My Favorite Black Pants

My favorite black pants: I’m not going to lie, I wear black pants most everyday. I find it is the neutral base layer I feel comfortable in that it allows me to vary my tops and shoes for more interest, but simplifies the equation of what to wear. With black pants, I don’t worry about sitting in something dirty, or a dog jumping up on me on my daily walk with Lola. As a result, I feel I’ve become something of a connoisseur of black pants. I probably have a pair for every occassion!

Icebreaker (my favorite) black pants

The pair I wear most often is the Icebreaker Crush Merino jogger. It’s sort of between a legging and a pant. I own this pant in the charcoal gray and navy as well, but I definitely wear the black the most. I wish they did not have a draw-string waist, but I often just tuck the strings into the waistband for a more polished look.

I wear them with everything from silk button downs, cashmere cardigans, blazers, and cotton sweaters. I love the merino material as it is breathable and I prefer natural materials to synthetics. They are very comfortable and wash well. I just throw them in the washing machine on gentle and try and let them air dry, though mine have been through the dryer on a low setting and fared well. They run true to size.

Eileen Fisher Black pants

In warmer months, I prefer the Eileen Fisher jersey leggings, with a linen button down, or the Eileen Fisher crepe ankle pants for casual and dressy occasions. They travel well in your suitcase, are very comfortable with an elastic waistband (no drawstrings here), and come in many colors.

I also have a pair in off white. Both of these Eileen fisher pants look great with all kinds of shoes: sneakers, mules, loafers and sandals as well as flip flops. The sizing is generous, I usually by XS.

Alo Black Pants

The Alo yoga pants come in so many colors, but again for me the black is most versatile. (I’ve owned other colors and patterns in the past, but they show wear more easily or don’t go with my running tops or shoes!) I mostly wear these for exercise, both running and yoga, but I don’t feel too badly if I am still wearing them at the end of the day. They are really flattering, comfortable and run true to size.

Everlane Black Pants

The Everlane Ribbed Flare Pants are new to my collection of black pants! I feel most Everlane items run a bit on the small size, so I purchased a medium, and they fit well. This is another comfortable version of the black pant, with an elastic waist band, wider leg, and ribbed material. It is nice to have another silhouette to choose from when I get bored with the slimmer leg. I think these look best with a cropped top, something that hits closer to the hip.

Hugo Boss Black Pants

The Hugo Boss black wool trousers are my dressiest version of the black pant. They are super flattering, with a crease down the front leg, and look fantastic with heels and a silk blouse. I do not wear these very often, but when I do, I feel fantastic in them. This is a good basic to have in your wardrobe for dressier occassions.

When I’m not in my black pants, you will probably find me a black pencil skirt or a shirt dress! With black pants as a base to my wardrobe, packing for trips is a breeze. It has simplified my shopping and how I dress, which is a welcome change for me.

2023 UPDATE: MOLLI PARIS

I’m adding another pair of black pants to this list, November 2023. I have discovered a new brand that I love: Molli Paris. I’ve purchased their Molli fluid knit pant in pure virgin merino wool. There are so many reasons to love these pants. They have a high scalloped elastic waistband that is super flattering with a white button down tucked in. The high waistband acts like a belt, but with none of the hassle or discomfort. There are pockets, which is always a win in my book. And they look fabulous with both sneakers and low heels, and somehow are hemmed perfectly for both. They are so comfortable it’s like wearing pajamas except you look dressed for the boardroom or an elegant day or evening out. Win Win.