In This Post: Diving into the meaning of ponte pants, what they are, and why they are truly the best leggings to wear to work.
I’m sure you’re seeing the term “ponte pants” pop up more and more in your online shopping, right? You’re probably wondering “what is a ponte pant?” and then moving on since you don’t know. I’m here to tell you that YOU’RE MISSING THE MAGIC! Ponte pants are truly heaven in casual chic form. I can’t wait to tell you all about this wardrobe essential.
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Where to find the best ponte pants (and they have pockets!)
I’m diving into what ponte pants are, what you can expect from the fabric, and ideas for styling them below. But, in case you’re here simply for my recommendation of the best pair, it goes to “The Perfect Black Pant” from SPANX (also available on Amazon). Pictured below on the right with the teal heels, they are worth every penny! I have a whole blog post review on why they’re amazing here. You need to know that these are ponte pants with pockets! The back pockets are functional and the front pockets aren’t (but they do contribute to the polished look).
Here’s my ponte pants definition:
Ponte pants are basically one of the most amazing recent fashion innovations that truly enough people aren’t talking about. Think of ponte pants as leggings that are unquestionably real pants. They hold you in and stretch just like your favorite leggings do. However, the fabric is more structured so it’s a little thicker and smooths everything out in the most comfortable way.
So, what are ponte knit pants made of?
Ponte is a double knit fabric that has a glorious sturdiness to it that also manages to be soft and has stretch qualities to it. Because of the woven nature and its tight fibers, ponte is super comfortable and the thickness is perfect for fall and winter weather. Need another reason to love ponte fabric? It really DOESN’T WRINKLE. Fabrication can differ from pair to pair. Common elements can include rayon, viscose, polyester, and elastane/spandex. For reference, the SPANX ponte pants I mentioned are 68% Rayon/28% Nylon/4% Elastane for the body and 80% Polyester/20% Elastane for the lining.
Ultimately, ponte pants are leggings that you can wear to work
Or, business casual leggings if you will. Last fall, I started swapping leggings for my favorite ponte pants whenever I wanted a look that was a bit more put-together. I never really have a need to wear workwear, but these babies could 100% be worn to the office, too. I’m seeing the terms both “ponte pants” and “ponte leggings”. Some brands are using the words pretty interchangeably, but they’re not always the same thing. To air on the side of caution, go with a “ponte legging” for something a bit more casual or a “ponte pant” for a slightly more polished option. Business-type ponte pant (or “ponte trouser”) options range from a touch of professional vo very professional. The SPANX ponte pants I have are so amazing because they really do look like a work-appropriate dress pant. Here are some ponte pants for work options:
Casual ponte leggings
These Amazon ponte leggings with raving reviews are under $25, come in 6 different colors, and have back pockets! I also see LOFT’s ponte leggings talked about positively often! These LOFT leggings are under $50 and come in a variety of colors. Shop these pictures for more options!
How to style ponte pants
Ohhhh are the possibilities endless here! Style them like you would leggings for a casual day or like you would skinny dress pants for more professional looks. For an everyday look, my go-to ponte outfit is a pair of ankle boots and a big cozy sweater. Example of how to wear ponte pants with ankle boots below! The one time that I needed a more professional look, I paired my ponte pants with a cute blouse tucked in layered with a longer knit blazer. For a dressier look, which I love styling around the holidays, pair ponte pants with a festive top or sweater and your favorite pair of pumps.
