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Jun 07, 2023

Best Khaki Pants For Women 2023

The best khaki pants for women are classic workwear basics that are technically not the same thing as chinos: Khakis are named for their beige colors and tend to be cut from thicker cotton twill than

The best khaki pants for women are classic workwear basics that are technically not the same thing as chinos: Khakis are named for their beige colors and tend to be cut from thicker cotton twill than chinos, which are lighter in weight and have a more casual feel. Call them what you will, today’s khaki pants can be dressed up or down and come in a variety of fits and silhouettes: High waist, relaxed, mid-rise, barrel leg...The only defining fashion characteristic is the color, really. Most khakis come in beautiful shades of tan (although, no one will fault you for experimenting with other colors) and look great with everything from crisp button-downs to white t-shirts.

The best khaki pants for women are workwear basics that are easy to dress up or down.

At Forbes Vetted, we evaluated a variety of khaki pants, looking at the quality of the fabrics, the range of silhouettes, the accuracy of the fit and size ranges, as well as price points, to see which options stand out. Ahead, you’ll find all of the best khaki pants for women that we highly recommend based on reading reviews and our personal experience with these brands. For more fashion advice, we also have guides to the best women’s jeans and the best work pants for women.

Alex Mill

Sizes: 00 to 16 | Colors: 3 total, including Pine Needle and Vintage Khaki | Materials: 98% cotton, 2% elastane

Owing to their utilitarian roots, some khaki pants can be durable to the point of being stiff and uncomfortable. New York-based Alex Mill’s khakis are crisp yet so comfortable—thanks to the built-in-stretch cotton—and flattering details: The straight leg is slim but not too skinny, and the waist has adjustable tabs so you create a higher rise fit or a more relaxed look that sits lower on your hips. This versatile pick also comes in a great army green color.

What our fashion editor says: “With khakis, the fit really has to be perfect or else the look turns into something else. I appreciate the stretch in these pants for that reason, and the length is great for pairing with flats or heels.”

Gap

Sizes: 00 to 20 | Colors: 8 total, including Black and Pilot Grey | Materials: 97% cotton, 3% elastane

Gap’s bestselling Downtown Khakis are chic and comfortable at a very reasonable price. The slim straight leg and ankle-grazing length is modern and flattering for many body types, while the soft stretch cotton blend helps retain the pant’s shape and provides a slightly tailored effect.

What the reviews say: “These are perfect for that tricky middle ground of smart casual. They are polished and flattering, but still casual.” —Gap

Everlane

Sizes: 00 to 16 | Colors: 6 total, including Ash Brown and Ombre Stripe | Materials: 60% Tencel Lyocell, 40% cotton

Everlane’s tapered khakis achieve a sharp tailored look with an extra-high rise waist and flattering pleats that signal a dressy look even if you just throw on this pair with a t-shirt or sweater. These khakis come in solid neutrals, so there’s something to suit everyone’s office style. They’re made from Tencel Lyocell, which is similar to cotton in that it’s soft, light and versatile, but it uses less energy and water to produce.

What the reviews say: “This pant is a staple item now. I can dress it down with black sneakers or a little more dressy with an oxford loafer. The waist is petite and high and the fabric is structured yet gives my body room to move.” —Everlane

Banana Republic

Sizes: 0 to 20 | Colors: 3 total, including White and Whiskey Brown | Materials: 100% cotton

With a high waist and a wide barrel leg, Banana Republic’s Barrel-Leg Chino puts a modern spin on the traditional silhouette. Its intended cropped ankle length looks chic with different shoe heights, but you can also create other versatile looks since it’s available in three different inseams. Elegant front pleating with a tab-front closure—plus a darted waist at the back—have a refined effect, too.

What the reviews say: “Amazing on trend pant. Fits perfectly. I can dress up or down, office or after hours.” —Banana Republic

J.Crew

Sizes: 23 to 37 | Colors: 7 total, including Natural and Porter Blue | Materials: 100% cotton

For a relaxed but elegant, look J.Crew’s Sailor Heritage Chino hits the mark. It’s cut ankle-length with a straight leg and casual mid-rise that fits easy throughout the hip and thigh. This bestseller comes in a variety of neutral colors; just note it runs slightly big so you might want to size down.

What the reviews say: “The sailor heritage chino pants are turning into my go to spring pants. The are just simply perfect for every occasion. Dress them up for work and easily dress them down after.” —J.Crew

Athleta

Sizes: 0 to 26 | Colors: 6 total, including Abalone Grey and Navy | Materials: 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex

Athleta’s Endless khakis are great for everything from work to travel, featuring a stretchy, moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant fabric. They sit at the natural waist, with a slim-straight fit, and the soft waistband holds you in throughout the day. One note: Athleta suggests line drying these pants to prevent shrinking and help the stretchy fabric last longer.

What the reviews say: “I love these pants, and I now have them in two colors. They are so comfortable and don’t leave an imprint on my waist/stomach since they stretch with me throughout the day.” —Athleta

Madewell

Sizes: 00 to 16 (Petite, Plus, Standard, Tall) | Colors: 8 total, including Acorn and Dark Forest | Materials: 48% Tencel Lyocell, 33% cotton, 19% linen

If you’re on the shorter side, it’s hard to find drape-y khakis that don’t overwhelm you. Madewell’s Harlow Wide-Leg Pant comes in four different inseams, with a high waist and full-length that’s meant to almost graze the floor. The lightweight Tencel-blend fabric has a suede-like feel with a bit of stretch, and is breathable for wearing all day. Sailor-inspired details, like a double-button enclosure at the fly and buttoned tabs at the waist, add a chic touch.

What the reviews say: “I’m 5’1” and the petite inseam were perfect with flats and heels. I bought all of the colors and do not regret it one bit. I may even buy backup pairs because that is how crazy I am for these pants.” —Madewell

Reformation

Sizes: 0 to 12 | Colors: 4, including Black and Mushroom | Materials: 100% Tencel Lyocell

Reformation’s Mason Cropped Pant has a comfortably tailored look, made of a sustainable woven Tencel suiting fabric. It sits high on the waist with a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs, and simple details, like belt loops and side pockets, make it practical and chic.

What our fashion editor says: “This pant runs long, but Reformation offers free alterations, through their partnership with Hemster, which offers both in-person and virtual appointments.”

Everlane

Sizes: 00 to 16 | Colors: 4 total, including Dark Khaki and Parchment | Materials: 100% Tencel Lyocell

Everlane’s Relaxed Chino is all about casual tailoring, with a curved barrel leg and asymmetrical back pockets (one simple slip pocket, one with a buttoned flap). They’re designed to be slouchy—and can be worn cuffed or uncuffed—so size down for a slimmer fit. Multiple reviewers commented on the comfortable, soft feel of the fabric and versatility of the pant’s design.

What the reviews say: “These are probably the softest pants I’ve ever bought. The butter feeling is not an exaggeration—they’re so smooth and comfortable while looking chic.” —Everlane

Jenni Kayne

Sizes: 0 to 14 | Colors: 2, including Khaki, Black | Materials: 58% linen, 21% cotton, 18% nylon, 3% spandex

Jenni Kayne’s Linen Keaton Pant is pricey but cut from a high-quality, soft linen-blend fabric that elevates basic khakis to a more sophisticated level. It’s designed with an elongated leg and flat front, which has an elegant, slimming effect since there aren’t any belt loops or extra fabric that can bunch up. Pair this pick with a simple tee or the Linen Keaton Blazer to create a classic suit. Note that it’s dry clean only.

What the reviews say: “Purchased this item, along with a blazer, and absolutely felt (and looked!) perfect: elegant, comfortable, cool and smart. I would size down in the pant as linen relaxes so quickly.” —Jenni Kayne

Vince

Sizes: 00 to 16 | Colors: 2 total, including Latte and Coastal Blue | Materials: 98% cotton, 2% spandex

Los Angeles-based Vince is well known for their versatile basics, and their Coin Pocket Chino can be worn with just about anything. It’s cut from a lightweight cotton twill that has a touch of stretch, and the cropped length is great for warmer weather. There’s two front slant pockets, two back welt pockets, and a coin pocket at the front waistband. They do run a little small, so if you’re in between sizes consider sizing up.

What the reviews say: “I have two pairs of these and they are a great summer weight, I really like the flat front. The two pair I have aren’t see through and the fabric is Vince quality.” —Nordstrom

Madewell

Sizes: 00 to 16 | Colors: 3 total, including Antique Cream and Pale Lichen | Materials: 100% cotton

Madewell’s bestselling Relaxed Chino Pants are great for days you want to be casual but still pulled together: They’re designed to sit low on the waist with an easy fit at the hips and thighs. Modern design details—like a slightly cropped leg, a front coin pocket and a flattering, adjustable buckle above the back pockets—add style points.

What the reviews say: “These look great on—they have cute details and are substantial, heavy-weight cotton that do you a few favors by holding you in and smoothing out trouble spots like a pair of jeans would.” —Madewell

The Forbes Vetted staff have spent months conducting lengthy research, interviewing experts and testing dozens of fashion products to find the best ones—including classics, like the best khaki pants for women, that form the cornerstone of a great work or weekend wardrobe. Our pants-related articles include the best jeans for women, the best work pants for women and the best leggings for women.

For this article, we tapped the expertise of Forbes Vetted senior fashion editor, Kari Molvar, to find the most stylish, comfortable and highest-quality khakis. We also read reviews, looked at return policies, prices and size inclusivity. Lastly, we regularly refresh this story to make sure we’re still recommending the best khaki pants for women on the market. It was most recently updated in August 2023.

To determine the best khaki pants for women, we pored through hundreds of product reviews and evaluated options from both established and emerging fashion brands.

We ultimately chose the best khaki pants by determining if they were consistently top rated, were made of quality fabrics, had smart and stylish details and if they received excellent marks for comfort, fit, versatility and longevity (meaning: pants that won’t be one-hit wonders in your wardrobe but last season after season). I also considered if the pants were available in a wide range of sizes and price levels.