There are so many black pants out there, it can be hard to separate the run-of-the-mill from the truly special. The best black work pants—including our top picks from Aritzia, J.Crew and Spanx—offer an impeccable fit, luxe fabrics and comfortable designs for long days at the office, travel days, work events and everything in between.
One key rule to follow when shopping: Just because your pants are work appropriate doesn’t mean they have to be frumpy or basic. From wide leg pairs to flares to cropped styles, here are all the best black work pants that we highly recommend.
Cut from a crepe fabric that’s flowy and basically wrinkle-proof, the Aritzia Effortless Pant looks stylish and professional even after a long day at the office. With structured front knife pleats and an elastic back waistband, these are your quintessential business-comfort pair. They come in three lengths so you don’t have to invest in an extra trip to the tailor. In addition to black, this pair comes in four other easy to wear neutrals, so you can have a color for every day of the week.
Stylish Seaming Makes These Special
J.Crew Natalia Pant
Several key details will make this pant your next office all-star: The front seaming will make legs look a mile long, it has a high rise that’s both flattering and comfy, and the fabric has stretch with great snapback, so it never loses its shape. These also come in classic, petite and tall lengths.
Smoothing Stretchy Style
Spanx Smooth PerfectFit Ponte Kick Flare Pant
This pull-on, 4-way stretch style is notorious for its compression fit, comfort and contouring. The kick flare style looks great with ballet or pointy toe flats and just about any top or fitted sweater. Note, however, that these don’t have pockets to maintain the streamlined silhouette. They come in regular, petite and tall length as well as sizes from XS to 3X.
Chic, Elongating Flare
Veronica Beard Hibiscus Scuba Pant
Veronica Beard’s scuba fabric is notoriously luxe and wears well throughout your workday. The lightweight nylon elastane blend is stretchy for comfort, but note that these fit best on taller frames and given their extended length are best worn with a heel.
High Rise, Slim Leg Style With Tonal Design Details
Me+Em Perfect Workwear Slim Crop Pant
Me+Em’s pants are sought out for their tailoring and fit, and this style is a top pick for its thoughtful details. It features front seaming to elevate and elongate, pockets are placed slightly to the front for a more flattering effect, and it has discreet detailing at the waistband and side seams to add low key but impactful fashion elements.
Chic And Comfortable Stretchy Pair
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Super Wide Leg Ankle Pants
These pants are so comfortable, it almost feels like cheating to call them a work pant. They feature a rayon and nylon double knit ponte fabric with four-way stretch and an elastic waistband so you can feel just as cozy during your 9 to 5 as you would on your couch. This pair is cropped but pintuck seaming elongates the leg. We love this style with an understated flat so the pants can take center stage.
Flowy Power Pant With A High Waist
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Pant
The term “work pant” can sometimes imply boring and safe, and while these are certainly work appropriate, we consider them more of a fashion pant. A fluid fabric, high waist and front pleats make these boardroom friendly while still maintaining your chic style reputation. These have a 34-inch inseam so they’re great for taller frames or if you want to wear a heel.
Cropped To Show Off Your Shoes
Zara ZW Collection Capri Pants
A straight leg cropped pant is incredibly versatile because it can be worn with flats or heels, and this capri is made even more special by its turned-up cuffs. The high waist and pockets are office friendly, too. Note that this pair runs a little big as that’s part of the look, so if you want a closer-to-the-body fit you should try sizing down.
Well-Tailored And Perfectly Pleated
Cos Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Pants
These stylish wide-leg pants can be worn at your natural waist—there are adjustable tabs inside the waistband—or low slung on your hips depending on your vibe. Front pleats, back darts and a flowy drape make these an effortless and stylish fashion item that will be a foundational piece in your work wardrobe.
Tapered At The Ankle And On-Trend
Everlane The Utility Barrel Pant
Cut from cotton twill in the silhouette of the season, this pant is on the casual side, but the fit is forever flattering. Cool design details include a curved leg, slight taper, patch pockets and accent stitching. It comes in both regular and tall inseams, but some say this style runs large so bear that in mind when shopping.
Sleek Suiting That Makes A Chic Style Statement
ALC Sophie II Stretch Tailored Pant
ALC is known for classic pieces reinvented with modern tailoring. This flare style is a fresh take on a staid black pant—the cut is leg lengthening, it has slash pockets adding practicality to its polish and it looks great with a timeless pointy-toe pump.
Cropped Slim And Straight Favorite
Theory Treeca Pant In Good Wool
The slim and straight Theory Treeca pant has long been a cult favorite for the workplace. This iteration comes in a lightweight, stretchy wool that’s breathable, moisture wicking and anti-odor. And if you want it in something other than black, you’ve got seven other sleek neutrals to choose from.