19 Pairs of Work Pants You’ll Actually Want to Wear
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The term work pants implies the existence of other, more fun, nonwork pants, which only two years ago meant anything with an elastic waist. The very idea of work pants was thrown completely out the window for the WFH set, but now that many of us are back in offices and the loungewear boom isn’t what it once was (RIP, Entireworld, gone but not forgotten), we are somewhat begrudgingly bringing them back. But just because some of us have to dress like responsible human beings again, that doesn’t mean you can’t also be comfortable.
What makes a good work pant?
Work pants should make you feel like your best self: A person with good judgment, both pants-wise and, you know, professionally. You should be comfortable sitting down in them for longer periods of time.
With all this in mind, we found 20 pairs of work pants in all kinds of silhouettes, colors, and with varying amounts of stretch that may just transcend the genre’s bad reputation.
SO, YOU NEED WORK PANTS?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true favorites
➼ Our experts
Our top picks
The Washable Work Pant
A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant
Sizes: 23 to 37 and long, short sizes | Colors: 6 | Materials: Polyester, elastane
Available in four different lengths and sizes 23 to 37, these pants are tailored enough for the office but comfy enough for happy hour. Cut Shop editor Hanna Flanagan wears hers at least once a month and has found they transition seamlessly from one season to the next.
The High-Waisted Work Pant
Everlane The Way-High Drape Pant
Sizes: 00 to 16 | Colors: 7 | Materials: Tencel Lyocell, cotton
If you like sustainability and super-high-waisted pants look no further. Balance out the way-high waist with the draped wide-leg silhouette that looks just as good with heels as it does with pants.
The Height Inclusive Work Pant
J. Crew High-Rise Cameron Pant in Four-Season Stretch
Sizes: 00 to 24 and petite and tall sizes | Colors: 3 | Materials: Polyester, viscose, elastane
These stretchy pants are available in tall and petite, so they’re always the perfect length.
More tried-and-true favorites
The Classic High Waist Pant
Reformation Mason Pant
Sizes: 0 to 12 | Colors: 6 | Materials: Tencel Lyocell
These tailored Mason pants have a sleek high-waisted silhouette, roomy pant legs, and pleats that strike the perfect balance between effortless and stylish.
The Everyday Work Pant
Aritzia Wilfred the Effortless Pant
Sizes: 00 to 16 and short and tall sizes | Colors: 22 | Materials: Polyester
Draped, high-waisted pants that come in every work-ready color possible and are available in short and tall.
The Work Pant You Can Wear on Weekends
Madewell The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
Sizes: 00 to 28 and petite and tall sizes | Colors: 4 | Materials: Tencel Lyocel, cotton, linen
Made from a breezy blend of linen and lyocell fibers, these wide-leg pants from Madewell are easy to dress up for work or dress down for quick errands and outings on the weekend.
The White Work Pant
Summersalt The Classic Pleat Straight Leg Trouser Pant
Sizes: 2 to 22 | Colors: 3 | Materials: Polyester
The classic white trouser is a wardrobe staple for both work and play. If yours needs replacing (or you have yet to find the perfect pair), try this one from Summersalt. Highlights include a hint of stretch, a straight-leg silhouette, and a flattering high waist.
The Printed Work Pant
Sézane Martin Trousers
Sizes: 2 to 14 | Colors: 9 | Materials: Linen, cotton
Floral print feels fresh and modern in the form of these work pants. The black pattern will still match all your favorite tops and shoes.
If You Need Work Pants to Go With Your Blazer
H&M Slim Fit Twill Pants
Sizes: 0 to 20 | Colors: 2 | Materials: Polyester, rayon, spandex
One of these shades of slim-fit pants is bound to match with that blazer you already own.
The Subtly Stretchy Work Pant
Uniqlo Smart Ankle Pants
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Colors: 6 | Materials: Polyester, rayon, spandex
Uniqlo should be one of your first stops for minimal, no-fuss workwear that can still be pretty chic. Consider these ankle pants with an elastic waistband and slightly stretchy material.
The Patterned Work Pant
Universal Standard Audrey Tailored Ponte Pants
Sizes: 00 to 40 | Colors: 6 | Materials: Rayon, nylon, elastane
Houndstooth can shake up your wardrobe without stepping too far outside of your comfort zone. But if that’s not for you, these tapered pants are available in other colors and patterns.
The Relaxed Fit Work Pant
The Frankie Shop Bea Suit Pants
Sizes: XS to L | Colors: 1 | Materials: Polyester, spandex
A boxy but cool pair of work pants you can wear with an oversized blazer or relaxed tees.
The Belted Work Pant
Avenue Jill Belted Pant
Sizes: 14 to 28 | Colors: 1 | Materials: Polyester
These wide-leg pants come equipped with a belt accent so you don’t have to worry about finding one to match.
The Pinstripe Work Pant
Favorite Daughter Favorite Pant
Sizes: 0 to 18 | Colors: 8 | Materials: Polyester, viscose, elastane
The best-selling work pant is available in several patterns and shades, but pinstripe is another subtle way to change up your everyday work wardrobe. The brand also offers vests and blazers to match.
The Flowy Work Pant
Eileen Fisher Felted Wool Jersey Wide-Leg Long Pant
Sizes: PP to 3X | Colors: 4 | Materials: Wool
Because you can’t wear sweatpants in the office, these flow-y wool pants are the next best thing. They’re dry-clean only but worth the trip to wear them again and again.
The Fashion Favorites
Tibi Fluid Suiting Derrick Men’s Trouser
Sizes: 00 to 14 | Colors: 2 | Materials: Viscose, polyester
Tibi knows how to do workwear the fashion girls love. If you want interesting but still wearable shapes and good quality, look no further. These menswear trousers have the perfect amount of drape and fit for work pants that are far from boring.
The Sporty Option
Athleta Pinnacle High Rise Trouser
Sizes: 0 to 16 | Colors: 4 | Materials: Nylon, elastane, polyester
Made of the same smooth and stretchy materials as some of your favorite workout gear, these sporty trousers are flattering, comfortable, and perfect for the office or OOO days.
The French Girl Favorites
Rouje Amale Pants
Sizes: 34 to 44 | Colors: 2 | Materials: Polyester, wool, viscose
Straight-leg pants are perfect for pairing with your fall boots and kitten heels for that effortless style.
The One Made for Minimalists
Re Ona Joey Suit Trouser
Sizes: XS to L | Colors: 1 | Materials: Polyester, spandex
Re Ona offers plenty of staples you can mix and match like these pleated suit trousers you can pair with an oversize blazer, a simple bodysuit, or a button-down.
Our experts