MomSkoop
Remember when work pants meant stiff fabric, pinching waistbands, and counting down the minutes until you could change into something comfy? Those days are over! Today’s professional pants blend office-appropriate style with the comfort we all crave. From stretchy fabrics to innovative designs, these 10 pants prove you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for professionalism.
1. Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant
Featherlight and supremely stretchy, the Brooklyn Ankle Pant has converted countless women from traditional trousers to this athletic-inspired alternative. The magic lies in Athleta’s Featherweight Stretch™ fabric – it repels water, resists wrinkles, and provides UPF 50+ protection.
A partially elasticized waistband sits flat against your body without digging in, while the tapered ankle length works beautifully with flats or heels. Front slash pockets and rear welt pockets maintain the clean lines needed for professional settings.
Available in petite, regular, and tall lengths with inclusive sizing, these pants solve the fit problems that plague many women’s workwear options.
2. Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants
Yoga pants disguised as dress pants? Genius! Betabrand created a cult following with this revolutionary concept – professional-looking pants made from performance yoga fabric. The secret lies in the ponte knit construction that holds its shape while providing four-way stretch.
Fake pockets on the front maintain a sleek silhouette, while functional back pockets add practicality. The wide, yoga-style waistband eliminates the dreaded muffin top and stays put whether you’re presenting to clients or secretly stretching under your desk.
Available in multiple leg styles (straight, bootcut, skinny) and dozens of colors and patterns, these pants have solved the comfort-versus-professionalism dilemma for countless working women.
3. Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger Dress Pant
Vuori took their wildly popular Sunday Performance Jogger and gave it a professional makeover, resulting in the perfect hybrid between athleisure and workwear. The premium DreamKnit™ fabric feels buttery-soft against skin while maintaining structure throughout multiple wears.
Unlike typical joggers, these feature a more tailored leg and subtle seam details that elevate the look for office settings. The elastic waistband sits flat without bunching, and the drawstring can be tucked inside for a cleaner appearance.
The slightly cropped length pairs perfectly with loafers or ankle boots, and the quick-dry properties make these ideal for bike commuters or anyone caught in unexpected rain.
4. Everlane Work Pant (Performance Twill)
Minimalist brand Everlane cracked the code on creating the perfect basic work pant with their Performance Twill collection. Made from a technical cotton blend with 4% elastane, these pants stretch where needed but maintain their shape throughout the day.
The mid-rise waist sits at the perfect spot – not too high, not too low – and the streamlined design eliminates unnecessary details that can feel constricting. Ankle-length with a subtle crop, they showcase statement shoes while maintaining a timeless silhouette.
Available in core neutrals that withstand trend cycles, these pants represent Everlane’s commitment to creating “forever” pieces that work hard in your wardrobe. The reasonable price point makes them an accessible entry into better-quality workwear.
5. Banana Republic Traveler Pant
Designed specifically for women who are constantly on the move, the Banana Republic Traveler Pant combines boardroom polish with unexpected flexibility. The bi-stretch fabric moves in all directions while maintaining a structured appearance that reads as truly professional.
Smart details make these stand out: the contoured waistband prevents gapping at the back, interior gripper tape keeps shirts neatly tucked, and the machine-washable fabric emerges from the dryer looking freshly pressed. The slim-straight cut flatters most body types without clinging.
Available in regular, petite, tall, and curvy fits, they solve the common problem of finding pants that accommodate different proportions. The secret internal comfort waistband expands up to an inch after lunch.
6. Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pant
Science meets style in Ministry of Supply’s Kinetic Pant – created by MIT graduates who applied engineering principles to solve common clothing problems. The Japanese Kinetic fabric contains tiny hollow fibers that trap heat when you’re cold and release it when you’re warm.
Laser-cut ventilation in strategic areas prevents overheating, while the warp-knit construction allows for unrestricted movement. Unlike most dress pants, these can be twisted, folded, and packed without developing a single wrinkle.
The zipperless side pockets lie completely flat against the body, and the waistband contains hidden stretch panels that adapt to your body throughout the day. These are the pants to reach for when comfort matters but you need to look impeccably put-together.
7. J.Crew Demi-Boot Crop Pant with Stretch
J.Crew reinvented the classic trouser with their Demi-Boot Crop – a modern silhouette that’s both flattering and surprisingly comfortable. The secret is the perfect amount of stretch (just 3%) blended into premium wool or cotton, creating structure with give.
The slightly flared leg starting at mid-calf creates visual balance for most body types, while the cropped length elongates the leg when paired with the right shoes. Unlike many stretch pants that look casual, these maintain crisp pleats and a polished appearance even after hours of wear.
The contoured waistband sits slightly below the natural waist, creating a smooth line under tucked-in tops without digging in when seated. Machine washable despite their refined appearance.
8. Uniqlo EZY Ankle Pants (Women)
Budget-friendly without looking cheap, Uniqlo’s EZY Ankle Pants have developed a devoted following among women who refuse to sacrifice comfort for style. The pull-on design eliminates buttons and zippers completely, with a wide, flat waistband that mimics the comfort of sweatpants.
The magic happens in the fabric – a polyester blend with 2-way stretch that looks like traditional suiting material but feels incredibly soft. Faux front pockets maintain a clean line, while the back welt pockets are actually functional.
Available in a rainbow of colors beyond basic black, these pants can be dressed up with blazers or down with sweaters. The ankle length works with all shoe types, and the price point makes it possible to own multiple pairs.
9. Spanx Perfect Pant (Legging-Dress Pant Hybrid)
Spanx took their expertise in shapewear and applied it to workwear with remarkable results. The Perfect Pant combines the slimming properties of their famous undergarments with the appearance of traditional dress pants – minus all the discomfort.
The ponte fabric contains their signature ‘gut-check’ shaping panel that smooths the midsection without feeling restrictive. Unlike compression garments, these pants allow full range of motion while maintaining a polished silhouette.
Available in multiple styles (skinny, straight, flare), all feature the pull-on design with zero hardware to dig into your waist when seated. The premium fabric maintains its shape and color through countless washes, making these a worthy investment despite the higher price point.
10. NYDJ Ami Ankle Stretch Pant
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans revolutionized the bottoms market with their lifting and smoothing technology, now available in office-appropriate pants. The Ami Ankle features their patented Lift Tuck® Technology that uses a proprietary panel to flatten the front while lifting the rear.
Unlike many slimming pants that feel like sausage casings, these contain just the right amount of stretch (9%) blended with cotton for breathability. The ankle length works for all heights without alterations, and the classic straight leg never goes out of style.
Available in an inclusive size range from 00-18, these pants are particularly beloved by women over 40 who want age-appropriate style without sacrificing comfort. The slightly higher rise prevents muffin top without looking matronly.