Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers
For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds, sign up for the weekly Cut Shop Newsletter.
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.
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.
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true favorites
➼ Our experts
Updated on August 31, 2025: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sizes: 00 to 28 and petite and tall sizes | Colors: 3 | Materials: Tencel, Lyocel, cotton, linen
Expand your love for barrel-leg jeans into your workwear. These pants have a nice amount of drape and cinch in a bit at the ankle, so you can put all the focus on the shoes you love so much.
Sizes: 00 to 16 | Colors: 1 | Materials: Polyester, viscose, elastane
These soft and stretchy trousers will pair perfectly with nice blouses and blazers in the office. Add enough accessories and they can even work for fancier events. Vince makes luxe pieces you won’t mind wearing to work or even after.
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.
Sizes: 12 to 28 | Colors: 5 | Materials: Polyester, rayon, spandex
One of these shades of draped pants is bound to match that blazer you already own.
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Colors: 5 | 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 wide-leg pants with the perfect amount of drape; don’t forget to take advantage of the in-store alterations.
Sizes: 00 to 20, also available in tall and petite sizing | Colors: 8 | Materials: Linen, rayon
For those of you who don’t do neutrals, these trousers in the aptly named Tomato Sauce Red are a nice addition to your work wardrobe. Reviewers love the nearly perfect fit, including the tall and petite sizes.
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.
Sizes: 14 to 32 | Colors: 2 | Materials: Polyester
These wide-leg pants come equipped with a belt accent so you don’t have to worry about finding one to match.
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.
Sizes: 00 to 14 | Colors: 2 | Materials: Triacetate, 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.
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.
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.
- Lauren Adhav, Cut Shop contributor
- Hanna Flanagan, shopping editor at the Cut
- Chinea Rodriguez, shopping writer at the Cut
Source link
