I'm In My Comfy Pants Era

On surrendering to comfort without giving up on life

Hello, Gorgeous!

Last year I hopped a couple of international flights. Budget flights, something I didn’t fully grasp before boarding. I won’t say that these were the worst flights of my life. Okay, I lie. They were the worst flights of my life. (Though there was that time we had an emergency landing in Ireland because two rows of very drunk men got into merry fisticuffs. But I digress.)

Last year’s flights sucked in ways you can’t fathom including a barfing episode from the very drunk man one row in front of me, gingerly covered with blankets by the staff. I swear I’m not making this up.

Moving right along.

What I learned across those flights — somewhere between the budget seat and the purple barf blanket — is that what you wear matters more than where you sit. And reader, I was dressed for a last smooch with an overseas love interest who insisted on driving me to the airport. (It’s over, mom. Don’t plan the wedding). So I looked cute, but on the endless, barfiest flight, the flight attendants WARMED UP THE TUNA FISH SANDWICHES. It smelled like Gehenna. I felt like hell. I have not made that mistake since. You know why? Because I have discovered travel pants disguised as hiking pants (okay, they’re probably hiking pants). And I intend to discuss travel clothing a lot in the coming weeks.

Free Fly Women’s Breeze Drift Pant

I mentioned these in my Mother’s Day gift guide over on Yahoo, but I feel in my marrow that you must know about them too. While I aspire to cuteness in my coverage of comfy clothing, I do make exceptions. I mean, when is the last time you pulled on a pair of pants that were practically weightless? They also have UPF 50+, in case you actually do outdoor things. A waistband that doesn't feel like a corset and a secure zipper pocket for ID make them perfect for travel or walking. No. I do not go running. Do you still dress cute for flights? (Does anyone?) Are these the most flattering pants I've ever worn in my life? No. They are not. Do I care? Also, no. I suspect you won't either. Because comfort. For flights. Or hikes. They’re also stylish enough that it doesn’t look like you slipped into PJs before your flight and simply gave up on life ($98, freeflyapparel.com).

If you have a spare moment, can you tell me what you wear to travel? Let’s meet in the comments to discuss!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋

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Quick note: I included some affiliate links and from time to time some sponsored products which means I might earn a small commission on sales made through these links, but I also throw in stuff I love just because. Prices are current at publish time.