When searching for the perfect pair of travel shorts, I am personally looking for the ultimate in comfort. These shorts would be paired perfectly with a travel vest. It's so essential to figure out your optimal wardrobe before you start packing, that's why I wrote about the best black travel dress. Read on to see my top 10 pick for the best travel shorts for women under $50!
Travel Shorts for Women- Pricing Table
Travel Shorts | Name | UPF Protection? | Inseam Length | Sizes | Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yes | 4 1/2" | 2 - 16x5 | 96% Nylon/4% Elastane | |
| yes | 5" | 2-16 | 100% Supplex Nylon | |
| yes | 11" | 1X - 3X | 100% Nylon | |
| no | 5" | XS - 3X Plus | 96% Polyester/4% Spandex | |
| no | N/A | XS - XL | 100% Nylon |
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT TRAVEL SHORTS
Material
All the shorts on this list are constructed with different materials. If you have sensitive skin you'll definitely want to check this icon.
UPF Protection?
Many travel shorts come with UPF Protection to shield you from the rays of the sun! Check this icon to find out which shorts come with it.
Inseam Length
Check this icon below to see the inseam length of each pair of shorts!
Sizes
I've listed out the sizes that each short is available in by this icon!
THE BEST TRAVEL SHORTS FOR WOMEN
96% Nylon/4% Elastane
Inseam Length: 4 1/2"
2 - 16x5
Yes - UPF Protection
Columbia's Saturday Trail Shorts are perfect for travel and hiking. These shorts feature both Omni-Shade and Omni-Shield which make it water repellant and has UPF 50 protection from the skin. These shorts are made of 96% Nylon and 4% Elastane.
The fabric is 2-way comfort stretch, perfect for long journeys and mesh pocket bags are included so you can store any of your essentials. The shorts are available in seven colors, including the basic colors and a few very fun and bright shades.
These short are perfect for travel because they are lightweight and very comfortable. There are a total of four pockets, two in the front and two in back. Love the high quality material, its the perfect amount of length and stretch. This is my #1 choice for the best travel shorts for women because it will easily last for long hikes and walks during travel.
100% Supplex Nylon
Inseam Length: 5"
2 - 16
Yes - UPF Protection
Royal Robbins Backcountry Short is 100% Supplex Nylon and features cargo pockets, the front one equipped with a zipper so that you belongings are safe. 5 other pockets are included with the shorts, making that 6 pockets total.
Also great is its gusseted crotch which makes the shorts super easy to move in and even more comfortable. I love its double-layer seat to give you a little extra padding. UPF Protection is included and the shorts are also wrinkle-resistant and the fabric is quick-dry.
These shorts run true to size and if you are a bit curvier than me (I'm a bit of a stick) there are two buttons on the side where you can adjust accordingly. The waist is not bulky at all. The finish and quality of these shorts are great and it's great to have many pockets to choose from when you are traveling.
100% Nylon
Inseam Length: 11"
1X - 3X
Yes - UPF Protection
I absolutely adore the Hanalei Bermuda Shorts from White Sierra. They also look kind of like mom shorts mixed with harem pants. You can easily stick on a pair of stiletto heels and I little slinky top and switch from daytime to nightwear in a second.
The water repellant fabric has a stylish faded and worn-in look and has an elastic waist for the ultimate in comfort. These shorts dry quickly so you don't have to worry about having a soggy butt during your travels. The fit is totally relaxed and the back zip pocket keeps your valuables safe.
The elastic waist makes the shorts quick to remove and put on and they don't chafe during long walks and hikes. These shorts are super breathable, comfy and super light. It's almost like you're wearing nothing at all!
96% Polyester/4% Spandex
Inseam Length: 5"
XS - 3X Plus
No - UPF Protection
I've already featured these shorts on my best yoga shorts review but they are worth another mention in this article because they are also great for travel. You'll save some packing room in your luggage as these can be used as your regular day shorts and also for your workouts and yoga.
Not only are these shorts super cute but they feature a comfortable and forgiving elastic waistband and are made of a knit fabric which is super soft. As I've already mentioned, these shorts are super versatile and can really be used for just about any situation.
The adjustable drawstring allows you to tighten up the shorts for a workout or loosen them up for a long airplane ride. Either way, you'll look super hot and feel super comfy in these shorts!
100% Nylon
N/A
XS - XL
Yes - UPF Protection
White Sierra is actually featured in this review twice since they make a great pair of travel shorts. To be honest I eliminated a pair of White Sierra shorts from this review because I wanted to feature a variety of brands in this review.
White Sierra's Crystal Cove River Shorts are easily packable and travel friendly. I also love the name, I could definitely see myself lounging on a yacht or little boat while sporting these shorts. The waistband has a flat front and the back is elasticized for if you've been enjoyed food while traveling too much (I always indulge - calories eaten while on vacay don't count!)
These shorts also have secure zip pockets, water repellant fabric and UPF sun protection. I love that the pockets have velcro so you don't have to worry about your valuables falling out while your hiking or climbing rocks. They really do dry quickly so you don't have to worry about getting wet either!
100% Cotton Twill
N/A
4 - 20
No - UPF Protection
Ahhh Dickies, a brand I remember from my childhood. They really do a great job with cargo pants and shorts! Their shorts are 100% Cotton Twill and are totally machine washable.
All kinds of pockets are included: bellowed cargo pockets, side multi use pockets and pork chop pockets (what are those?!) Pork chop pockets are named for their pork chop shape! They are rectangular instead of square and their opening is diagonal not straight.
These shorts are very comfortable they sit right on your waist next to the hip bone. As I mentioned before they are machine washable but you don't need to worry about any shrinkage, they hold up pretty well. These shorts are comfortable and they look great from the behind (bonus points!) They tend to run a tad bit small so you might want to purchase just one size larger. If you are looking for travel cargo shorts, these are it!
84% Polyester/16% Elastane
Inseam Length: 4"
XS - XL
No - UPF Protection
These shorts are great for a hike, not so much for the plane since they might be a little too short. Pearl Izumi's shorts are 84% Polyester and 16% Elastane and feature a 4-way stretch fabric that moves incredibly well with the body. There is one zippered pocket in the back.
Also featured is a patent pending Gel Flask Pocketing System which ensures even more that the fabric moves with your body. The elastic waistband also features a drawstring cord for you to adjust the tightness of the shorts.
What I really love about these shorts is that they include built in panties yay! Underwear, bras etc always equal extra discomfort for me so the less is definitely better. These shorts are perfect for a hike in hot weather.
94% Polyamide/6% Elastane
N/A
4 - 16
Solar Shield Protection
Craghoppers NosiLife Clara Shorts feature NosiLife Technology and Solarshield. The pants are made of a stretch fabric which is 94% Polyamide and 6% Elastane.
These shorts are superbly comfortable and specially designed for travel. Not only does it include the standard travel shorts sun protection, it also has an Insect Shield bug repellant incorporated!! The question now is why all the other shorts on this list don't include that feature, hmm......
These shorts were really designed with travel in mind, they also feature a security clip, drying loops and a sunglass wipe. These are regular rise shorts and feature 5 total pockets, including one secret zipper pocket inside. If you are looking for the ultimate pair of hiking shorts, this is it!
97% Nylon/3% Spandex
N/A
0 - 16
No - UPF Protection
I had to include prAna's Monarch Convertible Pants on this list because they convert into shorts. I had never seen this before and it is super ideal for travel. These pants are 100% Polyester with 97% Nylon and 3% Spandex. It has a DWR finish which means that its water repellant.
There is an internal drawstring at the waist so that you can adjust the tightness accordingly. These pants are great for long haul flights, which are usually freezing! Once landing in a hotter climate, you can easily roll them up to turn into shorts. The Stretch Zion fabric is super durable and is also abrasion resistant.
Both front and back pockets zip for extra security. If you prefer pants for hikes, to avoid all the knicks and cuts you might get from shrubbery these are great. When hiking through streams and waterways, all you have to do it zip off the legs to turn into shorts. Magic, why didn't I think of that??
94% Polyamide/6% Elastane
Inseam Length: 9.5"
4 - 16
Yes - UPF Protection
Kanu's Surf Marina Board Shorts are so cool, they totally are reminiscent of the hot surfers boys from Point Break. The original one not the shitty remake that came out recently. I totally had a crush on Roach, is that weird? There were much hotter guys in Point Break, including Keanu Reeves....But I digress....
You can get these shorts in your basic black and white but they are also available in some other super fun colors like bubblegum pink and sky blue. These shorts are quick dry and feature 50+ UPF protection from the sun.
These shorts are super comfy and have a cargo pocket for your belongings. I love that there isn't a zippered fly and velcro is featured instead, makes getting these shorts on and off super easy. Although the shorts are not lined the fabric is thick enough that it isn't see-through at all. The drawstring makes the waist super adjustable also!
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