Pleated Trousers Never Go Out of Style—These Are the Ones Worth Buying Now

Elle

2 days ago

We talk about wardrobe basics as if they're just white T-shirts, straight-leg jeans, and a button-down shirt. But one look at fashion's hall of fame—beyond the red carpet—and you'll see which styles made it through the ebbs and flows, trends and trenches. Take pleated trousers, for example, which have never gone out of style. From Cindy Crawford's off-duty looks in the '90s through today's office staples, pleated pants have always given women an effortlessly put-together edge. A style straight from the menswear playbook, this was not just another chic pair of trousers but a political statement—women forgoing flirty skirts in favor of power pants in the workforce was about as rebellious as a fashion statement could get. Of course, the best pleated trousers don't just belong in the office. Now, we wear them as comfortable everyday pants, fit for a stylish evening event, a quick brunch date, or even a wedding reception.
As the temperatures begin to drop, you may be inspired to consider a wardrobe refresh. Pleated pants offer a kind of sophistication and warmth that isn't quite present in jeans or a maxi skirt, so it's essential to keep a couple of these in your closet. With the help of the stylish team at ELLE, we found the best pleated trousers to shop ahead of fall.
The barrel-leg silhouette may be a popular denim trend, but who says it won't look just as cool in other fabrics? These pleated pants by COS feature a unique side-button detail, which allows you to adjust the size for a snug fit.
Sizes: 2-14
Inseam: 29.8 inches
Colors: Dark Brown, Navy
Material: 100% pima cotton
Summer may be coming to a close, but linen remains one of the best fabrics to slip into. It's not just its breathability that makes the material a popular choice—it's also the chic appearance and elevated feel. You can easily get away with wearing these drapey pants to a more upscale event, too—just opt for heels and a halter top instead of sneakers and a white tee.
Sizes: 00-16
Inseam: 30 inches
Colors: Black, Cornstalk Chambray, Natural Chambray, White & Blue
Material: 100% European flax linen
Customer review: 'Love these! I can wear them to work or dress them down on the weekend with a t-shirt and sandals. They're pretty comfortable but note there is no stretch. For that reason, if you're between 2 sizes, I would size up.'
These pleated pants caught the attention of ELLE's assistant accessories editor Madison Rexroat, who says, 'I'm very into a pinstripe moment, and these trousers from Massimo Dutti are a subtle twist on a very corporate trend.' The details matter here, too. 'The single-button waistband is so chic and simple, and gives way to a billowy silhouette.' Rexroat recommends pairing these with a thong sandal or mesh flat.
Sizes: 2-10
Inseam: N/A
Colors: Black
Material: 87% viscose, 12% polyamide, 1% other fibers
There's a reason Aritzia's The Effortless Pant has garnered such widespread affection, including from ELLE's digital director, Claire Stern Milch. 'I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm a die-hard Effortless Pant girl,' she says. Tailored to perfection, they have just the right amount of drape without looking too baggy, making them an ideal office staple. The Japanese crepe fabric has a unique texture, too—and it (magically) rarely wrinkles.
Sizes: 00-16
Inseam: 31.5 inches
Colors: 12 options
Material: 100% polyester
Customer review: 'The effortless pant is my favorite and go to option. I love the curve fit, as it fits perfectly my shape, especially with my thighs. The material is light and airy, yet very professional so it's perfect for office setting and going out.'
If you plan on keeping your pleated pants forever—and trust, they will be in style for that long—then a pair from Ralph Lauren is the way to go. These expertly crafted pants ooze sophistication, from the long inseam to the mid-rise waistband and quality fabrics. And FYI: The pleats are present at both the front and back.
Sizes: 00-18
Inseam: 32 inches
Colors: Polo Black, Clubhouse Cream, Navy
Rexroat isn't to lean into the changing seasons. Instead, while everyone is prepping for the browning leaves, she's looking toward these 100 percent linen pants as a way to 'pretend I'm still on vacation when I'm really just going to the office.' As for the inevitable wrinkles that appear with this type of fabric, she says, 'Embrace them—or get them in black and don't even worry about it.'
Sizes: XXS-XL
Inseam: 33 inches
Colors: Black
Material: 100% linen
These ultra-high-rise trousers from Helmut Lang come with a detachable belt that helps to define the waist. A mix of linen and viscose gives these pants an extra flowy, smart appearance. There's even a matching halter vest (as pictured), if you're going for a coordinated look.
Sizes: 0-10
Colors: Espresso
Material: 52% linen, 46% viscose, 2% elastane
For senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong, these pleated trousers are filed under her 'essentials' list. 'For something a bit more polished, you can't go wrong with one of Tibi's most iconic silhouettes: the Stella,' she says. 'With a high waist and pleated details, these wide-leg trousers are the office essential everyone needs in their closet. Personally, I'd style them with a classic T-shirt and loafers with a half-slip layered over it, but really, these will go with just about anything,' she adds.
Sizes: 00-14
Inseam: 32.25 inches
Colors: Navy
Material: 53% polyester, 43% wool, 4% elastane
For something a little more casual, these khaki trousers from Gap are perfect for brunch meetings and errands around town. They feature an extra-wide silhouette, giving a cool baggy vibe. You can even choose between a regular or long inseam.
Sizes: 00-20
Colors: Mojave Tan
Material: 100% cotton
Customer review: 'Stylish and super comfortable! I'm able to wear them with slides or platform shoes. Love them! Wish they had more colors.'
With Copenhagen Fashion Week coming to a close, we wanted to highlight one Danish brand, Mfpen, which was one of the semi-finalists for the 2025 LVMH prize. Chong praises the label for its 'tailoring, more specifically, its relaxed trousers, which give that 'borrowed-from-the-boys' look—something that gives any ensemble an edge of cool.' Aside from the fit, she assures that the 'creative director Sigurd Bank has a knack for picking out top-notch deadstock fabrics, so you know your pants will have longevity in your wardrobe.'
Sizes: XS-XL
Material: 100% virgin wool
When it comes to basics—and trust, pleated pants are a wardrobe necessity—there's no place like Uniqlo. The brand seamlessly blends quality with affordability, and these pleated wide-leg pants are a testament to that fact. You can even get the inseam length altered—it'll only set you back $5. Grab a couple pairs for all the days you're in the office.
Sizes: XXS-2XL
Inseam: 16-27.5 inches
Colors: 6 options
Material: 66% polyester, 28% rayon, 6% spandex
Customer review: 'Exceeded my expectations. The quality feels premium, and it's way more versatile than I thought it would be. Super comfortable, easy to style, and works for pretty much any day. Definitely picking up another soon'
Commerce writer Laura Tarafa looks for 'tailored trousers that effortlessly transition from work to dinner,' just as these do. 'These slightly oversized, fully lined pants fit like a dream and are crafted with 8 percent spandex, offering just the right amount of stretch for all-day comfort. Whether you're at your desk, in meetings, or heading out for happy hour plans, you can't go wrong with this polished choice,' she shares.
Sizes: XS-2XL
Colors: Black, White
Material: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
A slouchy pair of slacks is exactly what you need to look poised. The waistband has no stretch, so if you're between sizes, consider sizing up. That said, the belt loops let you wear your favorite cincher and adjust for fit.
Material: 57% viscose, 43% polyester
Another great pinstripe option is this pair from Favorite Daughter. This time in navy, the pleated pants are slouchy but not sloppy—as the brand describes them. Style them with your favorite white tee or pull out that vest you've been wanting to wear—these pants will complete the office-chic look.
Sizes: 6-18
Colors: Navy Pinstripe
Inseam: 33.5 inches
Material: 65% polyester, 33% rayon, 2% spandex
Customer review: 'LOVE these pants. I have several pairs of the favorite pants in different colors but these pinstripe ones might be my faves. So cute, stylish and comfortable. I wear them all the time.'
Model Elsa Hosk's clothing label has rapidly grown in popularity thanks to pieces that consistently resonate with fashion lovers. Take these pleated trousers, for example—they have the perfect drape, pleats, length, and volume. Keep in mind: The 100 percent wool will require trips to the dry cleaner if you want to maintain its quality, but we believe they'll make the perfect fall or winter pants.
Colors: Cream
Inseam: 34 inches
Material: 100% wool
Not looking for a high-waisted option? These mid-rise pleated trousers should pique your interest. They still have that signature slouch and have endless styling potential.
Sizes: 0-12
Material: 63% polyester, 33% rayon, 4% spandex
Pleated trousers have one, two, or three folds woven into the waistband, which cause the pants to drape outward and give more room to the hips and legs.
The unique part about pleated pants is that they make even a casual T-shirt look chic. If you want to go for an everyday look, opt for some comfortable sneakers (I recommend Adidas Sambas), a plain white T-shirt, and a cardigan draped over the shoulders. Another option is to slip into your favorite flip-flops and tank top, if the temperatures are warm enough.
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.