If your school lets you wear jeans every day, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. If not, what kind of pants should a teacher wear? You need to be able to function in your clothes, but you also want to look put-together and professional. Bonus if you can extend the same outfit to date night or happy hour at the end of the day!
We’ve scoured the web to bring you the ultimate list of cute and trendy teacher pants and trousers that look professional and are comfortable to wear all day long. Here are the top 30 styles (including a few teacher pants options for men) that we recommend for comfort, function, and style.
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
1. Paper Bag Pants
Who doesn’t love a classic high-waist and straight silhouette? These trousers feature an elastic waistband for comfort, and they are super on-trend, which makes them perfect for that after-work happy hour. They also have pockets, which will certainly come in handy throughout the school day. Bonus: They come in more than 25 colors, so feel free to get creative!
Buy it: Paper Bag Pants at Amazon
2. Ponte Knit Leggings
We know what you’re thinking: “I can’t wear leggings to school.” But the thick ponte-knit construction of these leggings makes them a totally acceptable option for the classroom. The ponte knit holds its shape for the all-day comfort of leggings with the look of dress pants. Plus, they have a variety of inseam options.
Buy it: Ponte Knit Leggings at Amazon
3. Wide-Leg Pants
Want to try the wide-leg trend that’s been popping up everywhere? These are a perfect budget-friendly option. Plus, the lightweight construction makes them easy to wear all day, and the loose fit makes for easier movement. Reviewers rave about the super-soft fabric and say it feels like wearing your most comfortable leggings.
Buy it: The Wide Leg Pant at Amazon
4. Patch-Pocket Chinos
These chino pants can be dressed up for the workweek with a loose-fitting printed blouse, or they can be dressed down for weekend wear with a T-shirt and sneaks. The best parts about these pants are the added stretch for comfort and movement and the deep pockets for storing tissues, loose crayons, and anything else that might be thrown your way.
Buy it: Patch-Pocket Chinos at Amazon
5. Stretch Skinny Pants With Tummy Control
Designed for all-day comfort, these pull-on pants feature an elasticized waistband and a soft tummy-control panel. The skinny-leg silhouette and variety of color options make them a versatile option that can be dressed up with a tucked-in blouse or dressed down with an oversized tee or sweater. Available from sizes 0 to 24.
Buy it: Stretch Skinny Pant With Tummy Control at Amazon
6. Ankle Dress Pants
For those days when you have an observation or a meeting with the principal, these ankle-length trousers exude professionalism without sacrificing comfort. The high rise also keeps them from slipping down when bending or crouching. Note: Due to the slim fit of these pants, it’s recommended to order one size up from your usual size.
Buy it: Ankle Dress Pants at Amazon
7. Dickies Boot-Cut Pants
Dickies is known for creating work-wear apparel that is durable and allows movement. But don’t worry, these aren’t your Dickies work pants of the past. These boot-cut pants are flattering on almost all body types, and they won’t gape at the back when you crouch down to help a student. Available in an assortment of classic colors, these will quickly become a wardrobe staple.
Buy it: Dickies Boot-Cut Pant at Amazon
8. Printed Wide-Leg Pants
If you like the comfort and construction of a skirt but prefer to wear pants in the classroom, these are the perfect option for you. Cute floral designs pair great with any basic shirt. All of your teacher friends will be asking where you got them!
Buy it: Printed Wide-Leg Pant at Amazon
9. The “Wear From Office to the Trail” Pants
If you’re dealing with little ones, having clothing that is both stain-resistant and waterproof is key. That’s why hiking pants make a great option. These Columbia pants are not only water- and stain-repellent, but they feature UPF 50 protection, making them the perfect option for field trips.
Buy it: Trail Stretch Pant at Amazon
10. Boot-Cut Yoga Dress Pants
Yoga dress pants have been going viral for quite some time, and for good reason. They feel, stretch, and breathe just like yoga pants, but they have a polished boot-cut silhouette. Wear with a classic button-down top to give them an even more professional feel.
Buy it: Boot-Cut Yoga Dress Pants at Amazon
11. Plus-Size Perfect-Fit Pants
These are more similar to a classic dress pant than the other teacher pants options on this list, but they are much more comfortable. The spandex-infused fabric makes them more flexible and less rigid than traditional dress pants, and the wide waistband creates a flattering line.
Buy it: Plus-Size Perfect-Fit Pants at Amazon
12. Drawstring Cropped Pants
Drawstring pants make those two-second bathroom breaks easier. Plus, these offer a completely put-together look without sacrificing comfort. Who needs jeans when these are just as comfortable? Plus, they look great with flats.
Buy it: Drawstring Cropped Pants at Amazon
13. Skinny Jegging Pants
For pants even more comfortable than jeans, consider jeggings. The glen-plaid print option creates such a professional look that no one will ever know you’re wearing jeggings! The comfort of leggings combined with the professional plaid print makes them a perfect option for the classroom.
Buy it: Skinny Jegging Pants at Amazon
14. Calvin Klein Stretch Pants
While these are the priciest pair on the list, the quality of these pull-on teacher pants is well worth the cost. Reviews point to the smooth, great quality material that makes them worthy of being your new go-to wardrobe staple. A simple seam down the front gives these a professional and polished look, but they have the comfort of a knit legging.
Buy it: Calvin Klein Stretch Pants at Amazon
15. Flex Motion Trouser Pants
Flex Motion fabric will get you ready for a long day of teaching, and reviews say they are stretchy and easy to move in. Plus, they’re available in petite and long lengths up to size 30, so you’re sure to find a fit for you. Choose from a range of neutral tones to fit your wardrobe.
Buy it: Flex Motion Trouser Pants at Amazon
16. High-Waisted Printed Pants
Add a fun printed pant to your closet! Choose from this black-and-white pattern, leopard, ferns, or many solid colors. The flowy wide leg will keep you comfortable all day without sacrificing style.
Buy it: High-Waisted Printed Pants at Amazon
17. Cropped Button Pants
These are so breathable, made with 97% cotton. The adorable buttons and paper-bag waist make these comfy pants hard to pass up. They’re super versatile and can be dressed up with a patterned shirt or fun jewelry.
Buy it: Cropped Button Pants at Amazon
18. Relaxed-Fit Khakis
For the guys, these khaki teacher pants are a perfect option for everyday wear. Similar to the chino pants for women earlier in the list, these relaxed-fit pants feature a fair amount of stretch for comfort and movement. You might even reach for these on the weekends!
Buy it: Relaxed-Fit Khakis at Amazon
19. Premium No-Iron Pants
For those days when you need to be just a bit more dressed up than usual, these trousers are a perfect business-casual look. Featuring a no-iron stretch fabric, these pants are designed to be worn all day with comfort.
Buy it: Men’s Premium No-Iron Pants at Amazon
20. Men’s Comfort Pants
Slim-fit pants provide a modern look while remaining breathable with 97% cotton material. Choose from a range of neutral options to elevate your next outfit. Ratings say the stretch waistband is great, and the slim fit is very flattering.
Buy it: Men’s Comfort Pants at Amazon
21. High-Waisted Stevie Pant
Old Navy almost always has some type of sale going on so keep an eye out for those promotions! These pants have over 200 positive reviews and most call them a “perfect fit,” telling potential buyers they are “extremely comfortable.” What is not to love about pants that look professional but are actually super comfortable?
Buy it: High-Waisted Stevie Pant at Old Navy
22. Pixie Pants
I have several pairs of Pixie pants and I could get them in every color and print. They are comfortable, stretchy, and polished. I love the length! They come in eight different colors and also regular, tall, or petite. These are the perfect teacher pants!
Buy it: Pixie Pants at Old Navy
23. Pixie Flare Pants
A variation on the Pixie pant, this pair adds a flare to the fit. Flare pants are back! Those who have taught long enough have probably seen several pant trends come and go and always wish that they would have hung onto their previous styles because they always come back. These pants allow you to follow the flare pant trend and still be professional-looking. If you’re short, you may need a little heel on your shoe with these pants.
Buy it: Pixie Flare Pants at Old Navy
24. High-Waisted Wow Boot-Cut Pants
Another trend that is taking over denim styles, we’re going back to the ’90s with boot-cut pants. These pants have over 500 positive reviews! This is a classic pair of pants that your wardrobe will thank you for.
Buy it: High-Waisted Wow Boot-Cut Pants at Old Navy
25. Boot-Cut Black Jeans
These jeans have over 5,000 positive reviews! Old Navy calls these “Wow” pants and they certainly seem to live up to the hype! If your school allows you to wear black jeans in place of dress pants, these are an excellent option. They are affordable and flattering.
Buy it: Boot-Cut Black Jeans at Old Navy
26. High-Waisted Ankle Leggings
Pair these comfortable leggings with loafers and a long sweater! These are super affordable and have over 2,000 positive reviews. They also come in three colors and in regular, petite, and tall.
Buy it: High-Waisted Ankle Leggings at Old Navy
27. Slim Built-In Flex Rotation Chinos
These pants come in nine different colors and are perfect for work. They are also super affordable and pair well with any button-down or sweater. The reviews look great and people really love the built-in flex feel of the pants. These are tried-and-true classic pants that are ready for work!
Buy it: Men’s Slim Built-In Flex Rotation Chino Pants at Old Navy
28. High-Waisted Corduroy Pants
These pants are so chic! I love that corduroy is back. These pants come in three different colors that are begging for fall and winter wear. They are at a higher price point but Banana Republic does have promotions to snag a discount.
Buy it: High-Waisted Corduroy Pants at Banana Republic
29. Relaxed Drapey Crepe Trouser Pants
I cannot have a list that includes the best teacher pants and not include a fun pop-of-color option. You can save these pants for Wednesday and see if your students get the reference “On Wednesdays, we wear pink.” If they do, they can receive 100 bonus points or just a smile and a nod that they belong on your mental list of kids who get your references. These pants are so fun! They are wide-legged, come in pink and black, and are sure to make a statement.
Buy it: Relaxed Drapey Crepe Trouser-Pants at J.Crew
30. Corduroy Wide-Leg Pants
These pants are from Madewell, a store that honors a teacher’s discount. They have a comfortable waistband and come in a window-pane print that invites fall and winter into your wardrobe. Pair with some loafers and you’ve got a perfect academia-inspired look.
Buy it: Corduroy Wide-Leg Pants at Madewell
Do you have a favorite pair of teacher pants? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, check out teacher shoes that won’t hurt your feet!
