11 Best Flared Leggings for Travel Days, According to Our Editors

Pros: Affordable, soft, and lightweight
Cons: Thin material, minimal compression

These Amazon flare leggings are the surprise MVP of my travel wardrobe. The crossover waist flatters the midsection without squeezing, and the buttery-soft fabric makes them feel like elevated pajamas—but ones you wouldn’t mind wearing through TSA or on a coffee run in a new city. They’re incredibly budget-friendly and come in a ton of colors, which makes them a great option if you want to pack multiple pairs without investing in high-end activewear. The material is thin—great for layering, not great for cold-weather destinations. Also, these are better suited for lounging, walking, or light movement rather than intense workouts. —Paris Wilson, commerce writer

Pros: About as far removed from a gym legging style as you can get
Cons: Thick material may be too hot to wear comfortably in summer months

Girlfriend Collective is walking the line between workout wear and fashion piece with these flared leggings—in comparison to others on the market, the hem is super wide. Unlike with more subtle silhouettes, you wouldn’t get away with them being slightly above floor length, and the fabric is thick, which feels secure but not overly breathable. I imagine them being perfect for a dance class, as well as a post-workout brunch, but wouldn’t suggest wearing them for anything too sweaty. —S.B.

Pros: Ultra-flattering V-waistband, soft second-skin fabric
Cons: Not super compressive, long inseam

I love Aerie’s buttery-smooth flare leggings for long flights and running errands. The high-waisted pair features a crossover waistband that's flattering on every body type. The breathable fabric offers light support and four-way stretch, so they’re best for days when you just want to be comfortable. And a pro for the short girls out there like me: They’re available in a short length, as well as regular and long. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor

Pros: Super-soft fabric, various inseam lengths
Cons: Taller inseam often sold out

As a dedicated wearer of Sweaty Betty’s Power Gym leggings, I’ve long been skeptical about trying other brands. In truth, I am not the type to wear leggings outside of the gym—the exception to this being when I’m on a plane and looking for comfort. But flared leggings are new to me, and I was skeptical about whether I’d like the fit; however, I was pleasantly surprised by this pair, which turned out to be incredibly comfortable. I’ve so far worn them to a couple of weight classes and can confirm they don’t roll down, although they don't offer quite as much support as my usual style. After my trial run, I’ll definitely pack these for my next flight; they offer the comfort of leggings but look a little smarter. They come in two inseams and, as a tall girl, I’d purchase the longer length next time. —Abigail Malbon, global audience development manager

Pros: Extra-soft
Cons: Run small

You know an item of clothing is extra comfy when you look forward to putting it on—but usually, those are the items you reach for when you’re safely behind closed doors, away from judgment, for the night. These H&M leggings are a pleasing outlier. They’re velvety soft in a cotton stretch material, and can happily be worn anywhere without you feeling sheepish. The thick, luxurious material creates a cozy, flattering look that suggests quality far above the price tag. They also wash beautifully, having lost none of the softness so far after three or four washes. There’s a secret pocket at the back for your keys or phone, which I appreciate. For those who would rather keep their Lycra gear on the gym floor, these are the ones to pick. In my experience, they run a little small, so size up. —Charley Ward, commerce writer

Pros: Hand pockets with hidden card sleeve; hidden waistband pocket holds a card, key, or phone
Cons: Slightly unflattering cut around the crotch, so size up to avoid

Lululemon has created a pair of easy-breezy palazzo pants in its famous Align four-way stretch material, with a high, wide waistband that doesn’t roll down when you sit or move and keeps everything happily in place. They’re the ultimate cheat code for days you want the comfort of leggings but don’t want to be seen wearing said leggings. I wore these on the plane to and from Saint-Tropez with a T-shirt, bomber jacket, and Lululemon sneakers, and the look was more athleisure cool than underdressed—just what I needed when headed to one of the chicest locations around. I did agree with some of the reviewers on the site that, when wearing my regular size, the crotch sat a little too high. I would suggest sizing up for the most flattering fit. —C.W.

Pros: Adjustable waistband, thick high-quality cotton
Cons: No pockets, heavier fabric not ideal for hot climates

These classic flared leggings from Hard Tail Forever are a nostalgic nod to early 2000s athleisure—only better. Made in the US from a thick, durable cotton blend, they offer a structured yet flexible fit that holds its shape through long travel days and countless washes. The signature roll-down waistband is especially versatile: you can adjust the rise depending on your outfit or comfort level, which is a rare perk in the world of high-waisted everything. I’ve worn these on cross-country flights and during laid-back weekends at home, and they’ve earned a permanent place in my carry-on. Just note: they run long. At 5’3”, I need platform sneakers to keep the hems off the ground. —P.W.

Pros: Stylish and versatile
Cons: Runs small, compression may be too much for flight days (but good for the gym)

The flare is subtle here, creating a more snatched overall look. That means they're more suitable for use in the gym than some of the wider-leg offerings on the list, which might not be safe to wear on a treadmill or somewhere the fabric might get trapped in a machine. These are very versatile, being equally as stylish as they are functional. The brand also wins points for offering various inseam lengths (several of us on the UK team have struggled with one-size-fits-all during these tests!) and a solid color range that matches the rest of Tala’s lines. However, they are very compressive, which is not hugely ideal for long-haul flights. Definitely size up; I couldn’t believe how tiny these leggings looked out of the box. While the fabric is very flattering, it can feel restrictive around the waist after a long day. —C.W.

Pros: The reinforced high waist creates an uber-sculpted look
Cons: Very long in the leg, expensive

Finding the perfect pair of leggings might seem like an easy feat, but fellow gym-goers and comfort-clothing aficionados know that, in reality, getting your hands on the perfect pair can be more like finding a needle in a haystack. Comfort, functionality, breathability, and a flattering style are key, and these Alo flared leggings tick all the boxes. The material is buttery and flexible enough for even the most adventurous of yoga positions. At the same time, the wide reinforced waistband holds in those tricky areas for a super flattering fit. From long travel days to hitting the gym, these versatile leggings have become a staple in my day-to-day wardrobe. They have a medium compression, which strikes a great balance between being supportive without being restrictive—good for days when you’re not doing too much cardio—like when you’re on a plane! One note? You might want to size down. I’m size 8-10 and 5’5” and the Alo recommended sizing (medium) is very long in the leg. —Lucy Bruton, social media manager