--- source_url: "https://www.menshealth.com/style/g25700962/best-mens-travel-pants/?utm_source=openai" title: "14 Best Men's Travel Pants of 2026, Tested by Style Editors" mirrored_at: 2026-08-13T15:39:56.217Z host: www.menshealth.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.menshealth.com/style/g25700962/best-mens-travel-pants/index__q__utm_source_openai" --- > **Original source:** https://www.menshealth.com/style/g25700962/best-mens-travel-pants/?utm_source=openai ### Pros - Anti-ball-crushing tech relieves tension from the crotch - Smooth, light fabric with amplified stretch and quick-drying - Your everyday chino style but upgraded with performance - Comes in a bunch of color ### Cons - Slight sheen that looks more technical than traditional Over the last four years, I’ve traveled all over the globe testing dozens of pants, but this pair from Lululemon impressed me the most. The athleisure brand basically took everything it knew about activewear and baked it into the ABC Pant—a style that works just as well for dinner reservations and happy hour as it does networking conferences. I’ve owned this pair since 2020 and worn them nonstop, yet they still hold their shape and stretch like day one. It’s my go-to travel pants for every flight, whether it’s a quick three-hour hop or a brutal 10-plus hour haul. The fabric flexes like a rubberband, so I never feel cramped in my seat. Most of the material is Elastomultiester, a performance fiber with a springy structure that helps the pant stretch and bounce back without bagging out over time. This pant is also packed with useful features: sweat-wicking, quick-drying, wrinkle-resistance, and, of course, the brand’s signature ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) tech that gives your precious jewels some much-needed breathing room. Even during sweaty commutes, the fabric stays dry and comfortable, instead of feeling swampy. The ABC gusset also removes tension through the crotch and thighs, making every step feel easy. Style-wise, it leans more laid-back than traditional chinos, which is exactly why I like wearing them outside of the office. I usually pair them with knitted [polos](https://www.menshealth.com/style/g19519678/best-polos-for-bar-or-beach/) and plain white [t-shirts](https://www.menshealth.com/style/g25779431/best-t-shirts-men/). _**Read More:**_ [_**Lululemon ABC Pants Review**_](https://www.menshealth.com/style/a33448450/lululemon-abc-pants-review-mh-certified/) Now 14% Off ### Pros - Stretch, lightweight, quick drying fabric - Water-resistant and UPF 50 - Great for outdoor activities ### Cons - Not wrinkle-resistant Not only are these some of the best [summer pants](https://www.menshealth.com/style/g43850324/best-summer-pants/) I’ve tested, but it’s also become one of my favorite pairs to travel and hike in. It looks clean enough to wear around the city, yet perform like outdoor gear once you hit the trail. The nylon-spandex fabric blend is lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and has just the right amount of stretch to keep up on long walks, steep climbs, and cramped travel days. During a hiking trip in Big Water, Utah, I found the fabric moved with the body instead of feeling stiff or restrictive like traditional hiking pants. What really sold me, though, is how comfortable it stays in brutal summer heat. Even when the sun was blazing, the fabric never felt heavy or suffocating. The built-in UPF 50 protection also makes it an easy default for long days out in the sun, whether I’m hiking, exploring a new city, or sprinting through the airport to make a connection. Bonus: the water-resistant finish comes in handy for surprise drizzles and sweaty trail sections where heavier pants would’ve felt soaked halfway through the day. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ### Pros - Stretchy for a wide range of motion - Classic cut that's versatile for different activities - Functional pockets ### Cons - Not for the office or formal occasions Columbia’s Flex ROC Pants arrive in a regular fit look just as relaxed in town as they do on a hiking trail. Add to the mix the brand’s Omni-Shade sun protection and multi-purpose pockets and you’re good to go pretty much anywhere. One tester took these [hiking pants](https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g40548479/best-hiking-pants/) to test them in the backcountry and mountains and came back singing more than a few praises: according to him, these are made of naturally breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking cotton. Then, there’s the stretch plus a comfy regular fit that gave him enough room and mobility. Off-the-trail-wise, we’ve worn them as everyday pants before even in the office, and no one has batted an eye. We also love their utility features like the multi-functional pockets and a zip-up security pocket that keep our essentials and valuables safe and readily accessible. If you only want to pack one pair of pants that’s good for flights, the office, tee times, all the things—this is your best bet. While it leans more casual than dressy, I probably wouldn't wear it to a super formal dinner or business meeting. The performance stretch twill fabric has enough give that you never feel restricted. I did get caught in a couple light showers without feeling instantly soaked thanks to the water-resistant finish. The classic fit has more room through the hips and thighs with a tapered leg that still keeps things clean, so it works especially well for guys who want comfort without going full baggy. There’s also a slimmer athletic fit if you like a trimmer look. Also, it’s pockets galore—great for tossing in keys, AirPods, golf tees, whatever random stuff usually ends up in your hands while traveling. Fabric 79% Recycled Polyester, 21% Polyester Fit Classic Size 28-38 Inseam 30-32 Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ### Pros - Blended with enough stretch for all kinds of movement - Impressively wrinkle-resistant - Comes in a number of neutrals - More room in the hips and thighs ### Cons - Must let air dry to preserve its shape Rhone’s commuter pant is for the guy who wants his travel pant to feel like gym clothes without looking like it. The flex-knit fabric has a ton of stretch, to the point where I could squat down to tie my shoes or sprint for a train without feeling any resistance. Despite all that flexibility, it still holds its shape really well and don’t bag out after a long day of wear. This pair is also impressively wrinkle-resistant. I wore it sitting for hours at a time, and it never got that crinkled-napkin look most pants pick up mid-flight. The thicker recycled polyester blend makes it a little less breathable than lighter options here, but it also gives them a more substantial, polished feel for the office trips. The slim fit and five-pocket styling keep the pant looking clean with everything from a T-shirt to a button-down and dress sneakers. Just note: don’t toss it in the dryer—you’ll want to lay the pant flat to dry if you want it lasting a long time. Fabric 57% Recycled Polyester, 43% Elastomultiester Fit Classic, Slim, Five-Pocket Size 28—40 Inseam 30, 32, 33 ### Pros - Barrel-leg style is in right now - Roomy, breathable fit - Looks good with loafers or sandals ### Cons - On the pricier end Most travel pants play it safe, but these COS barrel-leg pants give way more personality than your standard slim chinos. Barrel pants are roomy through the thigh with a slightly curved leg that tapers at the ankle, creating that scultped shape that’s been everywhere lately. The style works esepcially for taller guys or anyone with broader shoulders and bigger thighs since the relaxed cut balances proportions without looking weird. The lightweight cotton-linen fabric keeps me easy and breezy instead of fashion-week try-hard. I liked these best for warm-weather trips where you still want to look pulled together—think city walking, rooftop dinners, museum hopping, that kind of thing. I love the relaxed fit because it gives my legs extra room to breathe opposed to a slim-fit sticking sweaty skin. The pleated waist earns it some style pants, and adjustable hems provide just enough structure so the silhouette doesn’t swallow you whole. They look especially good with a tee tucked in and sandals or loafers depending on how dressed up the trip gets. Only downside: they wrinkle pretty easily if you’re crammed into an airplane seat for hours. But if I’m being honest, that slightly rumpled linen look kind of works with the vibe. Fabric 72% Cotton, 26% Linen, 2% Spandex Fit Relaxed Size 28-38 Inseam 30 Advertisement - Continue Reading Below When I’m traveling somewhere hot, the first thing I pack is a pair of good, breathable linen pants. Take Uniqlo’s version, which is perfect for trips where the weather app says “85 and humid” the entire week. They have that airy, flowy feel you want in peak summer, but the cotton keeps them softer and less stiff than a lot of full-linen pants that can be scratchy or overly crisp. I will say, like most linen pants, these do wrinkle quickly upon being stuffed in your suitcase. The relaxed fit also gives you ample room through the hips and legs without looking oversized. The drawstring waist is ridiculously comfortable after hours of walking, sitting, eating, and repeating the cycle on vacation. I also liked the subtle gathering at the waist—it gives the pants a little more shape and personality than your average linen pull-ons. They work best in warm to mild temperatures and pair easily with camp collar shirts, tees, anything casual and vacation-ready. I’d wear these for beachside lunches, boardwalk walks, casual office days, or anytime I don’t feel like sweating through denim. Fabric 63% Cotton, 35% Linen, 2% Spandex Fit Regular Sizes XS—3XL Inseam 29—34 Now 54% Off These are the pants I’d wear if I had a full day ahead that involved commuting, meetings, walking around the city, and maybe catching a flight afterward. Everlane’s performance chino looks like a regular everyday chino, but it wears way more comfortably thanks to the technical fabric. It’s stretchy, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and doesn’t get boggy after a long day in the heat. During testing, that became especially noticeable on humid days when regular chinos would’ve tapped out hours earlier. The slim fit runs close through the hips and thighs with a slight taper that keeps things sharp without feeling spray-painted on. They look especially clean with a polo or lightweight sweater, which makes them easy to wear well beyond travel days. Basically, these are for the guy who wants a normal-looking chino that performs like activewear. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Now 38% Off ### Pros - Lightweight feel that never feels stuffy - Water-resistant - Treated with UPF 30+ sun protection ### Cons - Sizes run out quick When I’m traveling, I prefer to rock a pair of light pants that aren’t going to make me feel overheated after a few hours in transit. Take this style from Vineyard Vines, which kept me comfortable on a three-hour flight to the Caribbean. I didn’t feel cramped in my seat or stuffy down below. Made from a stretchy cotton-nylon blend, it wears more like a pair of [golf pants](https://www.menshealth.com/style/g43887301/best-golf-pants/) than traditional chinos and perform like technical trousers. The fabric is treated with UPF 30+ sun protection and water-repellent finish that keeps you dry in light showers. I like the straight fit has a breathable feel and clean drape that doesn’t bag up on top of my sneakers. Fabric 61% cotton, 28% nylon, 11% elastane Fit Straight Size 28—46 Inseam 30—36 ### Pros - Feels like a jogger, but more polished - Pull-on with adjustable drawcord at interior - Short, regular, and long pant lengths - Comfortable for hours of travel ### Cons - May look too casual for dressier events If you want something that feels like a jogger, but still looks like a polished pant, then this is your best bet. The polyester-viscose fabric blend has a silky stretch that feels like a second skin, whether I’m stuck in a middle seat on a long-haul flight or sprinting through an airport to catch a connection. I wore this pant for a full day of travel that included multiple flights and layovers, from New York to Denver. Thanks to its easy, relaxed feel, it was the most comfortable flight I’ve ever had. It also helps that the fabric has a drapey, on trend vibe that looks great with a tee and sneakers. Plus, it has the perfect weight; not too heavy, not too light so I can stay cozy on long flights without overheating. The waistband rests gently against the skin, staying secure without ever digging in or needing to be adjusted. Style-wise, I felt totally comfortable heading straight from the terminal to dinner; I still looked fresh and put-together, even hours of travel. Fabric 57% Polyester, 36% Viscose, 7% Elastane Fit Classic Size XS-XXL Inseam 26.5, 29.5 Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ### Pros - Technical enough for camping, hiking, etc. - Wicks away moisture and dries quicker - Three lengths: short, regular, long ### Cons - Not the most polished pant, but can wear for a casual outing If you’re only bringing one pair of pants on a camping trip, make it Patagonia’s Transit Traveler 5-Pocket Pants. We threw a lot at this pant: hikes, spilled drinks, long flights, etc. It breezed through it without breaking a sweat (literally). Think chino vibes with way better performance, thanks to its lightweight nylon blend. The fabric is infused with just enough stretch to sprint through the terminal or spawl out on an entire row on the plane. We also clocked how fast this pant dried after a surprise downpour. It was good to go again in less than an hour. The 5-pocket setup gives it a classic, casual feel—more utility-inspired than denim—so it doesn’t scream “technical travel pant.” You can dress it up with a button-down and derby shoes or keep it casual with a sweatshirt and sneakers. One editor wore it straight off the plane to a comedy show and didn’t look out of place, and there were no wrinkles, either. Fabric 100% polyester Fit Regular Size 28-40 Inseam 30-34 ### Pros - Sweat-wicking, quick-drying - Stretchy enough to bend, stretch, and jog - Wrinkle resistance ### Cons - May not be the best fit for huge quads This slim-fit trouser from Peter Millar looks like your standard office pants [chinos](https://www.menshealth.com/style/g45000096/best-chinos-for-men/) but wears like your favorite joggers. It’s got the structure you want for work or dinner, with the kind of stretch and comfort you usually only get from loungewear. We wore it on the golf course, on cross-country flights, and out in 90-degree heat, and they crushed it every time. The sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric kept us cool and dry, even on long walks in the sun. And despite the slim fit, it didn’t smother our testers’ bigger thighs, which is saying something. You can bend, stretch, even jog in this pant without feeling restricted. Fabric 55% Tencel, 41% cotton, 4% elastane pant Fit Tailored Size 30-44 Inseam 30-34 Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ### Pros - Resembles your favorite jeans, but wears better - Great for casual outings, golfing, and the office - Lived-in texture ### Cons - Waistband could use more give Faherty’s travel pant may wears way better than your favorite [jeans](https://www.menshealth.com/style/g44870251/best-jeans-for-men/), especially on commutes or long-haul flights, but it definitely looks the part. The five-pocket styling, contrast stitching, and washed-in texture give it that classic denim vibe. The cotton-rayon-spandex blend gives you real stretch, so you’re not stuck shifting uncomfortably in your seat or stiff-legging it to your gate. The tailored fit is trim through the hip and thigh without feeling tight. One editor called it his go-to travel pant, saying it looks sharp with a polo and [dress sneakers](https://www.menshealth.com/style/g36283507/mens-dress-sneakers/). The lived-in texture adds some rugged character without losing structure, making it easy to dress up or down. It’s casual enough for weekends, but polished enough for the office or dinner. Our only gripe? The waistband could use a touch more give but not a total dealbreaker. Credit: JOE LINGEMAN ### Pros - Slim but not skinny, with enough taper that looks sharp - Can be dressed up with a blazer - Has a slightly vintage vibe - Available in several colors ### Cons - Might be snug for bigger quads For the traveler who wants a slim pant without feeling squeezed, Banana Republic’s got a solid option with a slightly vintage vibe. That old-school feel comes from the brushed finish and muted color palette, which give it a slightly worn-in, lived-in look—like something you’ve had and loved for years. The fit hits that sweet spot: slim but not skinny, with just enough taper that looks sharp. We dressed it up with a blazer and down with a hoodie and sneakers. The fabric, a soft but structured organic cotton, modal, and polyester blend, has enough stretch to let us comfortably squat to tie your shoes or chase down your Uber. There’s no stiff waistband, no tight knees, and no weird bunching, especially when you sit for hours. Just note: the cut’s trim through the thigh, so guys with bigger quads might find it a bit snug. ![Headshot of Joseph Cheatham](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/02e28376-79fc-45fd-8270-cdf4f3c584b7_1684848860.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "Headshot of Joseph Cheatham") As the Style and Reviews Editor for Men's Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure. ![Headshot of Christian Gollayan](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/05bdcb91-da03-4585-a662-90f1ea6ed8d3_1740843869.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "Headshot of Christian Gollayan") Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.