Pros
Designed as activewear pants
Features 4-way stretch
Cons
May not be petite-friendly
Our style pros at the Textiles Lab recommend IUGA leggings, saying they were impressed by the versatility, popularity, and value for the price. We’re also fans of these dress pants by the brand, which feature an elastic waistband and 4-way stretch throughout. While they look like trousers, you can just slip them on (no buttons or zippers included).
Pros
Also comes in petite
Easy, slip-on style
Cons
Some find the pleats unflattering
These pants run from 1X to 5X, in both standard and petite sizing. Complete with usable belt loops, pleats, and a wide leg silhouette, these work great for a business casual setting. You get two roomy pockets, and the pants come in six additional neutral colors besides black.
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Pros
Several inseam sizes available
An Amazon best-seller for work pants
Cons
May run long on petite users
Slide these pants on and then style them with flats, boots, sneakers, and a belt. The fabric has a lot of stretch just like your go-to-yoga pants, and with six different inseam choices, you should be able to find a great fit. Petite, regular, tall, and extra tall sizing are all available.
Pros
Multiple pockets for on-the-go convenience
Petite, tall, and plus sizes available
Cons
May run large, per shoppers and the brand
Whether you're a nurse looking for a new pair of scrubs or a teacher with too much to carry, these cargo pants are a functional pick. It has multiple pockets in the front and on the side and they're offered in tons of solid colors. Although they come in additional petite, tall, and plus sizes, shoppers say to order these based on the size chart supplied on this Amazon page, rather than the size you typically wear.
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Pros
A flattering high waist
Full-sized pockets
Cons
The brand advises against ironing, likely due to the high polyester content
These lightweight pants come in more than 10 colors, and will keep you looking stylish from your first important meeting of the day to happy hour with your work friends. The pants sit right at the ankle (a nice fit for shorter people). You get an elastic waistline and a removable belt.
Pros
Lined
Pockets lay flat
Cons
Dry-cleaning recommended
For a sleek look, these Calvin Klein suit trousers have a belt closure that buttons at the waist and flat, shallow pockets. The pants are fully lined and have a relaxed fit. One thing to note is that unlike most other pants on this list, the brand recommends that they be dry cleaned.
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Pros
Spandex offers some stretch
A flattering fit
Cons
May arrive wrinkled upon arrival
If you're looking for a quality pair of basic office work pants, these should do the trick. We like that they are flattering without being too tight. They also report that the fabric offers "just enough stretch" for sitting comfortably or tucking in a shirt.
Pros
Thick fabric, but stretchy
Designed not to gap at your waist
Cons
May run long
Wearing jeans at work may be commonplace these days, but if you still want to look dressed up, check out these trouser-style jeans. They have a slightly wide leg at the bottom, and they incorporate the brand's "Lift Tuck" feature, which is designed with panels of fabric to smooth the waist while also lifting the butt for a more sculpted shape.
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Pros
Lightweight but not see-through
Short and long sizes available
Cons
Machine drying not recommended
Flowy pants like these tend to give off a vintage vibe and have the added benefit of a comfortable, loose fit. Although they run long, they are available in short sizes. Style them with your favorite pair of heels and a simple blouse.
Pros
Wrinkle-resistant, per the brand
Short and long options are available
Cons
Mixed feedback on sizing, may run small
Lee's mid-rise trousers come in more than a dozen neutral colors and plaids, and the brand claims that the fabric (a polyester-cotton blend) is wrinkle-resistant. We also like that they're designed for comfort, with a looser fit in the hips and thighs plus spandex for stretch.
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Pros
A sleek look
Useful, deep pockets
Cons
The ankle cuffs could be a bit snug
Joggers give you casual Friday vibes all the way, and this versatile pair has a sleek look that's great for the work day and taking walks during your lunch break. Our Senior Textiles Lab analyst, Grace Wu, tested these and was impressed with the fit. “There was no bagginess in the crotch or back as I often find in joggers. The drawstring waist helped me achieve an even better fit and I appreciated the deep pockets,” she says.
RELATED: The Best Joggers Our Style Pros Recommend

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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