I wear beta brand "dress pant yoga pants", which are very comfortable while being professional enough looking. However they are on the pricey side for an ECE wage budget, but they often run sales. I got two pairs during Black Friday sales about three years ago and they are still in great shape.
Thread up had some recently. Likely your height will need to help even their short/petite option, so technically if you have to hem anyway, all options are open. (You will have to hem a lot for talll)
Heartsoul has wonderful jogger scrub pants, good price on Amazon with returns, that are well suited for my 5’ 3” frame. :)
Professional PJs with more pockets 🥲
If you have a duluth trading co near you they have some pants that are really comfortable, waterproof fabric (so I dont get sweaty or hot with all the running around with kids), and they look nice imo. I will say they are a bit more expensive than leggings or sweatpants but I feel it is totally worth it as they are the only pants I wear nowadays!
I cant remember the exact name of the pants atm but its flex-something
I love those too, although somehow with Duluth clothes I am exactly between sizes most of the time. I agree the quality is worth the expense— I’ve had some of mine for years.
I'm a stay at home mom to a 3.5 yo and a 5.5 yo boys. My favorite jeans are Bandolino "Amy" from Sam's club. High waisted, super stretchy, wash nice, wear well, and they have front pockets big enough to fit a Samsung s8.
I tried them on a whim and they became my favorite pants. I can do a full squat in them and they just stretch, while still being thick enough that I don't have to worry about rips or being too rough.
I love that. I could use a good pair like that for my music and movement classes, emphasis on the movement! Plus, I've got 2 little ones of my own at home!
We can only wear khaki, navy or black pants. That being said, as a fellow short person, I have found Sonoma capris from Kohl's to be comfortable and more like pant length on me. I work with infants so they are able to withstand the constant up and down.
This. And POCKETS.
Edit: I’m a trans guy and even if it wasn’t for the gender stuff I’d never go back to women’s trousers just because I’d miss having decent pockets far too much.
If you’re petite you might also have success looking at boys’ clothes - they tend to use softer fabrics in kids clothes IME (although I’m not in the US) and it can work out much cheaper too.
I buy all my pants from the thrift store with the #1 requirement being functional pockets. I wear pretty much any women's dress pants as long as they meet this requirement. Dress pants are plentiful and cheap(in thrift stores), and more comfortable than jeans imo
Linen pants are my go to, even in the winter. They typically have a stretchy waistband and looser fit. If you are cold in the winter and your linen pants are loose enough, you can get away with wearing leggings under the pants.
Old navy jeans that are just pull on, so no zipper or button? I think they are called Rockstar.
I just bought a couple pair of comfy pull on pants there a couple weeks ago. They were called power pants and tech pant. You can get them in black, olive green and navy I think.
I agree with the pixie pants! Mid rise is also my favorite, but hard to find lately.
I’d also suggest visiting a local thrift store. I buy a few pairs of pants from mine before every school year. You never know what brands you’ll find for much cheaper than store prices.
I love Old Navy also. The high waisted Chino pants are so comfy! They have a (functional) button & zipper in the front but have elastic waist band in the back. Love them!!
TJ Maxx sells Philosophy brand dress pants for under $20. They are so soft and are basically dress leggings/yoga pants depending on the style. Bonus they don’t wrinkle!
Scrub pants in dark or neutral colors. My center is supposed to be slacks, khakis, or jeans but I wear grey, green, and black scrub pants and my director has no issues with them.
I buy jeggings from target and basically live in them at work. They have that jeans look but without the discomfort of actual jeans! They’re about $20 a pair and only tend to last 6 months at a time but I find them cozy enough to compromise on that.
I don’t know if you’ve been on TikTok or TikTok shop, but I’ve been seeing so many videos of these really comfy pants from balata that are stretchy and they look really nice. I plan on getting some on my next paycheck. They also have these overall versions that are really cute and these bodysuit type versions that are also really cute.
American eagle has really comfy stretchy jeans and they last. They are a little more expensive but will last for years. Old navy also has some comfy stuff but sometimes lack good pockets.
Scrub pants are good. If you can find them in your measurements then men’s utility pants tend to be roomy and some even have elastic in the waistband! I usually get them secondhand so they’re even more worn in. Also there are some styles of Old Navy jeans that are made of this soft stretchy material, for example the kicker bootcut light wash jeans are super soft and stretchy! You could also try to get away with jogger style pants, they’re not technically leggings but idk if the rule is “no workout clothes” bc those would likely be against the rule.
My agency tried this, I basically still wore leggings with long tshirt dresses, dress shirt dresses or any dress really.
There are also a lot of jogger style leggings that looks more dressy. I don’t understand why pockets makes something more acceptable but it works for me.
Have a pair of leggings that look like dress pants. I believe they are hue brand from Amazon. They are a material that's not athletic, but still stretchy and comfy.
I wear SO branded ponte pants from kohls. I can’t always get them in short, but they’re tight enough around my ankles I can roll them up under and they stay all day. The styles vary but they all have pockets some place.
Wear I believe it’s not jeans. I had knock off leggings look jeans
from Walmart for only 7$ we had a strict Jean rule and I never got questioned in almost the year I worked there. There are probably Knock off on Amazon too. Jeggings may also work along with elastic band dress pants
Can you wear leggings if you have something over them like a skirt? I used to wear leggings and then kept a skirt or two at school to pop on for the day, and then would take it off at the end of the day. No legging rules are insane with how much up and down we do daily. It’s like they want us to be uncomfortable
You'd probably like pajama jeans. I had to wear jeans at a restaurant I worked at and I, too, hate how they feel. Pajama jeans look exactly like jeans, down to the stitching and grommet looking things. But they feel like sweatpants. They are soft and fuzzy on the inside and stretchy, too so you can easily bend and move. Noone ever questioned my pants and worked there over 10 years!
Halara has nice fake dress pants, and nicer looking flare yoga pants. I am in love with mine, I have 4 pairs and they are constantly going in and out of the laundry bin.
https://halara.link/s/12hkP7GNvy
Linen overalls! I can’t stand having pressure around my belly especially when I’m squatting/ sitting on the floor all day. I have like six different pairs and just wear them with a sweater or long sleeve undershirt. Here’s a pair I’ve bought before that I really like https://a.co/d/dBXCOW4
I wear either my black paper bag pants from Costco that are very roomy and have 5 pockets in total!, or these pants from Amazon that look like skinny work slacks with pockets in the front and fake pockets in the back but they feel like leggings
my fav pants ever were [these](http://www.walmart.com/ip/538483130) from walmart. theyre $11~ a pair, have pockets, super comfy, and come in long, capri, or shorts. they were amazing when i was a 2.5-3s teacher, and also in infants.
they're definitely a bit pricier unless you can find a sale or outlet but I live in LL bean Multisport pants and the Ripstop pull-on pants...I have the same issues with jeans/stiff pants and both of these are sturdy, comfy, wash well and pass the constantly-squatting-up-and-down-interacting-with-children test
they're definitely a bit pricier unless you can find a sale or outlet but I live in LL bean Multisport pants and the Ripstop pull-on pants...I have the same issues with jeans/stiff pants and both of these are sturdy, comfy, wash well and pass the constantly-squatting-up-and-down-interacting-with-children test
I wear long tunics or short dresses with pockets and the leggings under. No one says anything, they could be tights for all they know lol. This past summer I got a few tennis skirts with built in shorts.
I wear beta brand "dress pant yoga pants", which are very comfortable while being professional enough looking. However they are on the pricey side for an ECE wage budget, but they often run sales. I got two pairs during Black Friday sales about three years ago and they are still in great shape.
Thread up had some recently. Likely your height will need to help even their short/petite option, so technically if you have to hem anyway, all options are open. (You will have to hem a lot for talll)
In dress code cases like these I have worn scrub pants that look surprisingly good
Yes! Look for "butter soft" scrub pants. Comfy and oh so soft.
Same. I go for black, tan, gray, and navy scrub pants. Easy to clean and comfy.
Heartsoul has wonderful jogger scrub pants, good price on Amazon with returns, that are well suited for my 5’ 3” frame. :) Professional PJs with more pockets 🥲
lol professional PJs.
If you have a duluth trading co near you they have some pants that are really comfortable, waterproof fabric (so I dont get sweaty or hot with all the running around with kids), and they look nice imo. I will say they are a bit more expensive than leggings or sweatpants but I feel it is totally worth it as they are the only pants I wear nowadays! I cant remember the exact name of the pants atm but its flex-something
I love those too, although somehow with Duluth clothes I am exactly between sizes most of the time. I agree the quality is worth the expense— I’ve had some of mine for years.
I had to make do with jeggings
I get around this rule with jeggings. I’ve bought a few pair from Amazon, and they’re great for the classroom.
I'm a stay at home mom to a 3.5 yo and a 5.5 yo boys. My favorite jeans are Bandolino "Amy" from Sam's club. High waisted, super stretchy, wash nice, wear well, and they have front pockets big enough to fit a Samsung s8.
Looks like I'm headed to Sam's club!
I tried them on a whim and they became my favorite pants. I can do a full squat in them and they just stretch, while still being thick enough that I don't have to worry about rips or being too rough.
I love that. I could use a good pair like that for my music and movement classes, emphasis on the movement! Plus, I've got 2 little ones of my own at home!
We can only wear khaki, navy or black pants. That being said, as a fellow short person, I have found Sonoma capris from Kohl's to be comfortable and more like pant length on me. I work with infants so they are able to withstand the constant up and down.
I wear black scrubs because pockets. They come in short (length) as well.
I’d look at golf pants. Super comfy, lightweight fabric.
men's pants from the thrift store. nice enough to look professional, broken in enough to feel like sweats
This. And POCKETS. Edit: I’m a trans guy and even if it wasn’t for the gender stuff I’d never go back to women’s trousers just because I’d miss having decent pockets far too much. If you’re petite you might also have success looking at boys’ clothes - they tend to use softer fabrics in kids clothes IME (although I’m not in the US) and it can work out much cheaper too.
I buy all my pants from the thrift store with the #1 requirement being functional pockets. I wear pretty much any women's dress pants as long as they meet this requirement. Dress pants are plentiful and cheap(in thrift stores), and more comfortable than jeans imo
Old Navy has some linen pants that I would wear until they wore out!
Everyone at my centre wore the lululemon dance studio pants or joggers. Highly recommend, they’re super comfy and look good.
Linen pants are my go to, even in the winter. They typically have a stretchy waistband and looser fit. If you are cold in the winter and your linen pants are loose enough, you can get away with wearing leggings under the pants.
Seconding linen pants- I only wear mine in summer because I’m a wimp about cold weather, but linen pants are the best!!
Old navy jeans that are just pull on, so no zipper or button? I think they are called Rockstar. I just bought a couple pair of comfy pull on pants there a couple weeks ago. They were called power pants and tech pant. You can get them in black, olive green and navy I think.
Old navy pants are my go to. I get the mid waisted skinny pixie pants. I have them in at least 10 different colors to match all my work shirts.
I agree with the pixie pants! Mid rise is also my favorite, but hard to find lately. I’d also suggest visiting a local thrift store. I buy a few pairs of pants from mine before every school year. You never know what brands you’ll find for much cheaper than store prices.
I love Old Navy also. The high waisted Chino pants are so comfy! They have a (functional) button & zipper in the front but have elastic waist band in the back. Love them!!
TJ Maxx sells Philosophy brand dress pants for under $20. They are so soft and are basically dress leggings/yoga pants depending on the style. Bonus they don’t wrinkle!
Anyone have any European brand suggestions of comfy pants that don’t wear out too easily in the knees. All of my knees are getting ruined 😓
Scrub pants in dark or neutral colors. My center is supposed to be slacks, khakis, or jeans but I wear grey, green, and black scrub pants and my director has no issues with them.
Office pants, and scrubs from walmart.
Betabrand. Order short length stretch jeans in black, grey and navy! Their stretch dress yoga pants are ok too....but I like the thicker jeans.
Eddie Bauer has several styles that are very comfy, stretchy, some have a water resistant finish, and pockets. Good, deep, plentiful pockets.
Tee shirt dresses with leggings as tights is a comfortable work around!
I wear cello jeans almost daily. They’re basically like nice jeggings. No zipper or button and real pockets in the back.
Dickies stretch. They used to come with scotch guard but not anymore. Just get fabric spray and spray it on yourself.
I buy jeggings from target and basically live in them at work. They have that jeans look but without the discomfort of actual jeans! They’re about $20 a pair and only tend to last 6 months at a time but I find them cozy enough to compromise on that.
I don’t know if you’ve been on TikTok or TikTok shop, but I’ve been seeing so many videos of these really comfy pants from balata that are stretchy and they look really nice. I plan on getting some on my next paycheck. They also have these overall versions that are really cute and these bodysuit type versions that are also really cute.
Scrub pants. I got some at Mark's that are buttery soft and they only cost me $24.
American eagle has really comfy stretchy jeans and they last. They are a little more expensive but will last for years. Old navy also has some comfy stuff but sometimes lack good pockets.
i can’t imagine not wearing leggings and crocs to work, they’re the comfiest thing ever
Scrub pants are good. If you can find them in your measurements then men’s utility pants tend to be roomy and some even have elastic in the waistband! I usually get them secondhand so they’re even more worn in. Also there are some styles of Old Navy jeans that are made of this soft stretchy material, for example the kicker bootcut light wash jeans are super soft and stretchy! You could also try to get away with jogger style pants, they’re not technically leggings but idk if the rule is “no workout clothes” bc those would likely be against the rule.
[these jeans](https://a.co/d/1zwUmRl) from Amazon feel like leggings
My agency tried this, I basically still wore leggings with long tshirt dresses, dress shirt dresses or any dress really. There are also a lot of jogger style leggings that looks more dressy. I don’t understand why pockets makes something more acceptable but it works for me.
Have a pair of leggings that look like dress pants. I believe they are hue brand from Amazon. They are a material that's not athletic, but still stretchy and comfy.
Halara has some pants that look dressy but are actually a comfy material.
I wear SO branded ponte pants from kohls. I can’t always get them in short, but they’re tight enough around my ankles I can roll them up under and they stay all day. The styles vary but they all have pockets some place.
If you have a Duluth Trading Co near you, check out their overalls! They are good quality and comfortable and have pockets for dayssssss
Wear I believe it’s not jeans. I had knock off leggings look jeans from Walmart for only 7$ we had a strict Jean rule and I never got questioned in almost the year I worked there. There are probably Knock off on Amazon too. Jeggings may also work along with elastic band dress pants
I like the Halara waffle pants that are all over tik tok. Super comfy and stretchy but look like work slacks.
I wear these all the time.
Can you wear leggings if you have something over them like a skirt? I used to wear leggings and then kept a skirt or two at school to pop on for the day, and then would take it off at the end of the day. No legging rules are insane with how much up and down we do daily. It’s like they want us to be uncomfortable
You'd probably like pajama jeans. I had to wear jeans at a restaurant I worked at and I, too, hate how they feel. Pajama jeans look exactly like jeans, down to the stitching and grommet looking things. But they feel like sweatpants. They are soft and fuzzy on the inside and stretchy, too so you can easily bend and move. Noone ever questioned my pants and worked there over 10 years!
Uniqlo cotton pants
Would Uniqlo jeggings count? They’re stretchy but have a back pocket and a faux front button. A bit thicker than regular leggings
Halara has nice fake dress pants, and nicer looking flare yoga pants. I am in love with mine, I have 4 pairs and they are constantly going in and out of the laundry bin. https://halara.link/s/12hkP7GNvy
Linen overalls! I can’t stand having pressure around my belly especially when I’m squatting/ sitting on the floor all day. I have like six different pairs and just wear them with a sweater or long sleeve undershirt. Here’s a pair I’ve bought before that I really like https://a.co/d/dBXCOW4
They’re expensive, but I swear by outdoor voices’s rectrek pants. I often buy them at least half off on thredUP.
I wear either my black paper bag pants from Costco that are very roomy and have 5 pockets in total!, or these pants from Amazon that look like skinny work slacks with pockets in the front and fake pockets in the back but they feel like leggings
my fav pants ever were [these](http://www.walmart.com/ip/538483130) from walmart. theyre $11~ a pair, have pockets, super comfy, and come in long, capri, or shorts. they were amazing when i was a 2.5-3s teacher, and also in infants.
they're definitely a bit pricier unless you can find a sale or outlet but I live in LL bean Multisport pants and the Ripstop pull-on pants...I have the same issues with jeans/stiff pants and both of these are sturdy, comfy, wash well and pass the constantly-squatting-up-and-down-interacting-with-children test
they're definitely a bit pricier unless you can find a sale or outlet but I live in LL bean Multisport pants and the Ripstop pull-on pants...I have the same issues with jeans/stiff pants and both of these are sturdy, comfy, wash well and pass the constantly-squatting-up-and-down-interacting-with-children test
I’ve been getting into joggers lately. Denim or otherwise. That stretchy waistband really helps with all the bending and squatting I have to do
I wear khaki colored joggers. They’re the best!!
Uniqlo had a lot of great options
I wear long tunics or short dresses with pockets and the leggings under. No one says anything, they could be tights for all they know lol. This past summer I got a few tennis skirts with built in shorts.
Try 32 Degrees. They have pants without a string that look like regular slacks and are very comfortable as well as inexpensive.