If you take ONE piece of advice from me this winter, this should be it – get yourself a pair of ponte (pon-tee) pants. They are AMAZING! Don’t like skinny jeans? Get some ponte pants. Like wearing pants that are comfortable and fashionable? Get some ponte pants. Don’t want to wear leggings as pants? Get some ponte pants.
So what are ponte pants? They are a cross between a legging and a skinny jean. They are made from ponte – a thick, double-knit fabric with two-way stretch. Two way stretch is important because it moulds to your body-shape and holds you in at the same time – genius.
So now we know what they are, here is why you need them:
1. You can wear them instead of leggings to keep warm
Tunic + ponte pants + blazer = awesome winter outfit
They are thicker fabric than a legging so they are great to wear in winter if you still want to wear a tunic or dress. This wee little tunic top from Glassons is a little short for me to wear with just tights – but ponte pants are thicker so I felt more comfortable in them.
2. You can wear them as pants
Because of the nature of the fabric, ponte pants are almost always thick enough to wear as pants (as opposed to leggings – which we all know ARE NOT PANTS!). The thicker fabric offers a little more support and because ponte pants are often panelled (the pants are sewn in several panels with the thick seams creating flattering lines down the leg) they are more flattering than a legging (just make sure you have the right kind of undies on – VPL’s still aren’t a good look).
Wear them like you would a skinny jean – remember, it’s all about balance. Ponte pants will still be quite fitted, so keep what ever you are wearing on top a little looser and more voluminous. Ponte pants are GREAT with oversized jumpers, cardigans and tops.
3. They are ridiculously comfortable
It might feel a little like you are putting on a wetsuit when you first try to get them on, but once they are up, boy are they comfy! Most ponte pants are pull-on, so no annoying zips and buttons (especially for that post-lunch poku). They are great for travel, long plane or car trips, and for mooching around the house in – BUT they look smokin’ with a pair of killer heels when you’re hitting the town too! (your feet might hurt from the heels but at least you will be able to breath in your pants)
4. Just because I say so
Trust me. Try a pair and you will see. The End.
Where to buy:
Here are a few of my top picks to cater all budgets, most stores will have a pair or two (Portmans and Jacqui E have about 5 varieties each!) Now you have NO excuse, so get going! Get some! NOW!
1. Asos ponte pants $50.20 (buy here) 2. Forever New navy ponte pants $49.99 (buy here) 3. Portmans gray shimmer ponte pants $69.95 (buy here) 4. Witchey leather panel ponte pants $229.95 (buy here) 5. Jacqui E ponte leggings $79.95 (buy here)
Convinced? Good.
Cait xo
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Just wondering if there is much of a difference between the ponte material and a jearsy stretch material. Iv seen a couple of pairs of pants which look like ponte pants but made out of the jearsy stretch material from h & m?
it’s pretty much the same thing 🙂 ponte is just the name of a fabric with two-way stretch. Ponte tends to be thicker than jersey though so can be worn more like pants, rather than leggings 🙂 hope that helps x
I love everything about ponte pants. They are so stylish, flattering, and comfortable. Great alternative to leggings! I have to say, Target even has fabulous ponte pants in a few style that are only $19.99!
I LOVE these pants. Being over 50, these are perfect. The pairs that I have, have back pockets, so they have more of a pant look. I’m always worried when I wear leggings if my bottom is exposed. With these pants I don’t have to worry. I love them!!
They are perfect for any age aren’t they Jill! I’m with you on the not having to worry – they save they day don’t they 😉
Thank you for the information! I have asked a few people about the big style where I live and no one seemed to know what this new style of pants were..I did describe them as heavier than leggings, but not quite yoga pants, either. The ponte pant (thank you, now I have a name) is what I have been looking for, so thanks so much for your help!
Hey Kay, so glad you like the blog! Yes, heaps of people don’t know they are called Ponte Pants but they know they want them haha
Ponte pants are the best! Where can I buy that oversized top? I’ve been looking for something like that for ages but can’t find one that’s that long 🙁
Hi Jeanine – here is the link to the oversized top – it’s on Asos.com http://tinyurl.com/kfmxfyn – always good to find tops long enough to wear over skinny pants!
Thank you so much!
LOVE my ponte pants – talk about a winter must-have! Your tips saved me this morning Cait, thanks! xx
TOTALLY love! Wearing some leather-panelled ones today in fact! x