I Went on 12 Flights in 12 Months Wearing This Comfy, Leg-Elongating Jean-Alternative

I travel a lot. No, I’m not journeying to the middle of the earth and exploring exotic lands (I wish), but alas, I’m a native Angeleno living in New York City who fell in love with a guy from North Dakota. To top it all off, we fly to Florida multiple times a year, will never turn down a fun time in Las Vegas, and have a thing or two for Hawaii. So with 24 flights under my belt in 2024, you might as well call me a travel pro. I always have a trip booked, whether it’s for family, fun, or business—and I never go anywhere without a pair of trusty sweatpants.       

Aritzia Cozy Fleece Mega Cargo Sweatpants

I know, it seems obvious, but I recently stumbled upon my new favorite travel iteration: wide-leg sweatpants. I blame Aritzia for making me fall in love with the effortless look via the brand’s Mega Cargo Sweatpants. Still, I wouldn’t want it any other way; the practical essential is snuggly, easy, and dang right chic.

Wide-Leg Travel Sweatpants:

The roomy silhouette basically takes the trending bottoms everyone —including Katie Holmes, Oprah, and Sofía Vergara—has been wearing and cozi-fies it. Yet, it doesn’t lose the flattering elements that elongate your legs in the first place. That extra dash of style refines your overall ‘fit, setting you apart from typical airport fashion (think, cinched joggers).     

Lululemon Scuba Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pants

Wide-leg sweatpants don’t only look good, but they feel even better. So, forget about tight fabric clinging onto your limbs (leggings, I’m looking at you), and enjoy the sweet bliss of wearing cloud-like pants that float around you. Pro tip: If you’re an airplane-sleeper like me, they double as A+ pajamas.

Hanes Originals Wide-Leg Cropped Pants

Hanes’s $18 wide-leg sweatpants  understood the assignment. Not only is their price point cheaper than my typical lunch order, but the bottoms include a stretchy waistband, cut-off hemline, and French terry fabric. They’re available in sizes XS to XXL and come in five colorways. Petite shoppers also adore the cropped length, claiming they fall right at the ankles.

Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants

If you’re looking to splurge, consider the Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants. They’re not only Oprah-approved, but the bottoms boast a light-as-air material that reviewers call “buttery-soft.” Enjoy a drawstring waist and choose between nine colors—three of which are currently discounted. Even better? They’re wrinkle-proof and lint-resistant—must-haves for looking fresh on even the longest flights.

Shop more wide-leg sweatpants, below, including a $20 plus-size option. 

J.Crew Heritage Terry Wide-Leg Sweatpants

Nike Sportswear Phoenix Wide-Leg Sweatpants

Hanes Originals Plus-Size Palazzo Pants