16 Best Work Pants for Women in 2025, Based on Comfort and Style
Personally, I think all of these pants deserve a raise!
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There are few things in this chaotic, wonderful world that make me feel more powerful than a good pair of work pants. And when I say "work pants," I'm not talking about stiff, starchy, beige slacks (unless you're into that kind of thing). As office dress codes have relaxed, so has the definition of the dress pant—and in my opinion, the best work pants for women tend to be both comfortable and professional. I'm talking pants that look just as good with a blouse as they do a slinky little night-out-at-the-bars top (which, by the way, the Gen Z version of wearing a blazer to the club, but I digress).
Whether you're into slouchy and full-length or fitted and cropped, we've rounded up a whole range of highly-rated women's work pants (including options in a variety of lengths for both petite and tall folks!). From linen and cotton to ponte and performance, these selects include a fit and fabric for everyone—and they'll all look amazing with your fave pair of high heels or work sneakers. Oh, and most importantly: Almost all of these work pants are machine washable for easy maintenance, because who has time to dry clean these days?
Our top picks for the best work pants for women in 2025:
Ready to up your office style game? Read on for the best work pants for women that we landed on, according to some very passionate Cosmo editors and customer reviews.
Pros
- Great budget price point
- Comes in tons of different colors
- Roomy fit around the hips and crotch
Cons
- Stretchy back waistband may feel too casual for some offices
You don't have to shell out a ton of money for cute work pants, and these Halara beauties are proof. They bring all the comfort (loose legs! Extra high waist!) while still looking 100 percent office-appropriate. Lifestyle Editor Hannah Chubb is a huge fan of these pants and "immediately ordered them in other colors hours after receiving them."
- Material: 97% polyester, 3% elastane
- Sizes: 23 to 37
- Inseam: 27" for petite, 28.5" for regular, or 31" for tall
- Colors: 23 options
Glowing customer review: "These are my favorite pants!!! They fit great, look good, and wash like a dream (no ironing necessary). They are versatile and can be dressed up for work or can be dressed down for a casual event. You won’t regret buying them."
Pros
- Snug, stretchy, comfy knit material that feels like loungewear
- Cropped leg works for all heights
- Hidden side zipper for a clean look
Cons
- Some reviewers say the pants loosen a little throughout the day
See these pants? Fashion girls have been drooling over a, err, very similar and much more expensive version of these pants for the past year or two. This under-$100 pair from Everlane is basically identical, and customers love how well they fit thanks to the snug, stretchy fabric.
- Material: 58% organic cotton, 38% modal, 4% elastane
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Inseam: 27"
- Colors: 4 options
Editor review: "I! Love! These! Pants! They're so comfy and stretchy, they basically feel like really put-together leggings. If I'm running late one morning, I'll throw these on with an oversized button-up and a pair of ballet flats for an instantly chic outfit." - Hannah Oh, Shopping Editor
Pros
- Relaxed, roomy, wide-leg fit
- Doesn't wrinkle easily
- Stretchy fabric yet still looks clean and professional
Cons
- Run a little long in length, even with petite sizing
Another excellent High Sport dupe, these dramatic wide-leg pants look just like their $960 counterpart for hundreds less. You'll be the coolest person in the office when you wear these pants. Designed with a loose, oversized fit in mind, these pants are roomy without looking unprofessional. Talk about versatile!
- Material: 97% polyester, 3% elastane
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Inseam: 30" for petite, 32" for regular, or 35" for tall
- Colors: 2 options
Editor review: "I've been eyeing the High Sport Long Kick Pant for over a year now, but I simply cannot justify spending nearly 900 dollars on a pair of basic black pants. After months of searching for a good dupe, I ended up finding these. This may sound dramatic, but it's one of the best clothing items I've purchased in legit years. The material feels really luxe and wears/washes well, and the fit is perfect. They look really tailored and put together while being incredibly comfortable, too." - Lauren Balsamo, Beauty Director
Pros
- Doesn't wrinkle easily, great for packing
- Comes in tons of different colors as well as other fabrics, lengths, and leg shapes
Cons
- The lightest shades are slightly see-through, according to reviewers
When I wear my Effortless Pants to work, I don't even feel the need to change out of them when I get home thanks to the roomy fit and breezy fabric—that's how comfy they are. These pants make me feel oh-so-polished thanks to the subtle pleats and perfect length. And because these Aritzia pants are so beloved, the brand made them available in seven other fabrics, a wider leg shape, a curvy version, a cropped version, and a shorts version.
- Material: 100% polyester
- Sizes: 00-16
- Inseam: Shorter (below 5'0"), Short (5'0" to 5'2"), Regular (5'3" to 5'7"), or Tall (above 5'7")
- Colors: 22 options
Glowing customer review: "True to size. Perfect for everyday. I could wear these for a plane/travel day or to work. Can be dressed up or down. Versatile and they never pill. Easy to launder. Have no notes."
Pros
- Available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and lengths
- Great for dressing up or down
- Fabric is a great weight to be a transition piece
Cons
- Tend to wrinkle pretty easily
I own these pants in three different colors, and honestly, I want more. Featuring a tailored wide leg, a partially-elasticated waistband, and fun pleating details, these ultra-high rise pants are so, so comfortable. They still make you look totally put-together and they come in a range of sizes as well as a Curve Love version for those who want more wiggle room in the hips and thighs.
- Material: 80% polyester, 16% viscose, 4% elastane
- Sizes: 23 to 37
- Inseam: 28" for short, 30" for regular, or 32" for long
- Colors: 13 options
Glowing customer review: "I love love love these pants! I have them in two different colors and wear them constantly. The fit is so good on different body types and is easy to style with. Will 100% be buying more color soon!"
Pros
- Fabric is both stretchy and smoothing
- Work well for all seasons
- Comes in a tall length, which isn't as common for cropped pants
Cons
- Might be prone to wrinkling
Made with Anthro's proprietary Magic Fabric (which uses a blend of viscose, linen, cotton, and elastane), these pants are somehow both stretchy and sculpting, boasting a form-fitting high rise and cute cropped hem. And while the fabric feels thick and substantial, it's still really breathable, which is a big plus in my book.
- Material: 47% viscose, 35% linen, 15% cotton, 3% elastane
- Sizes: 23 to 48
- Inseam: 24" for petite, 25" for plus, 26" for standard, or 29" for tall
- Colors: 8 options
Glowing customer review: "Best pants I’ve ever bought. I now have four pairs. Comfortable. True to size. Flattering. Stretchy but feel very polished. Pockets in the front are a nice touch. I love the wide leg and the slight cropped feel. Great fabric, too."
Pros
- Pretty good quality for the price
- Includes functional side pockets
- High stretch for comfort
Cons
- A bit sheer in lighter colors, per a few reviewers
Found: Work pants that feel like leggings but look like professional trousers (and won't cost you more than $40). Though inexpensive, these pants feature lots of elevated details that make them look pricier than they are, like those two side pockets, the faux back welt pockets, and the pintuck seam detailing down the front of the pants.
- Material: 75% polyester, 25% spandex
- Sizes: 25 to 35 (S-2X)
- Inseam: 25" for petite, 27" for regular, or 29" for tall
- Colors: 8 options
Glowing customer review: "These pants have exceeded my expectations. They are really flattering and professional-looking and are SO comfortable. You can wear these pants to a corporate job interview, on a date, or to walk your dog. Super versatile. I plan to order more in other colors!"
Pros
- So light and breezy
- Lighter colors are lined for coverage
Cons
- Zippered pockets might be too casual depending on your office
Listen, I know lululemon isn't the first place you'd think to shop for work clothes, but these pants are everything. Ideal for travel (since they're lightweight and wrinkle-resistant), testers love these pants for their relaxed fit and stretchy waistband—but they also look surprisingly profesh due to the lined fabric and longer length.
- Material: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane
- Sizes: 20.5 to 34 (0-14)
- Inseam: 32"
- Colors: 11 options
Glowing customer review: "In love with these pants. Incredibly comfortable and versatile. I dressed them up with a blazer and flats for work but have also worn them with white sneakers more casually for everyday wear. I’ve raved about these to everyone. Will be purchasing in more colors for sure."
Pros
- Lightly compressive and smoothing without feeling restricting
- Amazingly resistant to wrinkles
- Ankle length fit
Cons
- May be too thick for warmer months
Hundreds of reviewers have called these the holy grail work pants, and let me tell you, they definitely live up to the hype. The secret is in the buttery-soft ponte fabric, which is thick and oh-so-slightly compressive for A+ shaping. And while they look like leggings, the faux back welt pockets and side seams keep them looking very much like professional pants.
- Material: 68% rayon, 28% nylon, 4% elastane
- Sizes: 24.5 to 48 (XS-3X)
- Inseam: 28" for petite, 30.5" for regular, 32.5" for tall
- Colors: Black, True Red
Glowing customer review: "These are so comfortable and feel so supportive. The fabric is such high-quality, the length is just what I was looking for. I can't say enough about these slacks. They are worth the price!"
Pros
- Stretch well without losing their shape
- Incredibly versatile
Cons
- A bit tough to button, according to a few reviews
- May be too cropped for taller folks
Not to be dramatic, but I actually gasped when I put these pants on in the Everlane dressing room—they're really that good. The organic twill fabric feels like a dream, while the waist-nipping, butt-lifting, leg-lengthening design truly looks both fab and professional. What's not to love?
- Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
- Sizes: 24 to 35.5 (00-16)
- Inseam: 26.5"
- Colors: Pumice Stone, Black, Bone, Beech, Toasted Coconut, Cocoa, or Navy
Glowing customer review: "These pants are buttery soft, thick, well made (good stitching), and perfect for my body type: short and curvy. I’m honestly amazed at how flattering and comfy they are—normally I have to pick between those two. I loved them so much I bought them in another color."
Pros
- Thick, soft, and resistant to wrinkling
- Semi-fitted and tapered for a tailored look
Cons
- Fabric tends to pill over time, per a few testers
If you hate pulling out the iron (or, like me, are too lazy to even own one), these are the pants for you. Great for work trips and casual Fridays, Athleta's semi-fitted, tapered-leg commuter pants are made with PrimaStretch fabric, which is buttery soft, subtly textured, and amazingly wrinkle-resistant. Corporate meets cozy? I'm in.
- Material:86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex
- Sizes: 25 to 46 (0-26)
- Inseam: 25.5" for petite, 27.5" for regular, 30.5" for tall
- Colors: Abalone Grey, Granite Blue, Aspen Olive, Navy, Black, or Deep Fern
Glowing customer review: "I love these pants! Perfect for work. The waistband is super comfortable. Love the pockets and the feel of the fabric—thick enough to not stick or cling to my body, but not so thick that it's suffocating. Please make these in every color!"
Pros
- Great for travel, since they're stretchy and wrinkle-resistant
- Tapered for a streamlined look
Cons
- Only available in one length
Yes, I know these are a little on the pricey side. But when I tell you the Colby Pant is worth the investment, I mean it. These bestsellers are made with OrigamiTech, which means they're machine washable, lightweight, and resistant to wrinkles for easy travel. And while these tapered pants will give you the stretch and comfort of sweatpants, they also look chic with a blazer and heels.
- Material: 90% polyester, 10% polyurethane
- Sizes: 24 to 39.5 (00-20)
- Inseam: 28"
- Colors: 8 options
Glowing customer review: "These pants are great for a long workday or travel. They are machine washable and hold their shape all day without wrinkles. I LOVE the zippered pockets and leg shape. For me, they are straight-legged without looking or feeling clingy/skinny."
Pros
- Super low-maintenance
- Provide a relaxed fit while still looking polished
Cons
- Come in only one inseam option
For the person who wants to get away with wearing sweatpants to work, please meet the Elevation Trouser. Made from a versatile stretch-knit fabric that's super airy and legit feels like suede, these pants have the tailored fit of your favorite pleated trousers but the coziness of yoga pants (which is probably why they keep selling out!!).
- Material: 87% recycled polyester, 13% elastane
- Sizes: 23 to 37 (XXS-2X)
- Inseam: 30.25"
- Colors: Ecru, Black, or Midnight
Glowing Customer Review: "I love these pants. They are super form-fitting and fall so nicely. While they have the softness of sweatpants, they look great in the office."
Pros
- Thick, stretchy, and wrinkle-proof
- Lightly compressive
- Great size range
Cons
- Not available in a shorter inseam option
Soft yet structured, these Universal Standard ponte pants mean serious business (in, like, a fun way). Yes, they've got an elasticated waist, but they also have the structure and tailoring of Very Important Person slacks. And, like all the best ponte pants,they're stretchy, smoothing, and resistant to wrinkling.
- Material:60% rayon, 35% nylon, 5% elastane
- Sizes: 24 to 70 (00-40)
- Inseam: 27" for regular, 32" for long
- Colors: 8 options
Glowing customer review: "These are the BEST work pants. They are a lovely weight, so they look and feel professional and finished, and hang beautifully. The elastic waist is thick and comfy—a total win. I have them in 3 colors, and will buy a second black pair soon."
Pros
- Silky-soft and lightweight
- Drape so nicely
- Comes in tons of colors and patterns
Cons
- Run a little long in length, even with petite sizing
Here they are: the easy, breezy, beautiful work pants of your dreams. The Mason Pant is made with eucalyptus fiber (which is known for being ultra-breathable and silky-soft) and complete with chic pleated details—plus, it's available in both petite and extended sizes. Oh, and did I mention that Reformation offers free alterations?
- Material: 100% Tencel lyocell
- Sizes: 25 to 47.5 (0-24)
- Inseam: 29.75" for petite or 32" for standard
- Colors: 9 options
Glowing customer review: "These are perfect in every way! I had to have the bottoms hemmed just a bit, but if you wear heels you probably won't need to hem. Comfortable, stylish, flattering. Can be dressed up or down. Slightly prone to wrinkles, but nothing a quick steam can't take care of."
Pros
- Softer and thicker than many linen trousers
- Stylish flare design
- Not scratchy at all
Cons
- Run a little long in length, even with petite sizing
The problem with a lot of linen pants: They can feel a lil scratchy. But that won't be a problem with the Carolina Flare Pant, which is made with a blend of premium linen and Sorona (a plant-based material that's super-soft and breathable). The result: Pants that drape beautifully and feel like silk on your skin.
- Material: 67% linen, 33% Sorona bio-polyester
- Sizes: 24 to 45.5 (0-24)
- Inseam: 30" for petite, 32" for classic, or 35" for tall
- Colors: Navy, Black, Flax Ivory, or White
Glowing Customer Review: "I have been on the hunt for a dressy but comfortable pair of linen slacks and these fit the bill! I ordered the white and they are beautiful—the lining is thick and high-quality. The wide-leg style is chic. I am not one to normally spend this amount on pants... but these are an investment and are worth every penny."
Why trust 'Cosmo'?
Cosmo's team of digital fashion experts have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. These work pants were chosen based on style, functionality, testability, price point, and so many reviews to put together this shoppable list of the very best for you!
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
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