Packing for a trip is a game of compromises. You want holiday clothes that are comfortable enough for a long-haul flight, smart enough for dinner, and robust enough to survive being stuffed into a bag. The problem is, most trousers do one or two of those things well, but rarely all three. That’s where a good pair of travel pants for men comes in – trousers designed to bridge the gap between comfort, style, and practicality. Whether you’re flying to a client meeting or spending two weeks hopping between cities, the right pair can make travelling a lot less effort. Here's what you should know.
Table of Contents
- What to look for in men's travel pants
- The different types of men's travel pants
- How to choose the best travel pants for your trip
- The best brands for men's travel pants
- Care tips for travel trousers
What to look for in men's travel pants
The best material for travel pants tends to be something that won’t crease like tissue paper the moment you sit down. So no linen pants. Stretch fabrics – especially blends with a bit of elastane – make life easier when you’re running for a gate or sitting through a layover. Breathability is a bonus in warmer climates, while a bit of water resistance will save you from the weather’s worst. Wrinkle-free fabrics mean you don’t have to iron in a hotel bathroom, and easy-care construction means you can get away with a quick wash in the sink if needed. Above all, go for something you’d happily wear even if you weren’t travelling.
The different types of men's travel pants
Technical trousers – Usually cut from performance fabrics with moisture-wicking, quick-dry and stretch properties. They’re the practical choice for active travel and unpredictable weather.
Lightweight chinos – Still one of the best all-round options for men’s casual travel trousers. A good pair can be worn with a T-shirt and trainers or a shirt and loafers.
Commuter joggers – A slim, tailored jogger made from smart technical fabric offers the comfort of loungewear with a sharper silhouette.
Smart-casual hybrids – Part chino, part technical trouser – they pass the test for business travel but are still comfortable enough for long flights.
How to choose the best travel pants for your trip
For long flights and comfort – Look for stretch waistbands, soft fabrics, and cuts that don’t dig in after five hours. Commuter joggers and drawstring trousers are strong options here.
For active travel and hiking – Technical trousers with water resistance, quick-dry performance, and articulated knees will keep you comfortable and dry without adding bulk.
For business trips – Smart-casual hybrids or tailored chinos in wrinkle-resistant fabrics will keep you looking put-together straight off the plane.
For hot weather – Opt for lightweight cotton blends or breathable synthetics. Avoid heavy denim or thick canvas unless you enjoy slow-cooking your legs.
For cold weather – Look for travel pants in thicker weaves, possibly with a brushed interior or lined for extra warmth.
The best brands for men's travel pants
WAHTS
WAHTS does what a lot of so-called “athleisure” brands try to do, but without the overcomplication. Amsterdam-based, it leans on technical fabrics for the comfort and practicality you want when you’re living out of a suitcase, but keeps the look stripped-back and grown-up. Nothing brash, nothing logo-heavy – just well-cut trousers in breathable, crease-resistant fabrics that don’t feel like gym kit. The sort of thing you can sit in for a seven-hour flight, then walk straight into dinner wearing.
David Gandy Wellwear
A brand founded by one of Britain’s most recognisable male models could easily have been a vanity project. This isn’t. David Gandy Wellwear is all about clothes that feel good to wear – literally. Soft-touch fabrics, a fit that moves with you, and a palette that works with whatever else you’ve packed. It sits somewhere between loungewear and the sort of smart casual that’s fine for lunch with your in-laws. Exactly the sort of thing you’d be glad you brought on a long weekend away.
LESTRANGE
LESTRANGE takes the “fewer, better” approach to menswear, which also happens to be the sensible way to pack for a trip. It makes modular, seasonless pieces that can be dressed up or down, travel well, and don’t lose shape after a day’s wear. Think of it as a capsule wardrobe brand for men who don’t want to think too hard about what to wear, whether they’re heading to a meeting or a bar in another time zone.
Wax London
There’s something very British about Wax London’s approach – familiar shapes, relaxed fits, and fabrics you want to live in. The trousers tend to be soft, forgiving, and light enough to wear from breakfast to bedtime without looking tired. Smart enough to get away with in a decent restaurant, casual enough to throw on with trainers. If your travel plans involve both city streets and countryside pubs, they’ll work for both.
Lululemon
You know Lululemon for gym gear. The surprise is that its trousers can be just as at home on a plane as they are on a spin bike. They’re light, stretchy, quick-drying – all the stuff you want when you’re carrying luggage and navigating terminals – but look sharp enough for a coffee meeting on the other end. If you like your clothes to work as hard as your carry-on, this is the brand for you.
On Running
A Swiss performance brand known for its trainers, but the apparel deserves attention too. On Running does trousers that are so light you could roll three pairs into a side pocket of your backpack. Built for movement, but without any unnecessary fuss, they’re as good for walking tours as they are for grabbing a beer in the evening. It’s the definition of “active travel” done quietly well.
Goldwin
Japan’s Goldwin takes technical outerwear principles and applies them to trousers you can actually wear in polite company. They’re minimalist, functional, and made from fabrics that can deal with sudden weather changes – which is useful whether you’re in the Alps or just caught in an unplanned downpour in Milan. Ideal if you like the idea of hiking trousers without looking like you’re on a hike.
Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx has a mountaineering pedigree, and its trousers are some of the most throughtfully designed around. They’re light, packable, and built to handle more than you’ll probably throw at them. The cuts are clean, the colours muted, and they’re the sort of thing that works equally well with a technical jacket or a plain white tee. Reliable in a way that makes them hard to leave out of your bag.
Uniqlo
If you want travel trousers that won’t leave you staring at your credit card bill in horror, Uniqlo is the sensible choice. The Japanese high street giant has a knack for making clean, unfussy designs out of fabrics that stretch, breathe, and don’t look battered after a few wears. They’re not the most exciting, but they’ll free up budget for the good wine when you arrive.
Care tips for travel trousers
First, don’t fold them like a shop assistant – roll them. This avoids sharp creases and takes up less space. Second, if you need to wash them on the go, a sink and a bit of mild detergent will usually do. Hang them somewhere with airflow and they’ll be dry by morning. Lastly, if you’re really keen on keeping them fresh between wears, a fabric spray will go a long way without taking up much luggage room.
Next up: The complete summer holiday packing list.
