Joggers are one of the first things I reach for when getting dressed for a travel day—and they’ve also become a permanent part of my postpartum wardrobe. More polished than traditional sweatpants but far more comfortable than jeans, my favorite joggers have gotten me through long flights and train rides, hours spent walking around Manhattan, and vacations everywhere from Florida to Paris. Sure, wide-leg pants may have stolen the spotlight as of late, but in my humble opinion, versatile joggers still deserve a place in your suitcase, whether you need a lightweight pair for sightseeing in the heat, cozy fleece for a chilly flight, or something elevated enough for dinner and drinks. Fabric and fit can make all the difference, with options ranging from breathable linen and cotton gauze to performance materials like nylon, as well as cozy fleece and cashmere. Ahead, 13 pairs that are prime for travel—with comfort, versatility, style, and practicality top of mind.
Top picks:
Vuori’s aptly named Performance jogger is an easy choice for long road trips, whether you’re cruising California’s coast or spending a weekend exploring New England. The brand’s ultra-soft, moisture-wicking DreamKnit fabric@e offers four-way stretch, so you can comfortably spend hours in the car without feeling restricted. (Commerce director Madison Flager calls these some of the softest travel pants she’s ever worn; she recommends a darker pair, as the lighter colors aren’t totally opaque.) An elastic waistband and two stash pockets add to their road-trip appeal, and they come in regular and long lengths, plus a slew of colors.
Material: Polyester and elastane
Lululemon
Align high-rise jogger regular
These high-waisted Lululemon joggers are the pair to pack for warm-weather destinations like Miami or Tulum, thanks in part to their sweat-wicking fabric. Their buttery-soft, light-as-air construction and relaxed fit offer plenty of breathability and unrestricted movement without extra bulk, whether you’re heading to a morning Pilates class, exploring the city on foot, or squeezing in a quick workout between plans. Discreet hand pockets, including one with an interior card sleeve, add a functional touch for days on the go.
Material: Nylon and lycra
Sightseeing in Rome or heading to dinner in the South of France calls for something cool and comfortable, and L’Agence’s Mariko joggers fit the bill. Made from 100% linen, the breathable pants are well-suited to rising temperatures, while the mid-weight fabric and tailored silhouette keep them from reading as beachwear. A drawstring waist and pull-on design make them comfortable enough for hours of exploring, while adjustable zippered cuffs lend a more polished finish. Think of them as a chic, comfortable alternative to jeans or trousers for warm-weather trips.
Material: Linen
Rag & Bone
Miramar ankle jogger pant
I’m a longtime fan of Rag & Bone’s viral sweatpant jeans, and this jogger version might be even more convincing: The denim print is practically undetectable, right down to the faux button and distressed accents. Despite looking like jeans, they pull on easily and have a comfortable elasticized waistband, which I especially appreciated postpartum, plus functional side pockets. The pure cotton construction is comfortable enough to wear for hours on a plane, yet polished enough to head straight out in after landing in cities like New York or Paris. I also love that they work across seasons without leaving me overheating in summer or too chilly in winter.
Material: Cotton
Quince
Super Soft fleece joggers
Quince is known for its high-quality, wallet-friendly capsule wardrobe staples, and these SuperSoft Fleece joggers are no exception. Their cozy, stretchy fleece makes them an especially smart choice for staying warm on notoriously chilly long-haul flights, while two front pockets and a drawstring waistband add practicality for travel days. Choose from six colors ranging from petal pink to navy, and pair them with the matching hoodie for an extra-cozy in-flight set.
Material: Tencel, modal, polyester, and spandex
Baleaf
Lightweight women’s joggers
These lightweight joggers are a great pick for jam-packed trips when you need one pair of pants to keep on from morning to night—say, a national-park getaway that mixes hiking with sightseeing and plenty of time on the road. Quick-dry material makes them versatile enough for a morning hike, an impromptu yoga class, or hours spent exploring, while a thick waistband keeps things comfortable on the go. Five pockets offer plenty of room for small essentials like AirPods and keys, making them especially practical for days when you’d rather leave the bag behind.
Material: Nylon and spandex
Cozy Earth
Brushed bamboo jogger pant
Another pair recommended by Flager, Cozy Earth’s bamboo joggers are exceptionally soft thanks to a blend of bamboo and viscose, making them the pair to reach for when comfort is the top priority—think overnight flights to Europe, long layovers, or lazy mornings spent ordering room service at your hotel. Pair them with a T-shirt and matching pullover for an easy athleisure set that’s comfortable enough to sleep in on the plane but not so relaxed that you look like you’re wearing pajamas.
Material: Bamboo viscose, acrylic, spandex
Gap
Cotton gauze easy joggers
Beach trips and coastal escapes to places like Newport or Charleston call for something light and breezy, and Gap’s Cotton Gauze Easy Joggers fit the bill. Made from airy, breathable 100% cotton gauze, the relaxed, ankle-length pants are light enough to throw on over a swimsuit for an afternoon by the water but polished enough for drinks afterward—just add the matching oversized gauze shirt, et voilà. An elasticized drawstring waist and cuffs keep things comfortable, while side pockets add practicality. Shoppers have plenty of choice here: The pants come in standard, petite, and tall sizes and in eight colors ranging from hot pink to classic black and navy.
Material: Cotton
Skims
Cotton Fleece Classic jogger
Skims is known for its comfy loungewear, and the brand’s cotton fleece joggers are just the thing for cozy cabin weekends in the Catskills. Made from a soft cotton-polyester blend, the loose-fitting pants feature an interior drawcord for an adjustable fit—ideal for slow mornings over coffee, curling up by the fire, or making a quick run into town. They’re available in sizes up to 4X and can be paired with your favorite tee or tank, or the matching hoodie or zip-up for head-to-toe comfort.
Material: Cotton and polyester
Marmot
Airexchange UPF 40 joggers
Active beach days, outdoor hikes, and hours spent under the sun call for more than just lightweight clothing—sun protection matters too. Enter Marmot’s AirExchange UPF 40 joggers, a smart pick whether you’re hiking volcanic trails in Hawaii or exploring Costa Rica’s national parks. Breathable, quick-drying performance fabric offers added sun protection without weighing you down, while a tapered silhouette and adjustable drawstring waistband keep the fit comfortable.
Material: Polyester
Quince
Mongolian cashmere jogger
Cold-weather travel doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Quince’s cashmere joggers are hard to beat for the price, especially for a winter weekend in Aspen. Made from 100 % Mongolian cashmere, the medium-weight knit delivers serious warmth without feeling bulky; according to the brand, its cashmere is three times as warm as wool and is ethically sourced. The tapered, tailored fit feels more put-together than your average sweatpants, whether you’re wearing them on a flight or lounging après-ski. Pair them with the matching cashmere hoodie for an elevated travel set, or wear them separately once you arrive.
Material: Cashmere
Alo
Polar fleece high-waist retreat jogger
Alo’s Polar fleece joggers are made for active winter trips to places like Park City, Utah, or Stowe, Vermont, when staying warm between outdoor adventures is key. The soft, insulating fleece comes in handy whether you’re grabbing lunch after a morning on the slopes, exploring a ski town, or heading to a workout. The roomy, relaxed cut leaves plenty of room to move, while cuffed hems streamline the silhouette and zippered pockets keep small essentials secure. Pair them with the matching Polar Fleece Retreat cover up for an easy après-ski set or add a statement coat before heading out.
Material: Polyester
Inspire Chic
Satin cargo pants
When bar-hopping or nice dinners are on the itinerary, these satin joggers make it easy to dress up without settling for an uncomfortable outfit—especially on a weekend in Nashville or New Orleans. The silky, high-shine fabric feels decidedly more night-out-ready than your typical joggers, while an elasticized drawstring waist and pull-on design make them easy to wear for hours on the town. Cargo and side pockets add a practical touch, and elasticized ankle cuffs offer the legs some shape.
Material: Polyester
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.