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Plus size travel pants

We'll be visiting Scotland in early June and I'm starting the search for some nice, lightweight pants. I've seen the Prana Halle pants mentioned several times and they look great -- and I like that you have the option of rolling them up to wear as capris. I also like that they look fashionable and not like elastic waist pants that are so abundant when you start shopping in the plus sizes. However, they only go up to a size 18 and I'm an 18/20 depending on the fit. Does anyone know if these are generously cut or tend to run small? Has anyone found a good travel pant that's offered in plus sizes? And if they also come in a short/petite length that would be a bonus! Thanks in advance for any help you can provide, I've really enjoyed reading through this forum as I plan for our first international trip.

Posted by
6265 posts

TammyWS, frankly, I get most of my clothes at the Goodwill. They have a wide selection of styles and sizes, and you can't beat the prices!

My main "travel pants" are pants I wear all year round. Comfy, relaxed fit, and pockets. Comfortable is the most important. Some have elastic waists; my favorite pair has a waistband that's elastic in the back only.

You might check out Land's End, too. They have some comfortable looking pants. I've bought tops and silk long underwear from them, and even shoes, but never pants.

Posted by
8261 posts

Eddie Bauer and Columbia both have plus size travel pants. Eddie Bauer runs about a size smaller than marked.

Posted by
218 posts

Love my Prana Halle pants, have them in multiple colors and travel with them. They don't wrinkle much and also a little bit water resistant if just a few drops. If you search on this site you'll see others who also have them. Regarding sizing, I'd say they are true to size or maybe even a little generous. So you might want to give them a try. You have time, so watch the website as they do have sales, sometimes 30-40% off (they are a bit pricey so I watch for sales).

Posted by
1221 posts

The Halles run true to size or maybe a little bigger than size- I'm pear-shaped and find that the thigh sizing is right on but I have to make good use of the drawstring to keep the waistband in the correct place. They also have a good amount of stretch to them.

Posted by
4526 posts

Canada has less supply of plus size travel clothing.....or it is way too expensive for a 'specialty' item so I tend to wear what's in my closet or I buy street clothes with travel in mind. I do try to pick up cargo pants for super casual trips like safari or bird watching but I buy them at my favourite mall store. I have some regular comfortable work pants that sink wash and dry quickly and look great for European city wear.
So you may not need new items unless you are already in the market for new pants.

Posted by
1625 posts

How exciting!! Your first international trip!! I'm jealous. I am plus size and don't have specific travel clothes, just wear what i always wear but use the trip as an excuse to get new clothes, Plus styles change and I want to be stylish and comfortable when i travel. Try Macy's online, they have a larger selection of plus size clothes than the store. They have lightweight pants that are stylish, no elastic waistband. Some other stores that carry plus size online are Maurice, Old Navy and Gap. The last two carry basics that are lifesavers on trips, solid color tanks, long sleeve shirts. The Gap and Old Navy are my go to for layering pieces.
I LOVE the suggestion of the goodwill, it's like dozens of stores under one roof. I shop there often and can find high end clothes, some still with tags.

Posted by
1194 posts
  • Colombia
  • Royal Robbins
  • LLBean
  • Eddie Bauer
  • J Jill
  • Goddess on the Go
  • Sealed with a Kiss (SWAK)

You will find a wider range of sizes on line. I’d also suggest ordering from places with free shipping. Zappos carries many brands and has free shipping both ways. That way you can order multiple sizes and keep the ones that fit.

Posted by
2668 posts

Check out Torrid. I buy my 40 y/o size 3X niece a gift certificate every year for Christmas because she likes their clothes. I’ve never really looked at their clothes because I can’t wear them and can’t pick out what she likes.
https://www.torrid.com

Posted by
114 posts

I purchase LLBean Performance sports pants because they are stretchy, dry quickly (for washing, walking in light rain), layer easily and pack easily. Although LLBean doesn’t usually sell Plus sizes in their store, they do online. Exchanges due to sizes are easily managed. That said, their sizes run large.
REI also carries Plus sizes.

My favorite is EMS and like LLBean, the EMS brand run on the large side.

Here’s what I also do sometimes when I travel and it works well for Scotland:
Remember what RS says...sometimes purchasing what you need when you arrive at your destination can add on to your trip. Edinburgh has some nice sports stores, dept stores, malls near tram stop, and a fantastic TK Maxx that might be an option for you.
Good luck!

Posted by
141 posts

Rei has the Prana Halle pants in 18w, 20w, and 22w. rei link Prana usually run true to size. The ones on REI are only available in coal, but Prana website also has some in khaki- .
Rei carries some other decent travel friendly pants, but I’ve never had much luck finding petite length there (or anywhere)!

Posted by
16028 posts

If you can find what you like in the Eddie Bauer Clearance section, youncan take another 50% off with the code FALL50. This will,get thenprice of some items down to the $20-$25 range.

Posted by
682 posts

I am not much help with plus sizes, but I lean toward the curvy side and have terrible trouble finding travel/hiking pants. Most travel pants seem to be cut for an athletic figure. By the time I get something that fits my hips, the waist is ridiculously large. For whatever it's worth, I have had the most success with Royal Robbins and Columbia.