By: Aine Lagan
There are unsung heroes in every closet, whether it’s that classic white t-shirt or the jeans you’ve been wearing for the last five years. Today, we’re introducing you to another underappreciated staple: ponte pants. They’re defining the new era of workwear, offering an elevated look without compromising on comfort.
If anyone knows about ponte pants and their rising popularity, then it’s Empire Apparel LLC’s Kenchen Bharwani. The fashion consultant is an expert in off-price fashion and one of the architects behind the ponte pants trend. Her advice? If you’re buying any bottoms in 2026, it has to be ponte pants.
We sat down with Kenchen to get her insight into why ponte pants are set to be the ‘it’ workwear trend of 2026 and why retailers like Bealls, Coppel Corporation, DD’s Discount, and RH Reny’s are betting on them to be one of next year’s best-sellers.
The Rise of Comfort-Driven Workwear
The pandemic changed more than just our working routines. The rise of hybrid and remote working has made office dress codes more flexible, with different types of casual bottoms becoming the norm. Comfort is the trend that is dominating every space, and the office is no exception. We all want clothes that look good without being restrictive, and ponte pants tick all those boxes.
Ponte is a structured but flexible, double-knit fabric that gives you the look of tailored workwear with the comfort of your favorite loungewear. It’s the game-changer for your closet; the bottoms you could wear on a trans-Atlantic flight, a casual Friday afternoon, or for an important meeting at the office. It’s this comfort-focused flexibility, according to Kenchen, that is driving today’s fashion trends.
As a fashion consultant at Empire Apparel LLC, she’s seen firsthand how ponte pants are outperforming other bottoms in the workwear category. “They’re the ultimate crowd pleaser for every type of shopper – they’re versatile, universally flattering, and have a durability that you would expect from pants that cost three times the price,” she shares, offering her perspective on the style’s newfound popularity.
The Science Behind Ponte Pants
The popularity of retailers like Uniqlo shows that consumers are shopping smarter than ever, and ponte is a type of textile that shoppers often underestimate until they try it. “It’s all about the spandex, the type, and how much of it is used, that impacts just how well ponte performs, including how well they retain their shape,” Kenchen explains, having gotten hands-on experience with the fabric.
In her opinion, too much spandex turns ponte pants into leggings, while not enough spandex can make them uncomfortable. If you’re shopping for ponte pants, Kenchen recommends looking for a dense blend that will stay looking fresh even after hours of wear. It’s this versatility that makes ponte pants so popular with off-price retailers and why it’s redefining workwear in a way that feels effortlessly chic.
What Makes Ponte Different: The Fit
Fashion design is all about engineering, and it’s a point Kenchen is keen to make in relation to ponte pants. “The fit is what will really make or break these pants. It’s easy to assume that one silhouette or fit will suit every body type, but that’s not how it works,” she clarifies, sharing that she prioritizes designs with a smooth waistband, a wearable leg shape, and enough stretch at the thigh without being clingy.
This design philosophy reflects the wider change we’re seeing in workwear, especially for women. Consumers want clothes that enhance their confidence, giving them freedom to move and the ability to curate a stylish wardrobe that is easy to maintain.
The Opportunity for Ponte In Off-Price Fashion
Ponte is a fabric that Kenchen worked with at Empire Apparel LLC when the company acquired surplus inventory that was originally manufactured in Jordan for JCPenney. She targeted the inventory for acquisition because of its fabric density, cohesive color range, and suitability for a range of consumers.
By carefully selecting and curating garments with fit and fabrics which are in demand within the off-price fashion segment, Kenchen could make these high-quality garments more accessible for consumers at an affordable price point, while providing Empire Apparel LLC with a strong-value product that has a reliable sell-through rate.
Best of it? It showcases the potential of off-price fashion to be the industry’s solution to its sustainability problem. Ponte pants are just one success story that showcases how Kenchen has used trend analysis and data insights to deliver value and performance for both consumers and retailers.
Why Ponte Pants Are Your 2026 Workwear Staple
Ponte pants encapsulate the future of workwear as consumers search for clothes that suit their lifestyles and budget. These clothes are all-purpose and easy to transition from one season to the next – and from your virtual office to in-person meetings and even date night.
With over 18 years of expertise in the off-price fashion industry, we’re willing to bet that Kenchen’s right on money with her latest trend prediction. If you buy anything for your 2026 closet, make it ponte pants!
