Moms have special needs when it comes to travel pants. We need pockets to carry everyone’s stuff. We need comfort for crawling around in small spaces. We need something easily washable for the spit up, food, and other bodily fluids that make their way onto our clothing. We need something that doesn’t take up a lot of space because we’re more concerned with bringing extra outfits for the kids than we are for ourselves. And ultimately, it would be nice if we could look kind of cute in spite of it all!
Finding travel pants that tick these boxes is no easy task, so we’ve created a list of favorites from some of the savviest travel moms. These styles help you pack light, feel comfortable, and look good. And, some even offer travel-friendly features like insect, water, and stain repellent, sun protection and quick-drying fabric.
1. Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants
If there’s one pair of travel pants (or everyday pants) you need in your closet ASAP, it’s the Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants. These pants are so stylish that no one (including you) would guess they’re made from the same breathable material as your yoga pants. And with so many styles—including cropped, boot cut and denim—in so many colors, there’s a pair for every occasion.
2. Anatomie “Kate” Skinny Pant
Anatomie pants don’t come cheap, but they’re worth the investment. The stylish “Kate” skinny pants are made for travel with breathable fabric that offers plenty of stretch. The skinny style is slimming and fashionable, and the pockets can easily hold a phone, boarding passes, passports, and other travel necessities. The fabric is so lightweight that they roll up small enough to stick a pair in your clutch, yet the wrinkles fall out as soon as you put them on. Best of all, you can wash them out in a hotel sink and they’ll be dry in just a couple of hours.
3. The North Face “Aphrodite” Pant
These slouchy Aphrodite 2.0 pants from The North Face offer ultimate comfort while still looking casually stylish. The elastic waistband makes them perfect for travel days or hiking excursions and the deep pockets hold your essentials. The FlashDry(TM)-XD fabric offers durability, comfort, and quick-drying convenience, and drawstrings at the waist and ankles keep the fit just right.
4. prAna “Briann” Pant
So many traveling moms love prAna clothing for their comfort and durability. The Briann pant offers stylish comfort with the look of a skinny jean and the comfort of a legging. Plus, it offers all the features a mom could want: fashionable colors; stretch performance fabric; quick-driving technology; a durable, water-repellant finish; and 50+ UPF sun protection.
5. Columbia “Anytime Outdoor” Pant
The Columbia Anytime Outdoor pant easily goes from the airport lounge to the hiking trails with comfort and style. With water and stain repellant, plus sun protection, these pants are perfect for moms on the go. We love a hiking pant that works just as good on a Target run as it does for a summit climb.
6. lululemon “Street to Studio Pant 2”
It was lululemon that spearheaded the athleisure market, bringing workout clothes to the streets. But if you’re someone who believes that yoga pants and workout leggings are best kept in the studio and gym, the Street to Studio Pant 2 is your travel pant option. The lightweight, durable fabric is also water repellent and the slouchy look keeps you comfortable in style.
7. Exofficio “BugsAway Impervia” Legging
While leggings offer the ultimate comfort for travel, we all know that not all leggings are created equal. Exofficio specializes in travel clothing so it’s no wonder they’ve thought of everything when it comes to their leggings. Perfect for travel to tropical areas, the “BugsAway Impervia” leggings are treated with InsectShield, offering insect repellent that sticks to your clothes and not your skin for up to 70 washes. The soft fabric also wicks away moisture and resists odor. Plus, there’s a built-in envelope pocket in the waistband for storing your ID and credit card.
8. Aventura “Stratus” Legging
If you’re looking for a legging with a little style, the Stratus cropped legging from travel clothing company Aventura offers softness and comfort with some eye-catching cut outs. Moms love that they stretch but they don’t sag—we all want leggings that keep their shape. Another favorite feature is the zippered security pocket in the back waistband.
9. Uniqlo Women’s Legging Pants
Travel pants for women will never be the same. These leggings-meet-pants provide maximum mobility and comfort, yet they’re so stylish, you’d hardly guess they’re not true leggings. The Uniqlo Women’s Legging Pants come in a variety of colors and styles and at under $30, you might be able to spring for a few pairs ahead of your next trip.
10. Athleta Wander Straight Pant
These travel pants for women are just as good for a long hike as they are a long car ride. The Athleta Wander Straight Pant features side zippers for air flow; four secure pockets (two in the front and two in the back); Athleta’s signature Sculptek™ waistband, with maximum support; and a bungee at the hem so you can adjust the fit. These travel pants are available in Black or Arbor Olive, and come in regular, tall and petite sizes.
What to Pack for Your Next Trip
Mom’s/Women’s Outfit to Wear in the Winter
Mom’s/Women’s Camping Outfit
Women’s/Mom’s Comfy Fall Outfit with Jeans and Combat Boots
Women’s/Mom’s Fall Outfit for a Lake Town
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