It’s fair to say we put more thought into what we wear to the airport now than ever before. Gone are the days when a pair of leggings, a hoodie and a messy bun would suffice (though, if you’re waking up at 5am, we don’t blame you). The holiday starts the minute you arrive at the airport – whether that’s buying a beach bag in Accessorize or sipping on a mimosa until your gate is called. So, naturally, traveling in style has become just as important as staying comfortable.
When looking for the best airport trousers, it’s all about the fit and fabric. A wide-leg silhouette, draw-string or elasticated waist and relaxed tailoring will be your best bet. They’ll keep you comfortable while mooching around duty free, stop your legs from sticking to the plane seat and you’ll wear them beyond the airport too. They’re chic and comfortable enough for travel, but will equally look stylish paired with a tank top and sandals on your holiday. Cost per wear, people.
A slip on design is important too: anything with zips or buttons will only dig into your stomach during the flight. When it comes to material, jersey is the best option. It’s soft, cosy and doesn’t crease easily. It’s also worth considering linen trousers. Though it tends to crease more, they’ll see you from baggage claim to the beach bar without looking out of place.
So goodbye leggings – see the best airport trousers to shop for your next holiday.
Best airport trousers for chic, comfy travel
These trousers combine the comfort of jersey with the look of denim, so you’ll feel a little more put together without compromising on cosiness. And despite being a slip-on design, we love the faux-fly waistband that gives the illusion of jeans without any discomfort.
You can’t go wrong with these slip-on jersey trousers from M&S. They’re available in five colours – including black, brown, caramel, burgundy and navy – so you can find the right pair to match your airport ‘fit. Plus they come in various lengths, from extra short to extra long, because no one wants ankle grazers at the airport.
Traveling in linen trousers is always a good idea. They look more put together than leggings, feel lightweight in warmer weather and can take you straight from arrivals to the beach bar. Just throw a bikini on underneath and you're good to go.
Hush’s Taylor Joggers are made from cotton toweling so they’ll keep you comfortable at the airport as well as on the beach thanks to its quick-drying material – ideal for wearing over a damp bikini. We adore the rich burgundy hue: it makes them look far more expensive than the £33 price tag.
These pleated trousers strike the perfect balance between style and comfort. The jersey fabric and elasticated waist makes them ideal for long flights, while the wrap-over detail on the legs gives you a little extra movement – perfect if you’re trying to catch some ‘Zzz’.
If you’d prefer a fine knit as opposed to jersey, this Mango pair is a great option. In fact, not just the trousers – we’re obsessed with the entire co-ord. It’s the type of throw-on-and-go outfit that doesn’t require any thinking.
You can always rely on Uniqlo when it comes to comfort. These soft-knit trousers have an elasticated waist (an essential for long-haul flights) and a handy back pocket for keeping your airport essentials – like a lip balm, though we’d suggest keeping your passport somewhere a little safer.
Business trip? We’ve got you. These straight-leg trousers are smart enough to wear to meetings or events but, thanks to the stretch material and elasticated, they’re comfy enough for the flight too.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
