14 Best Machine Washable Work Pants for Women in 2023

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Finding the perfect pair of work pants can be an incredibly tall order.

Not only do you have to think about the fit, it's also important to have varying styles, fabrics and colors so that you can mix and match to create enough different outfits to successfully get you through the week. Aside from all of this, making sure they're comfortable and easy to care for are top priorities.

Luckily, there are plenty of machine-washable women's work pants that will maintain their shape and fit for the long-haul. We also tapped a few experts to get some tips on prolonging the lifespan of your work pants so that you can keep all of your favorites looking great. Below, we've chosen some options that are made of quality materials in different fits and fabrics so that you can plan out your work 'fits with ease.

And if you need a great tote, loafer, or blazer to pair with these work pants, see our full guide on where to buy women's workwear.

Not only are these pants available in sizes 12 through 28, they are also available in regular, petite, short and long lengths. And no matter what size or length fits you best, the stretch waistband is there to eliminate any gapping so that you don't have to worry about rushing them to a tailor. They also have pockets and a button closure, which is great for those that are no longer pumped about managing those hook-like clasps.

The straight-leg fit hits right at the ankle, which means they could pair easily with lots of different shoes. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the fabric is stretchy and maintains its shape over time – even after lots of trips through the washing machine and dryer.

You've probably seen these pants making their rounds on social media, and it's for a good reason: they're super cozy and versatile. They have a slightly widened leg that would look as great paired with heels as they would paired with sneakers. They also feature pleating at the front, which adds an element of sophistication to any look.

The back of the waistband features elastic, which is great for both comfort and fit. The waist is also what the brand calls "ultra high-rise," which means they also work if you want to pair them with a cropped tee on the weekends. They are available in 12 different colors, including basics like black and khaki, and branching out into fun summer hues like baby blue and seafoam green.

With a wide leg fit and lots of pleats at the waist, these pants tow the line between 90s and retro-inspired looks. That said, since the leg isn't super oversized, they still have a modern flair that would be easily paired with lots of different tops.

Made of elastane, they have plenty of stretch and they are machine-washable, which is super important when you're searching for options that can be worn on a regular basis. They also come in black and a light olive green, both of which would be easily paired with lots of different outfits.

These perfect pants are made of a medium-weight wool blend, which means they're heavy enough to wear into cooler weather. They are perfectly-tailored and enhanced with pressed leg creases to highlight your shape.

They are fully-lined and feature front and back pockets. The pants also have pleating in the front, which adds a refined element to any outfit. Since they're made of wool, they are dry clean-only, however the slightly thicker material is sure to last for years to come.

Available in 13 stunning colors, these pants are sure to live up to their name and become one of your favorites. They are made from a blend suiting fabric that won't leave you feeling suffocated in the summer or cold during the winter – in other words, these can be worn year-round.

They also have lots of basic everyday colors, but if you're hoping to branch out for the spring or summer seasons, you'll find fun options like a poppy blue, bright pink and even a lime green. These are also the perfect pants to pair with the brand's corresponding blazer if you're looking for something to wear to your next big interview.

The more ways you can wear a certain piece, the more essential it becomes in your workwear rotation. For our associate story producer Elena Matarazzo, the High-rise Cameron Pant has been styled and restyled an endless amount of times since their first wear. "These J.Crew stretchy but structured work pants are the first business casual pants that I purchased during college," she says. "For folks who love a higher rise these are a perfect multi use pant that can be dressed up or down. Two easy ways to style include an oxford button tucked in with loafers or a cropped sweater with tennis shoes for a more casual OOO look."

When it comes to quality workwear that's still budget-friendly, you can't go wrong with basics from Zara. Thanks to its timeless silhouette and European Linen threads, these wide-leg pants are designed to outlive any trendy trouser. Not only do Zara's pieces withstand dozens of washes like our other top picks, but they've been in our closets for several years. In fact, for Stephanie Hallett, our senior personal finance editor, the Zara Wide-Leg Linen Pants have had quite the shelf life before making their way to her own.

"I confess that my favorite postpartum work pants are a pair of hand-me-down linen trousers my best friend gave me after her first baby, but these Zara pants are a facsimile. They are so comfortable, get softer each time you wash them, and actually look quite chic with a button-down shirt (breastfeeding-friendly!) and a good necklace or pair of earrings," said Hallett.

Several of us on the Insider Reviews team own the Foster from M.M.LaFleur, and they're some of the best overall work pants we've come across. The silhouette is sleek, classic, and versatile enough that you can wear it casually on the weekend too. What really differentiates these pants though is the adjustable hem, a rare feature that lets you instantly change the length. We also like how the stretchy material holds up to its wrinkle-resistant claims so you look as polished at the end of the day as you did walking out the door.

When it comes to quality basics, we could easily fill up an entire wardrobe with Eileen Fisher's minimalist designs. The brand's Stretch Crepe Slim Ankle Pants have a pull-on style and feature all the comfort of a legging, but with a straight-leg silhouette you can dress up with heels or loafers. You can choose from classic black or an elegant off-white color, but take note that the off-white is fairly transparent.

If you dread the idea of returning to "hard pants," the Everlane Dream Pant is here to bridge the gap between joggers and formal slacks. It's made with a soft cotton/modal blend but cut into a tailored silhouette with pintucked details. They'll feel more professional when paired with a button-down or blouse, but you can just as easily pair these pants with a T-shirt too. Like the Foster, the Dream Pant is made with a wrinkle-resistant material to keep you looking fresh from 9am to 9pm.

Spanx took its popular shaping technology and turned it into a line of work pants that's entirely machine-washable. Dubbed "The Perfect Pant Collection," the four styles include two skinny fits, a straight leg, and a high-rise flare.

You can find our full review of the collection here, but the short version is that each is made with a thick, comfortable ponte fabric that looks professional while feeling like a pair of leggings. Another plus is the inclusive size range and the option to choose petite, regular, or tall lengths.

Similar to Everlane's Dream Pant, the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant is a hybrid style you can wear from work to the weekend. One reviewer notes they've worn these pants for a hiking trip and even out to a nice dinner.

Though they might not be the best match for formal office settings, the Brooklyn pant has plenty of range thanks to its performance material: it's quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, breathable, machine-washable, and has a sun-protection rating of UPF 50+. Even better, these pants are sustainably made from recycled water bottles.

The ADAY ethos is anchored in sustainability, versatility, and simplicity, with designs that help you "do more with less." The brand's Turn it Up Pant blends the silhouette of traditional trousers with modern details like an elastic waistband and a washable material.

The legs are made to be cuffed for an alternate look, but if you decide you'd rather have them hemmed, ADAY will actually give you a $15 gift card if you send in a copy of your tailoring receipt.

Big Bud Press is a gender-inclusive brand that makes comfy clothing in a wide range of shades and sizes. Associate Story Producer, Maiya Pascouche has been absolutely obsessed with the brand since buying her first pair of pants. "My recent favorite work pants are their trousers," she shares, "which have the perfect, tummy flattering pleat on the front and an elastic waistband. I only have them in off-white at the moment, but you can bet I'm stocking up on fall tones ASAP."

Wash Less, Steam More

Steamers aren't just for removing wrinkles, you can also use them as a clothing refresher. Frej Lewenhaupt, who is a textile expert and the co-founder and CEO of Steamery, explains that overwashing is a major reason why clothing loses its shape prematurely. "I recommend airing your garments outside occasionally and steaming them to remove unwanted odors, kill bacteria, and make them wrinkle-free," says Lewenhaupt.

Treat Stains Immediately

Don't worry, this doesn't mean you have to immediately change your clothes so that they can soak in club soda. Lindsay Droz, co-founder of L'Avant Collective, suggests picking up some stain-removing wipes.

"We carry our Plant-Based Cleaning Wipes with us everywhere we go for cleaning up little spills during the day or even makeup that accidentally gets on our collars," says Droz. "By cleaning up these little messes, you can avoid having the pieces laundered as often."

Garment Bags are Your Friends

While you should always make sure that your clothing is machine-washable in the first place, garment bags will prolong your clothing's lifespan once that little fact is confirmed. "Turn pants inside out and place them in a mesh bag," says Droz. "A mesh bag is a great way to protect any piece of clothing, but also to keep garments together (can anyone say, missing socks?)."

Plus, Lewenhaupt points out that garment bags are actually better for the environment. "Synthetic materials can emit microplastic when machine washing them, so I always suggest using a washing bag to prevent the microplastics from ending up in the ocean," he says.

Use Less Detergent

This may sound counterintuitive, however Droz explains that suds work to prevent the clothing from rubbing together in the wash.

"The suds prevent the clothes from rubbing against each other in the washer, which is what cleans the clothes," explains Droz. "Furthermore, adding extra detergent leaves a residue on your clothes which traps dirt, bacteria, and minerals and keeps the clothes from looking as fresh. Adding more detergent also increases the chance that the color can fade in the garment."

Air Dry Whenever Possible

While dryers are convenient, they may not be the best choice if your main concern is preserving the shape of your clothing. Lewenhaupt says "air drying is the gentlest way to dry your garments." To do this, make sure you lay your pants flat to prevent stretching or pulling.

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