Best Work Pants For Women 2025

Sizes: XS to XL | Inseam lengths: 26 to 32 inches | Colors: 9 total, including Black and Ecru | Fabric: 67% rayon, 28% nylon, 5% spandex  | Waist type: Pull-on waistband

• What’s notable: The classic straight-leg silhouette goes with many outfits, and the stretchy fabric is comfortable and won’t wrinkle—which is impressive for a pair of pants that costs under $50.
• What could be better: The company doesn’t offer sizes larger than XL, and the pants don’t have pockets which makes them a little less functional.

Quince’s best-selling pointe pants come in four different inseam lengths, which is great for those who don’t want to take a trip to the tailor. They’re designed to be as comfortable as yoga pants but with a classic straight-leg design for work. This pair comes in a good range of colors too, so you can buy multiples and mix and match with other key pieces in your wardrobe. 

My priorities when it comes to work pants are comfort, practicality and style. I won’t put up with any pair that is too tight or binding or requires maintenance in terms of ironing, hemming or alterations. I own a few pieces from Quince, and I like the Ponte Straight Leg for the pull-on waistband, high-quality fabric that doesn’t crease and streamlined silhouette. I do wish the fit was a bit more tailored—the leg is very straight to the point of boxy—and that these had pockets. But for the price, this is a solid work pant.

Sizes: 24 to 34 | Inseam lengths: 25.5 to 29.5 inches | Colors: 4 total, including Dark Grey and Light Taupe | Fabric: 41% recycled polyester, 32% polyester, 21% viscose, 6% elastane | Waist type: Zip fly, hook-and-bar closure with hidden interior button

• What’s notable: They are elegant and polished and available in a wide range of sizes plus three inseam lengths.
• What could be better: These pants don’t have pockets either, and even the petite inseam may still be too long for shorter people.

Abercrombie & Fitch might not be the first place that comes to mind for workwear. But the retailer has been steadily making over its image, emphasizing a clean, chic and polished aesthetic that’s on par with Everlane and Zara. The Slim Straight Tailored Pant proves the point, with a sleek fit that’s office-appropriate but also comfortable with a bit of stretch.

I was pleasantly surprised to feel the quality of the fabric on these pants—the effect is similar to merino wool, even though it’s made with a blend of synthetics, which keeps the price affordable. The pleated, tapered leg is polished and chic, and the high-rise waist is flattering. The only drawback is the lack of pockets and size-wise, I found these run a little big.

Sizes: 00 to 16 | Inseam lengths: 27.5 to 33 inches | Colors: 4 total, including True Black and Harvest Moon | Fabric: 48% Tencel lyocell, 33% cotton, 19% linen | Waist type: Zipper fly, double button closure

• What’s notable: Because the wide leg is well-proportioned, these pants won’t overwhelm petite figures, and the style strikes the right balance between refined and comfortable. Wide-leg pants tend to be on the expensive side, but these are reasonably priced.
• What could be better: The fabric is pretty thin (not a good choice for cold weather) and prone to wrinkles.

These high-rise, straight-leg pants have a button front and tab waistband, which makes them amazingly comfortable yet professional. The Harlow is a bestseller for Madewell, and the pants come in multiple colors and lengths. Just keep in mind that this pick is prone to wrinkling, so you’ll have to commit to regular ironing to keep them looking sharp. 

In my testing process, I tried on many wide-leg pants that were far too voluminous for an average person to wear without being swallowed by the pants. This pair strikes the right balance for a look that’s stylish and on-trend. The fabric is lightweight—similar to a cotton chino material—so it will wrinkle if you don’t hang these pants. For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend them for travel or very formal workplaces.

Sizes: 0 to 20 | Inseam lengths: 30 to 34 inches | Colors: 5 total, including True Navy and Black | Fabric: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra elastane | Waist type: Pull-on waistband

• What’s notable: They are made of a ribbed, breathable fabric that keeps you comfortable all day.
• What could be better: The flared hem isn’t for everyone, and these pants are on the more expensive side.

If you dream of wearing yoga pants to work but looking polished at the same time, consider Lululemon’s top-rated collection of stylish bottoms. Designed to be worn beyond the studio, the High-Rise Mini-Flared Pant has a smooth waistband so it lays flat and is cut from the brand’s lightweight, breathable (and completely opaque, squat-proof) Nulu fabric.

Lululemon is continuing to move into more casual, everyday-wear and their leggings are truly the best in terms of fit, fabric and style. We’ve tested multiple pairs from the brand, and they never disappoint. This legging fits true to size for Lululemon (which runs small so it’s worth trying on a few pairs to determine your size in the brand; I always go up to 2 full sizes than what I normally wear in other pants). These leggings have a nice texture and the kick-flare hem is subtle. Keep in mind the lack of side pockets, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Spanx Perfect Kick Flare Pant

Sizes: XS to 3X | Inseam lengths: 24 to 29 inches | Colors: Classic Black | Fabric: Rayon, nylon, elastane  | Waist type: Pull-on waistband

• What’s notable: The tummy-control panel is flattering, the fabric is high quality and you can choose from multiple lengths and styles. 
• What could be better: Just note these pants run small. They also don’t have front pockets, which may be an issue for some.

Shapewear is typically not the most comfortable but Spanx has put a lot of thought into its designs. The Perfect Kick Flare is ultra-stretchy with an elastic waistband and hidden tummy-control panel in the front. This style is available in petite, regular and tall lengths. While the fit on these pants is meant to be tight and sculpting, the fabric is thick and extremely well-made, which eliminates any visible panty lines. If you’re not used to shapewear you might not enjoy these pants for all-day wear but for an event or a business party, they are excellent.

Sizes: XS to XL | Inseam lengths: 27.5 inches | Colors: 3 total, including Super Black and Beech | Fabric: 54% modal, 40% nylon, 6% spandex | Waist type: Pull-on waistband with drawstring

• What’s notable: It would be hard to find a more comfortable fit, and the fabric looks polished and resists wrinkles.
• What could be better: They only come in three colors, and if you work in a more corporate or formal environment, the jogger style might be too casual.

Whether you’re commuting or traveling for work, you don’t want pants that are constricting, but you also don’t want pants that appear too casual. American Giant’s joggers strike the right balance, and are cut from ponte fabric, which has some structure and retains its shape, creating a neat and polished look.

Personally, I have been wearing these pants non-stop. American Giant has revamped its lineup and the quality of the fabrics is excellent. These joggers are comfortable, stylish and look great with white sneakers or sneaker boots. The only negative is that they come in one core color—black—and two limited-edition colors. But everything else about these pants is perfect.

Sizes: 00 to 16 | Inseam lengths: 26.5 to 28.5 inches | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Dark Forest | Fabric: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane  | Waist type: Zip fly, double button waistband

• What’s notable: These pants are practical, but also modern and stylish. Plus, wrinkle-resistant fabric makes them easy to care for.
• What could be better: The high waist is flattering, but some people may find it too high, and the length might be too short for tall wearers.

Everlane’s Straight-Leg pant is a bestseller that straddles the line between business and casual. It’s cut from sturdy cotton twill that holds up well to wear and tear and the cropped fit is versatile for wearing with flats or ankle booties. This has a high-rise waist and no elastic waist, so keep in mind that the fabric is not stretchy.

The Straight-Leg pant really put Everlane on the map for stylish workwear and it’s a classic bestseller for the brand. I’ve worn this pair in multiple sizes and colors, and I find it goes with almost everything in my work wardrobe. The high waist is definitely high—it hits right under the rib cage—and I did find the pants shrunk a tiny bit after washing.

Sizes: 00 to 24 | Inseam lengths: 24.3 to 28.3 inches | Colors: 3 total, including Heather Graphite and Navy | Fabric: 64% polyester, 31% viscose, 5% elastane | Waist type: Zip fly, hook-and-bar closure

• What’s notable: The silhouette is flattering, and well-placed pockets don’t bunch or pull.
• What could be better: They only come in three colors, which can be limiting.

J.Crew has perfected the art of the work pant, and this slim cropped bestseller proves the point. It has a flattering 11-inch waistline that sits above the hips, and it’s cut from four-season stretch fabric that’s flexible but also retains its shape (no more sagging at the knees or rear). The front pockets are designed to hold you in while also being really comfortable. Note that I tried a previous version of this pant with a slightly lower waistband, but I chose to feature this newer version as it’s more readily available online.

I’ve worn different iterations of J.Crew’s slim work pants over the years, and they’re a staple for many women. This is a classic fit and silhouette, so you can wear the pants with many different outfits, dressing your look up or down for different days. I have found that J.Crew’s fabric is not always the highest quality, but that’s the compromise for the affordable price, and you can often find their pants on sale.

Reformation Mason Pant

Sizes: 0 to 12 | Inseam lengths: 29.8 to 32 inches | Colors: 6 total, including Khaki and Charcoal | Fabric: 100% Tencel lyocell | Waist type: Zip fly, button closure

• What’s notable: Loose and flowy, the fit is comfortable and elegant, and they come in both regular and petite inseams to accommodate smaller people. Multiple pockets add functionality.
• What could be better: They’re more expensive than most of our other picks.

Many fashion stylists consider Reformation a top choice for work pants. You can shop a variety of slim to wide-leg silhouettes: The Mason pant is a bestseller for its relaxed fit, variety of colors and eucalyptus-based Tencel fabric that can be recycled and feels soft on the skin. 

I found that the material is very soft, falls nicely and is breathable. On the downside, it’s also prone to wrinkling so you will need to steam iron these and neatly hang them to avoid a rumpled look. The leg is definitely wide, and the length is long, which is great if you’re tall. If you’re on the short side, this pant comes in a petite length.