Full disclosure: I hate pants, especially those deemed “work appropriate” and “professional.” Mostly because in my brain (based on my experiences), I consider dress pants to be stiff, unflattering, and reminiscent of sporting sandpaper and pairing it with a classic button-down blouse. So imagine my surprise when I tried on a pair of Ponte pants from American Giant and it absolutely rocked my world.
These pants have taken my previous stereotype of uncomfortable, office-friendly attire, flipped it upside down, and absolutely catapulted it out of the window of my 19th-floor Chicago apartment. I didn’t have “apologizing to pants” on my 2022 Bingo card, but alas. These work-appropriate slacks that are flattering enough to wear out and about but comfortable enough to take a nap in have absolutely blown my mind. To be candid, I can’t stop talking about them (or the 20% off discount you can snag with code EVERYGIRL).
So now, when I introduce myself in most social situations, I forego my usual “Hi, I’m Ashley” bit and skip straight to “Hello, I’m American Giant‘s biggest fan.” When it comes to chic, comfortable basics that stand the test of time, this brand is top of mind. They make all of their items locally to support local communities and have a transparent supply chain, which is downright refreshing. And, above all else, they’ve totally changed the workwear game for me, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful. Whether I’m working in the office or chillin’ at home, these are the pants I’m wearing.
Bootcut Ponte Pants
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Why I Love Them
They’re stretchier than any pair of pants I’ve ever owned
I cannot express to you how loud I gasped when I put these on for the first time. When I pulled them out of the packaging, they definitely felt nice. Fabric-wise, they’re made up of 54% ProModal, 40% Nylon, and 6% Spandex. And to be frank, I didn’t really know what that combination of fabrics would even feel like until the pants were in my hands. Before I put them on my body and was simply holding them in my hands, I was definitely getting dress-pant vibes.
But when I pulled them over my legs and hoisted them above my hips, I was honestly shook at how stretchy they were—so much so that I sent our fashion editor (highly classified and retrospectively embarrassing) video proof of the elasticity by doing high kicks in my living room. The website claims a four-way stretch and I don’t doubt it for a second. Never have I ever been able to do a full sumo squat with complete ease in dress pants, but the future is now and I am here for it.
They’re super flattering and hug me in all of the right places
Here are two more pieces of information you need to know about me before we proceed: 1) I will not tolerate a cameltoe situation and 2) I am very much lacking in the glutes department.
Let’s tackle #1 first. I have returned so many pairs of pants, bathing suit bottoms, biker shorts, and beyond for the sole reason that if they ride up in the front or give me a straight-up front-to-back wedgie, I’ll simply never wear them. These Ponte pants fit me like a glove, and usually, that is synonymous with fabrics inserting themselves into certain areas of my bodice without my consent. Not these guys, though. These pants hug me in all of the right places and fit snugly without suffocating me. And as I bloat throughout the day, the elastic waistband is super accommodating and gently holds me in while still growing with me. And that’s the kind of support I need in my life.
Now onto our second order of business: the bum. I’ll cut to the chase. My ass has never looked as good as they do in these pants. No favorite pair of jeans, leggings, or shorts have ever achieved what these Ponte pants have for my behind. In these pants, my butt is lifted, shaped, and sculpted. At the risk of sounding conceited, I’m just going to say it: I look good AF.
They’re nice enough to be considered “work appropriate” but comfy enough that I can lounge in them at home
Since having these Ponte pants, I’ve styled them in so many different ways. Think “any look where you can wear either a) flared leggings or b) dress pants” and simply insert. I’ve worn these with knit sweaters and sneakers for a casual “I look nice but I feel like I’m wearing pajamas” look, with a white button-down, black booties, and gold jewelry for a “she’s chic and professional” look, and with a hoodie and slippers for the coziest WFH getup of all time.
Because these pants have pulled off the impossible, they’re sophisticated enough to be paired with your favorite in-office fit (sans the get-these-off-of-me panic that ensues the second you get home) but comfy enough that you’ll literally forget you’re wearing pants and stay in them after a long day of work.
Fit and Sizing
As far as pants go, I’m typically a size two depending on where I’m shopping, and there have definitely been instances in the past where I’ve had to size up to a four. When I read the sizing description on American Giant‘s website, I got a little nervous at how fitted they looked on the model (and also truly didn’t believe they would be as stretchy as they mentioned), so I sized up and ordered them in a size four. The four fits me really well, but I think that if I would have gone with my usual size, given the stretch, it probably wouldn’t have been an issue. If you’re worried about them being too snug and are like two-weeks-ago me (skeptical about the very flexibility I’m raving about), then size up! Given the four-way stretch, I don’t think you could go wrong either way.
The Verdict
If you ask my mother or my boyfriend, they’ll tell you that I’m not typically one to admit defeat. But for these Ponte pants, I’ll say it: I was wrong. And to all of the pants out there that don’t fit my previous stereotype, I sincerely apologize. It’s rare that I reach for a pair of nice-looking pants before my go-to leggings, but these ones are truly my favorite pants I’ve ever worn. They’re ultra-flattering, have a ton of stretch, and, given the look and feel, are the most versatile pants that I own.
They’re more of an investment than other dress pants I’ve worn in the past but for good reason. Based on how much I have already worn them and the years that I’ll get out of them, they’re 100% worth it in my book. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m offended that you even have to ask. I’ll be wearing these 10/10 pants until the end of time. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
This post is sponsored by American Giant, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
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