Hunting for the best travel leggings to stay comfortable on the go? As a seasoned digital nomad who exclusively globe-trots in athleisure, I’ve tested over 50 pairs of travel leggings across six years to determine the best options across the board. Combining comfort with ease of movement, a flattering fit, and features that are essential for travel – I’m a sucker for pockets – I’ve determined the eight best leggings for travel no matter where the world takes you.
Keep reading to find the top travel leggings for your trip, with reviews specially tailored to help you find the right choice for your unique needs.
Key Takeaways
After extensive testing across five continents, I’m confident that the options below are the best choices for voyages near and far, whether you’re planning a week of sightseeing or a month of trekking across a new country.
While there are what feels like an infinite number of options, the top travel leggings are the Lululemon Align High Rise Leggings With Pockets which will keep you comfortable with an epic range of movement wherever your trip leads. They also have pockets to keep your most precious items on your person. For a more budget-friendly choice, the Seasum Seamless Contour Leggings are a top Lululemon alternative with a flattering fit and significantly lower price point.
Top Picks
Best Overall: Lululemon Align High Rise Leggings With Pockets
Best Budget: Seasum Seamless Contour Leggings
Best on Amazon: Colorfulkoala High Waisted Leggings
Best Flare: Baleaf Flare Leggings
Best Thick: The Gym People Thick Leggings
Best Everyday: Vuori Daily Pocket Legging
Best Pocket: GymShark Pocket Leggings
Best Luxury: Athleta Salutation Stash 7/8 Tight
Best Overall: Lululemon Align High Rise Leggings With Pockets
Why they’re great: As far as the best leggings for travel go, these are, without a doubt, the top choice. As a digital nomad, I wear these leggings whenever I’m on the go, from long-haul flights to overnight train trips and beyond. The most appealing features for travel are the dual pockets on the side of each thigh, as well as the little compartment on the back of the leggings. This makes it convenient to keep your phone, passport, and important documents close at hand without having to dig in your bag or, worse, don jeans for your voyage. If you’re planning an active trip, these are also the top leggings to choose from since they’re great for hiking, city slicking, and everything in between.
Who are these for? These black travel leggings are for women who value comfort. They’re just shy of full length for a stylish appearance and have a high waist that will never dig into your skin. Like most of Lululemon’s offerings, they’re moisture-wicking and have buttery-soft fabric that will keep you feeling your best no matter how long the travel day is.
The Align tights are some of the brand’s most popular but are also designed for low-intensity movement. For more robust travel leggings, consider the Fast and Free Tights, which are designed for running—whether on the treadmill or through the airport. I actually wore the Fast and Free tights on over 30 hiking trips, and they still look close to brand new.
Flaws but not deal breakers: The only real downside to these travel leggings is the price. At over $100, they’re certainly an investment. That said, Lululemon is the gold standard when it comes to leggings, with countless brands basing their products on this powerhouse. In my experience, they’re pricey but well worth it. I’m still wearing these leggings five years after my initial purchase – the quality is unmatched, and the fit is second to none.
Material: 81% nylon, 19% lycra elastane | Sizes: 0-20 | Colors: 12 | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best Budget: Seasum Seamless Contour Leggings
Why they’re great: There’s a common fallacy that all of the best leggings cost over $100. Well, try the Seasum line, and you’ll quickly understand how untrue this is. For $20, these Seasum leggings measure up to the big guys with a scrunched butt design similar to GymShark offerings. Not only are they super flattering, but they also offer great support for travel, especially because the lightweight fabric feels like there’s nothing there.
Who are these for? A top choice for women who are seeking the most flattering leggings for travel, the Seasum line is no stranger to the spotlight. These TikTok viral workout leggings offer unmatched value, superb for any woman shopping on a budget.
Flaws but not deal breakers: Due to the low price point, these leggings have a lower quality compared to Lululemon or Athleta. They’re prone to holes or tears around the butt scrunch.
Material: 76% nylon, 14% polyester, 10% spandex | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 30+ | Care: Machine wash cold
Best on Amazon: Colorfulkoala High Waisted Leggings
Why they’re great: With nearly 50,000 reviews on Amazon, these leggings rose to great fame on TikTok and continue to wow the masses with their comfort and practicality. Like most of the top travel leggings, they have side pockets to slip your phone into easily. They also come in twenty color options with a seamless, sculpting design that’s comfortable for even the longest travel days. Colorfulkoala is my personal preference for a Lululemon alternative since the leggings have a comparable design and feel.
Who are these for? These leggings pack a huge punch for twenty-five bucks, making them an affordable option for women seeking dependable travel clothes – they’re also among the best leggings under $30. Unlike most cheap leggings on Amazon, this pair is of respectable quality and won’t degrade after several wears. The overall consensus is “pleasantly surprised,” and one reviewer even states they’re “equal in quality, if not better than Lululemon.”
Flaws but not deal breakers: These leggings will fit a bit long on shorter women, so if you’re lacking in height, opt for the 21” inseam pair.
Material: 75% polyester, 25% spandex | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 20 | Care: Machine wash cold
Best Flare: Baleaf Flare Leggings
Why they’re great: Somewhere along the way, yoga pants became flared leggings, and hey, I’m not mad. Especially since today’s designs skip the fold-over butt print that was commonplace for yoga pants in the 2000s (hello Pink!). With dual side pockets, a v-shaped waistband, and a bootcut leg, these are the best travel leggings for versatile wear – sport them from the plane to dinner without batting an eye.
Who are these for? This boot-cut option is a great middle-ground for the woman seeking an alternative to classic leggings for travel. Thanks to the flared ankles, they have all the stretch and comfort of leggings with a less sporty look. Aside from travel days, you can easily get away with wearing them for the entire trip, dressed up, or kept casual. And trust me, once you put them on, you aren’t going to want to take them off.
Flaws but not deal breakers: The material of these leggings is a bit thinner, which is awesome for warm-weather climates, but they also show lumps and bumps a bit more than other pairs.
Material: 87% polyester, 13% spandex | Sizes: XS-3XL | Colors: 9 | Care: Hand wash
Best Thick: The Gym People Thick Leggings
Why they’re great: Planes can be cold, and travel is often unpredictable, which is why it’s often worth considering a thicker pair of leggings to get you where you need to go. The Gym People leggings are another really strong contender for the best Lululemon alternative, with a more robust fabric and plenty of color options. The high-waisted fit keeps everything tucked in place, and of course, there are dual side pockets, as well as a small hidden compartment in the waistband.
Who are these for? These are the top travel leggings for unsure conditions. Aside from long travel days, they’re a dependable option for wearing sightseeing year-round since they’re thick enough to keep you warm but with plenty of breathability for hot destinations.
Flaws but not deal breakers: While they’re soft in their own right, the fabric of these leggings lacks the buttery quality found in most high-end brands.
Material: 88% polyamide, 12% spandex | Sizes: XS-3XL | Colors: 40+ | Care: Hand wash
Best Everyday: Vuori Daily Pocket Legging
Why they’re great: You may be catching onto a theme here… The best leggings for travel often include pockets, which is just one of the reasons this Vuori pair makes the cut. I really like Vuori for their travel clothing because the line is light, breezy, and California-inspired—no overheating on stuffy bus rides, city roaming, or trans-Atlantic flights. Other aspects to love include the nature-focused colorways and the drawcord to keep the leggings from slipping down like others are prone to do.
Who are these for? These travel leggings are wonderful for the woman seeking something a little different. Instead of the same seamless black design that’s popular across all brands, this Vuori pair offers an awesome change that makes them extra practical for travel or daily wear.
Flaws but not deal breakers: It’s often wise to size down if you’re in between sizes since these leggings can run slightly large.
Material: 72% polyester, 28% elastane | Sizes: 2XS-2XL | Colors: 5 | Care: Machine wash cold
Best Pocket: GymShark Pocket Leggings
Why they’re great: The best pocket leggings are a huge claim, especially when it comes to travel leggings. But GymShark has done it, and not in their usual scrunched-butt fashion. These leggings forgo the classic GymShark design for a streamlined everyday look with absurdly deep side pockets. Forget about your phone and passport, the pockets on these leggings can nearly fit a boarding pass, making them ultra-practical for traveling light.
Who are these for? Featuring a smooth feel, a full-length design, and a shaped waistband, these leggings are designed to keep you looking and feeling your best. If you’re seeking flattering travel leggings, this GymShark option is the top pick, especially given the pockets to keep your valuables on your person.
Flaws but not deal breakers: GymShark leggings are known for their compression (awesome for air travel) and true-to-size fit. You may want to size up if you’d like to experience less compression.
Material: 78% recycled polyester, 22% elastane | Sizes: XS-2XL | Colors: 5 | Care: Machine wash cold
Best Luxury: Athleta Salutation Stash 7/8 Tight
Why they’re great: From sun salutations to moon views from the window seat, these are the best travel leggings for versatile wear. Made from buttery sweat-wicking fabric, they’re particularly suited to travel thanks to the handy side pockets. One aspect I really like about the Athleta leggings is they’re offered in Regular, Tall, and Petite sizes, ensuring there’s the perfect fit for every woman (I’m 5’5”, and the regular option always fits like a glove).
Who are these for? Ideal for women who struggle to find leggings that suit them, the Salutation Stash tights come in three fits, as well as sizes from 2XS to 3XL. They’re inclusive, comfortable, and perfect for trips near and far.
Flaws but not deal breakers: It’s worth knowing that Athletic is owned by the Gap conglomerate, which also includes Banana Republic and Old Navy. So, if you’re looking for Athleta-style leggings at a fraction of the price, the Old Navy selection is on par at a much lower cost. Try the Old Navy High Waisted PowerSoft Leggings as an alternative to this Athleta pair for considerable savings.
Material: 75% nylon, 25% lycra | Sizes: 2XS-3XL | Colors: 15 | Care: Machine wash cold
Buying Considerations for the Best Travel Leggings
Fit
It should come as no surprise that leggings come in an extensive range of designs, from high-waisted cropped pieces to full-length low riders. When it comes to travel, I personally recommend leggings with a high waist because they tend to be a bit more flattering, and the extra material allows you to tuck items into the waistband and keep them out of sight.
The length of the leggings comes down to personal preference, but I find the 7/8 length practical for travel since they cover the entire leg with a bit of breathing room at the ankle. This length is great for varied climates and any activities on your itinerary.
If you’re unsure of the fit to choose, flared leggings (aka Gen Z’s version of yoga pants) strike an excellent middle ground between real pants and athleisure, with a slightly nicer appearance than a standard legging fit. They’re a versatile choice if you want the comfort of leggings with the look of bootcut pants.
Comfort
The fit also plays into comfort, which is a top consideration when choosing travel leggings, especially if you plan on wearing them for the duration of your trip. Avoid leggings with waistbands that will dig into your stomach or ride down when you’re on the move. It’s also worth choosing leggings with the proper degree of tightness so you don’t cut off your circulation on long travel days.
The material of the leggings also factors into their comfort. Most of the best leggings for travel are made from buttery fabric that feels super soft against the skin. The only downside is that while the buttery fabric is the most comfortable, it’s also the most susceptible to rips and tears. So, it’s worth considering travel leggings with a robust construction that doesn’t skimp out on the comfort department.
Pockets
Finally, and arguably the most important, is the use of pockets. While most normal leggings have a tiny pocket in the waistband or skip the pockets entirely, the best leggings for travel have dual side pockets and normally a hidden compartment near the belt to keep all of your precious items close at hand. The side pockets tend to be large enough to fit a phone or passport, which makes travel leggings the ultimate bottoms for navigating airports or wearing throughout the entirety of your trip.
How We Chose These Products
Many leggings work for travel purposes, but drawing on my own experience as a digital nomad, the leggings on this list take their features a step further. Rather than classic athleisure that you’d wear to the gym, I chose these travel leggings for their practicality, comfort, and flattering fit. Most of them also have pockets. The leggings recommended here are only a small part of my personal collection, but made the cut for this list based on the upgraded designs that crown them king for wearing on the move.
Comfort and Fit: Paramount for travel, I looked for leggings that offer stretch, breathability, and a flattering fit, ensuring comfort during long flights or sightseeing excursions.
Brand Reputation: I prioritized brands known for their quality and customer satisfaction, with positive feedback and a strong presence in the travel and fashion industry.
Value for Money: While not the sole factor, I considered price relative to quality, seeking leggings that offer excellent value, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a well-seasoned digital nomad, Jane has been traveling full-time for 6 years, almost exclusively in leggings. Jane’s approach to selecting the best travel leggings for this article is informed by her extensive experience and a keen eye for quality and practicality. She prioritizes factors such as material durability, comfort for long-haul wear, and versatility in style, ensuring that her recommendations cater to the diverse needs of travelers. Her expertise is not just based on personal experience but also on thorough market analysis and feedback from real users, making her advice and choices trustworthy and reliable for readers seeking the perfect travel leggings.
Final Verdict
For the very best travel leggings, the Lululemon Align High Rise With Pockets take the cake with a buttery, soft construction, dual side pockets, and a very flattering fit. As an alternative, the Seasum Seamless Contour Leggings are a significantly more affordable option with a seamless design and complimentary butt scrunch.
FAQs
What do you wear with leggings when traveling?
When traveling, you can wear leggings with a T-shirt, hoodie, mid-calf socks, and sneakers for a casual yet stylish look. If you want to dress up your travel leggings a bit, pair them with a fitted top, a leather jacket or oversized blazer, and loafers.
Are leggings good for long-haul flights?
Leggings are excellent for long-haul flights because of their comfortable material and compression qualities, which can help with circulation while in the air.
Should I wear leggings when traveling?
Wearing leggings when traveling largely depends on the destination. While leggings are normally fine for travel days, there are some places where sporting athleisure isn’t commonplace. While the streets of New York are lined with legging-wearing girlies, European cities like Paris turn their nose up at people who rock workout clothes outside of the gym – leggings included. It’s also worth thinking about the specific customs of your destination. For example, I would not advise wearing leggings in countries like Morocco or Myanmar, where you will attract unwanted attention for wearing tight-fitting bottoms. However, in active countries like New Zealand, it’s really common for women to walk around town in leggings.
