The best work pants for women that are comfortable and professional

Best overall: SPANXsupersmooth Stretch Twill Pant

Why we love them: The soft, low-maintenance fabric slips on easily and has a gentle smoothing effect. The result is a fit that looks and feels sleek.

Cons to consider: They lack proper pocket space.

These stretchy twill Spanx work pants have quickly become one of my most-worn pairs. They strike that rare balance between comfortable and flattering. The fabric is buttery smooth with plenty of stretch, and the extra-high waist hits at just the right spot without digging in. They have a sleek, tailored look that can easily go from office-appropriate with loafers to casual with sneakers. I have them in olive green, which feels more laid-back, but the black color would definitely pass for dressier occasions.

The details are thoughtfully designed, though not without quirks. The front zip pockets are secure and functional (a rarity in women's pants), but the white lining peeks out if you forget to zip them closed. The faux back pockets keep the silhouette smooth, though I wouldn't have minded the real thing. According to the brand, they run a little small, but I found them perfectly true-to-size. I also appreciate the wide size range with various lengths.

Overall, these are the kind of pants you can wear on repeat to all sorts of occasions and still feel put-together. The flattering cut, smoothing waistband, and soft stretch twill make them worth the investment. I'm already considering a second pair in a different color.

Best budget: Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant

Why we love them: An affordable pick comparable in quality to other mall-brands pairs we've tested.

Cons to consider: They wrinkle easily and the colors look more muted in person.

We're big fans of Quince's affordable selection of high-quality wardrobe basics. At just $40, these Ponte pants are a solid option if you're in the office daily and need to stock up on a few pairs.

What makes these some of the best work pants for women is that they feel like a yoga pant, yet they manage to look sophisticated enough for the office — 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 (check out our picks for the best white button-downs for women if you want to find the perfect tuckable blouse).

The only downsides of these is that their pockets are just for show, and they rayon-nylon-Spandex fabric is not totally wrinkle-resistant. The straight-leg style comes in nine colors —from a classic black to an eye-catching burgundy —and is available in sizes XS-XL. Some colors also have 26, 28, 30, and 32-inch inseam options for different heights. They also come in a 1X-3X, though disappointingly, Quince charges more for the plus size version.

Read our full Quince review to see everything else we've tested from the brand.

Best wide-leg: Aritzia The Effortless Pant

Why we love them: Wrinkle-free material, tons of colors, and a dressy feel that's not too fussy.

Cons to consider: The crepe fabric feels too light for cold days.

These wrinkle-proof crepe trousers may not be super stretchy around the waist, but the drapey fabric and wide-leg silhouette makes them comfortable to sit in for hours.

Initially, I sampled the non-curve silhouette and didn't find it flattering on my pear-shaped figure. Then I tested the curve version, which has an additional 2 inches in the low hip and 1.5 inches in the thigh, which fit me perfectly. The only downside to the curve version is that there are fewer colors and only one length option available (Aritzia, please make more!). The original version comes in 22 colors and has four length options, with the Regular inseam just hitting the floor on my 5-foot-7 frame.

Read more in our full Aritzia Effortless Pant review.

Best pull-on: Athleta Endless High Rise Pant

Why we love them: They pull on easily and the stretchy, technical fabric feels comfortable all day long.

Cons to consider: They're fitted around the hips, despite their elasticity.

If you want the best work pants that also feel like sweatpants, look no further. Athleta's buttery-soft, semi-fitted 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 poly-Spandex blend. 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 travel pant. Or, throw them on for light physical activity such as an easy bike ride or hike.They'll just as easily pair with some dress shoes at the office.

Best tall: Lululemon Daydrift High-Rise Wide-Leg Trouser

Why we love them: Three inseam options, smooth stretchy material, and a cinchable drawcord that lets you adjust the waistband.

Cons to consider: The fabric is cool and lightweight to the touch, so don't choose these if your office is drafty.

As a tall lady, it's rare I find pants with hems that touch the ground. I got the 35-inch inseam version of lululemon's Daydrift Trousers, which are significantly long on my 5-foot-9 frame. Not that I'm complaining — I actually prefer this so I can wear them with heels.

The fit is smaller in the waistband, but roomy in the thighs and seat areas. If you need more breathing room, there's a cinchable drawcord that lets you adjust how they sit on your waist.

I wore these high-rise pants on a 5-hour bus ride. The lightweight four-way stretch fabric was everything I could want in a technical work pant: smooth, flexible, and resistant to wrinkles.

It's commendable that their pleats don't add any bulk to your midsection, as I've experienced with other pleated styles. Luckily they come in short and regular inseams too, because these pants are a surefire hit no matter how tall you are.

Best barrel leg: Everlane Everywhere Pant

Why we love them: They're a nice weight for warm weather and have a utility-focused design.

Cons to consider: They length looks oddly cropped on tall frames.

Barrel-leg pants are an easy way to tap into one of the biggest trends and still look ready for work. The silhouette feels modern and fashion-forward, but still totally wearable for everyday or a casual office setting. Made from a soft cotton-linen blend, they're lightweight and breathable (perfect for spring and summer) yet structured enough to look refined. The fabric feels high-quality with a slightly textured finish.

I love how the Everywhere Pants hit right at the ankle, which makes them easy to style with everything from dress sneakers to block heels. They're definitely on the more relaxed end of work pants, but give them a crisp button-down or fitted top and they look instantly elevated. The high rise and darted shape are flattering, and the fit feels easy without being slouchy.

Best wrinkle-resistant: M.M. LaFleur Colby Travel Pant

Why we love them: They're low-maintenance but still polished — we sat in them for hours while traveling and they don't wrinkle.

Cons to consider: They're one of the more expensive pairs on our list.

"When you're on a business trip with a packed itinerary that leaves you no time to iron, these are the pants to pack. M.M. LaFleur is one of our favorite sources for splurge-worthy office staples, and the Colby Travel Pants are precisely why. They're made with a remarkably silky and light polyester blend that holds its shape and doesn't wrinkle, even if it's been crammed in a carry-on for hours.

Now, I know what you're thinking: 'polyester' and 'luxury workwear' don't sound like they go together. But trust me: not all polyester is created equal. The scratchy, suffocating polyester you'll find at the mall is another thing entirely compared to M.M. LaFleur's 'Origami Tech,' which is soft, smooth, and machine washable.

The legs are tapered like joggers, and while they look cropped on my 5-foot-9 frame, they fit full-length on our 5-foot-2 executive editor Sally Kaplan. In the rear is a stretchy waistband that makes them comfortable even if you're bloating or seated for hours at a time, but the pintuck detail makes them unmistakably polished."
— Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style Editor, Insider Reviews

Read more in our full M.M. LaFleur women's workwear review.

Best plus-size: Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant

Why we love them: The fit ratio eliminates pesky waist gaps and offers plenty of room in the thighs and seat area.

Cons to consider: The high-rise waist may be too high on petite frames.

"These pants fit beautifully, with a cut that is modern and versatile enough to wear casually as well," writes freelance writer and fat fashion expert Sarah Chiwaya. "I really appreciate that they are available in a variety of lengths and body fits. I personally prefer the Curve Love fit (which has a more pronounced waist-to-hip ratio), and I've heard great things about the classic fit from friends with a less curvy build. At 5'4" and a half, the short length of the Sloane pants is perfect for wearing with flats, and the regular length is my go-to if I'm wearing heels or a platform."

Read more in our guide to the best plus-size work clothes.

Best pleated: Lilysilk Front-Pleated Silk-Wool Blend Trousers

Why we love them: The silk-wool blend has a rich natural fiber texture, something you won't find in the elasticated pairs we tested from Spanx and Athleta.

Cons to consider: The material wrinkles easily.

"These Lilysilk wide-leg trousers have a beautiful flowy drape, though the high-rise waistband and refined pleats balance them out with some structure. Its wool-silk blend fabric has cool, low saturated brown tone that pairs well with brushed cashmere and some loafers.

I have a 27-inch waist and 38-inch hip, and the size 4 left a little gap around the waistband. I stand 5-foot-9 and these hit at my ankles perfectly, so if you're petite, these will be best worn with heels.

I wore these to our office, where I spend most of my day seated. They served me well throughout the day with extra wide pockets and plenty of room in the seat. The silk-wool blend is very soft, but wrinkles easily, and the wide legs means a lot of air comes through. I'll be wearing these with leggings underneath if it's cold out." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews

Best flare: SPANXsupersmooth PerfectFit Ponte Flare Pant

Why we love them: They instantly make your midriff and legs look and feel sleeker, without suppressing your ability to move or breathe.

Cons to consider: As with most of the Spanx pants we've tested, they lack pockets.

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.

Best casual: Vuori Elevation Trouser

Why we love them: They're made of a smooth, breathable fabric that's comfortable for all-day wear.

Cons to consider: They're much more relaxed and laid-back than styles from Spanx or M.M. LaFleur.

If you value comfort above all else, these Vuori bottoms are a near-perfect pick. They are about as close as it gets to wearing sweatpants to work. The fabric feels identical to my favorite Vuori joggers: soft, stretchy, and perfectly cozy. Despite that, they still manage to look put-together thanks to the tailored silhouette and hook-and-eye closure. I was a little skeptical about the heathered color options (I usually associate heathered fabric with loungewear), but the Ecru shade surprised me with how sleek it looked. The texture is barely visible and looks much more polished in person.

That said, these lean more toward casual offices than business formal settings. I wouldn't reach for them in a setting that requires suits or blazers. They're especially well-suited for business travel (or any travel, for that matter) since they're comfortable enough to snooze in but polished enough to head to the office straight from the plane. They are fairly wrinkle-resistant, too. I had them shoved at the bottom of my (clean) laundry hamper for a couple of days, and was able to shake them off and wear them without ironing. The only real downside is that popular sizes and colors tend to sell out fast.

Best corduroy: Tuckernuck Wide Wale Corduroy Hunter Pants

Why we love them: A tailored fit that looks downright professorial with a knit blazer or sweater.

Cons to consider: They're too thick for warm weather.

These corduroy pants are everything I want in a pair of scholarly trousers: warmth, comfort, and rugged charm. The soft corduroy fabric feels cozy without being bulky, and the wide-leg silhouette gives them an elevated look that's perfect for drafty office. The pants are an easy way to add texture and color without straying too far outside the box.

I was surprised by how comfortable Tuckernuck pants are despite the lack of stretch; they fit really well and don't feel restrictive at all. The hook-and-eye front closure does make them lean a little more formal, which means I probably wouldn't wear them for super casual days, but that same detail makes them ideal for the office or a dinner out. I love styling these with a chunky sweater and ankle boots, though they look great with a crisp button-down shirt tucked in, too.

Best black work pants: SPANXsupersmooth PerfectFit Ponte Slim Straight Pant

Why we love them: The holy grail of black, slim-leg work pants — smoothing without constricting on your thighs or midsection. You can also find them in petite and tall inseams.

Cons to consider: They lack pockets.

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. To make things even more "perfect," Spanx has recently rebranded it the "PerfectFit" collection with a few upgrades. We loved how the first iteration felt smoothing and sculpting.

"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 the original collection.

With the newest version, we love that the Ponte material is still 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.

"The PerfectFit Flare pants are what I reach for when I know I'm going have a long work day. I wore mine to the office and later to an after-work press event, which added up to an eleven-hour workday. But I may as well have been wearing yoga pants with how comfortable I felt in them," writes associate style editor Gabrielle Chase. "They also pass the wrinkle test — I can roll them up in a bundle in my work bag and they still look smooth when I pull them out."

Learn more in our full Spanx Perfect Black Work Pants review.

Best dress pant: Gap High Rise BiStretch Flare Pants

Why we love them: An affordable pick we've worn for years, with flared legs that don't kick out too much.

Cons to consider: The rise may not be "high" on everyone, so check your measurements before you buy.

Sometimes a meeting-heavy schedule calls for a slightly dressier pair of pants. If your office dress code is more buttoned-up, Gap has some of the best dress pants for women. They're made with a soft cotton-Spandex blend, which has stretch to keep you from feeling constrained.

These will look best with a buttoned slim-fit blazer and some pointed-toe dress shoes. They're available in navy or black in sizes 00-20 in regular, tall, and petite inseams.

FAQs on the best work pants for women

How do I choose the right fit?

Know your measurements to a tee before buying work pants. You're more likely to achieve the perfect fit when you can compare your hip, waist, and inseam length to a brand's size chart. We recommend Petite Studio if you're below 5-foot-5, and suggest Abercrombie's Curve Love trousers if you're searching for plus-size work clothes.

What inseam length should I wear?

Unless you want a cropped kick flare, the best work pants will drape past your shoes and puddle around the ankles. 28 inches is considered a short inseam, while 32 inches works better for tall people. Remember to factor in the height of your shoes before choosing the inseam.

What are the best materials for women's work pants?

We all know how sitting for hours at a desk and the occasional bloat can cause discomfort from the waist down. Look for fabrics that strike a balance between stretchy and structured. For example, a Ponte knit blended with Spandex (AKA elastane) will feel durable but still flexible. This way, you can wear them between washes without them losing their shape. Depending on the weather, you may also want to consider wool or silk blends.

How should my work pants fit around my hips and thighs?

If you feel bunching around the crotch when you sit, your work pants might be a size too small. Try sizing up and pairing them with a belt in order to close any waist gaps. See our guide to the best stretchy work pants for more forgiving waistbands.