I spend a lot of time in the gym. I also spend a lot of time in the office. And one of the biggest issues I’ve found is figuring out how to pack all my gym clothes (and Pilates socks) into my work bag without basically bringing a carry-on to the office.
So when I heard brands like Lululemon and Lorna Jane were releasing activewear that doubles as workwear, I was immediately intrigued.
These fitness-style trousers feel and perform just like your standard leggings (moisture-wicking, stretchy and breathable), but somehow look exactly like polished work pants. I’m obsessed with the concept.
It means I can head to my 7am Pilates class and walk straight into work without having to change (unless, of course, I leave in a sweaty mess — but that’s a problem for another day).
Obviously, these aren’t the pants you’d wear to hot yoga or a full-on HIIT session. But for light workouts, walks, reformer Pilates or those mornings when you just want one less outfit change, they’re kind of perfect.
The best activewear pants that look like trousers
Lululemon’s Daydrift collection
If anyone was going to crack the code on activewear that passes as workwear, it was always going to be Lululemon. The Daydrift range is designed for women who want their work pants to move like leggings, but still look like they belong in the office.
With silhouettes like the Tapered Pant and Straight-Leg Pant, the collection is made from Lululemon’s Luxtreme™ fabric, meaning four-way stretch, sweat-wicking performance and all-day comfort.
Add in tailored details like pleats and a new pinstripe finish, and you’ve got pants that can handle a morning workout, a full workday and everything in between — without anyone suspecting they’re basically activewear.
Daydrift High-Rise Wide-Leg Trouser
$179
Daydrift High-Rise Tapered Trouser
$179
Daydrift High-Rise Straight-Leg Trouser
$179
Daydrift Pleated High-Rise Short 7″
$119
Lorna Jane’s Midrise Pant
Instead of releasing an entire range, Lorna Jane is soft-launching into the active workwear trend with the All Day Active Midrise Pant. These pants are designed for women who want something more polished than leggings, but far more comfortable than denim or tailored trousers.
The wide-leg silhouette moves like leggings but looks effortlessly put-together, making it easy to go from a low-impact workout to meetings or errands without missing a beat.
Founder Lorna Jane Clarkson says the design fills a gap she’s seen in women’s wardrobes: “It’s a pant that feels elevated without being restrictive, comfortable without feeling casual, and easy to wear beyond the workout.”
All Day Active Midrise Pants
$140
UNIQLO’s Sports Utility Wear
For anyone who wants performance activewear without spending too much, UNIQLO’s Sports Utility Wear has you covered.
Designed for life on the move, the range combines function and comfort with smart tech like Dry-EX fabric that wicks sweat and dries fast, AIRism ultra-thin fibres for breathable temperature control, all-direction stretch material, and UPF 50+ UV protection.
Ultra Stretch Active Wide Pants
$49.90
AIRism Ultra Stretch Jogger Pants
$49.90
Halara’s Flex work pants
If you’re looking for a seriously budget‑friendly way to try the active‑meets‑workwear trend, Halara Flex Work Pants and similar staples from Halara are easy ways in.
These pants mash up polished tailoring details, like a high waist, pleated look and straight‑leg silhouette, with super stretchy, breathable 4‑way fabric that feels closer to leggings than classic trousers.
The pull‑on fit and functional side pockets make them perfect for commuting, meetings or casual office days.
Halara Flex™ DayStretch High Waisted Pocket Straight Leg Work Pants
$49.90 $84.90
Halara Flex™ High Waisted Pocket Wide Leg Waffle Women Suit Work Pants
$39.90 $69.90
Read next: The lazy girl’s guide to getting fit? Vibration plates, apparently
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