Ponte, Twill, Sateen or Knit? Choosing a Pant Fabric
Stretch-cotton knit is the softest, bi-stretch drapes most polished, stretch sateen adds sheen and structure, and twill is sturdy and casual.
Choose the fabric for the job: a stretch-cotton knit for softness and ease, a bi-stretch woven for polished drape, stretch sateen for a smooth finish with structure, and twill for sturdy weekend wear. Every one of them changes how a pant fits, feels and dresses up, so it is worth knowing what you are reaching for in our Catherines plus size pants collection for sizes 0X-6X.
What is the difference between ponte, twill, sateen and knit?
Knits stretch and move with you; wovens hold a crisper shape. Within those two families, each fabric has its own feel:
- Stretch-cotton knit
- The softest and most forgiving. The Suprema® Pant is a stretch-cotton knit of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, with an elastic waistband and an easy pull-on fit.
- Ponte
- A thick double knit that is stretchy yet structured. It has the comfort of a knit with a smoother, more tailored look.
- Bi-stretch woven
- Stretches in both directions and drapes fluidly. Our Refined Pull-On Pant is made in bi-stretch fabric with a flat front that sits smoothly under blouses, tunics and jackets.
- Stretch sateen
- A cotton-rich woven with a smooth surface and soft sheen. The Softluxe stretch sateen pant blends 66% cotton, 32% polyester and 2% spandex for a clean straight-leg silhouette with just the right amount of give.
- Twill and chambray
- Twill is a sturdy woven with a fine diagonal rib, the classic fabric of chinos and utility pants. Chambray is a lighter woven with a relaxed, denim-like look. Both read casual.
Are stretch cotton pants dressy looking?
They can be. A stretch-cotton knit reads relaxed on its own, but it dresses up quickly with the right top layer. The Suprema® Pant, for example, is styled casually with a tee or polished with a long shacket.
When the day calls for a sharper line, switch to a woven. The Right Fit® Curvy work pant uses a smooth two-way stretch fabric with a zip fly and welt pockets, and is designed for women who are fullest at the hips.
Which pant fabric is best for plus size?
The best fabric is the one that matches how you want to feel. Start with your priority:
- All-day softness: a stretch-cotton knit with an elastic waist.
- A smooth line under tops: a flat-front bi-stretch pull-on.
- Structure with a little shine: stretch sateen with a contour waistband.
- Knit comfort that looks tailored: ponte.
- Weekend durability: twill or chambray.
Frequently asked questions
Is ponte the same as a stretch-cotton knit?
No. Both are knits, but ponte is a thicker double knit with more structure, so it looks closer to a tailored pant. A cotton-rich stretch knit feels softer and more relaxed.
Can I machine wash these pant fabrics?
The Suprema® Pant, Refined Pull-On Pant, Softluxe Sateen Stretch Pant and Right Fit® Curvy Pant are all labeled Machine Wash. For any other pant, check the care label first.