Best black pants for women to buy in Australia in 2024
From the oh-so-wide trouser, to the beautifully tailored and the cropped pant perfect for the office, this list of women’s black pants are chic, trendy and comfortable for both work and play.
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Every woman needs a pair of black pants in her wardrobe. It’s a classic for a reason – a pair of well-tailored black trousers instantly puts you together, taking you from a Monday morning meeting to an after-work dinner date. Heck, nowadays you’ll want to show them off at weekend brunch with the girls too.
But there’s no denying it can be tricky to find the right black pants for you. There are just so many options out there! So we asked Nicole Adolphe, THE ICONIC’s Head of Style, what styles will be popular this season and according to her, it’s all about the “high-waisted wide-leg or straight leg black pants with a waistband”.
She adds, “They work well with boots, heels or sneakers and can be dressed up or down, depending on what you team up top. Go for a more tailored feel with both the cut and the fabrication. Add a belt to elevate the look.”
Her pick for this winter? “A wide-leg, high-waisted tailored trousers perfect for work but also trending right now as a casual street style look,” she says.
And we've found one that fits the bill - the Preview Wide Leg Pants from Target. At just $50, the trousers have been praised for being "stylish" and "amazing quality". With over 100 rave reviews, one shopper said: "These pants are the holy grail. They sit nicely on your waist and then drop, with stretch and room. Would highly recommend."
Below, find more of our favourite black pants that tick all the right boxes – from the oh-so-wide trouser, to the beautifully tailored and the cropped pant perfect for the office, this list of women’s black pants are chic, trendy and comfortable for both work and play.
BEST OVERALL BLACK PANTS FOR WOMEN
Atmos & Here Ankle Grazer Pants, $47.99 (down from $59.99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Bestseller, affordable, timeless style, great for the office
What to consider: Ankle-grazer length
Material: 96.5% Recycled Polyester, 3.5% Elastane | Sizes: 6-18 | Care: Cold machine wash. Do not tumble dry.
What You Need To Know
These pants are one of THE ICONIC’s bestsellers and for good reason. The Ankle Grazer Pant from Atmos & Here is a basic black pant that's affordable and durable. The slim leg and cropped style is super flattering on everyone and trust us when we say it’s the ‘perfect work trouser’ because it goes with everything. It’s made from a recycled polyester and elastane blend, so you know they’ll stretch with your body and fit comfortably throughout the day.
Preview Wide Leg Pants, $50 at Target
Why we love it: Stylish, affordable, good quality fabric
What to consider: Some reviewers say the fit runs small around the waist
Material: Polyester/Viscose/Elastane | Sizes: 6-20 | Care: Machine washable
What You Need To Know
You don’t have to break the bank for a stylish work wardrobe. Coming in at just $50, these Wide Leg Pants from Target have been making the rounds on TikTok, with many falling in love with the versatile (and affordable) pants.
One creator said, “Target is in their slay era”, calling them perfect for a “capsule wardrobe”. Another praised the “incredible quality” of the piece. The Preview Wide Leg Pants offer a 6-20 size range, with a stretchy fit, side and back pockets and a tailored, wide leg design.
With almost 100 five-star reviews on Target, shoppers are calling it the "best work pants I’ve ever owned".
"Amazing quality and fit," one wrote. "I get comments everytime I wear them about how professional the outfit is. Whatever I put on top gets dressed up by the pants. They’re amazing.
Noni B Winter Ponte Pants, $15.49 (down from $89.99) at OZSALE
Why we love it: Stretchy pants that feel like leggings but look like pants
What to consider: No zipper closure
Material: Polyester/Viscose/Elastane | Sizes: XS to XL | Care: Machine washable
What You Need To Know
Ponte pants are a great option as, like leggings, they're stretchy and comfy to wear. However, they're generally made from a thicker, more flattering fabric so work well as a smart pant for work or going out. These black ponte pants by Noni B feature a straight leg with a chic cropped seven-eight length and a flattering mid rise waist. They're easy to wear, easy to maintain and easy to throw on at a moment's notice. You can dress them up or down depending on the day - tuck in a in slim fitting tee or match with an oversized boyfriend shirt, and pair with heels, ballet flats, sandals or trainers. A versatile must-have staple for your wardrobe for an excellent budget-friendly price.
Pleated Wide Pants (single tuck), $59.90 at Uniqlo
Why we love it: Affordable, viral style
What to consider: Runs long so may need to be altered
Material: 66% Polyester, 28% Viscose, 6% Elastane | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Care: Gentle machine wash cold, dry clean
What You Need To Know
These pants have gone viral on TikTok and for good reason. Made with a two-way stretch fabric that's wrinkle-resistant, these high-waist, wide cut trouser can be easily dressed up or down.
Five star reviewers on the Uniqlo website say these are the "only work pants I ever want to wear".
"I purchased these pants just recently as work pants and they are by far the best I have ever purchased, they sit perfectly and don’t crease, the fabric is nice and comfortable for summer and will be great for the winter. I will purchase again," one happy shopper wrote.
Another said: "These pants are everything, flattering, perfect fit, comfortable, quality material and the only tailored style pants I will ever buy."
Cotton On Jamie Suiting Pant, $41 (down from $59.99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Flattering, affordable, wide size range
What to consider: Some reviewers say sizing is inconsistent and the trouser length is short
Material: 77% Polyester, 17% Viscose & 6% Elastane| Sizes: 4-24 | Care: Cold machine wash
What You Need To Know
As seen on your favourite Aussie influencers, the Jamie Suiting Pant feature a mid to low rise waist with a contrast detail that can be folded over and side pockets. Shoppers have been raving about the fit and feel on the pants.
“Super flattering pants! Able to dress up/down accordingly,” wrote a happy customer on Cotton On’s website. “Most comfortable suit pant I’ve ever had!” another exclaimed.
Dickies Women’s 875 Work Pants, $62 (down from $89.95) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Comfortable, wrinkle-resistant and stain-releasing fabric
What to consider: Runs small
Material: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton| Sizes: 6-16 | Care: Warm machine wash
What You Need To Know
Dickies is known to make comfortable clothing that's able to withstand the toughest conditions and the aptly named 875 Work Pants will no doubt become a staple in your wardrobe. Made with a rigid cotton-blend twill that's wrinkle resistant and stain-releasing, these black pants are a relaxed, straight leg fit with a high-rise waist. It also features five pockets and a belt loop.
Five-star reviewers have said the pants are "so comfy" and "great quality" but advise you to measure yourself to get the correct sizing.
"So comfy, make sure to measure yourself for correct sizing. My measurements ended up being 2 sizes up. Which fit perfect," they wrote.
BEST WIDE LEG BLACK PANTS FOR WOMEN
Seed Heritage Core Linen Waisted Pant, $149.95 at Myer
Why we love it: 100% French linen, stylish
What to consider: Pricy, linen creases easily
Material: 100% linen | Sizes: 4-16| Care: Cold hand wash
What You Need To Know
High-waisted? Tick. Wide-legged? Tick. Linen? Tick, but make it French.
For statement pants that’ll steal the show but still offer comfort, you can’t go past these Seed Heritage pants in their ‘Core Linen’ range. Think beautifully crafted staples with a premium look and feel that you’ll reach for season after season. We see these being worn to death in both the hotter and colder months, and both in the office and on days off. Honestly, you’ll be wearing these all year round.
Country Road Cotton Wide Leg Pant, $199 at Myer
Why we love it: Comfortable and elegant
What to consider: Expensive
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 4-16 | Care: Refer to product for care instruction
What You Need To Know
Made from a crisp cotton-elastane blend, these chic pants feature a high rise waist, wide leg silhouette and angled front pockets. It boasts a 4.9 star rating with reviews praising the black pants for its quality and versatility.
“These are so comfy and chic! Very happy with the quality and look as well and glad I picked these as these can be dressed up or down based on the occasion!” one wrote.
"I feel like Katharine Hepburn in these. Such a beautiful shape and fit, and always getting compliments," another said.
Country Road Pull-On Wide Leg Pant, $199 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Comfy, easy to dress up or down
What to consider: Pull on style, elasticated waist
Material: 71% Acetate, 29% Polyester | Sizes: 4-16 | Care: Refer to product for care instruction
What You Need To Know
Comfort on the top of your list? These timeless pants have an elasticated waist with drawcords, side seam pockets and pintuck detailing. The wide legs fall loosely which make it a flattering piece on all body types.
These pants score 4.8 out of five stars with many shoppers praising their ability to be dressed up or down with ease.
“Perfect elastic waist black pants. Can be dressed up or down. Love the permanent pleat – plan to live in these on my Europe trip,” wrote one happy customer.
“Comfortable, easy fit pull-on pants with a lovely medium weight draping fabric. Quite long in the leg and high waisted, the drawstring makes a nice focal point. Great with sneakers for day wear and heels at night. Very versatile and they travel well,” another wrote.
Dazie Rozalia Wide Leg Pants, $79.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Bestseller
What to consider: Non-stretch twill material
Material: 65% Polyester, 35% Viscose | Sizes: 6-18 | Care: Cold machine wash
What You Need To Know
For under $80 and with the must-have slightly wide length shape, these black pants are the perfect addition to your wardrobe – and they just so happen to be one of THE ICONIC’s bestsellers.
These are made from a lightweight, non-stretch twill so they retain a tailored work pant silhouette.
Stradivarius wide leg relaxed dad pants in black, $34 (down from $52) at ASOS
Why we love it: Affordable, ideal trouser length
What to consider: Sizing runs small
Material: 63% Polyester, 34% Viscose, 3% Elastane | Sizes: 4-16 | Care: Machine wash according to instructions on the care label
What You Need To Know
For an effortlessly cool girl aesthetic, let us introduce you to Barcelona brand Stradivarius, which is available at ASOS. These ‘dad pants’ feature a high rise, stretch-back waistband for maximum comfort, as well as an on-trend relaxed wide-leg. And they are under $50!
TikTokers have been raving about the pants, with one declaring it the “perfect black trouser” and “so comfortable”. The length is perfect for tall gals – i.e. they will not cut off at the ankle – but for the shorter ladies, don’t call your tailor just yet, as it also comes in petite. Be warned, sizing runs on the smaller end so size up for that relaxed look.
BEST TAILORED BLACK PANTS FOR WOMEN
The Frankie Shop Gelso Pleated Tailored Trousers, $285 at Farfetch
Why we love it: Relaxed fit, stylish, versatile
What to consider: Expensive, dry clean only
Material: TENCEL™ 60%, Rayon 30%, Wool 10% | Sizes: XS-L | Care: Dry clean only
What You Need To Know
If you’re willing to spend on black pants that you know you’re going to wear everyday, opt for this pair from The Frankie Shop. The tailored pants are slightly cinched in at the waist and fit more relaxed down the leg.
Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout’s Shopping Writer, says these pants quickly became her “go-to” pair of black pants.
“I love the pleats and the relaxed fit making them super comfy to wear during the office all day,” she says.
They are on the more expensive side, but it’s a purchase Phillipa says “you won’t regret”.
Annalee Pants, $59.99 at Forcast
Why we love it: Classic style, straight leg silhouette, slight stretch fabric
What to consider: Faux back pocket, not as versatile
Material: 96% Polyester, 4% Spandex | Sizes: 4-18 | Care: Cold hand wash
What You Need To Know
Forcast is a brand known for creating quality yet affordable workwear staples – and these Annalee pants are no exception. Sitting at a great price point, they have a highly flattering and elegant cigarette pant fit, and come in a variety of colourways (not just black).
They’re made from 96 per cent polyester and 4 per cent spandex so they’ve got just the right amount of stretch too.
BEST CROPPED BLACK PANTS FOR WOMEN
Slim Fit Ankle Grazer Trousers with Stretch, $49.99 at Marks & Spencer
Why we love it: Affordable, highly rated
What to consider: Some reviewers did not like the feel of the material
Material: 63% polyester, 33% viscose, 4% elastane | Sizes: 6-24 | Care: Machine washable even at 30º
What You Need To Know
Another great affordable pick is this pair from Marks & Spencer with an average rating of four out of five from over 300 five-star reviews. Happy customers describe them as “beautiful trousers”, noting their “fabulous quality and great fit”.
The pants offer a modern slim fit that is designed to show off your figure, while still feeling super comfortable and practical. They’re also priced at just under $50, so really, what more could you ask for?
Country Road Soft Tailored Culotte, $199 at Myer
Why we love it: Comfortable, flattering, crease-resistant fabric
What to consider: Culotte style, dry clean only
Material: 70% Tri Acetate, 30% Polyester | Sizes: 4-16 | Care: Dry clean only
What You Need To Know
These gorgeous soft tailored culottes have racked up an average rating of 4.9 out of five on the Country Road website. You’ve got the benefits of a high rise waist and tailored style, coupled with a cropped length so you can show off your gorgeous shoes. Plus it's made from a crease-resistant fabric.
Shoppers are raving about the "flattering appearance", with one five-star reviewer writing: "Comfort and style all in one pant. Versatile and easy care makes them a winner!"
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING BLACK PANTS
There’s no shortage of black pant options out there but when buying the right pair for your needs, you’ll want to consider the following factors:
Style - Are you after a wide, straight, or tapered leg for your black pants? Wide leg trousers are the silhouette of the season but the classic straight-leg or tapered leg are timeless styles that are ideal if you’re mainly wearing your trousers to work.
Material - We all know how important the fabric is to the look and feel of pants. If you’re after a pair of pants that are easy to look after, polyester is a popular choice as it doesn’t crease or wrinkle as much. Cotton and linen are breathable, whereas you might want a bit of elastane in the material make-up for some stretch in your pants.
Details - Look, there’s no denying that black pants can all look pretty much the same. After all, they’re black pants. So that’s where you want to start looking for some details like pleats, cuffs, tailoring, pockets, and belt loops that can make your black pants stand out.
Price - More expensive doesn’t always equal better. There are a range of great options on this list, from the affordable $50 mark all the way up to the pricier $300-plus.
Care - Take note of how to look after your pants. Some are dry clean only, whereas others are more durable and can be thrown in the wash.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW TO PICK THE BEST WORK PANTS?
Let’s face it, building the perfect workwear wardrobe is no easy task. You need to have a variety of good-quality pieces that you can easily mix and match to create different outfits that you feel comfortable in.
Nicole Adolphe, THE ICONIC’s Head of Style, agrees that choosing the perfect pair of black pants can be a challenge.
“There are so many styles, cuts and fits, and you want to choose a pair that you’ll get the most wear out of.”
Nicole says to “really think about the fit you want. If you want to be comfortable, a wide leg is the place to start. Wide leg pants are trending right now as they can take you from the desk to the bar. A straight leg pant is a classic to opt for that is timeless if you are looking for an investment pair of black pants.”
Nicole also recommends looking out for the waistline, as you’ll need to decide whether you want a high, low or mid-waisted cut.
HOW TO STYLE BLACK PANTS FOR WORK?
When you’re thinking about how to style your black pants for the office, it’s essential you nail the dress code. Think about what the vibe of your office is like, and what may be deemed appropriate or inappropriate.
If you’re in a corporate job, Nicole recommends opting for a cropped or straight leg black pants.
“They allow you to rotate what you wear up top without needing too many bottoms to match. Team with a shirt, lightweight knit or silk cami. A crop or ankle grazer pant means you can show off your shoes.”
Is your workplace a bit more casual?
Nicole says to go for a high-waisted black pant styled with a cropped tee or tank top, or even the matching waistcoat look.
“If you need to run to a more professional meeting or event, pop on a blazer to elevate the look."
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