If you’re a no-pants pro, you either work from home or are a celebrity leading the cutest underwear trend, to which we say congrats. But for the rest of us, we know the struggle: We desperately need women’s dress pants for work clothes (which we’ve reviewed), play, and everything in between.
But if you think we’re about to sit in itchy, stiff pants for eight-plus hours, you’re sorely mistaken. Pants need to be comfortable, fit well, and be ultra cute.
Whether you’re into skinny pants or wide-leg camp, we’ve realized that both are essential. Sometimes, you’ll want a soft pair from Vuori or lululemon that you can toss an oversized sweater over, while other times you’ll want some luxe wide-leg pants. No need to choose between either or when you can have them both.
Check out our guide to the best women’s dress pants to help you get there in style.
Pros:
- Bestseller
- Deep pockets
- Available in multiple inseams and cuts
- Easy to dress up or down
Cons:
- Prone to snagging, according to some reviews
Several people on the Post Wanted team are obsessed with the A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant and it’s not hard to understand why. The bestseller offers the perfect blend of modern meets classic, with a tailored look that’s perfect for the office. The high-rise cut is flattering to multiple body types, while the poly-viscose blend is lightweight but durable for multiple seasons. Regardless of the color you choose, these work pants for women look smart with a blazer, blouse, sweater — even a basic white tank!
New York Post Review: “I own multiple pairs of Abercrombie’s Sloane wide leg pants because they’re really that good. The fabric and design feel very high quality, and the structure has held up well over multiple years of wear and washes (and increasing days returning to the office). They are truly a perfect work pant, as they’re so versatile with what tops and shoes you can wear with them. But, since they’re so comfortable, I’ve also easily styled them for casual or streetwear. I love the functional front pockets and slight pleats, but more importantly, the generous size and color range offer something for everyone. Note that these run true to size. However, like other Abercrombie pants, the high waist is extremely high, especially if you have a shorter torso.” — Meaghan Roche, Senior SEO Commerce Manager
Sizes: 23-37 | Inseam: Extra short, short (28″), regular (30″), long as (32″), extra long | Color Option: 17 | Material: 80% Polyester, 16% Viscose, 4% Elastane
Pros:
- Has a built-in 360-degree smoothing panel
- Comes in multiple inseam lengths
SPANX has a new, well-tailored, slim, straight pair of pants that Audrey Hepburn would be jealous of. Trust us when we say that these sell out fast, don’t delay on grabbing a pair. The built-in 360-degree smoothing panel for the tummy is a real draw if you want pants with a bit of control for a slimming effect, plus they look good with flats, comfortable heels or even the right pair of booties.
Sizes: XS-XXXL| Inseam: Petite 26” (recommended for 5’4” and under), Regular 28”, Tall 31” (recommended for 5’11” and above) | Color Option: 5 | Material: 52% Cotton, 31% Lenzing™ Ecovero™ Viscose, 13% Polyester, 4% Lycra® Elastane. Lining: 70% Polyester, 30% Cotton |
Pros:
- Relaxed fit with defined pleats
- Functional back pockets
- Belt loops for those who like to accessorize
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- Sellout risk!
- Prone to wrinkling
Menswear continues to be a trending style and Madewell’s The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant is how we’re incorporating the look into our wardrobe. Made from a blend of TENCE, Lyocell and linen cotton, they’re lightweight and drapey — very cool girl and very comfortable. Falling at the natural waist, they feature a two-button closure, as well as belt loops if you want to take the look up a notch. We love the idea of pairing them with adidas Sambas, but they also look hot with some platform Doc Marten look-alikes and a half-tucked sweater.
Sizes: 0-16 | Inseam: Short (29″), regular | Color Option: 4 | Material: 48% TENCE, 33% Lyocell, 19% Cotton linen
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Plenty of give to the material
- Gets a high rating of 4.7 on Halara.com
Thanks to TikTok, Halara is a super trendy name and an accessible entry point to fashion. Grt these super stretchy pants designed with a slight flare in a wide array of colors and sizes. Right now, buy two for $59 or cover your work week with four for $119.
Sizes: XS-XXXL| Inseam: Regular, Petite, Tall | Color Option: 21 | Material: Made from 66% rayon, 30% nylon, 4% elastane
Pros:
- Durable
- Wrinkle-resistant
- High-waist design that elongates and slims
If you’re looking for high-waisted women’s dress pants, look no further than Quince, a quality brand that makes clothing dupes at affordable prices.
New York Post Review: “I love the Ultra-Stretch Ponte Super Wide Leg Pants from Quince. From the moment I slipped them on, I could feel that they were high quality. The fabric has a nice amount of weight, a bit of stretch, and is very soft. It’s also wrinkle-resistant — a huge bonus for me since I really don’t have time to iron anything before work. I have them in black, as well as navy, and always feel put together in them. Tip: measure yourself before ordering. They’re true to size but aren’t forgiving, despite the stretch.” – Holly J Coley, commerce updates editor
Sizes: XS-XL | Inseam: 30, 32 | (if applicable) Color Option: 6 | Material: Made from 60% rayon, 35% nylon, 5% spandex
Pros:
- Moisture wicking
- Fits true to size
- Made with 87% recycled content
Cons:
- If you’re allergic to comfortable material dressed up as dress pants, these aren’t for you
Move with ease in these high-rise trousers made from a DreamKnit Move knit that stretches and flexes just like you. One customer said, “These are by far the most comfortable work pants I have ever owned. You get home after a long day and don’t even care to take them off! They are like sweatpants!!”
The material is a bit thin, so seamless underwear is recommended to minimize bulky lines. Still, we think you’ll love them, especially paired with the right sweater or blouse.
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Inseam: Short, Regular, Tall | Color Option: 3 | Material: 87% Recycled Polyester, 13% Elastane
Pros:
- Stretchy waistband for comfort
- Curve-flattering, flowy cut
- Easy to style for different occasions
- Best women’s plus-size dress pants
Combining ease with elegance, one of the best women’s wide-leg dress pants that we’ve reviewed are the Torrid Pull-On Wide Leg Pant. Designed for maximum comfort without compromising style, they’re eye-catching and professional but fun. The stretch waistband ensures a perfect fit, while the flowy wide-leg cut flatters curves beautifully. Whether for work or a night out, these pants offer endless versatility.
New York Post Review: “The Pull-On Wide Leg Pant from Torrid is a great plus-size option for a dress pant that’s not a hassle to wear all day. I’ve found the pair I have to be incredibly comfortable and commuter-friendly with a stretchy waistband, functional pockets, and breathable fabric. They’re available in a variety of solid colors and fun, trendy patterns, and since mine are bright, I typically pair it with a very basic black T-shirt. While they do tend to wrinkle slightly when sitting, it’s never been a huge concern to me because the busy pattern covers it well.” — Angela Tricarico, commerce reporter
Size: 10-30 | Inseam: Regular, Short, Tall | Color options: Black, navy, charcoal | Material: Rayon, spandex blend
Pros:
- Naturally moisture-wicking
- Elastic back waist for a more comfortable fit
- Free shipping and easy returns
Pants that work for night, as well as day, always get our vote of confidence. We like the Quince Washable Stretch Silk Palazzo Pants for such purposes. They’re flowy material and cut looks almost like a maxi skirt, plus they’re buttery soft with a bit of stretch. Made from Mulberry silk, they’re ideal for warmer weather (which will be here before you know it), but worn beneath the right faux fur, we may take these for a spin in winter, too.
Sizes: XS-XL | Inseam: n/a | Color Option: 3 | Material: 90% Mulberry Silk, 10% Spandex
Pros:
- The material is dense but well-made so it can withstand some serious wear and tear for a long time
- They feel like they were tailor-made to my body
New York Post Review: “This item is definitely a splurge, one I carefully considered before purchasing. Wide-leg jeans with a cuff are trending right now, so I ordered a more affordable pair from Anthropologie to compare them with these Ulla Johnson jeans. The material was noticeably superior to the Anthropologie pair, and just by touching them side by side, I could tell these Ulla Johnson jeans would last for years to come (as long as I don’t outgrow them). I love how they fit, and I get endless compliments every time I wear them. They elevate a casual look and even make jeans appropriate for the office. They’re definitely worth saving up for. Needless to say, I returned the cheaper pair of pants.” Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce reporter
Sizes: 24-31 | Inseam: N/A | Color Option: 1 | Material: Cotton
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Linen is light and airy for summer
Cons:
- Some customers find they shrink after washing, so handle with care
Look no further than these best sellers at J. Crew for a light and breathable fabric: 100% linen. Unlike most linen pants, these buttoned-up trousers do not use drawstrings to pull them close, so it has a more polished vibe. It’s available in five colors, from petite to tall.
Sizes: 00-24 | Inseam: Classic, Petite, Tall | Color Option: 5 | Material: 100% linen
Pros:
- Pin-tuck stitching
- Stretchy
- Washing machine friendly
These may look like basic work pants but they have a few features that make them worth the investment. Enhanced for softness and featuring four-way stretch, the high-rise pants are made with sustainable Birla Livaeco viscose, and are relaxed in the thigh for extra comfort. They’re a pull-on design (again, comfort), and are so soft that if we close our eyes, we swear we’re responding to Slack messages in our favorite joggers.
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Inseam: Regular, Tall, Petite | Color Option: 2 | Material: 71% Birla Livaeco viscose rayon, 24% nylon, 5% elastane
Pros:
- Functional pockets
- Relaxed fit
- Lightweight fabric
- Machine washable
Style experts often recommend buying a garment in multiple color options when you find something you love and we certainly wouldn’t mind having multiple pairs of these work pants from Old Navy. Besides having an effortlessly chic fit, they’re available in regular, petite and tall, plus come in a wide selection of colors and prints. The soft twill fabric is comfortable, too, which is exactly what matters when you’re at the office all day.
Sizes: XXS-4X | Inseam: Regular, Tall, Petite | Color Option: 10 | Material: 68% recycled polyester, 30% rayon, 2% spandex
Pros:
- Over 3,000 reviews with a 5-star rating
- Versatile wear from working out to officewear
- Comfy waistband with plenty of stretch
Athleta wins the award for most comfortable dress pants for women. If you love to commute by bike while still pulling off a polished look to the office, Athleta is exactly what you’re looking for. It was creating versatile clothing long before other brands jumped on board, and it is not celebrated as much as it should be for the best sporty professional wear. The Brooklyn MidRise Ankle Pant is a great option for multi-use activities, sold in various colors and lengths.
Sizes: 00-26 | Inseam: Regular, Tall, Petite | Color Option: 8 | Material: 86% Recycled Polyester/14% Elastane
How we tested
The best dress pants for both work and play make use of three top qualities: comfort, fit and style. The best options combine tailored fits with stretchy fabrics like wool blends and performance materials.
We focused on features such as a flexible waistband, moisture-wicking properties, and breathable fabrics to ensure all-day comfort, whether you’re sitting through meetings or heading out for after-hours activities. Additionally, we looked for pants that could easily transition from formal office settings to more relaxed environments without sacrificing style or sophistication.
Other places worth considering for cozy pants are Vuori, Walmart, and Target, but if you want something dressier and still budget-friendly, look at Old Navy or Express.
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