Ponte Knit Pants: The Versatile Wardrobe Staple You Will Love Wearing

I remember all too well the first pair of Ponte knit pants I added to my wardrobe. I fell in love with the fabric and haven’t looked back. That pair of charcoal grey wide leg pants are still in my closet and don’t see myself parting with them any time soon.

This post is going to help you find that love of the fabric too. Before we dive into why these pants need to be a staple in your wardrobe here are some other posts you might want to check out.

• How To Wear Wide Leg Pants With Confidence When Petite
• The Best Shoe Styles To Wear If You Are Petite
• Petite vs Regular Pants Sizing Guide For Women: Differences You Should Know

This post may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link or picture and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) so thank you. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I appreciate your support

Why Ponte Knit Pants Are The Wardrobe Staple Every Woman Should Own

Ponte knit pants deserve a prime spot in the closet when it comes to wardrobe essentials. I am always on the lookout for pieces that are the perfect balance of style, comfort, and versatility. Ponte pants win that award hands down. As a petite woman who is always on the go and working I have found that ponte knit pants are the ultimate go-to. Soon I think you will agree with me.

I am going to explain why these pants have become a staple in my wardrobe and why they should be in yours too. These pants are comfortable and can work across multiple seasons and occasions. So let’s find out why these pants are so amazing.

What Are Ponte Knit Pants?

Let’s start with the basics. Ponte knit pants are made from a double-knit fabric. This type of fabric makes them ticker and more structured than your typical leggings, but softer and more flexible than traditional dress pants. The fabric blend often consists of polyester, rayon, and spandex. That fabric combination means you get the best of both worlds…comfort and style.

The name “ponte” actually comes from the Italian word “ponte” which means bridge. It is a fitting name since these pants bridge the gap between workwear, casual wear, and everything in between wear.

Finding the right pair of pants can sometimes be challenging when you are petite. Too often, pants are too long, too tight in the wrong places, the rise is too high, the knee placement is off. All of which can make them uncomfortable. Ponte knit pants are a solution for a variety of body types while offering form and function for our wardrobes.

Why They Are Perfect For Petites

I am a woman who is always looking for clothes that don’t require a trip to the tailor. Ponte knit pants are a gift for that. The fabric has the right amount strecth and many of pants have hidden elastic waistbands. This makes them so easy to wear and they will keep their shape throughout the day. Say goodby to saggy knees and baggy waists.

Here are a few reasons why ponte knit pants work so well for petites:

Fit

Many Ponte knit pants have a slim or tapered fit that makes our short legs look longer. You can always find cropped or ankle length styles that don’t overwhelm petite frames. Many retailers are also making them in wide leg styles this season. Alway a favorite pant style for me and they can look great on all of the member of the short girl’s club.

Structure

Ponte pants hold their shape better than leggings because of the fabric. You can sit, stand, and move all day without worrying about them losing their shape. Not having to worry about that is a nice little bonus since we like to have a polished look about us all day long.

Fewer Alterations

Many brands offer ponte knit pants in petite specific sizes. Woohoo. Thank you. If they are a bit too big in the waist or a little too long no worries. The stretch in the fabric can make up for that.

Comfort

Ponte pants feel like leggings but better. They offer more structure so they are your answer on the days you want to be comfortable, yet put together. Who doesn’t like to be comfortable all day long.

Caring For Ponte Knit Pants

Who doesn’t love garments that are easy to care for. Most ponte knit panst can be machine washed. Just check the care label before you toss them in the wash.

Here’s how I keep mine looking their best:

• Wash in cold water. To keep my pants from shrinking and to keep the fabric smooth I wash mine on gentle cycle in cold water. I also turn them inside out. Not necessary, but I like to do that.
• Use a gentle detergent. I like to use this detergent on mine. It helps to preserve the fabric’s stretch, prevents pilling over time, and since mine are all dark colors helps to keep the color looking its best.
• Lay flat to dry. I prefer not to put my ponte knits in the dryer even if the label says it is OK. I just think it helps to maintain their shape and elasticity.

How To Style This Versatile Ponte Pant

One of the things I love most about ponte knit pants is their versatility. These pants can do it all. They can go to the office, out to dinner, or run errands. Who doesn’t love a pant that can easily transition from one setting to another? Let’s see some of my favorite ways to style them:

For Work

They are a great alternative to traditional slacks. You can pair them with a crips blouse or a tailored blazer for a professional yet comfortable look. Since they are made of a structured fabric they are offic appropriate, unlike leggings.

Stick with neutral colors like black, navy, or charcoal grey for the workplace. These colors are easy to pair with endless tops and accessories. Also, if you travel for work these are great to pack because they don’t wrinkle like a traditional trouser.

Casual Weekend Vibes

For a relaxed, laid-back look I like to pair my ponte pants with a cozy oversized sweater in the cooler months or a tucked-in t-shirt in cooler months. You can add a pair or ankle boots or some retro sneakers to complete a stylsih weekend outfit that is comfortable and chic.

When pairing your ponte pants with sneakers and flats reach for a pair that is high waisted. That will help elongate your frame while you are wearing your comfy shoes.

Date Night or Dinner with Friends

Yes, to wearing your favorite ponte pants for a night out on the town. Pair them with a flowy blouse, some great jewelry, and heels, and you are ready to go. The sleek silhouette of the pants paired with heels is flattering, and the fact that you are wearing your stretchy pants ensure that you will be comfortable all night long.

Where To Find The Best Styles For Petites

I have tried ponte pants from a variety of brands over the years. There are a few that stand out for fit, quality, and style year after year. Here are some of my tops picks for petite-friendly ponte pants.

Boden

Season after season Boden has great styles. I am wearing a pair of their pants in green in a photo above. The Westbourne pants are a great wide leg style. I chose to keep mine longer in this color so that I could wear them with heels and booties. You could also make them into a cropped length. They also make a great straight leg in their ponte material each season.

What I like about Boden’s ponte pants is that not only are they a great material, fit nicely, but they always offer fun colors.

J.Crew

The Pixie ponte pant from J.Crew is such a classic Audrey Hepburn type of pant. Every time I put mine on I always envision how should would wear them. Usually with a buttondown or a black sweater and loafers. They have been making the Pixie for several years and recently she got a little redesign. There is an exposed zipper in the back of the pant so I like to make note of that. I like the unexpected touch personally.

Banana Republic

This season Banana Republic knocked it out of the park with their ponte knit pants. They did several styles, but my favorites are the skinny, the straight leg, and the wide leg. Their hidden elastic waistband and seaming down the front of the leg are such nice design touches. They make each of the styles in great basic colors such as black, navy, chocolate brown, and charcoal grey.

I am wearing the straight leg style in black in the main photo and then the skinny leg style in navy in the last photo.

Talbots

Every season Talbots always includes ponte pants in their lineup. Their tend to be a little more trouser like to me. It just depends upon your personal style, fit, and how you want to wear your knit pants. Here are their current selections.

Thanks, Let’s Keep In Touch

Thanks so much for stopping by. So, are ponte knit pants going to be a wardrobe staple for you? Let me know what style you decided to add to your closet and where you plan to wear them in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this post, you you can also find me on Instagram and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow me there. I also have a newsletter that I send out every Wednesday and Sunday morning. In it, I share things that I don’t share on other platforms. I hope you will sign up by clicking here.