We put the cult-favorite Spanx Perfect Pants to the test and it felt like we were wearing leggings to work
Spanx's Perfect Pant comes in a variety of stretchy silhouettes from flared to skinny. Our editors think they make the best work pants.
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Sally Kaplan/Insider
What you wear to work — much like what you wear on an eight-hour flight — can make all the difference in your day.
The best women's work clothes have a stacked résumé: professional, versatile, easy to care for, comfortable, and affordable.
Shapewear brand Spanx is responsible for some of our favorite basics, including the best underwear for women and the best tights — we even reviewed Spanx's leggings and loved them. Now, Spanx's Perfect Pant is a clear contender for the best black pants — the backbone of many a workplace wardrobe.
The Perfect Black Pant borrows from the trademarks Spanx is renowned for, such as a smoothing, elongating effect. But unlike its shapewear, you won't feel constricted. The Ponte material has four-way stretch and a pull-on band that's easy to get on. In other words, it's a really well-made iteration of the black work pant.
To see how the pants stacked up in person, I asked four women — all of whom spend their days discovering and reviewing the best clothing you can buy online — to pass judgment. Here's our review of Spanx's Perfect Pants.
Sally Kaplan/Insider
Spanx finally started making a petite version of these pants and honestly, WOW. I'm 5-foot-2 and curvy and have a hard time with long pants (let alone wide-leg pants) but these fit like an absolute glove. The length was just long enough that I have to wear either heels or platform sneakers, which is exactly what makes my legs look so long.
The waist on the wide-leg pair was smoothing but not uncomfortably tight. I loved that they just slipped right on (good for busy mornings) and that the weight of the pants keeps the legs from blowing around too much. They're also easy to dress up or down — I can wear them for work with a cute blazer or keep it casual with sneakers and a shirt jacket. In the pictures above, I'm wearing a cute turtleneck tank top that's also from Spanx. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor
Samantha Crozier/Insider
These pants are great for anyone who wants to wear leggings to work but has an office dress code that would frown upon it. The stretchy, smoothing fabric feels like a great pair of yoga pants but has a heavier weight that means you won't have to worry about panty lines.
Keep in mind that Spanx states on their website that these are meant to be worn with a three-to-four-inch heel. This means that — even with their choices of a petite, regular, or tall inseam — the pants aren't meant to hit you at the ankle. So if you're someone who wears flats to the office every day, you should opt for a shorter inseam than you're used to.
Since I'm five-foot-two, I got the petite option. But because this is already the shortest inseam, I have no choice but to wear these with heels. They would puddle at my ankles otherwise. While I do usually wear heels and I love the leg-lengthening effect of these, I wish that they were a tiny bit shorter so that I could wear them on days where my feet hurt or I'm opting for a more casual look.
A great budget alternative to these pants are the Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Bootcut Pant, which are only $40 and have all the same legging-like comfort of the Spanx Perfect Pant. They also run a little long (the petite option for both pants is a 30-inch inseam), but they're made of a thinner material which I prefer for summer. Plus, I find the waistband slightly more comfortable on the Quince pants. — Samantha Crozier, style & beauty editor
Spanx
At first, I didn't love that these pants have Spanx's signature pull-on design — I know it's necessary for creating the comfortable feel and sleek look, but I like my work pants to look as close to traditional pants as possible under close inspection. But, that complaint dissolved after a few days of repeat wear. They're too comfortable. They're the same thickness as jeans with the comfort of leggings, and I found myself gravitating to them for days when I really need to be either a) very comfortable or b) really "on" at work.
The four-way-stretch Ponte fabric is smoothing, breathable, and flexible enough to do lunges in. The silhouette is sleek and versatile, and I love the elevation of a tailored back seam. And since I mostly wear pair with button-ups or slightly long shirts, the lack of a top button or zipper isn't noticeable. Best of all this, though, is being able to throw them in with the rest of my wash.
If I could do it again, I'd go with the slightly more versatile style that has pockets, but that's only because I've begun wearing them so often. — Mara Leighton, senior reporter
Spanx
I'm the kind of person who refuses to wear dress pants or slacks to work unless absolutely necessary, like I'd-lose-my-job necessary. They're itchy, hot, and stick to your skin while you sit on your butt all day long. The Spanx Perfect Black Pant is the complete opposite — I feel like I'm wearing the most supportive pair of leggings. The material is not only soft and stretchy, but it's about the same thickness as my jeans, so I don't feel exposed or uncomfortable wearing them in the workplace.
The waistband sits fairly high around the smallest part of my waist which I find to be very comfortable. Some people aren't a fan of high waisted pants, but I'm only 5-foot-4 so I imagine someone who is taller won't find them to sit as high as I do. The only downside to these pants is that they are advertised as the 4-pocket style, but the two front pockets are just for show. — Francesca Rea, senior story producer