I'm all about comfort when it comes to what I'm going to wear for the day, from appointments around town to sitting at my desk for long stretches. And I want to wear something that's comfortable as sweat pants, but isn't going to make me look unprofessional or sloppy. Pants like leggings are the answer—something with a stretch waist and a polished, non-athleisure vibe. They need to look cute with my collection of comfortable loafers or comfortable heels. After all, there are plenty of days when we could really go for the ease of joggers or the most comfortable jeans, but we want to elevate our style (and ahem, butt appearance) a little more than our most casual clothes do. Here’s my rundown of the best figure-flattering pants to buy now that are also nap-friendly.
15 Pairs of Pants That Feel Like Leggings (but Look Way More Polished)
No zipper, no problem
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The Best Pants Like Leggings at a Glance
Best Overall
Everlane Dream Pant
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Best Flare Leg
Spanx The Perfect Pant
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Best Plus
Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant
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Best Lightweight
Eileen Fisher System Slim Ankle Pants
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Best Work Pants
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Bootcut Pant
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How I Chose the Best Pants Like Leggings
I chose our edit of pants like leggings based on waistband, fabric, figure-flattering fit, size range and reviews. Here's more about my criteria:
- Waistband: Want to fuss with zippers, button flies or hook closures? Then this list isn't for you, since I edited out any pants with such annoying details.
- Fabric: Why do we love leggings? Their stretch fabric is always comfortable, moves with you and can even be made into wide-legged styles. So every pair of pants on this list has stretch fabric.
- Figure-flattering Fit: Sure, one woman thinks ankle-length crop skinnies are heaven while another person wants a gentle straight-leg pant that's full-length. And then there are petite, tall and plus-size shoppers with particular needs. I took pains to represent everyone on this list.
- Size Range: Not only do I seek out styles that make a wide range of styles, I only included pairs that had a wide range of sizes in stock at the time of publication. Because no one wants to learn about the pants of their dreams only to find out there's a six-month waiting list.
- Reviews: I polled PureWow staffers and pored over online reviews to sniff out the less-than-optimum fabrication, irregular sizing, weird fit and other retail bummers, and weeded those babies out first.
Best Overall
What I Like
- tapered leg
- pintuck seam
- affordable
What I Don't Like
- sweatpant-like fabric can pill
Everlane
I'll take my Everlane Dream Pants off when they pry them off my rigor mortis body clutching my laptop. There, I said it. Why am I so passionate about these guys? I love that the pintuck detail along the flat front of these Everlane babies makes them look presentable, while the double-knit cotton modal fabric is always nap-ready. Win-win. "These are my favorite pants for cooler temp seasons. So comfortable and they have really held up so well," writes one reviewer. "I’ve had them for several months, worn them frequently and they truly still look like new." Available in a handful of colors, the 27.5-inch inseam on my petite bod and the not-too-snug waistband make this a great fit for so many outings where I want to look equally chic and comfortable.
Fast Facts
- Material: 58 percent cotton, 38 percent modal, 4 percent elastane
- Size Range: XXS to 3XL
- Cut: tapered leg
Best Flare Leg
What I Like
- machine-washable
- core-shaping design
What I Don't Like
- requires line drying
Spanx
"I have wide hips and I love the way the waistband really smooths over my hip dips and lifts my butt, giving my shape a very sculpted look," says former PureWow Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak. "The silhouette is so polished and clean-cut, for a put-together, yet sexy look." Thanks to smoothing ponte fabric and Spanx's signature flattering fit, these pull-on pants have a perfectly flat front. And the fabric has a super-comfortable four-way stretch, so you don't have to sacrifice comfort for a professional look. Wearers praise the pants' ability to shape and hold, without being overly restrictive.
Fast Facts
- Material: 68 percent rayon, 28 percent nylon, 4 percent elastane, with 80 percent polyester and 20 percent elastane lining
- Size Range: XS to 3X, regular, petite and tall
- Cut: high-waist flare
Best Plus
3. Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant
What I Like
- woven to let air flow through fabric
- six versatile neutral colorwars
What I Don't Like
- stretch fabric may not hide lumps and bumps
Athleta
"I love that they come in so many sizes, including tall and petite, and that they look polished and professional but are so lightweight and comfortable," says PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth of these bestselling pants. "They are my go-to travel pants, because the front pockets are just the right size and there’s also a zippered pocket in back for stowing important things you don’t want to lose." Made of recycled material, they have the soft feel of an expensive legging, and the wide waistband and gentle drape of the leg fabric make them crisp enough for wearing to the office on Friday or as part of an upgrade-worthy travel look. Quick-drying and UPF 50+, these pants are begging to be worn at a nice resort ASAP.
Fast Facts
- Material: recycled polyester/spandex
- Size Range: 00 to 26, regular, tall and petite
- Cut: mid rise, tapered
Best Lightweight
4. Eileen Fisher System Slim Ankle Pants
What I Like
- flattering back darts
- matte fabric finish looks luxe
What I Don't Like
- can be too thin for colder weather
- 14-inch leg opening might be too narrow
Eileen Fisher
These are slinky little pants that can be dressed up or down, and not only are they super comfortable, I've been on trips where I washed them in a hotel sink when I was traveling, then just dried them over the shower rail. Also, I depend on these to layer under dresses all through fall. Eileen Fisher's separates are beloved for their durable construction, high-quality materials and classic ultra-wearable designs—and this pair of pull-on skinny pants is one of the brand's most popular styles, and IMHO, totally worth the investment.
Fast Facts
- Material: viscose, nylon, spandex
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Cut: skinny
Best Work Pants
5. Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Bootcut Pant
What I Like
- machine washable
- four-way stretch
What I Don't Like
- no pockets
Quince
"These pants are very comfortable and look sleek," writes one reviewer. "I love them and will wear them through three seasons. I’m usually an XL but I sized down to a L and they fit better due to the stretch." Available in olive, charcoal, navy and black, these boot cut pants have a pull-on style with flat elasticized waistband and belt loops.
Fast Facts
- Material: 67 percent rayon, 28 percent nylon, 5 percent spandex
- Size Range: XS to XL, 30-, 32- and 34-inch inseams
- Cut: boot cut
Top Petite Style
6. Ann Taylor Petite Ponte Straight Leg Pant
What I Like
- straight styling
- slash pockets
- machine washable
What I Don't Like
- flat front style may show tucked-in hem
- all synthetic fibers
Ann Taylor
Petites, your straight-from-purchase, no-hemming-necessary dreams have been answered with these full-length, straight-leg pants. In petite sizing, the 28-inch inseam means these can be worn with flat boots or, since the silhouette is straight-up-and-down, with heels or boots to show off your footwear. What's especially welcome are the camel and bright blue colorways which liven up any petite's wardrobe (as a petite, I can attest to how disappointing it is to just show endless neutral color options that a manufacturer has tacked on to a collection to satisfy shorter wearers). "I'm about 5'1", and the length is just perfect," writes one reviewer. "The pant is made of a very good thick material that is just right in this cold weather."
Fast Facts
- Material: 66 percent rayon, 30 percent nylon, 4 percent spandex
- Size Range: XXS to XL, petite and regular
- Cut: high-rise, straight leg
Best Trending Style
7. Pilcro The Izzie Relaxed Pull-On Barrel Pants
What I Like
- barrel leg styling
- warm fabric
- pockets
What I Don't Like
- runs a bit large
Pilco
With 101 reviews totaling a nearly perfect 4.7 out of 5 stars, these narrow wale corduroy pants are versatile cool-weather pant of the season. I love the tall (12.5 inches) rise, the 25.5-inch length and the way that the parentheses-shaped curve of these pants have a fashionable look, without being too tight in the hips and tummy region. In hues including moss, warm brown, dusty blue and a charming faded rose, these are the easy-to-pull-on pants you'll wear all weekend and to the office, too.
Fast Facts
- Material: cotton, modal, elastane
- Size Range: XXS to XL, regular, tall, petite, plus options in some colorways
- Cut: barrel leg
Best Tapered
8. Banana Republic Factory Hayden Tapered Pant
What I Like
- machine wash
- high-rise fit
What I Don't Like
- ankle length might be too short for some
Banana Republic Factory
"Love the fit, love the waist band. Great traveling pants!" exclaims one reviewer, and I couldn't agree more. The recycled polyester-and-rayon fabric resists wrinkling and tapers through the thigh, so you can look pulled together even as you're jumping up to race to your assigned gate at the other end of the airport. They are loose enough so that they don't show every lump and bump on your thighs, but so well-tailored they don't need a zipper to get into and out of.
Fast Facts
- Material: 63 percent recycled polyester, 34 percent rayon, 3 percent elastane
- Size Range: 0 to 20, regular, petite and tall
- Cut: tapered trouser with faux fly
Best Affordable
9. Amazon Essentials Women's Cropped Wide Leg Pull-On Pants
What I Like
- machine washable
- not overly tight
What I Don't Like
- limited colorways
Amazon Essentials
"These pants feel like soft, comfortable leggings but fit like a flattering pair of dress pants," writes one reviewer. "They feel very soft and comfortable but have a crisp, professional look that I can definitely wear to work." The 29-inch inseam with an 11.5-inch leg opening is suitable for petites to wear as full-length and taller folks to sport as slightly cropped. Available in navy blue and black, these trousers pair nicely with T-shirts and denim jackets as well as profesh button-front blouses.
Fast Facts
- Material: 68 percent viscose, 27 percent nylon, 5 percent elastane
- Size Range: X-Small to XX-Large
- Cut: wide-leg relaxed fit
Best Adjustable
10. Ministry of Supply Fusion Straight Leg Pant
What I Like
- front welt pockets
- back button pockets
- wrinkle-resistant
What I Don't Like
- waistband is on the narrow side
- limited colorways
MInistry of Supply
"Love them! Two weeks in Europe, washed them in the sink (after spilling red wine on them), wrung them out and hung on the shower head to dry," writes one reviewer. "The next morning, they were clean, dry and wrinkle-free! My new travel essentials! Love the feel of the fabric, the wide waistband and the snaps to adjust length." Machine-washable, these trousers can be adjusted from 30-inch to 28 1/2-inch to 27-inch lengths, and back again.
Fast Facts
- Material: 69 percent viscose, 26 percent nylon, 5 percent elastane
- Size Range: XXS to 3XL
- Cut: straight leg
Best Heavy-Duty Style
11. Nike Sportswear Essentials Woven Pants
What I Like
- cute back patch pockets
- generous leg width is comfy
What I Don't Like
- waistband may be too narrow for some wearers
- visible Nike swoosh stands out on black pair
Nike
With a loose fit for the on-trend swish when you walk, these pants have a versatile silhouette that means you can wear them to non-sporting events as well as weekend wear. Lightweight, they have an elastic waist and length that drapes attractively over any footwear, from sneakers to heels. And they super-sturdy fabrication and contruction means you can machine wash-and-dry these babies for years without them looking worn.
Fast Facts
- Material: 68 percent cotton, 28 percent nylon, 4 percent spandex
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Cut: high-waist, straight leg
Best High Waist
What I Like
- large streamlined pockets
- 28-inch inseam
What I Don't Like
- white drawcord stands out on darker colors
Vuori
These are an elegant version of ripstop climber pants that are surprisingly flattering, have handy pockets and are practically indestructible. "Very comfortable and slimming," writes one wearer. "Easy wear with a slip-on sandal and T-shirt.
Fast Facts
- Material: 98 percent cotton, 2 percent elastane
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Fit: high-waist straight leg
Best Tall Option
13. J.Crew Delaney Kickout Sweater Pant
What I Like
- tall option for women 5'9" to 6'
- pintuck detail
What I Don't Like
- elastic sometimes rolls
J.Crew
The high-waist, skinny-leg knit pant became a status silhouette this year, with versions costing up to $800 selling out internationally. J.Crew's sweater pant is a more affordable iteration that has a pintuck seam running up the front that stops at the top of the leg. "These pants are great, super flattering, comfortable and the perfect High Sport dupe," writes one reviewer. "I am 5’9” and ordered the long and they hit right at my ankles." The long stretches of leg on tall people look great in this trouser, which ends in an abbreviated flare hem (it's only 8 3/4 inches wide, so it's not at all overstated). The cherry red colorway is surprisingly versatile, since it is so bright it pairs well with all the other neutrals in your closet. Other shades include black and two gray tones.
Fast Facts
- Material: 72 percent viscose/28 percent polyester.
- Size Range: XXXS to XL, regular, petite and tall
- Cut: cropped flare
Best Luxe Pants
14. Theory Drawstring Pull-On Pants
What I Like
- on-seam pockets
- office-appropriate
- drawstring waist
What I Don't Like
- pricey
- petites will need heels or hemming
Theory
Of course the office attire pros at Theory would make a great-looking trouser with an elastic waist that looks more at home in a pitch meeting than at the school playground. With minimalist styling, a flowy leg and hidden on-seam side pockets, these recycled polyester trousers will mix and match with most of your office wear.
Fast Facts
- Material: recycled polyester
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Cut: flowy wide leg
Best Wide Leg
15. Loft Heathered Ponte Wide Leg Pants
What I Like
- zip pockets
- machine washable
- back slash pockets
What I Don't Like
- no plus sizes
- only one color
Loft
"In am obsessed with these pants," writes one reviewer. "They are stylish and very flattering to the waist. I highly recommend trying them. I wish Loft would offer them in more colors." I agree—because the secret of these pants is the way the well-disguised top elastic and center seam on the trousers lengthens the figure (most elastic-waist pants' wide waistbands visually break the line of the body). Plus, the fabric blend is so fine, you won't believe it's machine-washable.
Fast Facts
- Material: 66 percent rayon, 29 percent nylon, 5 percent spandex
- Size Range: XXS to XXL, regular and petite
- Cut: wide leg
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Call Pants That Feel Like Leggings?
Pants that look like leggings are popularly called stretch pants or pull-up pants. Think of them as the evolutionary missing link between the before-pandemic days (when we good citizens thought nothing of zipping ourselves into suit pants or dress pants with a zip fly and tab closure) and pandemic times, when we maybe opted for sweatpants 24/7 because we weren't leaving the house, wanted to be comfortable full-time and maybe had a chardonnay-enhanced figure we didn't want to examine too closely. No judgement! But now that we're all seeing each other, these casual pants like leggings give us a variably figure-enhancing and dependably easy option to throw on with a nice top.
What Is the Difference Between Ponte Pants and Leggings?
The exact definition of ponte pants is really as flexible as the knit fabric they're named for. In general, ponte pants are thick stretch knit pants that don't have a zipper, button or tab closure to keep them fastened around your waist, but they do have more structure than leggings, such as pintuck details, patch pockets or kickout flare hems. Ponte pants are named for the stretchy knit they are made of, a blend of rayon, nylon and spandex that often has a bit of texture, in contrast to the smoother and usually thinner material used in leggings.
Is It Appropriate to Wear Leggings as Pants?
One Reddit commentor responds to the recurring debate with a look back to the beginning of the athleisure craze: "This cracks me up because to be honest, I was in my early 20s when leggings started becoming a thing. I was ADAMANT that they were not okay to wear in public!," she writes. "Twenty years later, and you'll catch me in nothing but leggings these days." The moral of this story is yes, the acceptance of leggings-as-pants has increased in in the past decade or so, however wearers need to decide on a case-by-case basis if their leggings are going to look too casual for their situation. (For example, if my surgeon shows up in leggings and loafers, I'm a little unsettled.) My recommendation is when in doubt, wear a stretchy pant from our list instead of leggings everywhere except headed to your workout.
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