A great pair of jeans might be one of the most reliable things you can pack. But finding ones that are sturdy, versatile, and comfortable enough for a long flight or travel day is no small task. We (and a few of our stylish, well-traveled friends) rounded up the pairs we repeatedly reach for on travel days, with passport-sized pockets, roomy legs, and waistbands that won’t start digging into your side when you’re halfway through a transatlantic flight.
Zara Balloon Jeans – “I love the Zara balloon jeans because they fit (but are not tight) at the waist and are roomy in the leg so they’re really comfortable and versatile. I’ve worn them with sneakers, high boots, and sandals. I have them in a few colors and lengths but this one is my current favorite” —Jamie Rosen, writer, editor, and author of Office of the Surfaceon Substack
R13 Boyfriend Jean – “My jeans are a staple of my wardrobe. Jeans and a sweater, jeans and an oxford shirt, jeans and a tee—blazer, leather jacket, or trench, optional. Growing up in the ’70s, I’ve become very attached a low rise jean. It’s the first thing I search for. I also like a clean wash, which is definitely a personality type. My go to has always been the Japanese brand R13. The skinny boyfriend jean is perfect, with sneakers, sandals, and loafers. I wear the bootleg with a boot. All solid colors.” —Roxanne Assoulin, jewelry designer and founder of Roxanne Assoulin
Vintage Levis – “Picking a favorite jean is like picking a favorite child, impossible. If I had to choose, it’s always my vintage Levi’s often found at the General Store in Dumbo or the General store (different owner) in Venice. Perfectly worn-in, impossibly soft, and comfortable enough for long flights. For evenings out, I pack my Khaite (any style) or the Ruadh oversized Archer jeans; polished, effortless, and elevated with a heel.” —Sarah Clary, stylist
Madewell Barrel Leg Jean – “These have been my go-to airport jeans for over a year—I have them in black and off-white, and love both for all seasons. They’re the exact right length to wear with boots or loafers, but you can also cuff them to wear with sandals if you’re headed somewhere warm. They’re so roomy in the leg, and fitted around the waist to give you just enough shape without being too restricting.” —Carly Shea, Yolo’s lifestyle editor
Ann Mashburn Denim Faye Pants – We are big fans of the Faye pant in their knit fabric, and were thrilled to see it also comes in a stretch denim, which would surely still be comfortable enough to fly in since there’s no zippers or a tight waistband to dig into your side.
Veronica Beard Ryder High-Rise Jeans – “My go-to pair are my beat-up, worn-in Veronica Beard barrel jeans. After so many wears and washes, they’re super soft but still have their shape!” —Irene Kim, stylist, editor, and author of In Moda Veritas on Substack
Rag & Bone Sweatpant Jeans – Remember jeggings? These are like the sweatpant version (except way more chic!)—they’re not actually denim, but rather cotton terry that is printed to look like a real pair of jeans. It sounds like it wouldn’t work, but we’ve seen them up close and were totally fooled.
Nili Lotan Shon Jean – A friend of ours who is in love with these swears they are well worth the price, especially for the pockets. There’s a larger passport-size pocket (which looks like it could practically hold an iPad), and even then the change pocket is a good size for cash and spare Euro coins. They’re also high waisted enough to be comfortable for long sitting spells in planes, trains, and cars.
Still Here Cool Jean – No waistband—we repeat, no waistband! These have an adjustable drawstring instead, so you don’t have to sneakily undo a button halfway through the flight (hey, we’ve all done it!). Their signature denim is a 100% cotton blend that’s woven for an especially airy and drapey feel.
Frame Boyfriend Jeans – “I’ve been wearing an earlier version of these jeans for years. The denim is so soft when you’re seated, but doesn’t stretch out and leave you with a saggy butt after extended wear. And I like a midrise situation for a long flight—it doesn’t cut your stomach in half. They’re on the long side, and the choice to cuff or not to cuff is a nice option when you have limited outfits.” —Alex Postman, Yolo’s deputy editor
Agolde Boyfriend Jeans – These are low-slung and baggy, but still manage to look incredibly polished. Bonus: they are made from 100% organic cotton, if wearing organic pants is important to you!
Mother Denim Hustler Ankle Fray – On the plane, I won’t give up wearing my Lara or Faye Ann Mashburn pants, which are definitely not jeans…because I don’t like to sleep with a button. On a road trip, though, I love to wear these jeans, which are super soft and can transition from a hike to a dinner if I throw a blazer on top. —Yolanda
Jeanerica Kyoto Pant – These wide-leg flare jeans look effortlessly cool and are so unrestricting when you’re in a squished plane seat for long stretches.
“I always travel in jeans—either black or white. I wear a lot of vintage in my day-to-day, but I never wear my vintage jeans when I travel, because I don’t like to wash them too often and I always (always!) wash the jeans I’ve worn after traveling in them. It may seem counterintuitive, but I really like wearing off-white or ecru jeans when I travel, because they look fresh and pulled together, and they can take washing well. My favorites are these B Sides jeans. They look great with a lug sole boot in the winter and with sneakers year-round. The other jean I love to travel in is my Georgia in Jet. It’s made of the softest black denim with a little bit of stretch. It’s like a sweatpant jean, it’s so comfortable. The back side of the denim is brushed, so it really feels luxurious against your skin. The fabric quality is exceptional and they really keep their shape, even after hours and hours of sitting and squatting and sleeping.” —Jane Herman, designer and founder of The Only Jane and author of the Substack, Jane on Jeans
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