11 Comfortable + Stylish Pants That Aren’t Leggings — And Won’t Break the Bank
You don't have to sacrifice style for comfort!
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It used to be that we had to squeeze ourselves into pants that pinched and wouldn’t give. But the combination of revolutionary fabrics and changing trends means that we can say goodbye to that kind of discomfort — even if we gain a few pounds. We combed this season’s pants offerings to find the ones that marry fashion and function so you look and feel great. Good news: they don’t cost a fortune. Keep reading to see our picks for the most comfortable pants that are not leggings and are perfect for women over 40.
Best comfortable pants that aren’t leggings or sweats of 2023
- Best pull on cotton pants: Lee Women’s Ultra Lux Pull-On Crop Pant
- Best cargo pants: Aerie Village Cargo Pant
- Best shapewear pants: Measure and Made Ponte Straight Pant
- Best linen pants: MOTF Linen Viscose Wide-Waist Dress Pants
- Best pants that look like jeans: Lee Women’s Ultra Lux With Flex Motion Regular Fit Trouser Pant
- Best joggers: Windsor Seal The Deal Trouser Joggers
- Best leather pants: T.J. Maxx Shinestar Faux Leather Straight Leg Pants With Pockets
- Best plus size option: Lane Bryant Journey Knit High-Rise Wide Leg Pant
- Best pull on work pants: Aerie Gotta Jet! High Waisted Skater Pant
- Best pull on dress pants: Maurices Idealist High Rise Wide Leg Dress Pant
- Best non-cling pants: L.L.Bean Women’s Premium Washable Linen Pull-On Pants
What to look for in comfortable pants that aren’t leggings
You may be wondering if it’s worth it to even bother with comfortable pants that aren’t leggings when you’re just puttering around the house. But when you’re feeling in a funk, sometimes just getting out of your pajamas and getting dressed can help pull you out, says celebrity fashion stylist Samantha Brown who has worked with Candice Bergen and Jennifer Nettles. “It can make you feel more confident and put-together, and ready to take on the day.”
Comfortable pants that aren’t leggings aren’t only a great option for when your puttering around the house, new options are stylish enough to work in an office or job site.
Brown suggests looking for three main things — stretch, versatility and breathability — when shopping for comfortable pants as a woman over 40. And buying pants doesn’t have to be a dreaded experience — or a lengthy one. When looking for comfortable pants, keep an eye out for pairs that can be worn multiple different ways, or in other words, can be dressed up or down. Here, our six favorite comfortable pants that aren’t leggings for 2023:
Lee Women’s Ultra Lux Pull-On Crop Pant
Best pull on cotton pants
Why we like them:
- Airy and light
- Deep pockets
- Cotton and linen blend
This cotton and linen blend from Lee creates the most airy pair of pants you will ever own. The cropped leg is trendy and stylish, and the large pockets are deep and able to fit anything you made need on the go.
Aerie Village Cargo Pant
Best cargo
Why we like them:
- Cinches waist
- Trouble-spot concealing pockets
- Lightweight cotton fabric
The drawstring waistband on these Aerie cargo pants allows for a cinched waist and an hourglass figure, while the pockets help hide any jiggles. They’re made from 88% cotton and 12% polyester, which makes for a comfortable fit you can sit in all day.
Measure and Made Ponte Straight Pant
Best shapewear pants
Why we like them:
- Built-in shapewear
- Feel like leggings
- Can dress up
What’s better than dress pants that don’t require expensive shapewear underneath? This pair from Measure & Made does all the shaping work for you. They feel like leggings with their rayon/nylon/spandex fabric makeup and contain jiggles but look ready for work, dinner or any other nicer event.
MOTF Linen Viscose Wide-Waist Dress Pants
Best linen pants
Why we like them:
- Wide waistband
- High-rise
- Dress up or down
The linen fabric, detailed trim and center fold of these MOTF pants makes them look dressy while the high-waisted style features a wide waistband to easily cover and smooth any belly bumps or lumps.
Lee Women’s Ultra Lux With Flex Motion Regular Fit Trouser Pant
best pants that look like jeans
Why we like it
- Comfier than jeans with the same look
- Plus size options
- Open back pockets
Pants that are as comfy as jeans, that aren’t actually jeans, but still kind of look like them? Sign us up! These comfy “dress” pants from Lee come in a variety of colors, but the pair featured here is a washed indigo color, creating a faux denim look. They come in both regular and plus sizes, and offer non-closed back pockets that help the rear look extra sllim.
Windsor Seal The Deal Trouser Joggers
Best joggers
Why we like them:
- Look like dress pants
- High-waisted
- Jogger-comfort
Like the mullet of daywear, this pair of trouser joggers from Windsor are the best of both worlds: business on top and party on the bottom. They come in both black and this conservative brown/taupe color. And the high-waisted pants allow for more tummy control and an hourglass shape — all for just $30!
T.J. Maxx Shinestar Faux Leather Straight Leg Pants With Pockets
best leather pants
Why we like them:
- Ankle-length
- Loose fit
- Pockets
Nervous to try out leather, but still want to be on trend? We’ve found the perfect pants for you. This faux leather pair from T.J. Maxx are not only high-waisted, but also are a loose, straight-leg fit. When you think of leather pants, you likely picture a tight, skinny, unbreathable style, but these just proved you can rock the leather while still feeling comfortable. And, they comes with a pretty price tag of just $24.99!
Lane Bryant Journey Knit High-Rise Wide Leg Pant
best plus size option
Why we like them:
- Plus sizes
- Stretchy
- Colorful
If you’re looking to add a pop of color into your wardrobe, a dark hue like this burgundy is a great way to do it. These wide-leg pants by Lane Bryant are pull-on for added ease and look as chic as they are comfortable. Pair with a blazer for work or with a cute tee for days at home.
Aerie Gotta Jet! High Waisted Skater Pant
best pull on work pants
Why we like them:
- Thick waistband
- Loose fit/wide leg
- Made with ribbed sweater-yarn
We think we may have found the best, most affordable lounge pants out there. Knit is the fabric of the season, as is the ribbed texture. The sweater-yarn material provides a perfect mix for days when you don’t feel like throwing on a pair of tight leggings. These pants from Aerie feature a thick waistband, providing full belly coverage, and the loose fit allows for breathability.
Maurices Idealist High Rise Wide Leg Dress Pant
Best pull on dress pant
Why we like them:
- 12% Spandex
- Affordable
- Fun pattern
This pair of dress pants from Maurices showcase the cutest plaid pattern, but also come in solid-colored black and burgundy if you’re not into prints. They are made with 12% spandex, allowing for peak mobility and comfort. They are high-rise with front pockets, and the wide leg style offers chic style that conceals trouble spots.
L.L.Bean Women’s Premium Washable Linen Pull-On Pants
best non-cling pants
Why we like them:
- Keeps shape
- Drawstring waistband
- Denim-like color
These 100% linen pants are made from premium-grade European flax, meaning they will keep their shape and softness after many washes. The straight-leg cut is relaxed through the hip and thigh, so you won’t have to worry about clinging. The sizes are accommodating to all with regular, petite and plus options!
To learn more about what to buy to update your fall wardrobe, click through these stories!
21 Best Leggings to Dress Up or Down for Women Over 50
5 Fall Fashion Trends for Women with Sensitive Skin
28 Best Clothing Stores for Women Over 50
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