When it comes to long-haul business trips, I’ve searched far and wide for an elegant pair of travel pants that is comfortable so that if I run into a colleague on the plane or bump into them in the lobby during check-in, I’m not giving off the wrong first impression. But alas, it’s not as easy to find styles that strike that magic combination as one may think. 

After years of experimenting with joggers that lost their elasticity upon first cycle through the washing machine, cute sweatpants that proved way too warm mid-flight, and travel sets I didn’t realize were itchy until I was moving around in my seat 30,000 feet in the air, I finally found a perfect pair: the tapered and effortlessly stylish Aether Eloise Travel Slim Pants.

Aether Eloise Travel Slim Pants

The outdoor clothing apparel company offers two styles of travel pants (wide-leg and slim-fit), which are both crafted from recycled stretch fabric that’s moisture-wicking. However, I love the slim fit version (in the striking navy colorway) for its tailored look combined with a soft, stretchy fabric that feels like sweatpants but appears more put-together. I usually wear the pants with their matching Eloise jacket for a complete smart casual look on trans-Atlantic routes, but given the variety of temperatures encountered on a travel day, I sport a cropped tank underneath — and still receive compliments on the pants! 

What’s more, they’re comfy for long travel days but stylish for arrival: My favorite details are the split at the hem for walking quickly at the airport and deep zippered pockets for storing my passport pre-security. Opposed to leggings or baggy joggers that I tend to only wear during travel days on trips, the Aether Eloise travel pants’ sleek aesthetic ensures I can repurpose them for an outfit during my time on the ground. With the right top and shoes, the pants fit the dress code for any item on my itinerary, and their functional features guarantee that they don’t hinder my trip. 

Aether Eloise Travel Slim Pants

Since I travel frequently and hardly ever catch a flight wearing anything but the Aether Eloise Travel Slim Pants, I’m able to justify the steep $295 price tag, but I know that’s not the case for everyone. If you don’t hit the road as often and prefer a pair of similar slim-fitting travel pants and joggers that don’t break the bank, read on for 14 under-$50 lookalikes. 

More Travel Pants for Under $50:

Baleaf Women’s Pants With Zipper Pockets 

These lightweight and quick-drying pants have a rib-knit fabric on the back, waist, and sides that elevate the classic jogger silhouette. The two deep hand pockets and two back zipper pockets are useful for storing the odds and ends you’ll need on a travel day. Bonus: the fabric is wrinkle-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about standing up to a bunch of creases after sitting on an eight-hour flight. 

Crz Yoga Women’s High-waisted Four-way Stretch Capris 

The drawstrings on these stretchy capris lean slightly more casual but the straight-cut crop is clean and can easily appear more dressed up with a black top. They’re also available in sophisticated colors that wear well in the four-way stretch, premium soft, wrinkle-free, cool-to-touch material.

The Gym People Women’s Joggers Pants

These classic joggers are exceptionally polished thanks to the tapered leg design and elastic waistband. Made with 80 percent polyamide and 20 percent spandex, the pants are soft on the skin and move with the body for an ultra-comfortable experience.

Eddie Bauer Women’s Travel Pants 

Eddie Bauer’s stretchy and lightweight travel pants come in three colors, and while black is certainly the most practical, we can’t help but love the green and pink options for the more vibrant traveler. The high-rise design and elastic waistband ensure it doesn’t slip when you’re moving around in your seat or walking in between terminals and the split hem adds a hint of style to the slim-cut ankle.

Zooxing Women’s Travel Hiking Pants

Customized nylon 70D fabric makes these versatile pants perfect for travel. The frosted-button closure looks great with a plain, white T-shirt tucked in and the zipper pockets are convenient for keeping travel necessities close by. The dark blue version mimics Aether’s gorgeous color, but there’s also a selection of natural hues to suit every traveler’s style, ranging from khaki to light gray.

Hooxum Women’s Cargo Hiking Pants

These are another pair of hiking pants that are also suited to travel thanks to their lightweight and pliable design. But, according to one five-star reviewer, who said they’re her new travel pants, the pockets are “the best part.” The cinched elastic waist is flattering and the double belt loops present an option to elevate the pants even further with a statement belt (post-TSA security, of course).

Libin Women’s Cargo Joggers

Dubbed the “best pants for travel,” by Amazon shoppers, the Libin Cargo Joggers are made comfy with a drawstring waistband, which allows for an adjustable fit, and stretchy ankle cuffs that give a sporty look to the otherwise tapered-style pants. 

RBX Women’s Stretch Woven Ankle Pants

RBX puts an intriguing spin on classic travel pants with ribbed side details and an exciting array of color options. These pants are an easy way to make your airplane outfit feel dressy; the ribbed design flows into the waistband, too, adding a sense of unity to the pants while the majority of polyester material is ultra-breathable. If you’re someone who values pockets, note that the back two pockets are faux, which adds to the style but may not be as functional for every traveler. 

G Gradual Women’s Pants

If you prefer lighter colors when traveling (maybe you’re going somewhere warm?), choose from over a dozen colors of G Gradual’s versatile 7/8-length stretch ankle pants. One Amazon shopper has three pairs and raved that “they are comfy and don’t wrinkle when traveling” in their review. 

Rrosseyz Jogger Pants

These high-rise joggers with an elastic, high-rise silhouette that’s incredibly slimming present a fashion-forward alternative to traditional sweatpants. The waistband stays put during strenuous activity (as the pants can also be worn for workouts), which means they’ll keep you covered through all the movement of a long travel day. 

Briggs New York Women’s Super-stretch Pants

These Rayon-dominant pants are touted as “career pants” by the brand, so as a travel writer, the style couldn’t be more fitting for my jet-setting lifestyle. But even the casual traveler will love the pull-on pants with a straight leg. Over in the review section, one shopper said, “I wanted dressy pants for travel and these have a nice give in the fabric while maintaining their structure.”

Quince Performance Tech Ankle Pants

Combining the aesthetic of classic work pants with the pliability of your favorite activewear, Quince’s Performance Tech Ankle Pants are ideal pants to spend multiple hours in during a day of travel. Whether you’re sitting on a plane, train, or automobile, the zipper-free pants ensure a complete range of motion and the silky smooth fabric allows for any spills to run right off. 

Gap Vintage Soft High-rise Boyfriend Joggers 

Gap’s boyfriend joggers are designed in a classic sweatpants material (mid-weight terry cotton) but when paired with its matching sweatshirt or even a loose, white button-down, we think they can pass for a more composed travel look — all while remaining comfortable. While the pants are as soft and cuddly as regular sweatpants, as opposed to a baggy fit, the cut hits at the ankle and features a skinny-leg design for a polished-meets-cozy aesthetic.

Calvin Klein Modern Commute Joggers

Currently 50 percent off, these Calvin Klein Modern Commute Joggers will become a staple in your travel wardrobe. The slip pockets with zip closures are discrete alongside the sleek fit of the pants with elastic cuffs to add a playful shape to their design. We love how the model dressed them up with high heels, showcasing how travelers can sport tennis shoes with them during a travel day, then change into a pair of heels to hit the ground running to a business meeting.

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