I consider myself an expert packer. Besides owning the best packing cubes, rolling my clothes instead of folding, and using my killer Tetris skills, the key to top-tier packing is finding those items that do double duty. It’s about bringing fewer pieces that work harder and strike the right balance of comfort yet polished. Think: a cozy, chunky cardigan to wear on the flight that’s perfect as a top layer for walking around AC-filled museums, or a versatile sneaker to take you from dragging your carry-on through a crowded airport to a full-day sightseeing walking tour.
Finding a piece that works equally for long travel days and a dinner out is like hitting the jackpot. That is how I felt when I first tried the Vuori Villa Trouser pants. To discover a comfy item that you can put on for an early flight, feel relaxed in, and wear to a dressy restaurant is a rarity. But I’m here to say that these Vuori pants are exactly that.
Vuori Villa Trouser
What drew me to the Villa Trousers is the wide-leg shape. Usually, I’m all about comfy leggings, but I wanted to embrace this trending silhouette. Vuori is one of the best brands for active and athleisure clothes — their DreamKnit Performance Jogger is one of my favorite lounging pieces. I figured that any pair of Vuori pants would be equally comfortable and thoughtfully designed. Besides the nice flair of the leg, the fabric is supremely light, with a weight that drapes nicely on the body and creates a perfectly polished shape. There are dressy details like a hook and tab with zipper fly closure, and comfy details like the hidden elastic at the back waist that keeps the fit non-restrictive. The design is performance-first with an effortless feel thanks to four-way stretch and moisture-wicking properties.
But the best part of the fabric, and why it’s ideal for travel, is that it’s wrinkle-resistant. I sat on a long flight and arrived looking polished — definitely not a crumpled mess like I would in most other pairs of pants. It made it much easier to wear them into the night. The fact that the fabric is also made of recycled materials makes me feel even better about these pants.
Vuori Villa Trouser
As for styling, these pants are perfect paired with a tee, hoodie, and sneakers while traveling. Then for dinner, swap out the sneakers for heeled booties and the sweatshirt for a sweater, blouse, or tank. You’ll have an instantly elevated look without needing to switch out your ultra-comfy pants.
If you’re looking for even more gold-star travel pants, I rounded up five other options for you to shop that are equally versatile.
Lululemon Utilitech Relaxed-fit Mid-rise Trouser
Wrinkle-free fabric is just one of the amazing features of this new pair of Lululemon pants. Designed to be casual with an elevated look, these pants are perfect for so many occasions: wear them to the office, out to dinner, or on the plane. The mid-rise waist and roomy cut through the glutes and thighs keep the fit relaxed. Besides being wrinkle-resistant, the textured twill fabric is buttery-soft and has four-way stretch — pretty much all you want in a travel pant.
Duer No Sweat Everyday Pant
I learned these “everyday” pants were appropriately named the first time I wore them — I never wanted to wear them over and over again. The soft, stretchy fabric is so comfortable that they feel like a pair of sweatpants, and the thick elastic waistband provides a flexible fit. From running weekend errands to a sushi dinner with my boyfriend, these are my go-to pants, especially during transitional months.
Quince Stretch Crepe Pleated Wide Leg Pants
If a full elastic waistband is what you are looking for, these Quince Stretch Crepe Pleated Pants are a must-try. Made with a polyester and spandex blend fabric, these pants have stretch that will keep you comfortable and help retain their shape while traveling (they’re wrinkle-resistant!). The wide-leg design will also add style while helping you feel cool while commuting or traveling, and they’ll pair perfectly with sneakers, flats, or heels.
Promover Wide-leg Pants
Made from durable, breathable, and stretchy fabric, these pants work for everything from yoga class to the office. The high, thick waistband makes them flattering and comfortable for a long day, especially if you’re taking a lengthy flight or spending the day on your feet sightseeing. Many reviewers share that these don’t wrinkle, making them ideal for looking polished from getting off the plane and through your dinner reservation.
Alo Yoga High-waist Pursuit Trouser
Alo Yoga has a sleek trouser that’s made to go from work to the weekend. With tailored details like pleats, belt loops, and a flat front waistband, these pants are appropriate for the office with a blazer or button-down. At the same time, change the shoes and throw on a sweatshirt, and you’re set for the weekend. Plus, it’s worth noting this review that makes these pants a clear winner for travel: “The material is amazing, and they never wrinkle.”
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