I've often looked at paparazzi photos of celebrities exiting planes in perfectly stylish airport attire and thought, “I wish that was the case.” But just like my favorite A-listers, I really enjoy the art of putting together the perfect travel outfit. That being said, I have a habit of using my favorite celebrities as wardrobe inspiration before every trip, and I've noticed that key figures keep coming up. It's frame denim.
Most people, especially long-legged stars like Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, and Gisele Bündchen, seem to love sport jeans from designer denim brands. As someone who is 5 feet 8 inches tall and hates awkwardly-length jeans, I was immediately intrigued. It turns out Frame actually has jet-set jeans, a denim designed specifically for travel. In the name of research, I decided to test it out on his 14 and a half hour flight to Japan (ambitious, of course). To see if we can answer the controversial question, “Can jeans actually be comfortable travel pants for long flights?”
Frame The Jetset Flare Pintuck Super Stretch Denim
flame
Let me say this may be the most comfortable pants I've ever worn. Jetset jeans are a stretchy pull-on style. It looks like any other denim on the outside, but once it's against your skin, it has the same comfort as thick leggings. I was surprised at how smoothly the pants fit on without pulling on my skin. The 4% elastane sewn into the material is almost double that of standard stretch denim or jeggings. By combining it with high-quality cotton, it achieves a softness that can only be achieved with loungewear, eliminating the tight feeling that is often associated with jeans.
Due to the flare, the only part of my legs that came into contact with the jeans was my thighs. There was no skin contact below the knees. However, the 31.5-inch inseam length reaches all the way to the heel, which actually came in handy to prevent the harsh wind from the air conditioner from reaching inside.
But what makes these pants really special is how chic they look. Walking through an airport in sweatpants is a little embarrassing, but these jeans made me look like I belonged in first class (before humbly making my way to the back of the plane). In addition to flights, I wore these jeans frequently during my stay in Tokyo, and received many compliments on how they fit and look. Plus, which isn't the case with all jeans, they were truly comfortable even after 20,000 steps.
All in all, were the Frame Jetset jeans comfortable enough for a nearly 15-hour flight? Almost. I slept comfortably for more than half the flight, and even though I slept for hours, I honestly forgot I was wearing jeans. It was a real victory. That being said, they certainly didn't have the comfort of fleece-lined sweatpants. On future trips, he'll probably wear these jeans for an 8-hour flight and opt for joggers for longer.
Comfortable denim for long flights
If I've successfully changed your stance that jeans are travel-friendly pants, keep scrolling. We've rounded up nine of the best options from top retailers that are luring travelers with their comfort. Prices start at $31 (some pairs are on sale).
Dokotoo Smocking High Waist Tencel Denim Pants
Amazon
These pants may look like denim, but these 100% lyocell pull-on pants are basically joggers glorified. With a wide-leg silhouette and elastic waistband, these pants won't feel constricting on long flights or uncomfortable on your travel days. One reviewer says the fabric is “soft to the touch and thin but not see-through, so it's comfortable on warm days,” so I'll save it for tropical trips.
Coolibar UPF 50+ Enclave Wide Leg Pants
Amazon
These sunscreen, UPF 50+ options are very similar to the previous options, but with one caveat. You can shorten the overall length of the pants by tying the hem of the slit and turn them into capri pants. You can also tie a small string around the waist for some adjustment in case you get bloated on the plane and need some extra room. Shoppers say they're “comfortable and stylish” and a “great alternative to jeans.” Reviewers were also satisfied that the product washed well after being washed in the washing machine, with no visible shrinkage.
Ann Loves chambray linen palazzo pants
Amazon
I love the wide color variety of this option, and I'm actually eyeing the green, navy, and coffee pairs to add to my travel wardrobe. Even with his three options in his cart, it barely costs more than $100. These breezy pants made from rayon and linen are perfect for summer or warm destinations. In one review, one traveler raved about the pants as “the most comfortable pants I own,” and was happy to report that they worked well on “a 2-4 hour flight.” Did.
spanx kick flare jeans
spanx
Spanx never fails to make clothes that look great but are also comfortable. Take these pull-on jeans, for example. No one is smarter about the fit of this pull-on jegging style, which features the brand's signature compression around the waist. The short hem may make you feel a little cold on the plane, but these pants can be easily re-worn over and over again throughout your trip.
Everlane The Utility Barrel Pants
everlane
Nothing says “relaxed and in control” like utility pants. Here, recycled organic cotton is mixed with a loose fit that makes it great for travel and beyond, with unique stitching on the calf adding charm to the basic silhouette. I personally have the tall version in my cart.
Madewell kickout crop jeans
madewell
For short trips where you need to move quickly, an elegant (but stretchy) denim like Madewell is a good choice. “These jeans are one of the flattering jeans I've purchased in recent years. I love knowing that this mid-rise, kick-out crop cut flatters my curves. ” says one critic. In addition to its figure-flattering look, reviewers also say it's “very comfortable and not stiff at all.”
Lee Women's Ultra Luxe Comfort Flex Motion Bootcut Jeans
Amazon
When in doubt, choose a trusted brand like Lee. Shoppers love the comfort and stretch of this pair, commenting, “They look great and the wide flexible waistband is great too.” Plus, it's easy to wear while sightseeing and throughout your trip.
dokoto denim cargo pants
Amazon
Cargo pants make great travel pants because they're not only loose and comfortable, but the extra pockets serve as extra storage space while you're on the go. And for the price, this relaxed-fit option is surprisingly well-made and roomy. In fact, one shopper said, “The material quality is solid, soft and stretchy.”
Tips of Blue Mighty High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
nordstrom
Another option for taller girls, these wide-leg pants have a 32-inch inseam that's perfect for both sneakers and heels. Featuring a baggy (yet sophisticated) appeal, you can easily travel in these and feel like a model in her off-duty days. “It feels like butter,” said one Nordstrom customer in the review section. [They are] It's very soft and comfortable. It has plenty of elasticity, but is not sticky. ”
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