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If you want the best work pants that also feel like sweatpants, look no further. Athleta’s buttery-soft semi-fitted polyester-spandex blend bottoms are genius: They’re an ultra-comfy and modern alternative to traditional office wear. They’re also commute friendly with functional and secure zip pockets and a wrinkle-resistant fabric. Four colors are available in sizes 0-26 in regular, tall, and petite inseams.
But what makes this truly one of the most comfortable work pants for women is how versatile they are. Since they’re as comfortable as loungewear, feel free to wear them as an elevated version. Or, throw them on for light physical activity such as an easy bike ride or hike.
Spanx
Spanx makes some of our favorite work pants. In fact, we tried their aptly named “Perfect Pant” and loved almost everything about it — making it one of the best black work pants for women to wear with anything and everything.
“The Perfect Black Pant borrows from the trademarks Spanx is renowned for, such as a smoothing, elongating effect. But unlike its shapewear, you won’t feel constricted. The Ponte material has four-way stretch and a pull-on band that’s easy to get on. In other words, it’s a really well-made iteration of the black work pant,” writes executive editor Sally Kaplan in her review of some of the line’s other styles.
In this version, we love that the Ponte material is comfortable, versatile, machine-washable, and smoothing, but not compressing. Another selling point of the sleek pull-on pant is that it comes in a wide range of sizes, including petite, regular, and tall inseams in XS-3X.
Learn more in our full Spanx Perfect Black Work Pants review.
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We’re big fans of Quince’s affordable selection of high-quality basics, and these stretchy ponte pants are another budget-friendly closet workhorse to wear on repeat. What makes these some of the best work pants for women is that while they feel like a yoga pant, they manage to look sophisticated enough for the office — all meaning you won’t be dying to change into your sweatpants the second you get home.
The stretch also helps make them tuckable, so you can smoothly tuck in a blouse without added bulge. In fact, check out our picks for the best white button-downs for women if you want to find the perfect tuckable blouse.
The rayon-nylon-spandex pant is wrinkle resistant, but the pockets are just for show (which is the only downside we found). The straight-leg style comes in seven colors — from a classic black to an eye-catching burgundy — and is available in sizes XS-XL. Some colors also have 28, 30, and 32-inch inseam options for different heights.
Read our full Quince review to see more pieces from the brand we love.
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If you want a pant that wears like a legging but looks like a dress pant, Lululemon created the best work pants for you. These moisture-wicking bottoms with two zip pockets have lots of stretch, so they’re about as comfortable as it gets. Still, with a high waist and subtly flared hem, they’re polished enough to don in a business setting. Wear them with a silky button-down shirt tucked in or throw over an oversized blazer in a contrasting hue.
They will feel a bit snug as you pull them up, but don’t let that deter you — once they’re on, the pants are made to perfectly hug your curves without digging in. There are four neutral hues to choose from in sizes 0-20.
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Another winner from the Quince Ponte collection is this billowy wide-leg pair. These stretchy work pants feel like sweatpants, but have the polished appearance of slacks. They pull on effortlessly with a concealed zipper and clasp at the hip, and the extra high-rise waistband is comfortable enough to sit in all day. These come in 30 and 32 inch inseams. Mine shrank after going through the wash, so I’d size up if you want an oversized fit.
I also found that the lightweight fabric actually isn’t all that wrinkleproof. But they’re still extremely comfortable work pants, so I still recommend them to anyone who’s looking for professional slacks they can lounge in.
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This taper pant is part of Everlane’s workwear capsule collection, which we love for its comfort and mix-and-matchability. See our full review of Everlane’s workwear to see our favorite pieces, including these great pants.
There are three solid hues and two patterned styles to choose from. We found the high-waist pants (available in sizes 00-16) to be flattering on a variety of body types, but it’s worth noting that if you’re on the petite side, they might fit more like full-length pants.
While the pants look great with the matching blazer, we loved that they looked equally good with a sweater or basic t-shirt, which will help make the overall look a bit more casual if that’s what you’re going for. And if you love the matching pants and blazer look, check out our picks for the best suits for women.
Everlane
For a cooling summer fabric that maintains a professional look, linen is a solid bet. This Everlane pair also has a relaxed fit to keep you extra comfy in the warmer months. These are slightly sheer, so you may want to choose your undergarments carefully, especially for the lighter colors such as canvas and light blue.
They have a high-rise fit and are intentionally slouchy and floor skimming with a 30-inch inseam. Pair them with Everlane’s matching relaxed linen shirt ($88) for a sophisticated coordinated look. P.S. We’ve tried dozens of Everlane styles over the years, and we’re always impressed with the quality.
J.Crew
When it comes to workwear, J.Crew is well-seasoned in the classics — especially when it comes to making some of the best women’s work pants. A breezy stretch linen, such as the one used in this straight leg pant, is the perfect summertime fabric. And the straight-leg silhouette will be particularly flattering on those with more petite frames.
The high rise pants come in three colors in sizes 00-24 in classic, petite, and tall inseams. There’s even a corresponding blazer if you want the full coordinated look.
Madewell
These Lyocell linen pants from Madewell have a roomy fit and a partially elasticized waist, making them an ultra comfortable pick. The wide-leg silhouette is particularly flattering on people with taller frames. They come in two colors in sizes 0-14 in tall, petite, standard, or plus fits.
These can be dressed down with a T-shirt in a contrasting hue and chunky sandals. Or, to create a more business-oriented look, pair them with a blazer and a white button-down shirt.
Universal Standard
Who says work pants can’t have a bit of added flair? We love that these wide-leg pants, in sizes 4XS-4XL, offer fun color options besides the standard black or navy. There’s also a version with a sporty side stripe for an extra statement. They pull on easily, sit comfortably thanks to an elastic waist, are fitted at the hips, and relaxed through the knee.
These are one of the best work pants for women when it comes to size inclusivity. We love that, with Universal Standard, the sample size is an 18, and every single size is engineered from there to ensure the perfect fit for a wider range of body types than many brands. The brand has long been one of our favorite places to shop for work clothes.
Amazon
Lee is best known for their classic denim, but their Amazon storefront also includes some of the best work pants for women if you need a pair in a pinch. This pair has over 10,000 five-star ratings, and many reviewers report that they were so pleased with their first pair, they’ve since re-ordered more in multiple colors. They’re available in long and short sizes, and come in five neutral colorways. Their flexible cotton-Spandex blend and stretchy waistband ensures you can sit comfortably in these machine-washable work pants all day. They have a simple straight-leg fit, so you can easily pair them with a statement top or colorful blazer.
Gap
Sometimes the occasion calls for a slightly dressier option. If your office dress code requires dress pants, Gap’s high-rise flair version is a one of the best dress pants for women. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any comfort. The soft cotton-spandex fabric has stretch to keep you from feeling constrained.
These will look best with a buttoned slim-fit blazer and some pointed-toe heels or flats. They’re available in navy or black in sizes 00-20 in regular, tall, and petite inseams.
Boden.
Where workwear is concerned, a ponte pant is always a solid pick because the thicker weight fabric with a subtle sheen looks sharp but remains comfortable. This wide-leg version from Boden is designed with a bit of extra length so it wears well in heels (and it comes in three inseam options in sizes 0P-20/22). It sits at the natural waist and has faux back pockets and true side pockets.
These can be worn with a t-shirt and sneakers for a more casual occasion. Or, for a fun twist on a classic workwear look, try wearing a knit sweater vest (with nothing underneath) as a top.
Banana Republic
Whether these pinstripe bootcut pants are worn with the matching blazer or a classic white button down shirt, it’s a look that means business. Still, you can sit in them all day without hassle thanks to polyester-spandex fabric, which offers a bit of stretch and makes these a comfortable wear.
Additional features include hook-and-bar front closure with zip fly, belt loops, front and back pockets, flattering waist darts and a trouser crease. They come in sizes 0-20 in regular, tall, and petite inseams. Styling suggestion: Pair them with heels or a loafer mule.
Sally Kaplan/Business Insider
Another of our favorites from the Spanx Perfect Pant collection is their high-waisted flared pants. They come in tall and petite sizes, so those who have had trouble finding the sweet spot where the flare drapes over your shoes finally have an option. Insider Reviews’ executive editor Sally Kaplan is five-foot-two and was impressed with their fit and function.
“The waist on the wide-leg pair was smoothing but not uncomfortably tight. I loved that they just slipped right on (good for busy mornings) and that the weight of the pants keeps the legs from blowing around too much. They’re also easy to dress up or down — I can wear them for work with a cute blazer or keep it casual with sneakers and a shirt jacket,” says Kaplan.
MOTF
MOTF is proof that sophisticated workwear doesn’t need to come at a high cost. In this versatile pair of viscose pants, the trendy wide-leg silhouette gets a breezy summer cut with a unique drawstring waistband. These black high-waisted pants have functioning pockets and are available in sizes 2-10. In the summer, a slim heeled mule and sleeveless blouse add contrast to the proportions. But this can also be styled for cooler months with ankle boots and a cropped sweater.
Alice & Olivia
Alice & Olivia’s sophisticated wide-leg style has a leg-elongating pintuck down the front and a flattering, thick high waistband. Though the pants are pricier than most of the picks on our list, they also command attention with an over-the-shoe silhouette (that’s thanks to a 35.25-inch inseam, which is extra long compared to standard inseam).
There are side slit pockets and a front zipper with hook closure. The polyester bottoms come in black and white in sizes 0-14. These fit true to size, so pick your usual size. They’re dry clean only.
Petal & Pup
For a bit of a statement look that remains elegant, try adding a paperbag waist pant to your work wardrobe. On a paperbag pant, the focus is all on the waist. This Petal & Pup pair has a tie waist with just a bit of ruffling at the top. We recommend selecting a top that can be tucked in for the full effect — or, if you’re wearing them for a more casual event, they look good paired with crop tops as well.
These come in five punchy and neutral colors — including sage green, tan, emerald green, black and beige — in sizes 0-16.
Reformation.
A split hem is a fun way to add interest to a work pants and show off a bit of leg in a sophisticated way. This pair from Reformation has a straight cut, slim fit, and a high-rise waist. The leg opening is 12.25 inches, so be sure to pick a shoe you love since it’ll stand out.
The unexpected detail looks equally good with heeled mules or white sneakers, and it can be paired with a fitted, double-breasted blazer. To ensure the perfect fit, Reformation will hem the slim-fitting, high-rise bottoms (in XS-XL) for free. If customization and comfort is on your criteria for the best women’s work pant, then look no further.
Mango
Mango takes trending styles and tones them down so they’re still appropriate for professional settings. You may not typically consider cargo pants for the office, but this recycled wool blend pair are essentially paperbag slacks with added pockets. They have a mid-rise and a long inseam, so they’re best suited for long legs or paired with heels. The linen cotton blend is lightweight, so these are ideal to wear in warm weather.
L.L Bean
L.L. Bean’s Perfect Fit Pant collection has trousers for just about every occasion, but the super soft fleece-lined version are our favorites for wearing in winter or drafty office spaces. The three colors come in a wide range of sizes including regular, petite, plus, and tall. Since the thick jersey knit fabric is yarn-dyed, they’ll retain their true color even after going through the washing machine.
