The Best Corduroy Pants For Women

Once known as the "poor man's velvet," corduroy was the trending textile of the 1960s and 1970s. And like other fashion fads that have made a comeback from that era, this softer alternative to denim is as popular as ever today due to its loose, comfortable fit. Best of all, you won't have to hunt through the racks at your local vintage shop to get your hands on a stylish pair of retro slacks. That's because we've done some of the fancy footwork for you in compiling a list of our favorite corduroys for women on the market today.

What to Look For

We considered the pants’ cut, waist closure, and ease of care when vetting the top contenders on our list to ensure your new corduroy pants match your body and lifestyle. For classic straight-leg trousers that you can pull on and off without a zipper, consider the machine-washable pants by Alfred Dunner. But if you’re looking for a fancier pants experience, opt for the high-waisted corduroy bell bottoms by Wrangler that give off a stronger vintage vibe. Check out the rest of our soft slacks below.

Alfred Dunner Classic Corduroy Pants

Less care for more comfort

These classic, straight-leg corduroys are as easy to pull on as they are to wash.
Best Overall

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Unlike other types of loungewear, corduroy pants offer comfort without looking too casual. That’s what makes this classic pair of corduroys by Alfred Dunner such a good choice for everyday wear. With an all-around elastic waistband, these pants are easy to take on and off and won’t restrict your midsection when you wear them. All the while, they feel soft, look classy, and can be thrown in the wash with the rest of your favorite comfort items.

Pros:

  • While these corduroy slacks are still cozy, their lightweight design allows them to be worn in warmer weather, too.
  • Thanks to the roomy pockets on these bad boys, your hands will feel as comfortable as your legs.

Cons:

  • Unless you have longer legs, you may need to shorten the bottoms of these trousers.

Acelitt High Waisted Corduroy Pants

Tight in all the right places

Show off your waist while letting your legs relax in these loose corduroy slacks that come in a variety of colors.
Best High-Waisted

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High-waisted pants made a comeback in the past two decades, and it’s not hard to see why. Tucking in lumps and bumps, these high-rise corduroy pants by Acelitt can give you a cinched waist without the muffin top. And while you’ll have support around the hips and back, your legs will be able to breathe thanks to the looser fit on the bottom. You’ll even have room to fit things in the deep side pockets on these slacks.

Pros:

  • Thanks to the easy-to-use zipper closure, you can keep these pants right where you want them.
  • With a wide variety of neutral and pastel colors on offer, these corduroy pants can be worn with any outfit, formal or casual.

Cons:

  • The pants may have wider legs than pictured.

Hue Corduroy Leggings

A flattering flex

The super-stretchy corduroy fabric on these versatile leggings isn't just comfy — it's also very slimming.
Best Leggings

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When it comes to flexible fits, you can’t beat the design of leggings. But if you add a softer corduroy material to these versatile Hue leggings, you end up with a look that works at the office, on date night, or even at the gym. The wider waistband and stretchy fabric give you maximum motion, while the thinner corduroy pattern adds sleekness to your legs. And because the leggings hug your legs snugly, you’ll get a bonus slimming effect, too.

Pros:

  • Whether you opt for the X-Small or 3X size option for these leggings, you can be sure that your new corduroys will fit true to size.
  • Though you’ll feel right at home in these comfy pants, the faux pockets and faux front fly keep these leggings office-appropriate.

Cons:

  • The corduroy material is thinner on these pants as compared to traditional straight-leg designs.

Wrangler Fierce Flare Corduroy Pants

For moving and grooving

Bring back '70s fashion with these flattering corduroy bell-bottoms.
Best Flare

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If you want to add length to your legs, flare jeans are the way to go. Flattering on virtually every body type, bell bottoms like these retro corduroys by Wrangler add shape to your legs while still feeling super comfortable. Moreover, the high-rise waistband on these particular pants hugs your curves up top while the flared bottoms slim your legs on the way down. And, of course, you can show off your booty while repping the Wrangler brand thanks to the signature stitching on the back pockets.

Pros:

  • You can leave your purse at home thanks to the five built-in pockets that adorn the back and front of these trousers.
  • The slight stretch in these corduroy pants makes them easy to put on and take off.

Cons:

  • Because these pants run small, you’ll want to size down when selecting your fit.

Nimin Corduroy Yoga Joggers

Soft and sturdy

These washable lounging pants combine soft corduroy fabric with a loose, elastic cut.
Best For Lounging

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Corduroy is one of the coziest trouser textiles, making it perfect for leisure wear. And these yoga joggers by Nimin take this material to its comfiest conclusion. Though these pants look casual enough for running errands or even a visit to the office, they’re designed for ultimate relaxation thanks to their elastic waistband and super soft design. Best of all, you can get a pair in multiple color thanks to the wide selection offered here.

Pros:

  • Unlike other corduroy pants, which can feel stiff until they’ve had a few washes, these babies feel super soft right out of the package.
  • The elastic waistband isn’t just comfy for lounging — it also makes the pants more adjustable depending on your desired fit. Simply roll the waist down to go for a mid or low-rise look.

Cons:

  • Due to the soft corduroy, these pants are harder to roll up on the bottom if you’re going for a cuffed look.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I care for my corduroy pants?

Because this material is susceptible to shrinkage and fraying, you’ll want to be cautious when cleaning it. For example, if you’re opting for a machine wash, turn the pants inside out and wash them using cold or tepid water to avoid heat damage. As for the dryer, it’s better to avoid it altogether. Instead, experts recommend smoothing out the pockets and seams on your slacks while they’re wet and leaving them to air-dry.

What are the benefits of wearing corduroy over denim?

Corduroy tends to be softer and warmer than its blue-jean counterpart, making it ideal for colder weather and most loungewear. Just keep in mind that denim tends to be more durable than corduroy so you’ll have to care for it a bit more.

About the Author

Sasha lives in London, one of the most notable fashion hubs in the world. She loves the free-flowing boho style and often matches her style with seasons — colorful in the summer and London fog grey in the winter. Sasha understands that fashion is subjective, and she wants to help you find the right style that works for your lifestyle.

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