I'm a 5'2" Traveler, and These Petite Spanx Pants Are My Secret for Comfy Travel Outfits—Starting at $29

Up until recently, I never wore pants while traveling. Hyperbolic as that may sound, I had my reasons—namely that I do not possess the patience or the funds to tailor every pair to fit my curvy, five-foot-two frame. Discovering Spanx’s petite-friendly pants has revolutionized my travel wardrobe: my suitcase is now stocked with half a dozen pairs of sculpting leggings, buttery lounge pants loaded with pockets, and wrinkle-resistant trousers that are comfortable and stylish enough to wear from day to night. The best part? No hemming required. 

Right now, some of my favorite styles are on sale for up to 75 percent off, while others can be bundled to save up to 15 percent. Whether you’re looking for soft and smoothing straight pants or compressive yet comfortable leggings, you’ll find them on this list, starting at just $29. 

 Best Spanx Petite-friendly Pants Overall

SpanxSuperSmooth Perfect Fit Ponte Wide-leg Pant 

Pull-on pants like the SpanxSuperSmooth Perfect Fit Ponte Wide-leg Pants are a game-changer for long travel days when you want to look pulled together without putting in too much effort. They’re lightly compressive through the waist yet roomy through the leg, allowing for a full range of motion when navigating crowded airports or busy city sidewalks. I love that they’re practically seamless, which creates a smoothing effect at the hips that’s designed to snatch your waist and make your legs look longer (and trust me, it does!). The premium ponte fabric is thick and soft, with four-way stretch that makes the pants comfy enough to wear all day long and warm enough for a chilly airplane cabin. “I think they are the most perfect pair of black pants I have ever owned,” wrote one shopper. 

SpanxSuperSmooth Stretch Twill Wide-leg Pant

While the SpanxSuperSmooth Stretch Twill Wide-leg Pants are machine washable, it’s been hard to keep them off my body long enough to toss them in the laundry. I wear these ultra-flattering tailored trousers two or three times a week, and rave about them to everyone I know—particularly my fellow petite travelers. They hit at the perfect length to wear with everything from sneakers to heeled boots, and the signature smoothing panel around the stomach feels like a gentle hug that perfectly cinches my waist. Best of all, they boast sleek front pockets that don’t add any bulk—they’re deep enough to stash small essentials like a phone and wallet, and offer added peace of mind when I’m out and about thanks to the hidden zipper closures. I’ve worn these to the office, out to dinner, and on a long train ride, and they just get more comfortable with every wear. 

SpanxShape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings

I’m happy to report that these leggings live up to their name—once you pull them on, they deliver a noticeable lift to your backside. They’re crafted from Spanx’s signature performance fabric, which is breathable, quick-drying, and sweat-wicking; I’ve put them to the test during hot yoga classes, and can vouch that they stayed dry even in 98-degree heat. The contoured waistband stays in place and holds you in without digging into skin, while the medium-compression fabric delivers a smoothing effect that’s flattering from the waist down. 7/8 leggings are perfect for petite travelers, as they’re designed to hit just below the calf for a cropped look—these also feature a raw hem that never rubs the wrong way. 

SpanxShape Everyday Leggings

Need to upgrade your everyday leggings? The SpanxShape Everyday Leggings are remarkably versatile and comfortable enough to wear all day long—they’re the perfect companion for overnight flights, long layovers, and everything in between. Targeted tummy and waist control creates a supportive feel and slimming silhouette, as does the all-over medium compression fabric. Thanks to a seamless front, they also avoid the dreaded camel toe. Right now, you can score them for nearly $50 off, so it’s a perfect time to add them to your cart.   

SpanxShape Ribbed Knit Leggings

For a more elevated take on everyday black leggings, the SpanxShape Ribbed Knit Leggings are my go-to recommendation—especially now that they’re 63 percent off. Crafted from a seamless ribbed knit that’s soft, stretchy, and smoothing, these can take you from a long flight straight to dinner at a chic Parisian brasserie. The wide high-rise waistband features built-in compression for a smoothing effect around the stomach—it’s sculpting enough to show off with a belt and a cropped sweater for a comfortable yet polished look, which you can even dress up with heels for a night out. 

High-rise Ponte Barrel-leg Pants

Now 75 percent off, the High-rise Ponte Barrel-leg Pants are a standout deal that shouldn’t be missed. If you’ve been looking for a way to try out the trendy barrel-leg silhouette, this is your chance. These are relaxed without veering into baggy territory, thanks to elongating front seams that lend a tailored feel. They’re crafted from Spanx’s premium ponte fabric, which is equal parts stretchy and structured. The pull-on style is perfect for busy travel days when you don’t want to waste time fussing over zippers or buttons—just slip these on with your favorite top or a cropped sweater to show off the flattering waistline. Best of all, they’re wrinkle-resistant, so you can wear them right out of your suitcase without worrying about creases. 

AirEssentials Slim Straight Pants

Meet your new favorite travel pants: the AirEssentials Slim Straight Pants are designed to move with you wherever you go, with a super-soft, drapey fabric that’s breezy and breathable. The ultra-cozy material provides pajama-like comfort that’s perfect for getting some shut-eye on an overnight flight, yet still looks polished enough to wear sightseeing when you land. Plus, four-way stretch and a dig-free waistband ensure you can move and curl up in these with ease. The lightweight fabric is ideal for warmer weather, and is enhanced with UPF 50+ sun protection to shield your skin while you’re out and about. Choose from nine shades to suit your style, like classic black, cherry red, or truffle brown—select colors are marked down to $59. 

On the Move Slim Pant

There’s nothing worse than feeling sticky and sweaty after running through the airport to catch a flight—luckily, the On the Move Slim Pants are made from next-level performance fabric that’s sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and breathable enough to keep you cool while you’re on the go. I love that these boast a wrinkle-resistant and anti-static finish, making them perfect for stashing in your suitcase. Discreet snap-closure front pockets and back welt pockets make it easy to keep your phone, keys, and other small travel essentials at hand. There’s even built-in sun protection, plus an adjustable drawstring waistband that helps you nail your perfect fit. 

AirEssentials Luxe Barrel-leg Pant

The AirEssentials Luxe Barrel Leg Pants check all our boxes for a chic and comfy travel pant: they’re easy to pull on, feature a stretchy waistband that stays in place, and are crafted from a mid-weight fabric that’s so soft, you’ll want to live in it. They’re the kind of pants you reach for on early airport mornings and long-haul flights—comfortable enough to sit in for hours, but polished enough to wear straight from the gate to your destination. “The material is so luxurious and soft,” raved one reviewer. The thicker drape makes these perfect for chilly days, and while pockets would be handy for storing small essentials, I love how sleek and streamlined these are without them. 

AirEssentials Wide-leg Pants

Whether you’re lounging around the airport on a long layover or gearing up for a full day of sightseeing on a European vacation, you’ll be glad to have a pair of silky-soft pants like the AirEssentials Wide-leg Pants to get you from Point A to Point B. “After one day of wearing these, I ordered a second pair! I love that these pants do not wrinkle, are easy to wash, and just feel so good on,” raved one five-star reviewer. The lightweight and stretchy fabric packs easily without creasing, and the adjustable waistband is comfortable enough to wear all day. 

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