The 16 Most Comfortable Jeans for Travel of 2023
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The best jeans for travel offer plenty of stretch, style, and versatility.
Travel and Leisure / Alli Waataja
Travel jeans may have once sounded like an oxymoron, but thanks to improved stretch and a nearly endless color palette of washes, they’ve become a staple of most traveler’s wardrobes.
Comfort, style, and versatility are key factors for those on go, so we’ve kept them in mind when narrowing down our list of the most comfortable jeans for travel.
We love the Good American Always Fits Good Legs Straight Jeans, which offer women a classic, slightly cropped fit in a revolutionary stretch material designed to move with you. For men, we love the Buck Mason Ford Standard Jean for their surprising amount of stretch and five classic washes.
If you’re looking for slouchier fits, more budget-friendly picks, or jeggings comfy enough to sleep in on the plane, our list has jeans for every occasion.
Best Women's Travel Jeans
Good American Always Fits Good Legs Straight Jeans
Best Overall
Why We Love It: This timeless straight cut is flattering for a wide range of body types thanks to superior stretch and a high-waisted fit.
What to Consider: Not everyone will love the ankle hem — but luckily, Good American makes a huge variety of cuts in this fabric.
We’ll just come right out and say it: we’re obsessed with Good American’s Always Fit line. The material looks like authentic cotton denim, but is infused with enough stretch to comfortably accommodate an entire French cheese course. These are the travel companion for wherever you’re headed thanks to their flattering high-rise waist, sturdy reinforced belt loops, and timeless straight fit. Partially tuck-in an oversized sweater in cooler climates or pair them with your favorite going-out top for a night on the town. We also love that they’re super size inclusive, with a flexible fit ranging from 00 to 32 plus. Oh, and the best part? There are five pockets to fit your phone and other essentials.
Price at time of publish: $159
Sizes: 00 to 32 plus | Material: Cotton, recycled cotton, Elasterel-P, recycled polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, dry flat or hang dry
Zara The Marine Straight Jeans
Best Budget
Why We Love It: The unfinished hem and relaxed fit looks polished without feeling fussy.
What to Consider: They don’t have front pockets.
Zara is always on top of designer trends at a more affordable price point, and these raw-hemmed straight jeans are a perfect case in point. Flattering and fitted in the butt and relaxed through the leg, these are your ideal day-to-night jeans. Wear them with your favorite tee and sneakers for sightseeing before swapping into a low-back tank top and chic mules for an evening of being wined and dined in some far-flung destination.
Price at time of publish: $50
Sizes: 25 to 32 | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash cool, machine dry low or tetrachloroethylene dry clean
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women’s Totally Shaping Pull-On Skinny Jeans
Best Jeggings
Why We Love It: They give your favorite sweats and joggers a run for their money in the comfort department, thanks to figure-enhancing Simply Stretch fabric.
What to Consider: There are no belt loops and certain updated versions come with faux pockets, so be sure to check before you add to cart.
You’ve been warned: once you purchase a pair of Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Totally Shaping Pull-On Skinny Jeans, you might become one of those people who wears jeans on the plane. You might fall so in love with them that you wax poetic about their superior stretch for paragraphs. Yes, they’re really that comfy. The are-these-jeans-or-are-they-leggings level of softness, paired with a definitive denim aesthetic is a winning combination that will have you wanting to stock up on the six colors available (which go beyond classic blue jeans to fun tones likes lichen green and winetasting – a merlot shade). They come in a wide range of sizes as well, offering short, medium, and long inseams (which measure 28 inches, 30 inches and 32 inches, respectively) for both their standard and plus-sized range. With a super flattering mid-rise waist and stomach-slimming (but not constricting) panel, these are a lightweight and versatile addition to any traveler’s wardrobe.
Price at time of publish: $30
Sizes: 2 to 28 (short, medium, long), 16 to 28 plus sized (short, medium, long) | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash
Related:The 12 Best Fleece Jackets for Men and Women of 2023
Good American Always Fits Good Classic Bootcut Jeans
Best Boot-leg
Why We Love It: The innovative one-size-fits-four design makes these jeans an ideal travel companion for those days when you’re eating your way through a new destination and need a little wiggle room.
What to Consider: They run long, so you may end up needing to get them hemmed.
Good American’s ultra-stretchy Always Fits design means these will still hug you perfectly even after you’ve indulged in a three-course pasta dinner in Rome. If that’s not a primary selling point for jeans you’d want to bring on your next trip, then what is? Their super high-rise waistband — which is truly, magically gap-proof — feels like a gentle embrace on your waist, quietly supporting you while helping you feel pulled-together and sexy. After all, these jeans were designed by Revenge Body alum Khloé Kardashian, so they’re meant to make you look as good as they feel. Scoop them up in a light baby blue or a darker indigo wash.
While their extra-long inseam (33.5 inches) may necessitate getting them hemmed, think of it as a good excuse to get to know your local tailor if you haven’t already.
Price at time of publish: $159
Sizes: 00 to 32 plus | Material: Cotton, recycled cotton, Elasterel-P, recycled polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, dry flat or hang dry
Everlane The Mid-Rise Skinny Stretch Jean
Best Skinny
Why We Love It: They feel like designer denim at a far more affordable price point.
What to Consider: The waistband can loosen up slightly throughout the day.
A minimalist cool girl staple brand, Everlane always hits the mark when it comes to everyday essentials you can’t bear to part with — not even for a weekend getaway. These mid-rise skinny jeans hit just below the belly button and are bound to become part of your regular rotation whether you’re traveling or not, thanks to their second-skin stretch that offers the right amount of give without sacrificing their true denim shape. The quality of the jeans themselves is top-notch: the denim feels thick and sturdy, but still has movement.
Everlane promotes a number of sustainable practices — think supporting responsible forestry and using organic cotton — so these are jeans you can feel as good about buying as you do about wearing them.
Price at time of publish: $78
Sizes: 23 to 35 | Material: Organic cotton, viscose, recycled polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Gap High Rise Stride Ankle Jeans with Washwell
Best High-waisted
Why We Love It: They offer a range of inseam lengths as well as tall and petite sizing.
What to Consider: They don’t have a lot of stretch.
Sure, stretchiness is a good factor to look for when hunting for denim worthy of your travel wardrobe. These don’t deliver on that point — they’re more traditional, offering a secure hold at the waist and an easier fit throughout — but they bring something else vital to the table: versatility. Ankle-cropped and wide-legged, these jeans are a one-stop-shop for casual city sightseeing or midday business meetings that effortlessly carry into a night on the town when you swap your sneakers for sandals. Available in black, white and a light blue wash, these are a timeless fit and look as great with loafers as they do strappy sandals.
Price at time of publish: $80
Sizes: 24 to 35, tall and petite sizing, adjustable inseam | Material: Cotton, recycled cotton, elastane | Care: Machine wash
Related:The 10 Most Comfortable Walking Shoes for Women of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Agolde ‘90s Jeans
Best Boyfriend
Why We Love It: These expertly nail the I-genuinely-borrowed-these-from-my-boyfriend look, while still feeling feminine.
What to Consider: There are mixed reviews on sizing — some buyers feel they run large, while others think they run small.
Sexy, slouchy and seemingly effortless, the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans can be harder to find than the perfect boyfriend. And just like the search for a partner, the quest for your dream denim is highly tailored to your own preferences. So while there are a lot of fish in the sea (read: low-rise jeans on the market), those are not what we’re talking about here. Quite the opposite: Agolde ‘90s Jeans are what make my high-rise-loving ‘90s-baby heart flutter. They’re 100 percent cotton, so don’t expect any stretch — but the relaxed fit gives you all the breathing room you need anyway. While the sizing on these is a little difficult to nail down, it’s generally a good idea to size up if you’re looking for a looser look. They’re also available in three different washes, each with individual distressed details.
Price at time of publish: $198
Sizes: 23 to 34 | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash cold
Frame Le One Flare Jeans
Best Flare
Why We Love It: These flare jeans are made from Frame’s revolutionary five-in-one stretch fabric, so they can move with you wherever you go.
What to Consider: They’re a splurge, but you can sometimes catch them on major sale.
Frame jeans are a famously worthwhile splurge — especially those made from their revolutionary five-in-one stretch fabric, which offer superior shape-retention while also giving you room to move.
It’s fun to go full-flare sometimes, but for travel, it’s a better idea to have a pair of jeans that works with any top in your suitcase. With that in mind, this gentle flare is ideal for mixing and matching with fitted going-out tops, boyish button-downs and anything else you feel like throwing on. They’re available in four colors, so you’ll be sure to find a match for your favorite pieces. Be sure to note Frame’s unique three-size range: Frame’s 0 is a traditional 22 to 24, 1 is 25 to 29, and 2 is 30 to 34.
Price at time of publish: $258
Sizes: 0 to 2 | Material: Organic cotton, cotton, recycled polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash inside out
Best Men's Travel Jeans
Buck Mason Ford Standard Jean
Best Overall
Why We Love It: There’s just enough stretch for comfort without sacrificing the classic denim look — plus, they’re available in five stylish washes.
What to Consider: They’re designed with heavier weight denim (14 ounces) than traditional jeans, so they may weigh down your carry-on a bit if you don’t wear them on the flight.
Our go-to pick for men are the Buck Mason Ford Standard Jeans. Timeless and classically flattering, these are the essential blue jeans — except that they’re available in five colors, ranging from a light neutral wash to blue and black denim. They’re infused with just a bit of added stretch, making them comfy enough for long days of exploring while still maintaining that authentic denim style. With five pockets, these mid-rise button-fly jeans are made of yarn-dyed denim that is fairly heavy, but gets softer the more you wear and wash them over time. That’s the sort of travel companion we’re looking for — one that only gets better with each trip.
Price at time of publish: $148
Sizes: 28 to 40 | Material: Cotton, spandex | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Zara Men Slim Fit Jeans
Best Budget
Why We Love It: These slim fit jeans are available in four colors with a subtle wash effect.
What to Consider: The size range is limited to 30 to 36.
Made of 99 percent cotton and 1 percent elastane, there’s a little bit of give to these slim-fit jeans. They’re tailored enough to go with everything from a plain white tee to a sweater or button-down, making them a helpful addition to any traveler’s wardrobe. Five deep pockets also make room for your phone and valuables, and a front zip and button closure keep everything secure without feeling tight. While the size range is limited, these are a great price point for the quality.
Price at time of publish: $60
Sizes: 30 to 36 | Material: Cotton, elastane | Care: Machine wash inside out, do not tumble dry
Bonobos Stretch Travel Jean
Best Size-inclusive
Why We Love It: They offer superior stretch and are available in a wide size and color range — plus, you can customize your fit.
What to Consider: They may not look enough like “traditional” denim for some.
It doesn’t get more versatile than Bonobos’ Extra Stretch Travel Jeans. You can customize just about everything for your own perfect fit, from the color (there are nine, ranging from classics to olive and fall river ginger) to the size (28 to 46) to the actual fit itself (choose from tailored, slim taper, athletic, slim, or straight). That just about sums up the perfect travel jean, as they’re easy to wear straight from the plane to a full day of wandering in a new city. They also feature the brand’s signature curved waistband, which ensures a snug and flattering fit.
Price at time of publish: $119
Sizes: 28 to 46 | Material: Extra stretchy cotton, PBT, elastane | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, tumble dry low
Related:The 10 Best Men's Travel Pants of 2023
Frame L’Homme Slim
Best Splurge
Why We Love It: These extremely soft jeans are available in 21 unique washes, so it’s easy to find your perfect piece.
What to Consider: Some may prefer a slightly more rigid fit that creases less.
Frame makes what just might be the comfiest, most ideal travel jeans for men. Made from 94 percent super soft cotton, they’re blended with 5 percent polyester and 1 percent elastane for a medium-stretch that’s easy to move in, wherever your day takes you. The denim feels lived-in from your first wear and only gets more comfortable over time on these mid-rise jeans. These feature a slim, straight leg that’s perfect for everyday wear and tapers slightly towards the bottom.
Price at time of publish: $195
Sizes: 28 to 40 | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash
Madewell Vintage Bootcut Jeans
Best Boot-leg
Why We Love It: These pair retro style with modern comfort thanks to the lived-in feel of the denim.
What to Consider: The hem is raw and hits at the ankle, which may be too short for some.
What these 100 percent cotton jeans lack in stretch, they make up for in vintage style. Cropped at the ankle and finished with a raw hem, these are a key piece for a laidback look that’s still pulled together. They feature a button fly and a 12 and three-quarters-inch rise, and are made from a midweight denim. Notably, they’re crafted in an artisan factory in Los Angeles which focuses on employing green technology in order to create more eco-friendly jeans, according to Madewell’s website.
Price at time of publish: $148
Sizes: 29 to 40 | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash
Levi’s 510 Men’s Skinny Jeans
Best Skinny
Why We Love It: These have great stretch and you can choose from three different lengths.
What to Consider: They’re only available in sizes 27 to 38.
Say goodbye to the constricting, sausage-like casing of early-aughts skinny jeans and hello to these incredibly comfortable Levi’s. Made from the brand’s advanced +Levi’s Flex stretch technology, the fabric is 70 percent cotton, 28 percent lyocell, and 2 percent elastane, which delivers a shocking amount of stretch for a streamlined style that looks completely classic. These are available in five shades of blue and black wash, and we love that you can customize your fit with one of three lengths: 30, 32 or 34 inches.
Price at time of publish: $70
Sizes: 27 to 38 | Material: Cotton, lyocell, elastane | Care: Machine wash and dry inside out
Levi’s Men’s 501 Original Fit Jeans
Best Straight-leg
Why We Love It: Levi’s 501s are essentially synonymous with the very idea of denim.
What to Consider: These are made from 100 percent cotton and offer very little stretch.
Levi’s is the most iconic name in denim, so it makes sense that multiple pairs would make our list. The brand offers more than just legacy, though: 501s truly are an essential jean for denim lovers who are looking for an ultra versatile, universally appealing pair to travel with. There isn’t much that these don’t pair effortlessly with, and they’re great for dressing up or down. While these are made from 100 percent cotton and offer little in the way of stretch, they will break in gently over time, and come with that lived-in feel from the very first wear. Plus, they’re available in a whopping 23 unique washes — including some that are made from stretch denim — so you can customize your pair to your personal aesthetic.
Price at time of publish: $80
Sizes: 27 to 30 standard, 32 to 58 men’s big and tall | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash cold inside out
Banana Republic Slim Luxe Traveler Jean
Best Slim-fit
Why We Love It: Designed with comfort and movement in mind, these offer easy mobility and are super lightweight.
What to Consider: The leg opening is fairly slim.
These may look like standard denim, but they’re engineered with ultra-lightweight, extra-fine weave denim that boasts exceptional stretch and makes these a must-have for jetsetters. They sit comfortably at the waist and are a classic slim fit throughout the leg, plus they feature a zip fly, button closure, rugged belt loops, and five deep pockets for all of your essentials. We love that they’re practically customizable thanks to four different length options (choose from 28, 30, 32 or 34 inches) and regular or tall sizing.
Price at time of publish: $130
Sizes: 26 to 44 regular, 32 to 42 tall | Material: Cotton, modal, polyester, elastane | Care: Machine wash cold
Tips for Buying Comfortable Jeans
Find the right mix of comfort and style
Stretch and versatility are two key factors when picking the right jeans for travel. When suitcase space is of the essence, you want to make sure you’ll actually wear everything you’re packing, so jeans that are comfortable and can go with most of the tops and sweaters in your suitcase are a must.
Consider investing in a pair you'll have for years to come
The best pair of jeans — for travel or otherwise — is one you’ve worn for years. Higher quality denim will stand up better to wash and wear over time and is a smarter investment in the long run, even if it means paying a little more up front.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you wash jeans?
Typically, you’ll want to turn your jeans inside out before laundering them. Most jeans can be machine washed on cold and tumble dried on low, but be sure to read the care instructions on your garment first as some may need to be hang-dried or dry cleaned.
What's the best way to pack jeans?
You can fold or roll your jeans, depending on your preference. First, you’ll want to fold them in half lengthwise. Then, fold one leg up diagonally and leave it there as you roll down from the waist. Once you have a roll, you can tuck the part that’s still sticking out back into the open leg to secure your roll and save space.
How often should I wash my jeans?
You should wash your jeans every 3 to 10 wears, depending on how active you are in them. Generally, it’s a good idea to take note of whenever your jeans start to smell or show any outward signs of dirt.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this article, T+L contributor Sophie Dodd researched the best travel jeans on the market for men and women, from options with superior stretch that you can wear in-flight to classic fits with pockets to hold all your essentials on the go. She used her expertise as a travel writer and as someone who is extremely picky about what kind of pants she’ll wear while traveling to narrow down a list of the best options for every style and budget.
Related:The 17 Best Travel Pants for Women of 2023
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