It is impossible for a mass-made pant to flatter each woman’s particular combination of stomach, bum, hips, and legs — unless of course, the pant in question is stretchy. Stretchy fabric not only enables a pant to fit and flatter multiple body types, but it also makes the pant oh-so-comfortable. But as you know, many stretchy pants are athletic-oriented, cheap-looking, or too revealing to be suitable for work. Pants made for dressier activities fit so few perfectly due to their structured, unforgiving nature. Thankfully, I have found the stretchy exceptions that rise to the occasion. Without further ado, here are the best work pants that also happen to be the most comfortable pants for women that do not have yoga in their name.
Note: Almost all of these pants come in black even though most are not shown in black. Just click on the image and go to the black option if you are in need of a black work pant.
If you’re looking for work blouses to pair with these flattering pants check out my post on the Best Work Blouses.
Maeve The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
This is the best cropped wide leg pant ever made! Everyone must have these insanely comfortable and flattering pants! The linen cotton blend is lightweight, stretchy beyond belief, and appropriate for most work environments. It comes in a handful of colors and sizes from petite to plus sizing. I have put this pant on every single client since it was created and everyone raves. The only issue is these pants can wrinkle and stretch out a bit. If you wash these pants at home, you will need a steamer or iron. If you are an excellent delegator, put off cleaning them as long as you can and then dry clean them once a month — just make sure you say “no crease,” since we don’t need them looking like men’s slacks.
Sizing Tip: Mostly true to size, but you can probably go down a size. Order both sizes and try them on at home.
Kobi Halperin Alexandra Slim Ankle Work Pants (Best Work Pants of All time)
The Kobi Halperin Alexandra ankle pant has my personal vote for the best work pants on this list. In fact, I mentioned them in an older post titled, The 4 Best Fitting Pants and you can see me wearing them in a different color in the photo below too. Every single client I have put in these pants has loved them. Thank goodness they are still available! They are utterly comfortable, but masquerade as a proper pant. They are available in several different colors at Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s.
Sizing Tip: The waistband is a teensy bit small, so because I am between a size 4 and size 6, I went with a size 6. The whole pant stretches amazingly, but you will need a size up for the structured waistband.
Kobi Halperin Alexandra Slim Ankle Work Pants – in Navy!
This pant again! I just wanted to show it in navy as well. As mentioned above, the Kobi Halperin Alexandra ankle pant has my personal vote for the best work pants on this list, so obviously I needed to show you a second color here. They are utterly comfortable, but masquerade as a proper pant. They are available in several different colors at Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s.
Sizing Tip: The waistband is a teensy bit small, so because I am between a size 4 and size 6, I went with a size 6. The whole pant stretches amazingly, but you will need a size up for the structured waistband.
Vince High Waist Cigarette Pant
The Vince High Waist Cigarette Pant is also beloved by my clients. It is intensely flattering and works well for both work and as a sexier pant for the weekend. Another perk, although it is very stretchy and forgiving for the average woman, it comes in a double zero (00) so it has been a godsend for my petite clients. This work pant is available at Bloomingdale’s, Vince, Bergdorf Goodman, and Zappos.
Veronica Beard Zip Back Scuba Pant
The Veronica Beard Zip Back Scuba Pants are super stretchy and super, super comfortable. Did I mention how comfortable they are? These work pants are available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Veronica Beard.
Sizing Tip: Runs large.
J.Crew Cameron Slim Crop Pant in Four-Season Stretch
J.Crew always makes the best work pants. Right now, my clients are raving about the Cameron slim crop pant. They are fantastically flattering, and especially amazing for work because they appear structured, while still being stretchy. This pant also comes in numerous yummy colors that are constantly being updated throughout the year.
Sizing Tip: They run true to size. Note, they are supposed to be snug on the bum, but you don’t want them to be tight.
J.Crew Cameron Slim Crop Pant In Four-Season Stretch – in Heather Graphite!
I also had to show you the J.Crew Cameron Slim Crop Pant in a versatile grey color that will work for those in more conservative work environments.
J.Crew High-rise Cameron Pant In Four-season Stretch
The same J.Crew Cameron pant now also comes with a high-waist. Referred to as the J.Crew High-rise Cameron Pant, I find this to be the most flattering version for most women. No more muffin top, thank you very much. And the fabric button closure is a bit more charming and sophisticated than its cousin above. I would just recommend a shorter-waisted person go with the slightly lower-waisted pant above instead of this high-waist option.
Vince Camuto Slim Leg Tech Ponte Ankle Pants
Vince Camuto is another one of my go-tos for comfortable works pants, and the Vince Camuto Slim Leg Tech Ponte Ankle Pants is no exception.
Sizing Tip: Runs true to size, but order a size down as well as your usual size, to make a comparison.
Lafayette 148 New York Acclaimed Stretch Gramercy Pants
My curvier clients have been loving the side zip Lafayette 148 New York pant. It has a comfy, slimming fit for rounder hips and fuller thighs — my body type does not do these pants justice. Despite their stretch, these pants are made from a strong medium weight fabric that does not reveal cellulite and can masquerade as a structured pant — aka, they’re perfect for work, especially if you don’t like tucking in your shirt. A side zip pant is all about the untucked tops. They’re available at Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks 5th Avenue, and Lafayette 148.
Sizing note: These pants run large. I am wearing a size 2, but am usually a 4 or 6.
NYDJ ‘Betty’ Stretch Ankle Pants
These Betty stretch ankle pants are one of my favorite ankle pants right now. My clients love their look, feel, and stretchy pajama comfort. Although these have made the best work pants list, they are also good for play since you can wear them with heels or flats. These work pants are available at Nordstrom Rack and Amazon.
Sizing Tip: They run large. If you get a size too big, it bags a bit in the crotch. To avoid this, make sure you get the smallest size you can. Remember, they are supposed to be snug.
NYDJ Stretch Knit Trousers
These NYDJ ponte trousers are the best work pants for those who want a more traditional, aka longer and more flared, pant for work. They stretch like crazy, but you will feel completely put together. They are available at Nordstrom (in Plus sizes here), NYDJ, and Amazon.
Sizing Tip: NYDJ runs big, but not as big as previous years. Compare two sizes to be sure you have the right size for you.
Vince Stitched Seam Leggings
The Vince Stitched Seam Leggings are cut for a smooth fit from waist to ankle in a substantial stretch knit from Italy. These pants are available at Bloomingdale’s, Shopbop, Nordstrom, Vince, Zappos, and Amazon.
Sizing Tip: Runs a bit small. Order a size up as well as your usual size to compare.
Vince Stitch Front Seam Leggings
I just had to show you the Vince Stitch Front Seam Leggings in this lovely dark blue as well. They are available at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Vince, Shopbop, Zappos, and Amazon.
Sizing Tip: Runs a bit small. Order a size up as well as your usual size to compare.
Emerson Rose Side Zip Ankle Stretch Cotton Pants
These Emerson Rose Side Zip Ankle Stretch Cotton Pants are the newest client favorite. They are high-waisted with a side zip, so your hips and belly are lovingly smoothed out. This means goodbye muffin top. This also means that you won’t be tucking your top into this pant. Those of you who hate tucking in your shirt can rejoice, as these pants shine best with an untucked blouse.
Sizing Tip: They run true to size, but you could go down a size if you want to compare the fit. Keep in mind, they should fit snug-ish to the body. Lastly, these will need to be hemmed on girls shorter than 5′ 7″, and look great as is on you taller gals.
