Thanks to years of travel, dozens of passport stamps, and a penchant for practicality, I’ve learned that the secret to successfully building a travel wardrobe is adding pieces that serve multiple purposes. The goal is to find comfortable and versatile options that will go with everything else in your suitcase—and Adidas’s satin wide-leg track pants that I bring with me everywhere certainly fit the bill.
Now, as someone whose everyday style could only be described as sporty chic, I’ve tried my fair share of track pants over the years and when it comes to versatility, no brands have come even remotely close to Adidas. I bought my first track suit by the heritage lifestyle brand back in 2018, opting for one of the highly-coveted sets done in collaboration with Amsterdam-based designer Daniëlle Cathari. The green set, paired with a well-tailored trench coat, quickly became one of my favorite outfits to travel in. In the years that followed, I’ve amassed quite the collection, some of which I own in multiple colorways, and still, this particular satin wide-leg pair is undoubtedly my favorite—here’s why.
Adidas
Adicolor satin wide-leg track pants
Pros: Durable sporty satin material, drawstring waist, concealed zipped pockets
Cons: The extra long hem drags on the floor when you walk without tailoring
Casual yet refined, Adidas track pants offer the perfect balance between style and comfort, making it easy for someone like myself, who rarely wants to choose between the two, especially when I travel for work. While their loose, oversized fit is ideal for the plane ride over, once I’ve reached my destination, they’ve come in handy both post-massage at the Ritz Carlton Spa in South Beach and pre-Pilates, when I want to look and feel good. On countless occasions, I’ve also paired them with kitten heels and sharp-toe boots for dinner in New York City when I don’t want to get too dolled up.
That said, because I’ve made these track pants an integral part of my daily attire, I’ve done my fair share of wear tests, which makes me well versed in all of their intricacies. Here’s everything you need to know before adding them to your packing list.
What are they made from?
Like most sportswear, these Adidas track pants are made from a synthetic yet technical material. However, this pair in particular are cut from recycled polyester with a little bit of stretch, so your movement’s not restricted. The luxurious satin finish makes them look a lot more expensive than they really are, which makes them a great way to elevate a simple white T-shirt or tank top.
How do they fit?
Despite the constant threat of skinny jeans making a comeback in fashion’s trend cycle, I find oversized silhouettes are still preferential when it comes to a travel wardrobe. They’re meant for a higher rise, however the elasticated, drawstring waist allows you to find your perfect fit, whether that’s above or below your belly button. Baggy and relaxed, each well-tailored leg is actually pretty long—even for me, who stands tall at 5’8″–so they tend to drag on the ground as you walk. Shoppers on TikTok have resorted to rolling the top of the waistband, while I simply use a stacked heel or sneaker to give them a necessary lift.
How comfortable are they?
Arguably the best part about these wide leg track pants is just how comfortable they are. Between the exaggerated wide-leg silhouette and flexible drawstring waist, their roominess is reminiscent of pajama bottoms but without the complete lack of formality. From experience, this all makes them perfectly suited for long-haul flights or car trips, mainly because of their thick yet lightweight material. But the satin finish helps balance the sporty feel, giving them a more polished look that will take them from the airport to dinner and drinks seamlessly.
More styles I recommend:
Adidas
Original women’s Adilenium track pants
If you’re not a fan of the high-shine satin material but want the same oversized look, these Adilenium track pants are a great alternative. They’re cut from a lightweight swisher material, which gives them a sportier, more laid-back feel for travel days.
Adidas
3-Stripes Woven Parachute pants
Between the swisher fabric and straight-leg cut, these parachute pants offer a more traditional take on a classic staple.
Adidas
Adicolor Classic Firebird loose track pants
This loose-fitting pair made from the brand’s signature sporty satin material is defined by the pintuck seams down each leg and the zipped side slant pockets that will keep your cardholder or passport easily accessible.
When you think of Adidas track pants, it’s likely that this vintage-inspired breakaway style is the first pair to come to mind. The functional pop snap-fastenings along the side are instantly recognizable.
Adidas
Adilenium Season 4 Teamgeist oversized track pants
Perfect for hiking, camping, and other adventures that require you to pack light, these convertible track pants have a zip-off detail that transforms them into shorts in seconds.