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What Are the Best Plus-Size Black Work Pants for Women?

Photo-Illustration: Courtesy of retailers

Whether you work in a high-powered office, run around the city all day for meetings, or WFH from your couch, having a go-to pair of black work pants to throw on when you need to look professional is a must. "Black work pants are a staple in any closet and should stand the test of time," says freelance stylist Ansley Morgan. "But the lack of size-inclusive options means it is hard to find clothing that is high quality." To help find pairs worth your money, we talked to Morgan and 13 other plus-size women — whose jobs run the gamut from photographer to fashion stylist to entrepreneur to CEO — about the work pants they rely on for their day jobs and side hustles. Then we combed our archives for any standout pairs we've written about before. The pants below include high-waisted trousers, breezy culottes, and even a pair of polished-looking jeans. A note that all of the pants on this list fit at least a size 20, with some accommodating up to a size 40 (we've noted which have extended sizes in individual blurbs). We've arranged the pants by price, leading each category with the pairs we heard about the most.

Worthington Ponte Straight Pull-On Pants

Two of the people we talked to praised J.C. Penney's Worthington line for its affordable options. Arianne Thigpen, a fashion blogger and co-founder of Austin–based community Curvy in Austin, told us she has always relied on the Worthington line for work attire and particularly loves the Ponte Straight Pull-On Pants — which go up to a 5XL, or 34 — because "they're basically thick, fancy leggings." Model and fashion blogger Sabrina Servance also recommends them, noting that the already reasonably priced pants often go on clearance (and when they do, she buys two pairs at a time).

Old Navy Mid-Rise Black Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans for Women

For more casual offices, the right pair of black jeans can serve as a workplace-wardrobe staple. Writer Keesha Charles calls these Old Navy jeans "super comfortable," adding that she "generally loves the Rockstar line." As she points out, "Old Navy is the first of the Gap companies to have size inclusivity," and it offers the jeans in sizes from 00 to 30. (Charles actually recommended them for our roundup of straight-sized black work pants.) Aside from plenty of sizes, the Rockstar jeans come in low-, mid-, and high-rise styles and in regular, petite, and tall lengths (as well as other washes in addition to black).

H&M Wide-leg Pull-on Pants

If you're not quite ready to part with your favorite quarantine sweats, this pair of high-waisted pull-on linen pants will help channel their feel while looking a bit more polished. Strategist beauty writer Tembe Denton-Hurst, who recommends them, calls the pants "breezy but put-together." They're available in up to a size XXL, or 20.

Universal Standard Moro Pocket Ponte Pants

If you're looking to spend a bit more, the consensus among the folks we talked to is that Universal Standard is the, well, standard-bearer when it comes to plus-size workwear. Three styles, recommended by six different women, appear throughout this list. According to writer and life coach Reneice Charles, "Universal Standard is known for their quality, style, and size inclusivity," so they're a good retailer to consider when trying to find the perfect pair of black work pants. She calls the high-waist Moro Pocket Ponte Pants (which are available in sizes 00 to 40) her "go-to pants" and a "foundational piece" of her wardrobe. Their mid-weight fabric is pill-, wrinkle-, and crease-resistant, so it's especially great if you have to travel for work. Another fan of these pants is Strategist contributor Maya Kosoff, who told us she was "pants-allergic" until she discovered them. Kosoff describes the fit like this: "The waistband lay flat around my hips. The legs were slim but still breathable. The cuffs tapered so nicely around my ankle." Interested buyers should know that Universal Standard has a "Fit Liberty" guarantee, so if your size goes up or down within the year, you can return the item you've purchased for a brand new pair, and the company will donate your old pants to First Step and Dress for Success.

Eloquii Kady Fit Pant

Eloquii is another brand that got name-checked as a go-to source for plus-size work pants (with four women mentioning various styles by name). "Eloquii is my go-to brand for work attire," says brand consultant and entrepreneur Megan Ixim, who likes how their pieces straddle the line between "trendy and timeless." Lifestyle and fashion blogger Ashley Carter pointed us to this particular pair of black work pants, saying "The Eloquii Kady Fit Pant is worth every penny because the fabric is so high quality, the pants keep their shape, and they come in three fits." Ashby Vose, the head of brand at plus-size contemporary label Ori, agrees: "The Kady Fit Pant is Eloquii's signature work pant, they've offered it for years and have perfected the fit." According to Vose, the pants' three fits break down as follows: The Classic Fit is designed for proportionate hourglass shapes and goes up to a 26; the Viola Fit is designed for those who wear a larger size on bottom than on top and goes up to a 28; and the Gena Fit is designed for those who carry their weight in their midsection with smaller hips and thighs and goes up to a 28. The pants are also available in tall, regular, and short lengths, so they'll fit a variety of heights as well as sizes. In addition to black, they come in six colors with matching blazers for suiting, too.

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Vegan Leather 90s Straight Pants

Those who work in creative workspaces that allow for creative dressing should consider this pair of Über-cool vegan-leather pants, which the writer of this story (Dominique Pariso) owns two pairs of. "They look structured but feel very soft," she says, noting that while the pants are roomy enough to fit comfortably through the thigh and hip, "they cinch in beautifully at the waist: no dreaded waist gap at all." Available in sizes up to 37, they come in four lengths: extra-short, short, regular, and long.

Eloquii 9-to-5 Stretch Work Pant

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Ixim pointed us to Eloquii's 9-to-5 Stretch Work Pant, saying they have "a nice stretch" that makes them comfortable all day long. They go up to a size 28, and, like the Kady pant, are available in regular, tall, and short lengths.

Lane Bryant Ankle Pant

"I recommend the Lane Bryant Ankle Pant, which goes up to a 28, because they are universally flattering," says Carter, who promises that these pants provide enough stretch to contour your curves while still being comfortable to wear throughout the day. "Plus, they are the perfect length for any work shoe, whether it is a flat or heel."

Lane Bryant Wide Leg Pant

To those who want the same stretchy material but prefer a wide-leg silhouette, Carter recommends these Lane Bryant pants, which also go up to a 28. "If you're looking for a pant that can help slim the hips of a pear shape or balance an apple shape, this is perfect," she says. Another feature to like is the pants' no-gap waist, which Carter describes as "every girl's dream."

Brass Clothing The All-Day Pant

Morgan swears by Brass Clothing's "comfortable and chic" All-Day Pant, which she says is "like wearing your pajamas to work" (in terms of comfort, not appearance). The pants have "a waistband that sits just where you want it," she adds, and go up to a size 3XL or 26. (The brand recommends sizing down if you are between sizes.) "These are a high-quality pair of pants at a reasonable price," Morgan assures.

Universal Standard Cigarette Pants

"An ankle-length cigarette pant is a timeless classic, offering a tailored look that is perfect for work," says Vose. Like Universal Standard's other pants, these are available in sizes 00 to 40 — but Vose told us they are also available in petite sizing (in sizes 6 to 32), which is rare, according to her. Morgan is another fan of this pair, saying that the "slim fit, ankle-length pants are the epitome of sleek workwear" and can be dressed up or down. Photographer and plus-size model Jessy Parr agrees, saying, "Dressed down, they give off a bit of a '50s vibe that I love. Dressed up, they still have a little something about them."

And Comfort Pleated Culottes

Photo: Retailer

If you know your workday is going to be bookended by a lot of running around town and need to prioritize comfort, Parr suggests these pleated culottes. "These feel so luxurious without the price tag," she says. The billowy pants — which go up to a 4XL or 28 — are made with breathable twill and have a high waist, subtle pleating in the front, and an elastic waistband in the back for added comfort.

Good American Good Legs Jeans

Servance calls this stretchy, high-waisted pair of jeans from Good American "magical" for their well-designed fit and ability to accentuate her curves. The pants — which go up to a size 24 — also have some thoughtful features like a gap-proof waistband and reinforced belt loops. They're also available in a crop version if you're looking for a warm-weather pair.

Jibri High Waist Wide Leg Slacks

According to Charles, "On the rare occasion that I find dress pants that look chic and stylish but feel like loungewear, I'm immediately devoted to them for life." She told us that is exactly the case with these Jibri Slacks. She loves the high-waisted, wide-leg silhouette and promises, "They're so versatile." The brand sizes their clothes using a 0-to-4 scale, which is equivalent to a 10 through a 28.

Eileen Fisher Flex Tencel Ponte Straight Pant

Morgan praised Eileen Fisher for its commitment to sustainable, plus-size fashion with a focus on "elevated basics that create the perfect base for your wardrobe." Her favorite Flex Tencel Ponte Straight pants have a structured silhouette and a Tencel knit fabric that gives off a luxurious sheen even though it's actually a knit. "This means they are fancy enough to wear to work, but comfy enough that you will want to wear them outside of your nine-to-five," Morgan assures. They go up to a 3XL, or a 22, and the Tencel fabric is made from responsibly harvested trees, according to the brand.

AYR Dynamite Jean

If you prefer your jeans to have more of a flared leg, try AYR Dynamite Jeans, which Lauren Chan, the founder and CEO of luxury plus-size brand Henning, recommended in our best plus-size jeans roundup. "These jeans bring luxury to the plus-size-denim space — and I feel chicer and sharper when I put them on," she says. "Plus, the black hasn't faded and I've had them for a year." They are available in sizes 14 to 24.

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What Are the Best Plus-Size Black Work Pants for Women?