When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreMark Marino/Business InsiderThe best travel pants can make a huge difference when you're trying to pack light, stay comfortable in transit, and still look polished when you arrive. I travel to Italy every spring, usually with everything packed into a carry-on, so I've learned to be selective about what makes the cut. Along with T-shirts, underwear, socks, button-down shirts, and a light sweater, I always pack several pairs of versatile, comfortable travel pants.I used to travel in jeans, but they took up too much suitcase space, felt heavy in hot weather, looked too casual for nice restaurants, and took forever to air-dry after a wash in the sink. That's why I switched to travel pants made from lightweight, stretchy fabrics that resist wrinkles, dry quickly, and can be dressed up or down.For this guide, I tested 26 pairs of travel pants in a range of cuts and styles, including chinos, joggers, and five-pocket pants in slim, straight, and athletic fits.The best men's travel pants ultimately kept me comfortable, cool, and crease-free. Here are the ones to include on your packing list.How to pick travel pantsAfter years of traveling to Italy, I've found that the best men's travel pants share a few key qualities:Stretch and mobility: Stretchy performance fabrics like nylon, polyester, and Spandex help me sit (and hopefully sleep) comfortably on overnight flights from New York to Rome. Plus, they give me plenty of range of motion for hiking, climbing stairs, and long days of walking.Lightweight, breathable fabric: Italy's weather can swing from heavy rain to intense heat, so I look for pants that stay cool and offer some water resistance.Easy care: I often wash clothes in the sink, so quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant fabrics are essential.Versatile fit and color: At 5-foot-9, I typically wear a 32 x 30 in a slim fit, which works for both casual and dressier occasions. I favor tan, grey, navy, and olive because they're easy to mix and match, helping me pack fewer clothes.The brands that are doing travel pants rightWhile many brands make good travel pants, a few consistently stand out:Rhone: Rhone specializes in performance apparel, and its Commuter Pro Five Pocket Pants are outstanding. They're stretchy and structured, with an elevated design that lets you seamlessly transition from a laid-back look to your business casual best.DUER: The Canadian apparel brand is all about comfort and creates clothing using premium performance fabrics. Its sophisticated, slim-fit chinos feel flexible and not stiff, allowing for unrestricted movement whether you're running to catch an Amtrak train or dancing at a destination wedding.Lululemon: Lululemon's ABC Classic Fit Trouser Warpstreme comes in short, tall, and plus sizes so everyone can travel in style. The pants are soft and stretchy, with a straight cut that's roomy in the thigh and lightly tapered at the ankle for a polished appearance. The Warpstreme comes in 12 colors and the brand offers free in-store alterations should you need a better fit.How we tested the best travel pants for menMark Marino/Business InsiderTo find the best travel pants for men, I tested more than two dozen pairs, including chinos, five-pocket pants, and joggers over the course of a month. The pants were made either entirely from nylon or polyester, or included blends of the synthetic fibers. All of the pants had elastane or Spandex for added stretch. To test the pants, I wore them all over New York City: on the street, to the office, at dinner, on the subway, in cabs, and walking up four flights of stairs to my apartment. I also wore them during an extreme heatwave and on rainy days to see how they held up in different types of weather. The pants did some actual traveling too, when I took them on a two-day business trip to Seattle that included flights, meetings, sightseeing, and dining.To determine the best travel pants, I considered how comfortable each pair was. Did it have enough stretch in the waist, seat, and thigh so that I would want to wear it for long hours? I also evaluated the quality of the materials to make sure that they felt durable, didn't trap heat, and resisted wrinkles. And lastly, I thought about the fit and style of the pants and whether they were flattering and versatile.Learn more about how the Reviews team tests clothing at BI.Best overall: Rhone Commuter Pro Five Pocket PantsMark Marino/Business Insider What we love: They have fantastic stretch and a tailored design that suits casual and business casual settings.Skip these if: You're not a fan of performance fabrics and cotton is more your thing. I'm a huge fan of Rhone's Commuter Pro Jogger, so I fully expected to be wowed by the brand's Commuter Pro Five Pocket Pants. And they didn't disappoint. These men's travel pants have the same comfortable stretch and polished look I love about the joggers, but
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