I’ve Worn These Athleta Travel Pants on 4 Continents

When it comes to travel pants, we should all have the highest standards. Of course, they should be stylish enough to appear in vacation photos, but they also need to be comfortable for long days of sitting, walking, and eating. Beyond that, travel pants must be versatile enough to re-wear with various tops throughout your trip. And, I should mention that they shouldn’t be so bulky that they hog precious luggage real estate — and having a wrinkle-resistant fabric is always a plus so you can pull them from your suitcase without needing to bust out the hotel ironing board. 

If that sounds like a tall order, you’re right, it is. But it’s not an impossible feat for a single pair of trousers to check all these boxes and more. In my search for the perfect pair of travel pants, I’ve refused to settle and, therefore, have finally landed on the ultimate unicorn pair: Athleta’s Endless High-rise Pants. I’ve been to four continents with them on trips to Mexico, Chile, Germany, and Israel, and they’ve never let me down. 

Athleta Endless High-rise Pants

Currently on rare sale for 36 percent off (and selling out fast), the Athleta Endless High-Rise Pants’ main appeal is that the fabric is made with recycled polyester (from post-consumer plastic bottles) and a hint of spandex for added stretch. The moisture-wicking, quick-drying material pulls sweat away from the body to the surface of the fabric so it can evaporate. This helps keep you cool and dry during city strolls and even workout classes. They’re super breathable, and I’ve worn them in 90-degree Fahrenheit temperatures without issue. 

The trousers feature a semi-fitted, straight-leg, ankle-length silhouette, which is elegant enough for the office or a fancy dinner (I’ve paired them with a polished sweater and heels for both situations). Still, they can be dressed down with sneakers and a T-shirt when you’re feeling casual. While similar silhouettes have proven uncomfortable to sit in, the Athleta Endless High-rise Pants’ stretch fabric and wide elastic waistband (with a faux fly) keep the bottoms supremely cozy whether I’m standing, sitting, or exercising. Another detail of note: The two side pockets have hidden zippers, which help keep pickpockets at bay. 

Athleta Endless High-rise Pants

When I truly love an article of clothing, I buy multiple. The Endless High-rise Pants currently come in seven colors, but Athleta is constantly adding new hues into the mix. I got abalone, which is a goes-with-anything creamy beige that’s on the verge of selling out. Later, I invested in a second pair in black. But don’t think I stopped at just two pairs. These pants are so damn good, I had to have a third. I picked the cargo version, which is nearly the same as the original style but they feature two snap-shut cargo pockets on both thighs. 

Soon, I’ll be crossing off a fifth continent from my travel bucket list with a trip to South Africa, and you can bet that the Athleta Endless High-rise Pants are coming with me; I’ll wear them through Cape Town and on safari. Since these can be worn in virtually any situation (save, perhaps, the frigid cold) from hiking to the office to a fancy restaurant, they’d make a worthy investment for anyone’s travel wardrobe. And, I recommend grabbing a pair while they’re on sale because discounts like this rarely happen. 

Athleta Endless High-rise Pants

However, if you’re looking to stock up on even more comfy and wrinkle-proof pants for jet-setting, here are 14 other styles from across the web that fit the bill. 

More Comfortable Travel Pants to Shop:

Baleaf Women’s UPF 50 Ankle Travel Pants 

Golfers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate that these moisture-wicking trousers are made with a UPF 50+ nylon-spandex fabric. The ankle-length pants have an elastic waistband, mock fly, and two zippered back pockets. 

Lululemon Swift Mid-Rise Wide-leg Pants

These wrinkle-resistant bottoms are perfect for early-fall travels thanks to their lightweight fabric and breezy wide-leg silhouette. The polyester-elastane fabric is stretchy, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying, so feel free to wear them for a workout.  

Aritzia Effortless Pant Crepe Trousers

Another personal favorite of mine, these wide-leg pants are made from a special Japanese crepe fabric that has a natural textured look and is designed to resist wrinkles. Despite not having much stretch, these dressy pants are surprisingly comfortable thanks to the roomy silhouette and high-rise waistband. 

Yogipace Women’s Straight-leg Yoga Dress Pants

These best-selling yoga pants are equipped with belt loops, a faux fly, and functional pockets that disguise them as dress pants. Still, the nylon-spandex fabric has all the give you’d expect from lounge pants. They come in various inseam lengths from 27 inches to 37 inches, allowing people of all heights to get the perfect fit. 

Everlane The Dream Pants

Imagine a pair of pants that feel like sweats but look like a dressy trouser. Everlane’s aptly monikered Dream Pants are exactly that. The soft, cotton-modal-elastane blend fabric is wrinkle-proof and has plenty of stretch, but a pintuck detail down the front keeps the tapered, ankle-length pants looking smart. 

Vuori Villa Trousers

Vuori’s loungewear-dress pant hybrid is crafted from recycled polyester and elastane, which gives the fabric plenty of stretch. Though the moisture-wicking wide-leg pants have a hook-and-eye closure and belt loops, the waistband has an elastic back that makes them very comfortable even for long flights. The wrinkle-resistant bottoms come in petite, regular, and tall lengths. 

Lululemon City Sleek Barrel-leg Pants Light Utilitech

With a roomy barrel-leg design and a lightweight, stretchy recycled polyester-elastane fabric, these pants offer all the comfort you’d want from a travel pant. Still, they’re sharp enough to wear to the office thanks to their front pleats and a jeans-inspired five-pocket design. 

Aday Turn It Up Pants

With a professional look and a loungewear feel, these slim-leg bottoms are some of the most versatile pants for travel. The biodegradable fabric is lightweight and breathable, and it’s perfect for packing thanks to its ability to resist wrinkles. The ankle-length, elastic-waistband pants come in 12 gorgeous hues, making it tough to pick just one. 

Promover Wide-leg Pants

Extra coverage on a travel day is always welcome, which is why travelers are flocking to the best-selling Promover Wide-leg Pants at Amazon. Their wide, high-rise waistband keeps everything in place during every step of your flight, all while ensuring things stay breezy and relaxed with their flowy, wide-leg silhouette. 

Alo Yoga High-waist Pursuit Trousers

Equal parts flattering and comfortable, these high-waisted wide-leg trousers look like workwear but feel like sleepwear. The lightweight, stretchy fabric and elastic waistband make them ideal for wearing on long-haul flights. A bonus for fur parents: Customers report that pet hair slides right off the fabric. 

Rhone Birdie UPF 50+ Stretch Crop Golf Pants

If your travel itinerary involves lots of time outdoors, consider a pair of pants equipped with a UPF 50+ fabric. These wrinkle-resistant, stretch bottoms also come with anti-odor technology. They’ve got an elegant front pleat, a zip fly with hook-and-bar closure, and a zip pocket. 

Vuori Villa Cargo Joggers

We’re longtime fans of Vuori’s lineup of travel-ready joggers. This new lightweight, cargo style is designed for adventuring thanks to its partially recycled silky soft performance stretch woven fabric that’s moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant. A thick elastic waistband and a roomy silhouette up the comfort even further. 

Athleta Brooklyn Heights High-rise Pleated Wide-leg Pants

Athleta’s Brooklyn Heights line is crafted from a tissue-thin recycled polyester fabric that’s breathable and perfect for wearing in climates that are still on the warmer side after summer. Still, the material is abrasion-resistant and rated UPF 50+. The high-rise wide-leg pants come in petite, regular, and tall lengths. 

Crz Yoga Womens 4-way Stretch Ankle Golf Pants

These soft and stretchy wrinkle-free pants come in a whopping 21 colors. The mid-rise pants are made from a fabric that’s thick and warm but not overly so, making them great for transitional seasons. A mid-rise elastic waistband adds even more comfort.  

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