Editors and Reviewers Agree: These Are the *Best* Black Work Pants

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: 69% viscose, 27% nylon, 4% 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,” says Cosmo editor Corinne Sullivan. “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.”

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% viscose
• Size Range: 00-16
• Fit: Plus, Standard, Petite, and Tall

THE REVIEW: According to associate editor Chaise Sanders, “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.”

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: 23-37
• Fit: Short, Regular, Long

THE REVIEWS: “I swear by these Abercrombie pants in their Curve Love fit,” says senior editor Lauren Alexis Fisher. “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.”

And according to associate shopping editor Hanna Flanagan, “These are my favorite black pants for work and the weekend!”

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: 00-40
• Style: With Zipper, Without Zipper, Pintuck

THE REVIEW: As senior astrology editor Erika W. Smith says, “These have been my go-to black pants for years now. They are super comfy, but still look more dressed up than leggings.”

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: 47% modal, 46% polyester, 7% elastane
• Size Range: XS-3X
• Fit: Regular, Tall, Petite

THE REVIEW: “These are the most comfortable pants you will ever own,” writes one reviewer. “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!”

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,” one review reads. “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.”

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: 92% polyamide, 8% elastane
• Size Range: 2-12

THE REVIEW: “I love the fit, feel and functionality of these pants!” says editor Corinne Sullivan. “They are super light, incredibly comfy, and have large pockets, which is always a plus.”

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,” one tester writes. “I love the small waist, wide leg look! They are so versatile. I have them in 4 colors! Highly recommend.”

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,” one review reads. “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.”

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: 68% rayon, 28% nylon, 4% elastane
• Size Range: XS – 3X
• Fit: 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,” senior editor Lauren Alexis Fisher says. “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.”

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: According to associate editor Venezia Moorer, “These are super-flattering, so I got them in every color.”

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,” one tester writes. “These have been my favorite jeans for over 10 years. I love them!”

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
• Size Range: 00-16

THE REVIEW: As one buyer writes, “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!”