Top 10 Stretch Trousers
Stretchy, Flattering, And Chic, These Trousers Are About To Replace All Your Other Pants
Recently, styles that have historically been associated with the office (such as blazers and pleated pants) are popping up everywhere. Thanks to the likes of celebrities like Bella Hadid, professional wear is becoming less formal and more approachable, and we’re excited about the styling opportunities this new era of fashion is bringing about.
One piece of professional wear worth adding to your closet immediately? A good pair of trousers. Typically reserved for work or formal occasions, trousers are now considered an everyday alternative to jeans. And because of their new status as casual wear, designers are making them more comfortable than ever.
What Is a Stretch Trouser?
Stretch trousers are a type of slacks designed with comfort top of mind (similar to Ponte pants). Typically, stretch trousers are crafted from breathable, stretchy fabric blends that contain materials like tencel, elastane, spandex, or nylon. But despite their comfort-first approach, these pants are generally designed to provide a flattering, put-together appearance, with thoughtful features like high-rise waistbands, wide pant legs, and sometimes even compressive, tummy-smoothing panels.
Sounds pretty great, right? Well, it gets even better, because we rounded up a list of the best pairs of comfy work pants for women we could find.
How We Found The Internet’s Best Comfortable Work Pants For Women
Shopping is fun when there’s no risk of buyer’s remorse, which is one of the motivations behind our Top 10 lists. Thanks to our ranking algorithm, we’re able to use information from reviews, social media, and industry recognition to take a data-driven approach to determine which products are the best of the best. Considering that a good pair of pants can be the basis for hundreds of outfits, we had to put our algorithm on the job of finding the best comfy-casual pants for women. Ready to see which styles made the cut? All that’s left to do is scroll down.
November 2, 2023
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
NIC+ZOE Wonderstretch Straight Leg Pants
Overall Score
4.5
10
NIC+ZOE Wonderstretch Straight Leg Pants
4.06
549 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Straight-Leg Stretch Trousers
STYLE SPECIFICS
With a silhouette that takes inspiration from the early aughts, these comfy-casual women’s pants are ideal for days when you want to look put together but feel completely at ease. Just throw on a white button-down and block heels, and you’ve got a timeless ‘fit you can turn to at any time.
GOOD TO KNOW
The Wonderstretch Straight Leg Pants are designed to hold their shape, even after repeat wears and washes. They have a high-rise, elastic waistband and an ankle-length hem.
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Eileen Fisher Slim Ankle Stretch Crepe Pants
Overall Score
4.5
09
Eileen Fisher Slim Ankle Stretch Crepe Pants
4.5
973 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Ankle Stretch Trousers
STYLE SPECIFICS
Who doesn't love a sleek-looking pair of pants with a sneaky elasticized waistband? That's precisely what Eileen Fisher's Slim Ankle Stretch Crepe Pants have to offer. Plus, these pants have plenty of stretch and are machine washable thanks to the forgiving fabric blend.
GOOD TO KNOW
According to Bloomingdale's, these pants run large. Order a size down from your usual if you like a snug fit.
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Inclusive
Old Navy High-Waisted Pull-On Pixie Wide-Leg Pants
Overall Score
4.55
08
Old Navy High-Waisted Pull-On Pixie Wide-Leg Pants
4.3
2133 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Pull-On Stretch Trousers
STYLE SPECIFICS
On-trend, but make it comfy: That's the vibe Old Navy's Pull-On Pixie Wide Leg Pants are putting out. With a high-rise waistband and a flowy, relaxed silhouette, it might be a good idea to pick up these pants in a few different colors (of which there are six to choose from).
PROMISING REVIEW
"Comfortable and flattering! The legs aren't too wide, and they are a good length for me. I feel like I can wear them to the office or a football game with just a change of shoes and accessories."
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Inclusive
ADAY Turn It Up Pants
Overall Score
4.55
07
ADAY Turn It Up Pants
4.39
772 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Tapered-Leg Stretch Trousers
STYLE SPECIFICS
Add this trouser-jogger hybrid to your wardrobe, and we can practically guarantee you'll be excited to get dressed for work again. Made with soft and breathable material, the Turn It Up Pants deliver extra stretch without skimping on style. No wonder they’re a best-seller.
GOOD TO KNOW
These comfy-casual pants come in sizes ranging from XS to XL, and you can choose from three classic colors (Black, Moss Green, and Midnight Blue) as well as a couple of limited-edition shades.
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NYDJ Stretch Knit Trousers
Overall Score
4.55
06
NYDJ Stretch Knit Trousers
4.67
9767 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Shaping Stretch Trousers
STYLE SPECIFICS
Designed with NYDJ’s lift-tuck technology and interior criss-cross panel, these slim-fit trousers claim to be able to make you look an entire size smaller. Also, the stretch-knit blend these pants are made from will become looser with time, so keep that in mind when choosing your ideal size.
PROMISING REVIEW
“One of the details I really like about these pants is that they look very classy and dressy, but are extremely flexible and even sporty. Perfect for the mom-on-the-go that I am. One minute I can be having an adult conversation and the next I can be chasing my son, and I'm equally comfortable.”
More Colors
Inclusive
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant
Overall Score
4.6
05
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant
4.7
8752 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Black Work Pants
STYLE SPECIFICS
With a price tag just under $40 and a perfect 5-star rating, you might as well add all four colors of Quince’s Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants to your cart right now. But if you’re not convinced, we’ll just say this: these might be the comfortable pants you can get that aren’t leggings due to their four-way stretch and elasticized waistband.
PROMISING REVIEW
“I bought these for work hoping they’d look professional while also having enough flexibility to accommodate my stretching and walking breaks. They do not disappoint and so far seem to wash well too. I’ve already bought two additional colors and will be back for more!”
More Colors
Alo Yoga High-Waist Pursuit Trouser
Overall Score
4.6
04
Alo Yoga High-Waist Pursuit Trouser
4.17
318 User Reviews
5.8
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Wide-Leg Stretch Trousers
STYLE SPECIFICS
When a brand known for its athletic wear creates a pair of slacks, we pay attention. Alo Yoga has taken its approach of creating sleek, movement-friendly styles and applied it to a modern wide-leg silhouette, resulting in the top-rated High-Waist Pursuit Trousers.
GOOD TO KNOW
These pants run loose and large, so reviewers suggest opting for a size smaller than your usual.
More Colors
Everlane The Dream Pant
Overall Score
4.65
03
Everlane The Dream Pant
4.4
735 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Knit Stretch Trousers
STYLE SPECIFICS
Everlane’s Dream Pants can transition from meetings to movie nights with no problem. They look like trousers but feel like sweatpants, and their elastic waistband ensures you'll feel confident and content throughout each and every wear. Bonus: they're wrinkle-resistant and sustainably made.
GOOD TO KNOW
Subtle design choices such as the sleek tapered leg and pintuck detailing make these pants look polished and professional. But the truth is, these comfy pants were made for women who want it all; nap in them, sport them to the office, or throw them on for date night with a blazer and a bodysuit—they’re truly up for anything.
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J.Crew Cameron Slim Cropped Pant In Four-Season Stretch
Overall Score
4.65
02
J.Crew Cameron Slim Cropped Pant In Four-Season Stretch
4.1
539 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Slim-Fit Stretch Trousers
STYLE SPECIFICS
J.Crew describes these as the "...ultimate 12-months-a-year, seven-days-a-week pants." And with their super comfortable, shape-retaining fabric blend, we'd have to agree. Plus, they've strategically placed the seams to make your legs look long and slender.
GOOD TO KNOW
You can purchase the Cameron Slim Cropped Pant in classic, petite, and tall sizes from 000 to 24.
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Spanx Smooth PerfectFit Ponte Slim Straight Pant
Overall Score
4.7
01
Spanx Smooth PerfectFit Ponte Slim Straight Pant
4.24
2006 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Pull-On Pants Overall
STYLE SPECIFICS
This slim-straight pair of pants from Spanx features hidden core-shaping technology for a super-flattering fit. Their high-rise, pull-on design combined with a polished silhouette make them a top option for women in search of comfortable work pants.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I am very happy with my Black Slim Pants! They fit beautifully and are comfortable. They are so nice—you can wear them for special occasions or just casual wear. I am 78 years old, and everything needs a little more support at this time of life. These pants do the trick without feeling like a girdle.”
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