Ponte Fabric And How It Behaves
What is Ponte?
Ponte (pronounced pon-tee) is a double-knit fabric, meaning it's made with two layers of fabric knitted together.
It’s usually a blend of rayon, nylon, and spandex, which gives it a magical combination of structure, stretch, and softness.
It’s thicker than your average jersey but softer and stretchier than suiting fabric, so basically, it’s the best of both worlds.
5 Reasons Ponte Pants Should Be in Your Wardrobe:
1. They’re Polished and Comfortable.
Ponte pants look structured and polished like tailored trousers, but they feel as comfortable as leggings. You get that "I look put together" vibe without sacrificing comfort.
2. They Hold Their Shape.
Thanks to the double-knit construction and spandex content, ponte doesn’t sag or bag out at the knees and bum after a few hours of wear. Your pants stay sleek and fresh from morning to night.
3. They’re Ultra-Flattering.
Ponte fabric has enough weight to smooth over lumps and bumps but enough stretch to move with you. It hugs you in the right places without clinging uncomfortably.
4. They’re Seasonless.
Not too heavy, not too thin, ponte works beautifully in every season. Layer them under coats and boots in winter or style them with a tee and sneakers in spring and autumn.
5. They Work Everywhere.
Office, travel, weekends, dressy dinners, ponte pants are the ultimate chameleons. Pair them with a blazer for meetings, a knit for errands, or a sparkly top for nights out. They bridge casual and dressy like a pro.
Why Your Wardrobe Needs Ponte Pants (Like, Yesterday!)
If you’ve ever wished your pants could look polished and feel like a dream, let me introduce you to the magic of ponte.
Structured enough to look sharp
Stretchy enough to feel like leggings
Smooths and shapes without squeezing
No saggy knees or baggy bums by 3pm
Works for the office, weekends, and everything in between
Whether you’re racing through a busy day or heading out for dinner, ponte pants are your secret weapon.
They hold you, flatter you, and move with you, all while keeping you effortlessly styled.
Want a bonus tip?
Look for a style with a taper to instantly level up your outfit game and create that long, lean silhouette we all love.
Wash your ponte pants before taking up your hemline as they will shrink.
Ponte typically has minimal shrinkage compared to other knits, thanks to its tight double-knit construction and the synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester blended into it.
However, natural fibre blends (like ponte made with higher rayon or cotton content) will shrink about 3% to 5%, especially if exposed to high heat.
The biggest risk isn't everyday wear — it's washing and drying.
If you toss Ponte into a hot wash and then into a hot dryer, you will notice shrinkage, particularly in the length (the fabric tightening up vertically).
How to avoid shrinkage with ponte:
Cold water wash or gentle cycle
Lay flat to dry or line dry
Avoid high heat (both in washing and drying)
If needed, a quick, cool iron with a cloth over the top is fine
If your wardrobe’s missing that "best of both worlds" pant, it’s time to change that.