10 Black Work Pants that Will Make You Look and Feel Confident

No matter what kind of work you do, chances are you’re going to need a pair of black pants to wear with your business casual attire at least once or twice during the week. With so many different brands and styles out there, though, it can be hard to know which black pants are best for you — until now! If you’re looking for the best black work pants for women, these ten options will definitely do the trick!

1) Cross Back

This style of black work pants offers your back a little bit of extra support, which is great for those who are worried about tugging at their tops or feeling uncomfortable. They’re also super easy to put on and take off, making them a great alternative for casual days. While they look sleek and polished, these pants are actually incredibly comfortable thanks to wide leg openings and stretchy fabric. So if you need to squat down low or move around a lot during your day, they won’t feel restrictive at all. As long as you stick with solid colors like black, these will be perfect for formal settings like job interviews as well as everyday wear in an office setting.

2) Wide Leg

If you have a little more curve through the hip, consider going with a wider leg cut. They look especially good on women with an hourglass figure, balancing your proportions beautifully. Plus, if you’re looking for something that’s easy to move around in, wide-leg pants are your best bet — Umgee's drawstring wide-leg styles are a favorite for exactly this reason. To keep the look office-appropriate, pair them with a button down or blouse. You can also pair them with heels or flats to add some contrast to your outfit.

3) Ankle Length

Ankle-length pants can be a stylish choice for women. If you are self-conscious about your height, go with a slight heel to elongate your legs. If you don't want to add shoe lifts, make sure you wear tall black boots with them — your ankles will look smaller tucked in. When wearing flats, choose ones that come up just below your ankle bone to show off as much of your leg as possible.

4) Narrow Cuff

Wide cuffs make your legs look stumpy. Choose pants with narrow or no cuffs. Narrow cuffs are also appropriate for all formal offices, which is a nice way to feel confident and pull off a professional look. There’s no need to get rid of your old trousers; simply roll up their hems to create narrow cuffs. That said, if you’re still wearing pieces from years ago that have stretched out over time, it might be time for an upgrade.

5) No Gap

The fit of your work pants is very important in making you feel confident at work. While most companies allow a looser fit, it’s important to remember that most women are built differently, so what one person thinks is flattering might not be for another. If you find yourself always adjusting your pants or skirt while at work, it could be time to try a new brand. Look for reinforced seams that hold their shape through multiple washes without fading or stretching out.

6) Side Zipper Pockets

Many pants have side zippers on their pockets, which can be extremely convenient. These let you quickly reach your phone, ID card or a credit card. If you’re looking for a pant with easy access to these pockets, consider a pair of black work pants with side zippers. Side zippers are available in both cargo and straight leg styles.

7) Patch Pocket

The back patch pocket is popular in both men’s and women’s pants. This style of pocket looks good on most pants, especially jeans. Some designs even feature extra pockets for storing other items such as money or keys. The back patch pocket may seem shallow, but you can fit quite a bit in it if needed.

8) Ponte knit pants

Ponte knit pants are a great option for work. These pants are stretchy, comfortable, and create a slimming silhouette — the same buttery-soft category Zenana is known for. Pair these with a white button-down or blouse for an easy outfit that transitions from day to night. The knit fabric is wrinkle resistant so you don’t have to worry about ironing before you leave the house. If you like wearing pencil skirts, try pairing these pants with a similar structured top for a professional look.

9) Cropped 'midi' pants

If you’re petite, cropped pants may make you look shorter. If you’re tall, however, they can be a great way to show off your long legs. Cropped midi pants are perfect for showing off stylish ankle boots or peep-toe pumps. They also elongate your silhouette and give you an overall more polished appearance — a staple worth owning in black, navy, and gray.

10) Flat Front & No Pleats

Sometimes called classic-fit pants, these are a classic option for formal looks. They have a boxy fit through your thighs and calves, then taper down toward your ankles. These can be worn with both heels or flats, although they tend to look better with heels since they’re typically more slimming. Wear them to work with a button-down shirt for a professional look, or out on a date night with heels. If you want something that works well in an office setting, look for black flat front pants without pleats.