'Tis the season for travel. Whether you're catching a plane, train, or taking a road trip by car, one question inevitably pops into your mind the night before you leave: What am I going to wear? If, like me, you've ever stared into your closet wishing for something that feels like cozy pajamas but looks like you actually put thought into your travel outfit, you're not alone. After years of traveling for business and pleasure, I finally found the answer I was searching for: elevated sweatpants.
This pant style is the perfect hybrid of trousers and lounge pants. It combines the sophistication of trousers through tailored, high-quality fabrics with the comfort of sweatpants through relaxed silhouettes, elastic waistbands, and, in some cases, drawstring closures. While you may have heard about Rag & Bone's viral Miramar sweatpant jeans and the celeb-favorite Leset Lauren pants, these are just two elegant travel pant options; many more await discovery.
Below, find the 29 chicest elevated lounge pants to wear this season, no matter your plans, and then shop for travel essentials to complete your look.
Style with a white T-shirt, tan wool coat, and brown leather loafers.
Who What Wear's fashion editor, Sierra Mayhew, tried these viral Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans and only has amazing things to say.
Cashmere pants for less than $200 is a steal.
I know you're a fashion person if you wear an outfit like this to the airport.
Shop the matching Meritt Cashmere Turtleneck ($248).
The large cargo pockets and wide-leg design make these sweatpants look so elevated.
A few months ago, I finally got my hands on these always-sold-out Leset pants, and, to cut to the chase, you need them.
Leave it to Elsa Hosk to make sweatpants look chic.
Le Bop is the basics brand you'll find on every fashion person in L.A. and NYC.
The controversial pajama pants trend is still going strong.
Donni makes such easy and stylish pieces that can be integrated into anyone's closet.
Dress these up with a blouse and heels or down with a sweater and loafers.
The Everywhere Pants are a style you can actually wear everywhere.
I love how the stripes add a sporty feel to these denim-like pants.
Another amazing Zara find, if I do say so myself.
Style with a long leather coat and a white tee.
Shop the matching Cashmere Full-Zip Track Jacket ($298).
These toe the line between a pair of trousers and a pair of sweatpants.
Travel Essentials to Pair With Your Elevated Lounge Pants
If you're like me and always feel cold on the plane, a sweater like this is perfect as a cozy layer. If you get warm, you can simply tie it around your shoulders.
Last month, these were the best-selling shoes on Who What Wear.
An expensive-looking tote that can carry your laptop, headphones, eye masks, melatonin, and other travel essentials.
Simplicity can be incredibly impactful, as shown by the elegant shape of this blazer.
Every great travel wardrobe should feature a classic white T-shirt.
New color alert!
A white button-down shirt is just as important as a white tee.
Charvet or Jeffrey Campbell? I can hardly tell the difference.
I bought this for myself when it was first released, and I'm very glad I did. I love how it easily slips over the handle of rolling luggage and the various ways it helps keep your items organized inside.
You won't need to use the airline's blanket if you wear this teddy coat on the plane.
Why not add a joyful pop of color to your outfit?
Even if you're not convinced about blue light glasses, they'll definitely help you look well put-together.