With so many pairs of black pants out there, it can be hard to separate the run-of-the-mill from the truly special. The best black pants for women—including our top picks from Veronica Beard, Aritzia, and J.Crew—offer an impeccable fit, luxe fabrics and comfortable designs. They can be worn for long days at the office, evenings out, travel or any type of event that calls for something more polished than jeans.
The best black pants for women are sleek, versatile and exceptionally comfortable.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES/IMAGES: RETAILERS
We searched the market for the best black pants for women with excellent reviews and compiled a list of more than 25 pairs. From there we narrowed down the field to pants from our favorite brands, that we have personally worn and reach for time and time again. From wide leg pairs to flares to cropped styles, here are our 14 winners, plus some worthy runners-up.
WHAT WE UPDATED
In this most recent update, we expanded our selection of black pants to include leather and denim options. We also answered readers’ frequently asked questions about the most slimming style of pants.
Sizes: 00 to 16| Length: Inseam is not listed, but they are long | Material: 86% nylon, 14% elastane| Fit: Slim flare
What’s notable: The lightweight stretch fabric and streamlined cut provide a flattering fit.
What could be better: They are on the expensive end, and they are very long so you may need to have them hemmed.
We love the chic, flattering fit of Veronica Beard pants. These are made from a scuba fabric that’s notoriously luxe and wears well throughout your day. 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.
What’s notable: The fabric is fluid and lightweight and the pants don’t require dry-cleaning.
What could be better: Some may find these too voluminous.
Reformation’s beloved pant is cut from lightweight Tencel lyocell, which makes it look and feel effortless while still being elevated. The draping lies flat and side pockets make these functional for the office. The Mason pant is also washable so it won’t add to your weekly work clothes dry cleaning bill.
Sizes: XS to XL | Length: Not listed, but they are cropped | Material: 60% rayon, 35% nylon, 5% spandex| Fit: Wide leg
What’s notable: Four-way stretch fabric is cozy and doesn’t wrinkle.
What could be better: The wide leg may be too exaggerated for some.
These pants are so comfortable, it almost feels like cheating to call them a dress or 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.
What’s notable: The high waist and front seams elongate legs, and the fabric is stretchy and comfortable.
What could be better: If the pants are snug, the front seams can look a bit askew.
Several key details will make these pants your go-to for work and evening: The front seaming will make legs look a mile long; they have a high rise that’s both flattering and comfy; and the fabric has stretch with great snapback, so the pants never lose their shape. Also, the leg has a subtle flare, which makes these pants pair well with boots and heels.
What’s notable: Targeted compression provides a flattering fit and the pull-on style is comfortable and forgiving.
What could be better: They don’t have pockets.
This pull-on, four-way stretch style is known for its compression fit, shaping 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. The upside: They also don’t have buttons or zippers, which makes these comfortable.
What’s notable: They are tailored and made from a comfortable fluid fabric.
What could be better: These pants may require hemming.
Trousers can be tricky to shop for—many styles are too baggy and can overwhelm petite frames. Forbes Vetted fashion writer Lesley Rotchford has this issue, and Favorite Daughter are the only trousers that she finds fit well. These are relaxed yet still remarkably flattering (thanks to the strategic front pleating), and they have a high waist and are made from a fluid fabric. The 34-inch inseam is on the long side, so you may need to have them tailored if you want to wear them with sneakers.
Sizes: 00 to 12| Length: Short, Regular, Tall | Material: Japanese crepe (100% polyester)| Fit: Relaxed
What’s notable: They have a flexible waistband and the high-end crepe fabric won’t wrinkle.
What could be better: They are a little on the flowy side, which may not appeal to those who prefer fitted pants.
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.
What’s notable: The pants are moisture-wicking and anti-odor.
What could be better: They have a work pant vibe that may feel too corporate for casual, everyday wear.
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.
Sizes: 2 to 14| Length: Specific length is not listed, but they are cropped| Material: 50% wool, 50% acrylic| Fit: Slim
What’s notable: The stretchy lining provides all-day comfort and the cropped leg works with flats and sneakers.
What could be better: The side-zip closure may not appeal to everyone.
Slim Me+Em’s pants are sought out for their tailoring and fit, and this style is no exception. Made of a cozy wool blend with a stretchy lining, they have a slim—but not skinny—cut, a cropped leg and side-zip closure. As part of Me + Em’s Travel Tailoring Collection, these pants are comfortable enough for long plane rides, and the pockets are topped with zip fastenings to keep small essentials safe when you’re out exploring.
Sizes: 00 to 14 | Length: 34 inches | Material: 92% polyester and 8% elastane| Fit: Flare
What’s notable: These elegant pants work from day to night.
What could be better: The inseam is long so these may require hemming, and they look better with heels than flats.
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.
Neiman Marcus
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Robertson Cropped Flare
Sizes: 00 to 20 | Length: Cropped| Material: Cotton and spandex| Fit: Fitted
What’s notable: Button detailing is chic and the stretchy fabric is both comfortable and flattering.
What could be better: The cropped length can make short legs look shorter.
The fit of these Derek Lam pants has made them an office crowd favorite. They’re slimming on everyone, the stretchy cotton twill is structured and substantial, and the sailor button detailing adds visual interest without being over the top.
Neiman Marcus
Joe’s Jeans The Margot Vegan Leather Pants
Sizes: 23 to 34| Length: 32 inches| Material: Vegan leather (polyurethane)| Fit: Straight Leg
What’s notable: The vegan leather looks luxe and is cruelty-free.
What could be better: They can pull across the thighs, even in the right size.
Leather pants can be tricky to shop for: They tend to be either skin-tight or wide-legged and baggy. Rotchford bought these, and finds them to be the perfect compromise. They have a high waist, flattering straight leg, and five-pocket jeans styling. They can be dressed down with a slouchy turtleneck sweater or paired with a silk top for evening.
Shopbop
Wolford Jo Legging
Sizes: 34 to 44| Length: Not listed | Material: 54% polyurethane, 42% polyamide, 4% elastane| Fit: Tight
What’s notable: Covered elastic waistband and jersey panels in the back provide a comfortable fit.
What could be better: These are definitely more casual and may not be appropriate for work.
Like the Joe’s pants above, these are made from vegan leather, but they fit like a legging, making them quick and easy to pull on and as comfortable as your workout pants. They have jersey panels in the back and an elastic waistband—and they look chic paired with a long blazer or chunky sweater. Wear them with a fashion sneaker, flats or heels.
Other Top Picks To Consider
If our 13 winners don’t work for you, try one of these other stylish pairs. They range from slim to slouchy and are all remarkably versatile. Plus, three of these pairs cost less than $100.
Think of these as a black work pant with all the technical elements of a workout pant. They’re made with a sweat-wicking modal blend fabric that has a pretty drape, they have a comfy, relaxed (read: roomy) fit and they’re machine washable. These also come in two lengths—29 inches and 32 inches—so you won’t need to make an extra trip to the tailor.
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.
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.
Made from a viscose poly blend with stretch, this easy to wear mid-rise style is for days you want to be comfortable and polished. We like this pair styled with penny loafers or brogues. It’s available in petite, regular and long lengths and in sizes from 0 to 22.
This polyester rayon pant has stretch to move with you, and it’s cut so that it flares ever-so-slightly at the bottom, which visually extends the length of your leg. Pair this 31.5-inch inseam pant with heels, a kitten heel or flats depending on your height. These also come in a curvy fit, and they’re available in classic or petite lengths.
Banana Republic has a variety of chic styles at palatable prices. This pant is high waisted, so it may look best paired with a fitted or tucked top. Some say this style runs large, so you may want to size down if you want a less voluminous fit. It comes in regular, tall and petite lengths.
AGolde’s popular Ren jeans are fitted in the waist and hips and have a cropped wide leg. While they are technically jeans—and fit like jeans (note the button fly)—the jet-black shade makes them easy to dress up. Forbes Vetted contributing fashion editor Lesley Rotchford doesn’t usually wear cropped jeans—but she loves these, and says they look great with both high heels and ballet flats.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted editors write extensively about fashion, meticulously researching and testing clothing, accessories and footwear to determine the very best so you can make informed shopping decisions. We are seasoned pros at evaluating elevated basics and workwear for women and men, having covered the best work flats, the best white t-shirts for women and the most comfortable dress shoes for women among many other topics.
How To Pick The Best Black Work Pants
Fit And Silhouette
Clearly you want a well-fitting pant, but different fits and silhouettes hit differently on different body types. Cropped styles work well for petite frames or for those who want to wear their pants with flats. If you’re looking for a pant that sits at your natural waist, high waisted, wide-leg styles with pleats can be a great option that visually elongates the leg. Another popular fit for work pants are flare styles because they look elevated, they’re slimming and they fit a lot of body types well.
Length
The length you choose in a pant has a lot to do with the shoes you’ll wear them with. Cropped styles or those that hit at the ankle tend to look best with flats. Pants with longer inseams should be worn with a heel. It’s especially helpful when pants come in multiple lengths—such as Aritzia’s The Effortless Pant Flex and the Spanx Smooth PerfectFit Ponte Kick Flare Pant and —so you don’t have to have them hemmed, which can be a pain as well as an additional expense.
Material
Different fabrics are appropriate for different seasons. In warmer temperatures, pants in cotton, linen, all-season wool and some polyester blends are appropriate. During cooler months, pants in wool, polyester and thick cottons are a better bet.
Fabric also impacts the structure of the pant. Material composed of things like tencel lyocell and some other polyester blends tend to have the most flowiness. Lightweight wools, too, can have a pretty drape. Ponte knits with stretch and thick cottons have a bit more weight and structure.
Care
Always consider the garment’s care when buying black work pants. Some styles are washable, such as Reformation’s Mason Pant and Aritzia’s The Effortless Pant Flex, but you’ll often have to take care to hang them to dry and even do some ironing. Many pants, especially those in wool, are dry clean only, which can impact your weekly dry cleaning bill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Black Pants Business Casual?
Yes. Part of the beauty of black pants is they can be dressed up or down, they work for both fashion-forward and casual workplaces, and they can even be considered formal in some instances. They’re a great foundation for a wide variety of tops, so they simplify getting dressed.
How Should You Style Black Work Pants?
Do I Need To Dry Clean Black Work Pants?
It depends. You should always check the care label first. Wool pants are generally dry clean only. Certain styles, like theReformation Mason Pant, are washable. If you hand or machine wash cotton styles, you’ll typically need to iron them afterward. If a pant has stretch, you have to be careful when ironing because too hot of a temperature can burn the fibers in the fabric and give the pant an unattractive sheen.
What Style Pants Are Most Slimming?
High-waisted, flare pants, like the Veronica Beard Scuba Pants, tend to be the most slimming and make legs look longer. The flare leg is key, as it balances out wider hips and fuller thighs. While pleated trousers are trendy and chic, keep in mind that they can sometimes add volume to the lower half of the body—so you may want to avoid them if you are specifically looking for slimming pants.
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