10 comfortable back-to-work pants we don't hate wearing
It’s time to put our big girl pants on and get to work
Lockdown has been lifted, and as we slowly begin to make our return to society, that dreaded moment has come – wearing pants again. For the last three months, I’ve lived a pants-less existence. Done zoom calls in gym shorts, phone interviews with no bra on and let my body hair take over as I embraced a more natural look sans parlour didi.
Just the thought of having to wear pants for work again has me contemplating taking a sabbatical. Feeling the breeze blow into my kaftan as I finish off a video call was a thrill that will remain unmatched.
At this point, I’m cursing the sick fool that came up with office dress codes. Professionalism at the cost of comfort? I think not.
Tights became acceptable as pants for work during the lockdown, working from home that is. But entering into the professional space again, they’re unacceptable. Sweatpants won’t cut it either.
So I’ve already started preparing for my return to judgemental society, looking for pants for work that are comfortable, stylish but look put-together enough for the office.
Scroll through and pick out a pair that suit your budget. And remember, you don’t need to punish yourselves by wearing jeans in this humid hotbox.
UrthWhen I say brown pants, you may shudder thinking about your old school trousers. But the Sadie trousers from Urth are in a strong, rich shade, softened by the use of a crepe fabric. They’re high-waisted so we can tuck in our lockdown muffin tops. The best part? Pockets. ₹1,800 SwadeshFor a long time, I was believed that calf-grazing capris (like crocs) shouldn’t be worn by anyone over the age of 12. Until I tried on these adult capris. The mid-rise cambric pair has an elastic waistband and drawstring, which isn’t ideal but with the right shirt and strappy flats, you can totally pull it off as office wear. ₹899 3/10  Photo credit: SuiSuiSui is one of our favourite sustainable fashion labels. Their entire collection is made using ethically sourced materials and sustainable fabrics, employing local craftsman who hand make their garments. The Vibe Hemp trousers made using hemp from Boheco India are playful, and light. The stripe down the side and delicate floral combination gives them the right balance of street and sweet. ₹3,750
O’FridaO’Frida’s Moss BF pants didn’t come to play. Made from mercerized cotton, they have an elastic back with a front belt and side zipper opening. They’ll go great with a neutral black, white or beige top. Or you can go all out and match them with their combination kimono. ₹3,900 5/10  Photo credit: The Summer HouseThe Summer HouseThe burnt brown of the cotton Brad culottes really complements our Indian skin tone. These also have an airy comfort that’ll remind you of your kaftan and get you through a long hot day.₹3,500 6/10  Photo credit: Khara KapasKhara KapasThe Productivity Pants by Khara Kapas are old-school with a modern twist. They may look like any other pair of professional beige trousers at first, but when you pay attention you see that these are more in the style of joggers than rigid trousers. Made using 100% cotton, they’ve got a little extra snazz up with an overlapping hook and pants closure. ₹3,800 NicobarFrom all the trousers and billowy pants that I’ve come across, I think these Marshmallow pants by Nicobar may be my favourite. They’re made of soft cotton and are double-layered with a pretty floral print on top offset by a plain layer underneath in a matching colour. I love the little flamingo motif embroidered at the hemline. ₹4,750
8/10  Photo credit: The Pot PlantThe Pot PlantI love the versatility of these striped cotton pants by The Pot Plant. The elastic adjustable waistband lets my food baby breath after a big lunch. You can pair it with a flowy kurta, tunic and even shorter crop top, transitioning between office day wear and drinks after work. ₹3,200 Doodlage You can’t go wrong with a crisp pair of white pants. Alright, maybe if you decide to wear them during the monsoon and don’t keep an umbrella handy. Doodlage makes a great pair of tapered white pants. All their garments are handmade using upcycled factory waste materials. This pair is breathable cotton with a back elastic and side pockets. What more do we need? ₹2,200 JayporeI can’t help but gravitate towards Chikankari. Maybe it’s the intricate thread work, or just my Lucknowi ancestors calling out to me. These minty pastel pants from Jaypore’s Faeezah collection have an intricate border around the hem. The stitch work is just enough to make it a lovely pair of pants that are not too extra for workwear. ₹1,990 |
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