What Does Ponte Pants Mean? Plus, 8 Stylish Outfit Ideas

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What clothes & shoes to wear for casual & work-appropriate outfits

Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Kalee Hewlett

Last Updated: April 12, 2024 Fact Checked

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What are ponte pants?

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How should ponte pants fit?

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Styling Ponte Pants

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Wearing Shoes with Ponte Pants

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Are ponte pants appropriate for work?

Ponte pants are stylish, comfortable pants that are a cross between leggings and skinny jeans. Their thick fabric, tailored look, and flexible fit make them perfect for lounging around, dressing up for work, and everything in between. Follow along with us below to learn what ponte pants are, how they should fit, and what to wear them with at home, work, and around town!

Ponte Pants Meaning

Ponte pants are thick, stretchy trousers that have the comfort of leggings and the fitted look of skinny jeans. They hug and support your body and typically hit at your ankle. For a casual look, wear them with a t-shirt and chunky, stylish sneakers. Or, pair them with a button-down and blazer for a work-appropriate outfit.

Section 1 of 5:

What are ponte pants?

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Ponte pants are a blend between skinny jeans and leggings. Ponte pants are made of ponte fabric, which is a thick, double-knit fabric with a 2-way stretch. This gives ponte pants the structure and put-together look of jeans and the flexibility and comfort of leggings. The thick, fitted fabric smoothes and supports your body while the tailored fit ensures you look stylish at work, at home, and out on the town.^{[1]
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- Ponte fabric is typically made out of polyester, rayon, and elastic. This gives the pants a thick, durable feel while remaining soft and stretchy.
- While most ponte pants fit like skinny jeans, they also come in straight-leg, wide-leg, bootcut, and flare fits.
- Many popular retailers sell ponte pants, like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Target, Chicos, Loft, J.Crew, Madewell, and more.
- Ponte pants are most commonly black or navy. However, they do come in different colors and patterns.
- While ponte pants are made out of a thick material, the fabric is very breathable. So, they’re perfect to wear during each season, including the summer.

Section 2 of 5:

How should ponte pants fit?

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Ponte pants should feel comfortably snug and hit at your ankle. Ponte pants are meant to be fitted, so they should feel firm around your stomach and legs while still having enough stretch to move around. Most pants have a ⅞ length, so they should hit at or just above your ankle.^{[2]
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- Choose a pair of ponte pants that have a tighter fit rather than a looser fit, as these pants are stretchy. Selecting a snugger pair ensures they don’t look baggy or ill-fitting.

Section 3 of 5:

Styling Ponte Pants

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Wear ponte pants with a t-shirt and sneakers for a super casual look. Dress down your ponte pants by throwing on a basic white or colorful t-shirt or wearing your favorite graphic or patterned tee. Put on a pair of white or colorful chunky sneakers for a trendy look, or wear a pair of stylish tennis shoes for an athleisure look.^{[3]
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- Wear a long or cropped t-shirt depending on your comfort level.
- Pair the pants with a denim jacket, puffer jacket, or cardigan in the cooler months.
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Style the pants with a silky blouse and ankle boots for a trendy fit. Look stylish and comfortable when grabbing lunch or dinner by pairing your ponte pants with a sleek, silky blouse. Choose a solid neutral or colored blouse, or go with a bold pattern like leopard or zebra. Finish off the look with a pair of black, white, or brown ankle boots.^{[4]
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- Let the blouse hang over your pants or tie it at the waistline. Or, half-tuck or fully tuck it into your pants.
- Accessorize with gold or silver jewelry. Or, add a fun pop of color with a statement necklace or earrings.
- Dress up the look by wearing high-heeled boots.
- If your pants have a skinny jean fit, tuck them into a pair of calf-length boots. Or, wear bootcut or wide-legged ponte pants over taller boots.
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Pair the pants with a button-down and sweater for a smart casual fit. For a look that’s chic enough to wear to the office and out after work, layer a sweater over a neutral-colored button-down. Choose a sweater in a contrasting neutral, bold color, or fun pattern. Then, finish the look with a neutral pair of flats, Oxfords, mules, or other close-toed shoes.^{[5]
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- Alternatively, wear a low, closed-toe heel or ankle boot with the look.
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Wear ponte pants with a tailored top and blazer at the office. For a more formal or professional look, put on a tailored button-down or blouse in a solid neutral or color. Then, pair it with a structured blazer in a solid or plaid pattern. Finish the look off with a neutral pair of flats, Oxfords, or pumps.^{[6]
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- Accessorize with your favorite simple gold or silver jewelry, like a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings.
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Throw a dress over ponte pants to stay warm and cozy. In the cooler months, wear your ponte pants as a stylish pair of leggings. Simply put on your favorite flowy dress or throw on a stylish sweater dress. Then, style your look with a pair of neutral ankle boots or calf-length boots.^{[7]
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- Balance out the outfit with a cropped coat, denim jacket, or cardigan.
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Wear ponte pants with a tunic or long top for a stylish, modest fit. While ponte pants are thicker than leggings, you might still want to cover up your upper legs. Simply throw on a colorful or patterned tunic or a long, flowy blouse for a super cute look. Then, dress your look up or down by wearing your favorite pair of heels, boots, flats, or sneakers.^{[8]
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- In the fall and winter, wear a long chunky sweater over your pants.
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Style ponte pants with a sleeveless top and heels for an evening look. Dress up for a date or night out on the town by wearing a dressy, sleeveless shirt in a sleek black, bold color, or fun print. Then, finish off the look with a pair of neutral or colorful pumps or heeled sandals.^{[9]
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- Wear classic gold or silver jewelry or put on a statement jewelry piece, like a necklace or pair of earrings.
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Rock ponte pants with a crop top and leather jacket for an edgy look. Throw on a basic white or black crop top. Or, wear a colorful cropped shirt. Then, put on a long, leather jacket and a pair of neutral ankle boots.^{[10]
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- Accessorize with a choker necklace or statement earrings.

Section 4 of 5:

What shoes do you wear with ponte pants?

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Wear ponte pants with sneakers, flats, boots, and heels. All styles of shoes look great with ponte pants, depending on the look you’re going for. Sneakers are great for casual, dressed-down fits while flats and ankle boots create a more put-together vibe. Heeled boots and pumps elevate your look for dressy and professional attire.

Section 5 of 5:

Are ponte pants appropriate for work?

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Yes, ponte pants are great to wear to the office or professional events. Due to their thick material and tailored fit, ponte pants are appropriate for business casual dress and formal events. Simply wear them with a button-down or dressy blouse. Then, put on a blazer or structured cardigan.
- Choose dressy, closed-toed shoes to stay work-appropriate. For instance, wear flats, Oxfords, or low pumps.