The 11 Best Suits for Women, According to Our Editors
Looking fashionable and professional while staying in budget is the name of the game.
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In the same playing field as a LBD, the pantsuit is a classic ensemble you need in your closet if it's not already hung up on a hanger. Whether seen on the red carpet or worn on the street en route to the office, a women's suit is a versatile clothing staple. That's why we rounded up the best suits for women, so you can look chic in a matching two-piece set from popular brands including J.Crew, M.M. LaFleur and Theory.
Ahead, you'll find the crème de la crème of women's suits, regardless of your style preference.
Our top picks:
Our Good Housekeeping Institute analysts and editors have evaluated almost every kind of clothing item (and suit) from bodysuits, bathing suits, jumpsuits and sweatsuits to help readers discern which pieces are worth it. To put together this roundup of the best suits for women, we pulled top-performers from our most recent test of work pants among consumer testers, as well as consulted online shopper reviews and style experts. To narrow down the results, we considered price, material, care and more.
Read on to find the next addition to your shopping cart.
J.Crew Kate Straight-Leg Pant and Regent Blazer
J.Crew has risen in popularity among our consumer testers, who were surprised to find the brand's newer styles to be rather on trend. Our tester gave the Kate Straight-Leg Pant perfect scores for fit and appearance, saying "They fit perfectly. Like they were made for me." While our tester found the length to be perfection, she notes that taller shoppers may find the pant too short.
Still, the pant and matching Regent Blazer in Four-Season Stretch can be dressed down or up depending on the occasion. And the online best seller is on the low-end for price while still delivering on quality.
Sizes: 0-24 | Colors: Heather saddle, heather graphite, royal tanzanite, navy, black, festival pink | Material: 64% polyester, 31% viscose, 5% elastane.
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant
Quince is having a moment with its trendy yet affordable styles popping up everywhere. The popular brand's "clothes are much more affordable than other lines while still offering well fitting pants and blazers," says Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour.
Our tester rated these pants highly, saying that the slight stretch made them extra comfortable. While she was skeptical of the elastic waistband at first, she said that "it fit me perfectly and I never felt the need to adjust the pants throughout the day." Add the Ultra-Stretch Ponte Blazer to your shopping cart to complete the look.
While our consumer tester found the material of this particular pant to be thick and good for winter months, our experts note that the quality from Quince can be inconsistent at times. While we wait for long-term feedback on this pair, note that some styles can wear faster.
Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Black, navy, charcoal, olive, ecru, burgundy | Material: 67% rayon, 28% nylon, 5% spandex
Ann Taylor The Side Zip Trouser Pant in Fluid Crepe
Ann Taylor is in many ways synonymous with work attire, especially when it comes to basics like suits. While we haven't tested the Side Zip Trouser Pant, it's a best seller with a 4.5-star rating on the brand's site. The fitted look is ultra sleek with a slight flare to lengthen the pant leg.
Five-star reviews include "Love the feel and fit of these pants" and "They hugged my skin without being tight." Note that some shoppers had to shorten the pant and one shopper didn't love the side zipper. Pair the trouser with the Long Collarless Blazer, available both in black and ivory whisper.
Sizes: 00-18 | Colors: Black | Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
Close to $300, M.M. LaFleur is definitely an initial splurge. But unlike other wool pants, you can machine wash the Horton Pant. That means that in the long run, you'll be saving money that would otherwise go to the dry cleaners.
Easy cleaning is M.M. LaFleur's claim to fame, but online shoppers also praise the beautiful tailoring and fit. One satisfied customer writes, "It is so hard to find wool pant suits that are lined, which is why I own two pairs of these pants and the matching blazers. I love the way they drape and they look so good with the matching blazer." Buy the matching Yiyan Blazer while there is still inventory!
Sizes: 00-20 | Colors: Black, camel, galaxy blue, black/white, shiraz, light lilac, forest, natural melange | Material: 67% rayon, 28% nylon, 5% spandex
Seymour says Everlane is home to "classic silhouettes that are great for casual workwear," and the looser fitting Drape Pant is just one example. We appreciate that the high-rise pants have two side pockets for everyday essentials like your phone and wallet.
The lightweight material also makes it breathable on warmer days. Online shoppers like that the pants aren't see-through and one five-star review says, "Quite possibly my favorite pants I ever owned." You can shop Everlane's '80s Blazer but note that the black color is low in stock and the other two colors are final sale.
Sizes: 00-16 | Colors: Black, ash brown, cornstalk/black, navy/bone, sandstone | Material: 60% tencel lyocell, 40% cotton
Theory Treeca Pull-On Pant in Admiral Crepe
While Theory can be pricey, even with discounts applied, Seymour says its high quality suits can be worth the investment. "My pants from Theory continue to be a staple in my wardrobe three years later," she adds. These popular pull-on pants have over 200 online reviews and close to a perfect five-star rating.
An elastic waistband and mock fly make it easy to slip on the Treeca Pull-On in the morning before heading out to work. One five-star review calls these a must-have, explaining "I’m six months postpartum and these are my go-to work pants. My body is still recovering, but these pants provide comfort with professional style."
Browse Theory's best-selling blazers to complete the look. If Theory's regular store is out of your current budget, you can also shop the Theory Outlet to find more affordable suits.
Sizes: 00-18 | Colors: Black, pumice, nocturne navy, rice, geranium, hydrangea, mink | Material: 70% triacetate, 30% polyester
Madewell The Rosedale High-Rise Straight Pant in Crepe
Even though we haven't tested this particular pant, we have tested other styles and bags from the brand which have performed well in our testing. The top-selling pant has close to five stars online and more than 2,000 shoppers have added them to their shopping cart in the last seven days.
Available in six unique colors and made from wrinkle-resistant crepe, the Rosedale Pants are designed with travel in mind — which means you'll be comfortable on your commute to work or next business trip. Pair the stylish pant with the matching Rosedale Blazer in Crepe.
Sizes: 00-16 | Colors: Nighttime, toffee, smoky spruce, true black, dark coffee, blanched olive | Material: 100% recycled polyester
Spending close to $200 is no small feat, but unlike other picks on our list, this women's suit comes with both the pant and blazer. Perfect for a formal event like a wedding, this elegant suit has all the hallmarks of a traditional pant and blazer with contemporary details.
We like the convenient yet stylish slant pockets in the leg as well as the notch lapel on the blazer's collar. Online reviews only have positive feedback to share, commenting on the exceptional fit and customer service.
Seymour loves her three-piece suit from the brand. "It’s dressy enough for weddings while still being comfortable to wear when tearing up the dance floor." While the suit may be designed for weddings and the like, shoppers also say it's great for work.
Sizes: 00-28 | Colors: Black | Material: 38% recycled polyester, 38% polyester, 19% rayon, 5% spandex
Another pricier option, Argent is dedicated to upgrading workplace attire for women. The Slim Pintuck Trouser is made from Italian wool meant to resist wrinkles and odor as well as help regulate temperature.
We're obsessed with the small opening at the bottom that adds a subtle flare we think can transition from work-appropriate to cocktail hour fashionista. The cranberry color is stunning, and you can purchase a Single Button Blazer in red or the Double-Breasted Blazer in mustard. Regardless of the hue, you will look chic in these wool trousers that exude luxury.
Sizes: 0-14 | Colors: Cranberry, mustard | Material: 98% wool, 2% elastane
Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Pant
Our consumer testers tried out the Sloane Tailored Pant and confirmed the online best seller's popularity holds true. A&F's recent rebranding includes a Curve Love shop that shoppers and testers alike are obsessed with. "These pants are incredible for inclusive body types," says one tester.
"These pants were really empowering; they fit instantly and they allow me to sit and stand without feeling constricted." While we like the affordable price point for these pants, our tester found that they seemed to easily attract lint. Still, you can choose from over a dozen colors as well as short, regular and long lengths. Don't forget to shop Abercrombie's blazers to find the perfect two-piece set.
Sizes: 23-37 | Colors: Light gray, dark brown, light brown, green, black, light taupe, brown, navy, stone denim, red | Material: 80% polyester, 16% viscose, 4% elastane
Eloquii The 365 Suit Crop Flare Leg Trouser
Eloquii offers wardrobe staples including women's suits in sizes 14 and up. While we haven't tested the Crop Flare Leg, the pant has a 4.1-star rating with close to 40 online reviews. Shoppers describe the trouser as comfortable, well-made and very flattering, with one five-star review writing, "These pants add beautiful curves that look great."
However, there is some inconsistency with sizing as some shoppers report the length is too long for a crop fit. Still, we appreciate the budget-friendly price that becomes even better with stacked-on sales. Choose from five fashionable hues and look office chic with the 365 Suit Patch Pocket Blazer.
Sizes: 14-32 | Colors: White swan, ocean cavern, totally black, biscuit, pink cosmos | Material: 65% polyester, 30% rayon, 5% spandex
How we chose to the best suits for women
To find the best women's suits available at online retailers and in-person stores, we consulted previous testing data on the best work pants for women and collaborated with experts in the GH Institute's Textiles Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab to help narrow down top-performing brands and personal favorites. We considered material, sizes available, pricing and more, and interviewed fashion stylists to gain more insight into styling each piece.
What to look for when shopping for the best women’s suit
✔️ Style: Suits are available in endless styles and fabrics, whether you want a low-, mid- or high-rise pant in linen, polyester or wool. Regardless if you want a loose linen trouser or a professional ensemble, keep your personal style and needs in mind. "Suits are a great way to showcase your personality as they are available in so many different styles, colors and shapes," says Seymour.
✔️ Fit: When your trouser waistline is a tad too big or your blazer's shoulders a bit too snug, it's uncomfortable, to say the least. That's why it's important to make sure your suit fits perfectly before removing the tags. "I recommend sitting down, raising your arms and bending over when trying on suits to make sure they are comfortable to move around in," explains Seymour. Most brands also offer petite and tall sizing, and you can always tailor your suit to your exact measurements if need be.
✔️ Care: Seymour explains that most suits, especially those made from wool, silk or other luxe materials, will require dry cleaning. However, suits made from synthetics are often machine washable. Synthetics also won't wrinkle as much as linen or other natural materials, but they can feel sweatier.
✔️ Price: A matching pant and blazer look can be expensive, but we've made sure to include styles from brands that are more budget-friendly. Fashion stylist and entrepreneur Brooke Matlock notes that wool suits tend to be more expensive than polyester styles — although the latter may not last as long. Consider how often you will wear a suit and whether it makes sense to pay close to $300 up front or under $130 with the knowledge that the suit may not last as long.
How to style a women’s suit
This is where the fun begins! Matlock recommends starting the styling process with your preferred rise: low-, mid- or high-rise will change the look completely. "For the high-rise, I'd pair it with a turtleneck and a suiting vest" if you decided to skip the blazer during the checkout process. Paired with a "slicked back bun and loafers, this look is so timeless," she adds. Meanwhile, with a low-rise pant, consider pairing it with the matching blazer and a cami or shirt underneath along with your desired accessories. For a trendy Y2K look, Matlock says now is the time to bring out those thin frame sunglasses you bought on a whim way back when.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she runs through our shopping guides to make sure products are in stock and reflect our most recent testing data. She has written on a variety of fashion categories including wool socks, plus-size wedding guest dresses and Amazon work pants. She loves the blazer and jeans look and can often be found online shopping.
To write this article, she collaborated with Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour, who ran our latest categorical testing of work pants and has covered almost every piece of clothing found in your wardrobe including rompers, bathing suits and more.
Elizabeth also interviewed fashion stylist Brooke Matlock who specializes in thrifted style boxes. For more information on these curated bundles as well as style inspiration, follow her on Instagram @unexpectedindulgence.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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