</p><p>With sooo many work pant options out there, finding the right pair can feel like a full-time job in itself, which is where I come in to help. With all-day comfort and style in mind, I did a little digging to find the absolute best black work pants for women. And by digging, I mean I Slack messaged the <em>Cosmo</em> team for their favorite editor-approved picks, scrolled through hundreds and hundreds of internet reviews to find the best, and tried on a few pair of my own. Below, the 12 best black work pants worth buying right now. </p>” />
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1
Best Cropped Wide-Leg Work Pants
Maeve Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Ponte Pants
1
Best Cropped Wide-Leg Work Pants
Maeve Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Ponte Pants
Pros
- Flattering high-rise design
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- Fabric stretches out after a few wears, according to some reviewers
The perfect wide-leg pants don’t exi—. Okay, step aside because these rave-reviewed wide-leg pants have officially entered the room. These fan favorite flared trousers give that easy-going cool girl aesthetic that we’ve all been looking for. If the super flattering high-rise, stretchy fabric combo has you grabbing for these every single day, don’t worry—this is a judgement free zone.
- Material: Viscose, nylon, and elastane
- Size Range: 23-34
- Fit: Petite, Standard, Tall, and Plus
THE REVIEW: “As a short girl, it’s tough to find cropped, wide-leg pants that *actually* fall at the ankle. But these gorgeous ponte pants are available in a wide range of sizes (including petite, tall, and plus-size) so you can find the perfect fit. I love the high rise, the chic wide leg, and the thick yet suuuuper breathable viscose and nylon fabric. For me, these are a closet staple.” – Editor, Corinne Sullivan
2
Best Linen Blend Work Pants
Madewell Tailored Tapered Pant in Linen-Blend
2
Best Linen Blend Work Pants
Madewell Tailored Tapered Pant in Linen-Blend
Pros
- Breezy, lightweight material that’s ideal for warmer weather
- Elastic waistband
Cons
- Some reviewers say they run large
- Material feels thin
I call these the Hannah Montana pants because you really do get the best of both worlds. Designed with a breezy, eco-friendly linen blend, these best-selling track pants are where sporty meets polished thanks to the subtle pleats and partially elasticized waist that won’t dig into your organs while sitting all day.
- Material: 53% linen/47% Lenzing™ Ecovero™ viscose
- Size Range: 00-16
- Fit: Plus, Standard, Petite, and Tall
THE REVIEW: “I just got these pants and can’t believe I’ve gone this long without having them in my closet. I have to stop myself from wearing them everyday because they’re lightweight, breezy and the perfect crop.” – Associate Editor, Chaise Sanders
3
Best Tailored Work Pants
Abercrombie Sloane Tailored Pant
3
Best Tailored Work Pants
Abercrombie Sloane Tailored Pant
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Partially elasticated waistband for a comfortable, but polished fit
- Available in curve fit as well as short, regular, and long lengths
Cons
- Inconsistent sizing
- Can run small in the waist
Twelve-year-old, cami-wearing me would’ve never guessed that I’d be right back at Abercrombie as a 20-something looking for her next favorite pair of work pants…yet here we are. Abercrombie’s high-waisted tailored pants are available in three different lengths (short, regular, and long) as well as in the brand’s Curve Love line fit, which makes it 1000 times easier to find your best fit.
- Material: 80% Polyester, 16% Viscose, 4% Elastane
- Size Range: 23W-37W
- Fit: Short, Regular, Long
THE REVIEWS: “I swear by these Abercrombie pants in their Curve Love fit. It’s so hard to find a pair of work pants that a) fit my curves and b) I don’t have to get hemmed (I’m 5’2!), and this style in the Short length fits like a dream. They’re also easy to dress up or dress down, which is always a bonus.” — Senior Editor, Lauren Alexis Fisher
“These are my favorite black pants for work and the weekend!” – Associate Shopping Editor, Hanna Flanagan
4
Best Work Pants That Feel Like Leggings
Universal Standard Moro Pocket Signature Ponte Pants
4
Best Work Pants That Feel Like Leggings
Universal Standard Moro Pocket Signature Ponte Pants
Pros
- Pilling-resistant material
- Deep pockets
- Available in wide range of sizes 4XS-4XL
Cons
- No options available for inseam customization
If you’re like me and don’t want to give up leggings just to sit at a desk where no one even sees your full ‘fit, these work pants are for you. Made from pilling resistant, mid-weight ponte, they are the ultimate dress up/dress down style designed with a high waist, discreet pockets, and matte black zippers at the ankle.
- Material: 60% Rayon 35% Nylon 5% Elastane
- Size Range: 4XS-4XL
- Style: With Zipper, Without Zipper, Pintuck
THE REVIEW: “These have been my go-to black pants for years now. They are super comfy, but still look more dressed up than leggings.” – Senior Astrology Editor, Erika Smith
5
Best Cropped Work Pants
Spanx AirEssentials Cropped Wide Leg Pant
5
Best Cropped Work Pants
Spanx AirEssentials Cropped Wide Leg Pant
Pros
- Lightweight fabric that can be worn all year-round
- 4-way stretch for a comfier fit
Cons
- Some may not like the look of the drawstring waistband
Just in case you missed the memo: Spanx aren’t just for shapewear anymore! For luxe comfort that feels silky smooth against your skin, these wide-leg pants are your friends. The smoothing fabric looks polished and elevated, but features four-way stretch that’s low-key super comfortable. The cropped length is also great for year-round wear and can be styled with sneakers, heels, sandals, and boots.
- Material: Spanx’s signature AirEssentials fabric
- Size Range: XS-3X
- Fit: Regular, Tall, Petite
THE REVIEW: “These are the most comfortable pants you will ever own. You can throw them on in the morning to lounge in, or you can dress them up and they look fabulous! The fit is right on, they’re super soft and they hold their shape. You won’t be disappointed!”
Pros
- High-waisted and wide-leg fit is easy to style with wide range of tops and shoes
Cons
- Only available in up to a size XL and no custom length options
Say hello to the perfect pair of high-waisted, wide-leg pants. Made with a soft and smooth lyocell fabric and complete with hidden inseam pockets that won’t do that annoying puff out thing, these are perfect for tucking all your tops into.
- Material: 100% lyocell
- Size Range: XS-XL
THE REVIEW: “The fabric of this pant is impossibly soft, I don’t even know what to compare it to. And it stays that way even after washing! I love the ‘boho’ fit of these – they’re flowy without make me feel boxy on the bottom.”
7
Best Cargo Work Pants
Athleta Vienna Cargo Pant
7
Best Cargo Work Pants
Athleta Vienna Cargo Pant
Now 27% Off
Pros
- Six (!!!) pockets
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- Slim-fit throughout leg may not be a favorite for everyone
Cargo pants are having their moment rn, so it only makes sense to have them make a special appearance in the office. Not only are these pants functional, thanks to all those pockets, but they give off that chill, cool-girl aesthetic.
- Material: Recycled Polyester, Spandex
- Size Range: 0-26
- Fit: Regular, Tall
THE REVIEW: “Love the fit, feel and functionality of these pants! They are super light, incredibly comfortable and have several large pockets for all the things you need to have quickly available.”
Pros
- Soft, lightweight fabric
Cons
- Some say the fabric and fit feels like scrubs
It’s kinda in the name—these Everlane pants are easy like Sunday morning (minus the Sunday scaries). Thanks to its lightweight cotton fabric, breathable silhouette, and pull-on waistband, getting dressed for the office has never been easier.
- Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane
- Size Range: XXS-XL
THE REVIEW: “If you want to accentuate your waist, but still have a lightweight, quality cotton pant, these are for you. I love the small waist, wide leg look! They are so versatile. I have them in 4 colors! Highly recommend.”
9
Best Wide-Leg Pants For Plus Sizes
Princess Polly Archer Pants Black Curve
9
Best Wide-Leg Pants For Plus Sizes
Princess Polly Archer Pants Black Curve
Pros
- Available in sizes 14-20
Cons
- Non-stretch material may not be comfortable for everyone’s taste
As a curvy girl, I understand the headache that is finding high-waisted pants that fit the thighs and the waist. Luckily, Princess Polly’s line designed just for gals like me is here to help with redesigns of their best-selling fan-favorites, like this pair of classic black work pants.
- Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
- Size Range: 14-20
THE REVIEW: “These are my go to black pants. I have two pairs now because I love these so much. The fit is great, the pants are cute and the quality is great. Would recommend to other people as they are so comfy yet so cute.”
10
Best Slim-Fit Work Pants
Spanx The Perfect Pant, Slim Straight
10
Best Slim-Fit Work Pants
Spanx The Perfect Pant, Slim Straight
If you haven’t heard of Spanx’s best-selling ‘The Perfect Pants,’ allow me to introduce you. Available in a tonnn of different fits (from wide-leg and flares to this super slim, straight-leg style), the brand’s signature pants are made of a super-smoothing yet soft fabric that feels comfortable but looks elevated. If you’re looking for slim-fitting black work pants, this ankle-length pair is ideal for showing off your best work heels (or flats!)
- Material: Body: 68% Rayon, 28% Nylon, 4% Elastane. Lining: 80% Polyester, 20% Elastane
- Size Range: XS – 3X; Regular, Petite, and Tall
THE REVIEW: “I have both the wide-leg and slim-fit styles of The Perfect Pants by Spanx, and I love how smoothing (yet still comfy) the fabric is. These slim-fit pants are great for showing off a good pair of heels and looking super pulled together without sacrificing comfort. The only downside, for me, is the fact that they don’t have a button or zipper, so the fit can look a bit legging-like across the hips when styled with certain tops.” —Lauren Alexis Fisher, Senior Editor
11
Best Budget Work Pants
Pull & Bear Regular Fit Pants With Seam
11
Best Budget Work Pants
Pull & Bear Regular Fit Pants With Seam
Pros
- Won’t break the bank
Cons
- No option for tall fit
Simple, versatile, and classic—all the features you could wish for in a perfect pair of work pants. There are two lengths available: standard and petite, and the blend makes them both soft and comfortable.
- Material: 62% polyester, 33% viscose, 5% elastane
- Size Range: XXS-XXL
- Fit: Standard and Petite
THE REVIEW: “These are super-flattering, so I got them in every color.” – Assistant Editor, Venezia Moorer
12
Best Black Skinny Jeans for Work
Old Navy Mid-Rise Black Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans
12
Best Black Skinny Jeans for Work
Old Navy Mid-Rise Black Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans
Now 50% Off
Pros
- Soft and breathable material
Cons
- Inconsistent sizing, according to some reviewers
Sorry, Gen-Z…skinny jeans aren’t going anywhere soon. These are some of Old Navy’s best-selling items for a reason and they go with just about anything your heart desires.
- Material: 73% Cotton, 25% Polyester, 2% Spandex
- Size Range: 00-30
- Fit: Regular, Tall, Petite
THE REVIEW: “A little higher waisted than I expected but still SUPER comfy. These have been my favorite jeans for over 10 years, love them!”
13
Best Vegan Leather Work Pants
Aritzia Melina™ Super High-Rise Pant
13
Best Vegan Leather Work Pants
Aritzia Melina™ Super High-Rise Pant
Now 34% Off
Pros
- Flattering super high-rise design
Cons
- Runs small
Aritzia girlies get it—the fan-favorite Melina pants have a universally flattering fit and are made of vegan leather that looks and feels just like the real thing.
- Material: 100% polyurethane; Interior: 100% polyester
- Size Range: 00-16
THE REVIEW: “Wasn’t sure how they’d fit since I am curvy with a smaller waist but super happy and can’t believe how nice they contour!”
Why trust Cosmo:
Why trust Cosmo:
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmo, who covers everything from beauty and style (anyone need a new straw hat for your European summer?) to entertainment and lifestyle (oh, and here’s some vacay Instagram captions for said Euro trip). With 3 years of digital editorial experience, she’s an expert at researching and sourcing from our amazing team who literally have alll the black pants recs a gal could ask for. Basically, she’s curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s her job (because it is, heh).
Plus, here at Cosmo, we have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes pieces for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don’t have to. You’re welcome!
Associate Editor
Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She’s got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you’re in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple’s newest residents, there’s a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.
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