. Had not considered them for my upcoming trip to France. Will be packing them now.
Love my Vuori Ripstop pants, did not think of them for my upcoming trip to Province. Changing my mind!
Love that you also offer alternatives for your favorites!!
Such great information and alternatives at every price point! Truly a great resource for travel!
Great article! Very helpful in deciding what to purchase for my upcoming trips!
Thank you for giving some affordable options. I have several of the CRZ YOGA pants and they fit my curvy body really well and they have held up for years. The only problem is, I get them in all the colors!
Finding the Eddie Bauer Departure pants at Costco made it worth trying.
Turns out they’re perfect!
My favorites are the Eddie Bauer Departure pants. I also love JJILL though mine are over 13 years old. Thanks for sharing such a long list of favorites and a list that has all sizes and body shapes.
I love my EB Departure pants….
Love my Prana pants, have found so many good ideas here!
I have been searching for something to wear in Ireland in October besides jeans. JJILL for the win. Thank you TFG!!
I’m building my travel capsule and reading all of these great articles. Thank you for all of the great ideas and advice.
Love your blogs – so helpful in planning a winter trip to London and Pariss
Over the years, I have purchased many of the “travel” pants shown above. The Anatomie are wonderful! I keep an eye on their website and buy them on sale. I would also highly recommend the Lululemon pants. I have had them for years. They have been with me around the world and they still look great!
LOVE your posts, but in particular this one. I always find it difficult to shop for pants, and this blog gives me so many options at different price points.
My favorite travel pants – by far – are the Athleta Brooklyn pants. They come in 0 tall (which is rare!) and are so comfy and don’t wrinkle. I only wish they came in more colors!
Thank you for providing such a good variety of options! It is really helpful as there always seems to be something that will work for me!
Great info!
The Vuori Rip Stop pants (hiking/casual) and Betabrand Yoga pants (comfortable for flights and dress/business/smart casual) are my two favorites for travel. They’re both high quality, fit well, and stay wrinkle free. Thanks for the article!
I almost forgot, I also have the Athleta Brooklyn pant – excellent purchase. Comfy and stylish!
The packing cube video was very helpful!
Some great options here! Toad & company pants are good too.
Athleta pants last a very long time. I am still wearing older styles of Athleta pants that I’ve had for more than 10 years.
Love all of the blog posts! I’ve learned so much about packing light and I can’t wait to travel utilize all the recommendations! Thank you TFG!
Love all the info you supply!
Old Navy pixie pants are good for travel. But, they sell out fast.
I’m so excited to be working on my travel capsule of clothing. We travel frequently and I always over pack. We are doing a 15 day panama canal cruise and I’m determined to bring half of what I usually bring. Thank you for all of the great tips and advice.
Thanks! Those all look so cute.
Wander Stash Skinny Pant by Athleta. Stretchy but keeps it’s shape. Best pants ever! And they come in tall.
Hi Serena, thank you for sharing your favorite pants with us! ?
Thanks for not only reviewing travel pants, but posting links for east access! I have several upcoming trips and need a solid pair!
I have had my eyes on Athleta’s Brooklyn pants because of their cuteness and practicality, but the Betabrand pants are adorable. I still want the Anatomie Skyler pants as my ultimate travel pants to withstand 10+ hour flights. Low maintenance is always a plus!
I totally love Athleta Brooklyn joggers and Eddie Bauer Departure pants. Thanks for the suggestions!