In my opinion, the perception that wearing jeans on a plane is a mistake is false. I travel a lot, and I can count the number of times I've worn leggings or sweatpants for a flight on one hand (and most of those were international flights). What is a mistake—and it's one that I've regrettably made—is wearing stiff, 100% cotton jeans on planes. Even if it's a quick flight, sitting straight up in an uncomfortable plane seat while wearing uncomfortable jeans can't be good for your organs or your mental state. But the good news is that there are plenty of comfortable, stretchy jeans on the market that are also very stylish.
I can say from personal experience that a pair of jeans with a significant amount of stretch is comfortable and flexible enough to wear on a long cross-country flight or even an international one. And since the summer travel season is upon us, I scoured the internet and found the 24 best airplane jeans on the market.
Paige
Noella Straight Jeans, Erica
As you can see, Paige's stretch jeans are really good.
Re/Done
Comfort Stretch High Rise Ankle Crop Jeans
The name says it all.
J Brand
Jules High-Rise Straight Leg in Marcella
This new J Brand style is perfect for summer, and it's calling my name.
Violeta by Mango
Comfy Relaxed Jeans
When the style name contains the words "comfy" and "relaxed," you know you've found a winner.
James Jeans
Mona Slim Mom Jeans
I'm a sucker for exposed buttons.
Mott & Bow
Mom Jeans, Benson
I own this pair and have successfully worn them on flights.
Agolde
Comfort Stretch Pinch Waist Jeans
Agolde made its cult-favorite Pinch jeans in a stretch version, and I'm rejoicing.
Mother
The Ditcher Cropped Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
This slouchy pair is so cool.
J Brand
Ruby Cropped High-Rise Slim-Leg Jeans
You could step off the plane and wear this sleek pair to dinner.
Re/Done
Comfort Stretch High Rise Stove Pipe
I own these and reach for them whenever I know it's going to be a long day.
Levi's
Wedgie High Waist Raw Hem Ankle Jeans
Frame
Le Sylvie Slender Straight Heritage
These will give you stretch without the stretch-out.
Everlane
The Authentic Stretch High-Rise Cigarette Jean
I love that these come in both ankle and regular lengths.
Madewell
Roadtripper Jeans in Jansen Wash
Madewell has perfected the art of comfortable, affordable jeans.
Paige
Hoxton Straight Ankle 27 Raw Hem Jeans, Riot
A faded black wash feels fresh right now.
Mother
The Dutchie Cropped High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
The finished hem adds polish to this pair.
Levi's
Massive Jeans
These contain 21% lyocell (aka stretch), and they're, well, massive.
L'Agence
Margot Cropped High-Rise Stretch Skinny Jeans
Celebs swear by L'Agence's stretchy skinny jeans
H&M
Mom Jeans
The loose fit and the hint of stretch equal comfort.
Reformation
Liza High Straight Crop Jeans
I purchased this soft, summery pair recently, and I've already worn them multiple times.
DL1961
Florence Instasculpt Crop Skinny Jeans
Instasculpt, but make it comfortable.
Boyish
The Zachary High Rise Comfort Stretch Skinny Jeans
An ultra-high rise is doable if they're as comfortable as these.
7 for All Mankind
Cropped Alexa With Cut Off Hem in White Runway
The perfect travel jeans for summer.
& Other Stories
Straight Stretch Jeans
I love that these look like a rigid vintage pair (but aren't).
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.