My Go-to Travel Ponte Pants Inspired Me to Buy More Comfy Knit Styles for Fall — Shop 15 Picks From $20

When Instagram caught on to the fact that I fly a lot as a travel writer, I started getting a flurry of ads about comfortable travel pants. Honestly, I ignore most of them because they’re often for joggers or glorified sweatpants; although I like to feel like I’m flying in pajamas, I don’t like to look like I am. Instead, I prefer to get off the plane ready for any occasion: a nice dinner, a business meeting, or a museum. So, when I started getting recommended stylish (but comfortable) ponte pants in my feed, I knew I had to try them for myself.

If you don’t already know what ponte pants are, they’re made from ponte fabric, which is a dense double-weave knit that feels thicker and stronger than your typical knit tee. (The name “ponte” derives from “Ponte di Roma,” meaning “Bridge of Rome,” a reference to the loop structure of the weave.) This thicker weight of this type of pant is not only ideal for chilly airports and shoulder-season travel, but it also means they’re wrinkle-resistant and hold their shape well. 

Ripley Rader Ponte Knit Perfect Pant

Recently, I wore the Ripley Rader Black Ponte Knit Wide Leg Pant (also dubbed the "Perfect Pant") on a seven-hour overnight flight to Ireland and noted no constriction or cutting into my midsection while sitting for the long flight. I touched down in the morning in Dublin and had no time to change before a long, busy day — I effectively wore these pants for two straight days without any wrinkles, stretching, or sagging. The high-waisted, wide-leg fit is essentially designed to be universally flattering and lengthening, making these the perfect travel pants.

I’m always on the lookout for wrinkle-resistant travel staples that I can easily dress up and down, which is why this fabric makes for classic wardrobe staples. Ponte knit pants are one of those go-to pieces; it’s a pant you’ll add to a travel capsule wardrobe for styling versatility and travel-friendly perks. Below, I rounded up some more of the best ponte pants for travelers to wear this fall and beyond.

Quince Ultra Stretch Super Wide Ankle Pants

These stretchy Quince ponte pants still look like something you could wear to the office, so they would be perfect for work travel where you have to run straight to a business meeting. Quince’s pants use an invisible side zipper to create a sleek tummy-tucking fit. Available in five neutral colors and in both a cropped and full-length version, you could add a few of these pairs to your suitcase to have a versatile carry-on capsule wardrobe. Wear a simple cropped tee and a blazer on top for a simple and timeless look.

Amazon Essentials Women's Ponte Pull-on Mid Rise Ankle Length Pants

The Amazon Essentials brand’s ponte knit pants are a great option for someone who wants to look polished on a budget. Though these aren’t wide-leg, they share the same professional look as the other options on this list thanks to the front pintucks that mimic a pleated pant. With a comfortable amount of stretch, these pants have been praised by shoppers for their business casual look. Others love that the material is thick and not see-through. One buyer noted that they’re the perfect option for this time of year: “They look sharp and are very comfortable with stretch. I will use these for upcoming travel in autumn.” 

Spanx The Perfect Pant, Button Wide Leg

Spanx is known for its body-shaping workwear, and ponte knit is the star in these shaping and lifting pants. The machine-washable professional pants are pull-on and boast four-way stretch for comfort. Hitting at the natural waist, they’re elongating to help make you look taller. One shopper loved the high waist, decorative buttons, and natural drape of the pants, adding that they’re “not too hot, not too heavy, but definitely not thin or cheap.” 

Old Navy High-waisted Pull-on Pixie Wide-leg Pants

Old Navy calls these a “stretchy, profesh pant,” and their simple yet timeless style makes it a multi-season staple. The wide leg provides plenty of room to feel cozy on a travel day without sacrificing a pulled-together look. One shopper called these pants “unbelievable,” adding that they’ve become their “go-to pants” because of their comfort and how well they hold up in the wash.

Adrianna Papell Women's Ponte Knit Wide Leg Pull-on Pant

These wide-leg cropped pants are just $31 and are truly the ultimate wardrobe staple. Buyers note the heaviness of the fabric and suggest these pants for fall and winter wear. One shopper praised their smart casual look that doesn’t sacrifice all-day wearability, claiming they’re “lounge pants turned business.” The elastic waistband offers plenty of comfort, with one reviewer noting that they wore them on a flight and felt comfortable the entire time seated.

Max Studio Women's High Waist Wide Leg Ponte Pant

These Max Studio Ponte pants are said to flatter both slim and curvier figures and can be worn for a variety of occasions, from work to hanging out with friends. One buyer said these were the perfect all-occasion pants, praising the quality. “As usual with Max Studio items, the quality is great, the fabric is a good weight and not see-through,” they wrote. “They can be dressed up or down, and are incredibly comfortable!” Available in staple black, cream, and tan colors, these neutral pants can pair with anything; you may want to opt for darker colors if you plan to wear these on a flight — wearing white is asking for turbulence during your morning coffee.  

Nic + Zoe Ponte Ankle Leggings

These ponte knit ankle leggings feature a stylish slit at the ankle which makes them more comfortable than ankle-cinching leggings for long flights. Deeply reminiscent of a classic Audrey Hepburn look, these Nic + Zoe pants are versatile and can easily be paired with a white button-down or slim black capped-sleeve shirt. Add a silk scarf around the neck for the full effect.

Conceited Premium Women's Stretch Ponte Pants

With over 6,500 Amazon reviews and an average 4-star rating, these $20 shaping pants are a crowd favorite. Available in 16 different colors, these straight-leg pants resemble the style and shape of leggings. But, ponte knit’s natural thickness ensures they aren’t see-through. Some reviews are mixed about the softness of the fabric, but others say these work as comfy business casual pants. Travelers say these pack well because they don’t wrinkle, while others say they can be dressed up or down. “Add a jacket for an evening out. They are very flattering. I bought 4 colors already! Will likely buy more! They do well in the wash,” said one shopper.

Conceited Women's Premium Stretch Bootcut Dress Pants

Ponte knit pants don’t often have pockets due to the fabric thickness and weight, but these “treggings” do. The trouser-legging hybrid has over 5,700 shopper reviews with a four-star average, so they’re quite popular among shoppers. One reviewer counts these as a wardrobe staple, calling them a “go-to.” “They fit well, [are] fairly wrinkle-free, easy to travel with, and very comfortable,” they wrote. “And the fabric is light enough to wear all year, but not so much that it’s see-through. Very nice!”

Tapata Women Dress Pants

These dress pants are touted for providing all-day comfort while holding their shape. With a pull-on design and a slightly flared leg, they’re flattering and help elongate the body. Of the more than 3,200 five-star reviews, one buyer said that these pants are a pair they reached for during both travel and work. “Truly the most comfortable pants I have for work,” they wrote. “I’m constantly traveling and these pants are great for in the office or even traveling!”

Liverpool Women's Kelsey Wide Leg Trouser Ponte Pant

Another ponte pant that boasts pockets, these wide-leg pants are from the brand Liverpool Los Angeles and are now on sale for $73 at Zappos. Almost made entirely of cotton, these pants are very soft and comfortable. Even though they have a hook-and-eye closure instead of a pull-on style, these pants are still stretchy and roomy enough to wear on a flight. 

Woman Within Women's Plus Size Bootcut Ponte Stretch Knit Pant

The experts in plus size comfort, Woman Within, turned to ponte knit fabric for pants that feel like leggings but look like casual pants. These pants are designed with a slight bootcut flare that adds shape and movement that leggings typically lack. One traveler tried these pants for a flight and was impressed. “I decided to wear pull-on pants instead of jeans. So glad I did. The pants are a great fit, great color, and very, very comfortable. Have already bought another color,” they wrote.

Lee Women's Ultra Lux Comfort with Flex Motion Trouser Pant

Though not explicitly labeled as made with ponte knit, these trousers are an Amazon bestseller that boast a similar style, crafted with flexible fabric and a non-binding waistband. According to reviewers, the pants are hard to wrinkle, making them great for travelers. One buyer said, “I have been working out of town traveling a lot and haven’t had to iron them.” Many also noted the comfortable stretchy fabric that doesn’t get baggy throughout the day.

Rag & Bone Women's Irina Ponte Wide Leg Pants

Most people don’t turn to Amazon to find luxury brands, but the online retailer has an entire luxury brand hub. Rag & Bone’s ponte pants are pull-on, stretchy, and elongating. Paired with a button-down shirt and a light jacket, this would be a chic bottom for a fall outfit you could wear comfortably on the plane, as well as confidently in the streets of Paris or Milan. The mid-weight fabric also means that they’ll be warm enough for chillier weather, but not too heavy that you’ll overheat on a sunny day.

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