If you want to sleep on the plane and then go straight to dinner, these 12 nice-looking comfy pants are for you

If I could convince you to have any pair of trousers in your wardrobe, it would be Banana Republic's wide-leg Everywhere pull-on pant. These are my all time favorite travel pants, maybe pants in general. I got them on a whim at Banana Republic and have zero regrets. I couldn't believe how great they felt, how easy they are to clean — they endured several miles a day walking all over London, a freak hail storm, plenty of ice-cream spills and a run in with some cows in Cambridge (yes, cows). They were so easy to walk in, and fit my curvy frame perfectly. I'm 5-foot-4 and I ended up buying both the medium and large just in case, and both sizes worked well depending on the looks I wanted that day. (The only issues is: no pockets.) They have a great stretch, and the heavier material keeps them from looking like glorified leggings. The pants sit higher on your waist to keep from having to pull up in between taxi rides and dinner dates. They come in regular, tall, and petite. 

Promising review: "These pants will change your life...I love these pants and I have many pairs because they are reliably versatile, always look crisp and have a polished appearance. Having multiple pairs means I can focus on what I'm wearing with them. The fabric is heavy and high quality - they wash well but don't ever put them in the dryer and always iron inside out to maintain the look. I can only hope that BR continues to make them because apparently I need to own them in every colour. I am on the more robust side and these pants make me feel confident and well put together. Compliments every time!"  — anonymous

If you're looking for a style similar to the  Banana Republic Everywhere pants for considerably less, try out this Amazon find. Described by the brand as yoga pants, they’re cut to look like a flared business pant, come in several colors, and have a high waist. For people who love to workout while they travel, these pants are a suitcase space-saver. They have over 4,000 reviews and a rating of 4.4 stars on Amazon. 

Promising review: "Great buy and SO comfortable! These wide-leg pants are a great addition to my business casual wardrobe. The fabric is soft and stretchy, and really lightweight, so I don't feel like I'm wearing an extra 5 pounds in long pants! They are comfortable enough for lounging at home or running errands, yet professional enough for me to wear on a casual work day. The high waistband stays securely in place without digging in (big on my comfort radar!), and the two side pockets are actually functional and large enough to hold my phone. They're not too warm to wear during summer months, and I suspect will actually provide some warmth in the cooler months. My only critique is that the straight, wide-leg cut runs a bit long, so I have to wear them with a small heel or will need to get them hemmed since I'm on the shorter side." —  Susan Brady Carr

Versatility is an advantage when you travel, and Prana’s  Zion straight pants came highly recommended by travel photographer Jonathan McWillie, who has been on multiple continents and to some of the most unusual sites in the world. “[They] actually have pockets that things don't fall out of [and] converting from pants to shorts is amazing,” he said. “The only thing I'm missing is large cargo pockets for all of the cargo I carry (yes, I'm begging for the 1998 cargo pockets).” The zip-off version of the  Zion are low on inventory throughout the internet, so I also suggest taking a look at  REI's Sahara convertible pants, which cost less at $90 and come in several more colors. Reviewers for the REI pants are happy with the sturdy zippers and quality of the fabric, and that the fit isn't too baggy, and have more of a dress pant look. They'll make you'll feel like Batman shifting into vacation mode.

Promising REI review: “An improvement on other convertible pants. I've tried multiple brands of convertible pants in the past an anyways been disappointed for a few reasons. These pants have improved or fixed a couple of these. The first biggest issue with this type of pant was always rubbing/chafing from the zipper on/around my knees that made them borderline unwearable. This hasn't been an issue with this and was one of the first things I noticed when putting them on the first time. Second, is the convertible part. These have a second zipper up the leg of the lower portion allowing for their conversion to shorts without having to take off shoes. Last, convertible pants have always been super baggy in the legs. These are a bit baggy, but definitely an improvement. A plus is the zippers ar color coordinated, so you know which leg belongs to which. Overall, they're pretty comfy, and when worn as shorts it's not obvious they're convertible pants. Definitely the best of the convertible pants I've tried."  — Jason

I have a close friend that flies frequently to visit family in Australia, and because of her long haul flights she decided to try out a pair of sweatpants that resemble jeans. She swears by  Rag and Bone’s Miramar terry cloth pant, a hybrid style that resembles denim, but feels comfy enough to lounge in. The viral pants are on the higher end, retailing for $198, so if you’re looking for a friendlier price-point you can try Gap’s heavyweight baggy sweatpant jeans. This affordable lookalike has reviewers praising their quality and comfortable fabric. They have pockets and even belt loops so you can dress up the faux-jeans to look a little more polished. Reviewers warn they run slightly big — particularly in length — so it's worth looking into the retailer’s petite options.

Promising review: "Better than I dreamed! SO good. Stretchy but not so much that you're swimming in it at the end of the day. Slight structure thanks to the pockets and belt loop, but not so much that you're constricted. Fabric falls really well. Fun to have a relaxed option. A must buy!"  — Love LSweat

It was after wearing J.Crew’s Kaya pants for a fall trip to Paris several years ago I became a devotee to this particular pair. The pants come in navy, black and crimson red. These are the epitome of effortless style pants — you can dress them up or down, walk them from day to night and they still keep their shape for hours. The pants also come in regular, tall, and petite. And for J.Crew card members there's free alterations, which is worth it for pants you'll be keeping as long as these.  The pants fit true to size according to reviewers, but if you like them a little looser go a size up. 

Promising review: "New Fave Pants. High quality materials and construction, sassy yet professional styling👍. And the red is stunning and versatile. Im wearing on repeat! I found them TTS although the fit is body skimming so perhaps size up for looser fit? But I think this style is best worn snugly."  — TSSi

Here’s another golden Amazon find you can wear while sleeping on a long flight and still step off the plane still looking polished enough to not offend the locals. They have zipper side pockets to keep your goods safe, and are made with moisture wicking, water-repellent material for a cooler feel. Many reviewers love the material and believe the pants are the perfect weight to move between seasons. They're available in a ton of colors and sizes from S-XXXL.

With over 23,000 reviews and 4.2 stars, these wide-leg pants from Amazon are one of those sure-bet finds on the site. They’re affordable enough to buy several pairs in a wide range of colors. Reviewers like the flow and fit of these palazzo pants and say that the material is heavier than expected from a budget Amazon find, but still breathable. The pants are also designed to be antistatic, so no worries about attracting too many wayward pet hairs. The brand describes the pants as culottes, but many reviewers say they are longer than you would expect.

Promising review: “Comfortable, classic, elegant. These are really comfortable. I feel like I'm wearing silky pajamas. The fabric doesn't feel overly heavy and can probably be worn all year round. They have functional pockets that don't pucker when sitting or standing. The elastic back doesn't look cheap or frumpy. I'm 5'4" and can wear these with or without a heel. So the length, for me, is perfect. The navy is a dark navy but would not be mistaken for black. I am really happy with these and will be ordering more colors.” —   Jessica D

These Amazon pants are like a diamond in the rough — they're designed for golf but styled as dressier work pants with stretch to keep you moving throughout the day. They're designed with a quick-dry material, plenty of pockets and come in many different colors. Reviewers love the fit, material (which they say is more suitable for warmer temperatures) and quality. The design looks closer to the higher-end Polo RLX golf tailored fit pants (which are rarely on sale and cost $175). Several reviewers also mention the pants have a similar fit to some of Lululemon's more high-end trousers. 

Promising review: "I bought these for my SO and they have been a great addition to his closet. They have a nice polished look that is dressy enough for work, church, or dinner out, but they are comfortable enough to wear all day. The fabric is lightweight and has plenty of stretch, so they move with you instead of feeling stiff like traditional dress pants. They also wash well and come out looking nice with very little effort, which is always a bonus. The pockets are functional without adding bulk, and the fit was true to size. He has commented more than once on how comfortable they are, which says a lot because if something is uncomfortable, it usually never gets worn again. Overall, these are a great option if you want pants that look put together but feel more like wearing your favorite comfortable pair." —   Chrissy

I own two pairs of Athleta’s Endless high-rise pant, which come in ten different colors, many of which are on sale right now. These pants are extremely versatile. I’ve worn them on flights and then immediately out for dinner at night. They have a slightly fitted style with a straight leg and a high waistband.  They keep their shape for hours — I’m yet to deal with any sagging or gapping from wearing all day and into the night, but also offer a little stretch for movement.  The waistband is made from a Lycra-nylon blend that holds everything in without being too tight, in my experience, and the wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying fabric helps in those moments when you break a sweat running between terminals. I’m not the only one that swears by the stylish pants — they have over 17,000 reviews on Athleta’s site and at a solid 4.5 stars. 

Promising review: "Great fitting pants and so comfortable! Perfect for travel, you can wear them dressed up or just a normal day. Pack up easy and don't wrinkle. I love them.” — Anonymous

Quince's comfort stretch traveler pants are a very smart buy for men who want to look polished — and they have a bit of stretch to make traveling a more comfortable experience. My husband has these pants, and I swear they're just as good as a more expensive option he’s worn, that have a similar style but cost double Quince's price. (Since these acquiring these pants, we've both become Quince converts and have our eye on the stretch chinos next.) The traveler pants come in slim, straight and athletic tapered fits and four different colors. My husband has the sand dune pair and wears them with tennis shoes or dress them up with a pair of R.M. William's boots he got for Father's Day. The pants are mostly made of cotton, but with the perfect amount of elastane for that comfortable give. To keep them from shrinking, wash them in cold water and tumble dry low — I even air dry to keep them lasting longer. Most reviewers feel they run true to size, but if you're tall like my husband, who’s 6-foot-4, the athletic tapered fit has more room. 

Promising review: "Perfect Pants for a Guy on the Go. The Comfort Stretch Traveler 5-Pocket Pants is the pair of pants I'd been looking for. Not too tight or baggy, they stretch after washing and wear, casual without looking slobby. I got the olive green first color's great. And now a pair in black for slightly more formal occasions. Soft and comfy, and they look good on a person Iike me, who comes with natural padding. Goes well with sneakers or shoes."  — David C.

I polled a group of wanderlust friends for their opinions on travel pants, and  Vuori's trousers were high on the list of must-buys. The brand’s Villa wide-leg pants are worth a second look — they’re designed to be comfortable and look elevated enough to take you from the plane straight into sightseeing without feeling underdressed. On Nordstrom’s website, they’re praised for the feel of the material and specifically for being great to travel in. They’re cut with a generous wide leg and made with a silky-soft, stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric that’s designed to keep you cool and dry, and the front slant pockets are deep enough to fit your phone — a bonus for travelers who treat vacations like marathons. 

Promising review: "Perfection in a pant! I wore these nearly every single day on a two-week vacation to Spain, and have worn them nearly every single day ever since coming back two weeks ago. I am so sad when I have to wash them because I can’t be wearing them, but fortunately they dry so fast, my sadness is short-lived. They are comfy, flowy and so versatile. I’m 5’ 5”-ish, 115 lbs-ish and the extra small fits perfectly. The length is just right with my sneakers and Birks. "  — LaurieMM

Moleskin, in case you also had to Google it (like me), is not in fact made from moles. It’s high quality cotton that feels as soft as the vision impaired critter. The cotton is woven in certain way with a small amount of stretch material that gives it a suede look, but with more of a stretch — meaning it's a great material for traveling. Hoggs of Fife makes high-quality classic-looking clothing built for outdoor activities, and my husband loves their moleskin Carrick stretch tech pants for traveling. But the British brand can be tricky to find outside of the U.K. only occasionally popping up on Amazon. 

For an alternative that offers a similar look and feel, my husband like his J.Crew 1040 athletic tapered-fit stretch chino pants. They're made mostly of cotton with a small amount of elastane and although the material’s weave doesn't give it that same moleskin sheen, these have the same long-lasting durability and stretch wearers love. The pants come

Promising review: "Perfect khaki pant. It is difficult to find traditional, but stylish khaki pants… These are it! Love that they are all cotton. So many pants have synthetic fibers." —   Valentine_214