The 14 Best Yoga Pants for Travel of 2023

Our favorite yoga pants are versatile, sweat-wicking, and stylish.

Rena Behar is a freelance journalist and editor focusing on tech, travel, and gender. She has contributed to Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and more.

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Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

There are only so many ways to make a long travel day comfortable, especially if you didn't spring for first class. Luckily, no matter the location of your seat, you still get to pick your outfit. And while we love a good pantsuit as much as anyone, when you’re on the road nothing feels quite as good as yoga pants.

These stretchy standbys aren't just for downward dog these days. The best yoga pants for travel are not only comfortable, they’ll also help keep you climate-controlled and still looking cute once you make it to your destination.

"I've taught yoga workshops and classes all around the world and I need to trust that my yoga pants will make the journey," says Lily Allen-Duenas, founder of Wild Yoga Tribe. "Yoga pants should not be see-through and should not sag at the middle or end of a day when wearing them. They need to have ample stretch for comfort, but also hug where they should hug and not slip and slide and sag. No matter whether I'm lifting my luggage or doing a yoga pose, I need to trust that my yoga pants won't move and won't reveal anything they should be covering."

Our favorite pair is the Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant With Pockets. Frequent travelers and yogis we surveyed raved about these yoga pants, which are super-soft, high-quality, and available in a variety of styles and colors.

Lululemon

In addition to being super-soft, these come in a slew of colors and styles, and of course, they have pockets.

There are some complaints about the fabric pilling or attracting lint, and they’re pricier than many other options.

Frankly, the internet is obsessed with these leggings. Of all the yogis and frequent travelers we surveyed, nearly all of them mentioned the Align family. "I don't think you can go wrong with a pair of Lululemons," says Duenas. We specifically chose the High-Rise Pant with Pockets as the best yoga pants for travelers because when you’re on the road, pockets simply make everything better and easier. And with these, you get three: one on each side that can hold a phone, and a drop-in back pocket. They’re known for being super soft, and their thick fabric means you won't have to worry about them becoming see-through. They’re also breathable and sweat-wicking, so you’ll stay cool even in stressful conditions. There are three inseam lengths available (25, 28, and 31 inches), as well as a 23-inch crop version. The whole collection also includes flares, stirrups, capris, and nearly any cut you could want, and all in an impressive array of colors as well.

Price at time of publish: from $128

The Details: 0 to 20 | 81 percent nylon, 19 percent lycra elastane

Athleta

These are smooth, breathable, and available in a slew of styles.

They aren't cheap.

Athleta's Salutation Stash line is almost as insanely popular as our best yoga pants pick and equally versatile. The Powervita fabric provides a feel that Athleta describes as "buttery soft with support that feels like a gentle hug." There are also stash pockets on either side, and Athleta has improved the waistband and seams to keep things smooth and slip-free. There are eight colors and a wide size range to choose from so you’ll be able to match both your body and your favorite top. They also come in capris and a full-length version if you’d like to go shorter or longer.

Price at time of publish: $109

The Details: XXS to 3X | Nylon/lycra

Outdoor Voices

In addition to two pockets, these also include a drawstring at the waist and an extensive size range.

They run on the small side, so you may want to size up.

Outdoor Voices’ SuperForm is its most heavy-duty legging, and the sweat-wicking fabric will keep you cool and moving throughout long travel days. There's a phone-sized pocket on each side, so you can also carry any documents you may need to have within grabbing reach. The waistband has an internal drawstring, so you can find the best fit for you, and the fabric also includes compression and anti-slide features. You’ll even get UPF 50 protection for long days out in the sun. They’ve also got a great range of sizes and six colors to choose from, including, naturally, Outdoor Voices’ signature colorblock.

Price at time of publish: $98

The Details: XXS to XXXL | 63 percent nylon, 37 percent lycra

Girlfriend Collective

There's no need to compromise on features or colors even in size 6XL.

The waistband is a little thin.

We love Girlfriend Collective for a few reasons, and its size range is just one of them. In addition to its excellent size run, its leggings are made with recycled fabrics, and you can send them back to the company once you’re done with them so they can be recycled again. Since these leggings are designed for high-impact workouts, you’ll stay cool and they’ll be able to stand up to any contortions you put them through. They’ve got two side pockets and a secret small back pocket as well, though if you don't feel the need for pockets, you can also opt for a pair without. There's a 28.5-inch inseam and a 23.75-inch inseam available, as well as five base colors and a series of rotating seasonal colors.

Price at time of publish: $88

The Details: XXS to 6XL | 79 percent recycled plastic bottles (RPET), 21 percent spandex

Alo

These create a smooth silhouette while still stretching in all directions.

The size range is a little limited.

If you want a pair of yoga pants that will wrap around your curves and make you look magazine-worthy, the Alo Yoga Airbrush are the best travel yoga pants for you. The lack of side seams creates a smooth silhouette and four-way stretch will move with you in any direction. They’re also moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, so you’ll have to do slightly less laundry while on the road, which is always a bonus. There are 11 colors available, from light neutrals to bright neon green and strawberry lemonade, though sizes only go up to XL.

Price at time of publish: $98

The Details: XXS to XL | Nylon/spandex

Nordstrom

These stretchy leggings have an extra-thick waistband to keep them in place.

They can get a bit linty.

These super-popular leggings from Nordstrom's house line are frequently mentioned as a potential dupe for Lululemon's pricier yoga pants. The extremely thick waistband will keep the pants in place, and moisture-wicking fabric will keep you sweat-free. They’re both stretchy and sculpting, so you’ll be able to move around easily while still looking svelte. Choose from five colors and a solid range of sizes from XXS to XXL.

Price at time of publish: $59

The Details: XXS to XXL | ​​88 percent polyester, 12 percent spandex

Aerie

The crossover waistband, light fabric, and machine washability make these great for the road.

The color range is a little limited.

Coincidentally, our pick for the best long yoga pants might also be the best short yoga pants. Aerie brings their inclusive attitude to height ranges with these leggings, which are designed for a 7/8 fit. To make that possible on all heights, you can choose between a short, regular, or long inseam (23, 25, and 27 inches respectively). The crossover detail on the waistband also adds an extra style factor in addition to keeping the waistband in place. These are an update to their extremely popular High-Waisted Crossover Legging, but we gave the edge to the newer style because it's available in more colors: a true black, washed black, or marbled blue straight out of the acid-washed denim days. If you prefer a flared style, the Offline Crossover Flare Legging also offers three inseam options (30, 32, and 34 inches) designed to hit at your heel.

Price at time of publish: $55

The Details: XXS to XXL | 88 percent nylon, 12 percent elastane

Prana

Prana's new collection is sustainable, sun-protective, and stylish.

The size and color range aren't as extensive as some other brands.

Prana recently revamped their popular Everyday and Transform collections, and the result is the new Chakara collection. These yoga pants are both supportive and durable. The wide waistband will stay put even when you’re upside-down, with a powermesh inset panel for extra support and small hidden pocket in the back to stash your keys. And you’ll stay cool even if you’re out on a hot day thanks to moisture-wicking abilities and a UPF 50+ sun protection factor. We also appreciate Prana's commitment to sustainability — in addition to making the pants out of majority recycled nylon, they’re also Bluesign and Fair Trade certified. Choose from black, dark gray, or a sunny marigold.

Price at time of publish: $99

The Details: XS to XL | 88 percent recycled nylon, 12 percent lycra elastane

Target

These easy-to-care-for yoga pants have all the features of pairs three times the price.

The lighter colors may show sweat more easily.

One of the highest-rated items in Target's All in Motion collection, these 7/8-length yoga pants have all the features you want in a high-end pair for a fraction of the price. Designed for yoga, Pilates, and everyday wear, they boast a moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric, as well as flat seams for better comfort and a UPF 50 rating. There's also a hidden back pocket for small items, and they’re easy to clean, with machine-wash and tumble-dry fabric. The full All in Motion collection is all equally low-priced and full of other rises, lengths, and styles, whether you’re after bike shorts, a skort, or even snow pants, and some even include short and long inseam and extended size options – the Soft Stretch pants are another standout. Target is also working to include more sustainable components in the line, including recycled polyester and sustainably sourced cotton.

Price at time of publish: $32

The Details: XS to XXL | 69 percent recycled polyester, 31 percent spandex

Beyond Yoga

We love all the features, plus it offers a flattering fit and full size range.

The size range in the seasonal colors is a little more limited and they don't have a pocket.

Beyond Yoga is another well-loved brand for yoga pants, and this is one of their most popular styles. The super-thick 5-inch waistband will absolutely keep everything comfortably in place, and they hit perfectly on the low calf with a 21-inch inseam. The Spacedye fabric has all the features you'd expect: soft feel, four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, and machine-washable, as well as UV protection. There are four core colors as well as two seasonal options available, but note that the size range on the seasonal colors only goes up to XL, versus the core, which go all the way up to 4X. These also don't have a pocket; if you’d prefer one, go for the Out of Pocket style instead.

Price at time of publish: $95

The Details: XXS to 4X | 87 percent polyester, 13 percent elastane

Carbon38

A liquid shine adds extra style to these popular leggings.

These fit tight.

Put a little shine into your travel style with our pick for the best splurge yoga pants: the Carbon38 legging in Takara Shine. The "glossy liquid finish" gives these leggings a luxe touch that will help them go from your workout session to dinner and then maybe even onto an overnight train in comfort and style, helped by the wide waistband that will keep everything sleek. There are also four colors available (a bright pink, brown, or purple in addition to the classic black). There's also a 7/8 length if you prefer a more cropped style and a few more color options, or go for the Melt fabric if you want something a bit more matte.

Price at time of publish: $128

The Details: XXS to XXL | 80 percent nylon, 20 percent lycra

Beyond Yoga

These have all the features of the best yoga pants plus extra softness and an adjustable bump-friendly waistband.

They’re a little expensive for something you may not get long-term wear out of.

Beyond Yoga gets another spot on our list for their maternity yoga pants that mom groups swear by. These yoga pants are designed to be gently supportive and super soft, as well as stretchy enough to both accommodate a changing bump and still move into some asanas. The high waistband can adjust to go over your bump or tuck under, so you'll at least be comfortable somewhere. They’re also easy to wash and dry, so you don't have to worry about maintenance, and have moisture-wicking and UV protection for walks in any weather. Pick from seven colors, or simply get them all to build up your maternity wardrobe.

Price at time of publish: $110

The Details: XS to XL | 87 percent polyester, 13 percent elastane

Pact

These breathable, organic cotton leggings are built with sustainability in mind.

Cotton isn't moisture-wicking and can take a while to dry, so these aren't great for high-sweat activities.

If you prefer natural fibers when you travel, Pact's Pureactive Pocket Leggings are the best travel yoga pants for you. Pact is extremely focused on sustainability in its products, and these leggings are made with organic, GOTS-certified cotton in a fair-trade factory. The mid-rise pant has two side pockets, an elastic waistband with an internal drawcord, and plenty of stretch. There are ten color options available, including some fun prints, and they’re easy to care for. Note that cotton shouldn't be used in more intense or very sweaty environments; if it gets wet, whether with rain or sweat, it doesn't dry quickly and pulls heat away from your body.

Price at time of publish: $38

The Details: XS to XXL | 89 percent organic cotton, 11 percent elastane

Beyond Yoga

They're so soft and buttery — perfect for long flights or practicing yoga.

These aren't as breathable as other options, so they may be best for lighter activities.

The ultra-soft performance fabric of these leggings moves with you without bunching or becoming see-through, making these perfect for yoga, travel, or lounging at home. They're high-waisted, which provides both comfort and support without feeling too tight. While they do run long, the flared ends are the perfect way to elevate a comfortable loungewear look. These leggings may be more of an investment piece, but they're high-quality and sure to last a long time without any morphing or pilling even after multiple washes. As an added bonus, they offer UV protection, so you can wear these just about anywhere with confidence.

Price at time of publish: $99

The Details: XXS to XL | 87 percent polyester, 13 percent elastane

Are you actually going to be doing yoga in these, or do you just want cute soft pants for travel? (Zero shade to the latter, it just might impact your packing). Yoga pants that you’re going to be putting through an actual workout need more features than ones that will mostly be used for lounging or casual strolls. The more you plan to sweat (whether during a studio session or just running for your connecting flight), the sturdier and more breathable you’ll want your pants to be.

Women's sizing is still, unfortunately, a cryptic mess where almost no number has any real meaning. If you want the best fit, it's time to break out your tape measure and get your measurements to determine how a pair of yoga pants will best fit you. Too big, and you’ll spend what should be a relaxing child's pose trying to readjust your waistband as they slide around. Too small, and you’ll be squished into a sausage casing that digs into your sides. There's no need to make flying any more uncomfortable by wearing pants that don't fit you.

"Bend over in the change room and make sure they're not see through (simple but very effective) then squat down to see how the waistline works on your body," suggests certified yoga instructor and travel blogger Lynn Henderson. "It should stay in place and provide comfortable compression so you can move freely without having to adjust your pants."

Some yoga pants are leggings, but not all leggings are yoga pants. Yoga pants tend to have more features in the fabric, like sweat-wicking or cooling materials, and be made of thicker material. They also likely have better-reinforced stitching, especially in the gusset (the additional triangle or diamond of fabric in the crotch), to accommodate for more vigorous stretching and movement (think of all those yoga contortionist videos you’ve seen). You can't reliably do splits in any old pair of leggings.

However the manufacturer tells you to. Always read the tags before doing laundry, but usually, the best way to wash most workout clothing is on a cold cycle and then air dry it or tumble dry on low. Whitney Berger, founder of WhitFit NYC, also looks for yoga pants that can be washed easily in the hotel sink when you’re on the move.

For this story, Rena Behar relied on her nearly 10 years as both a professional gear reviewer and regular yoga practitioner and personal travel experiences. She also surveyed multiple frequent travelers and yogis.

We also spoke to experts to discuss what to look for when selecting travel yoga pants: Experts we spoke to included:

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