Spanx Ponte Pants Review: I Tried Every Perfect Pant Style (+ Booty Boost)

I first fell in love with SPANX’s pants because they’re so incredibly versatile: soft, stretchy, and comfortable, they work just as well for date night as they do for lounging or running errands. And since then, I’ve often gone back to SPANX’s website multiple times, fully intending to buy another pair of these Perfect Fit pants. But every time, I’m overwhelmed by the sheer number of options – so many different styles, sizes, and fits! Am I petite or regular? Do I want wide leg or flare? Cropped or straight? And – whoa – what even is a kick flare?

Each time, I end up closing the window and telling myself I’ll try again later.

SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Flare Pant (m regular) | cami | top (s)

After venting about this to Shana, she said, “Just order all the pants.” So I ordered twelve pairs: six styles, all in size medium, both petite and regular lengths. When the (very heavy!) box arrived, the try-ons began, and I finally was able to figure out which style(s) were my favorites.

Are Spanx Perfect Pants Worth It?

Short answer? 100%, hands-down, without a doubt.

blazer (4) | pants (m) | cami

I knew I’d love at least one of the pairs, especially since they’re all made from that comfy, stretchy premium ponte fabric I adore. With SPANX CoreSure™ Tech, these pants provide targeted compression and smoothing from tummy to thigh without feeling too restrictive. The high-rise waist and 4-way stretch allow for effortless movement and since they’re pull-on, there’s no zippers, buttons, or pockets, which means no bulk at the hips and a sleek, streamlined silhouette. (Has anyone tried on pants that they’d love aside from the extra bulk of the button/fastener at the waist? The worst!)

Spanx Pant Names, Decoded: Perfect Pant vs. PerfectFit vs. the Ponte Edit

Spanx has been changing the name a bit over the years, but the pants themselves are the same. Technically now called SPANXsupersmooth PerfectFit Pants, there are really four main styles: wide leg, flare, slim straight, and kick flare. They all come in regular, tall, and petite sizes as well as different colors and sometimes prints.

Spanx Ponte Pants Review: I Tried Every Perfect Pant Style, Here’s the Best One

1. Best Overall: Spanx PerfectFit Ponte Flare Pant

Best For: Someone who wants one pair of black pants that can go from work to dinner to a night out without looking like “work pants.”

If I were only buying one pair of Spanx ponte pants, these are the ones I’d get. The flares are the most flattering on me, they make my legs look ridiculously long (they’re not – I’m 5’4″). They have the same smoothing, substantial ponte fabric as the other PerfectFit styles, but the flare makes them feel a little sexier and less like traditional work pants.

SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Flare Pant (left: regular m, right: petite m)

I loved them so much I kept both the regular and petite sizes. The regular pair (32.5″ inseam) is so ridiculously leg-lengthening and flattering and looks awesome with heels (which I have a lot of). The petite inseam (30″) will be perfect for when I don’t want to wear such a high heel, but still gives me that leg-lengthening look of the flare shape.

SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Flare Pant(left: regular m, right: petite m)

The rise is slightly higher on the regular pair (which I like), but the waistband in both cases is super comfortable and doesn’t dig in. The fact that there’s no gap is awesome–usually if pants fit over my butt, there’s a gap–especially if they’re pull-on.

How I’m Styling Them

These are also the pair I’ve had the most fun styling. I’ve worn them with everything from a sheer turtleneck and fitted tops to an oversized blazer, denim vest and layered cardigan. They can look legitimately sexy for a night out, polished enough for work, or much more casual depending on what you put on top.

blazer (xs) | pants (m) | cami

top (s) | pants (m) | necklace

similar bodysuit | pants (m)| necklace | similar belt

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2. Runner Up: SpanxSmooth PerfectFit Ponte Slim Straight Pant

Best For: Someone who wants a classic, streamlined black pant that works with basically everything.

SpanxSmooth PerfectFit Ponte Slim Straight Pant (left: regular m, right: petite m)

This was my second pick of the bunch. In this case, the petites were the perfect fit (28″ inseam), while the regular size (30.5″) pooled too much at the bottom. I loved the slim fit–skinny jeans may not be the thing right now, but slim black pants a la Audrey Hepburn will always be in style.

SpanxSmooth PerfectFit Ponte Slim Straight Pant (left: regular m, right: petite m)

There wasn’t a discernible difference in the rise, which I was pleasantly surprised to find. Usually petite pants are too short in the rise, but these were perfect.

How I’m Styling Them

pants (m petite) | similar boots | similar sweater

Here’s how I’m wearing these on days I need to look pulled together…but they can lean sexier, too:

top (s) | necklace set | pants (s petite) | heels (30% off)

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3. Best for Winter: SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Kick Flare Pant

Best For: Someone who wants a cropped pant that actually works with boots (and won’t drag through snow/slush).

SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Kick Flare Pant (left: regular m, right: petite m)

So to answer my “kick flare” question, this style is supposed to be a cropped fit (typically just above the ankle), with a much more subtle flare than the full-length flares. The regular length (26.5″) did not work for me here since it hit basically at the top of my foot and, like the slim straight pair above, I didn’t see a huge difference in the rise.

SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Kick Flare Pant (left: regular m, right: petite m)

This flare is much less exaggerated than the full-length version, creating a style that’s essentially a blend of wide leg and straight leg cuts. The design allows the legs to comfortably fit over boots, which is a practical choice for those of us dealing with SNOW. The shorter length keeps the hemline from getting wet, while the wider leg provides enough room to accommodate warmer boots…but you know I’ll be wearing them with strappy sandals when the weather is warmer!

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4. Best for Work: SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Wide Leg Pant

Best For: Someone who wants a polished, work-friendly pant that’s comfortable but doesn’t look like a pull-on pant.

SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Wide Leg Pant (left: regular m, right: petite m)

I didn’t wear heels in these pictures because I wanted to show you guys exactly how long they were–and my heels didn’t quite clear the regular hemline from the floor. Even though the hemline (32.5″) is the same as the full-length flares (my favorites), they somehow felt much longer and the extra fabric felt overwhelming.

SPANXsmooth PerfectFit Ponte Wide Leg Pant (left: regular m, right: petite m)

The rise was higher on the regular pair, but I think the proportions of the petite pair overall worked better on my 5’4″ frame. THESE would be perfect if I were still teaching…they’re super comfy, aren’t too tight or sexy, and go with all the things. Even though they’re a pull-on style, the faux pocket slits and buttons on the back keep them from looking like leggings or sweatpants, so they’re perfect for an office or school setting.

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5. SPANX Shape Booty Boost Flare Pants

Anything that promises to boost my booty, I’m going to try. And these actually do what they promise…not in an over-the-top way, but enough that I noticed (and felt) a difference. The contoured waistband helps to visually shape it, but it’s the compression that does most of the heavy lifting. 🤣

flare pants (m, regular length) | tee (s) | sneakers

These I loved immediately. The waistband shapes and smooths the belly and enhances curves, and I also really appreciate the lack of a center seam (no camel toe). The fabric is breathable, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying, so they’re perfect for workouts…but I’ll be wearing them for everything non-workout myself.

flare pants (m, regular length) | tee (s) | sneakers

They come in three inseams, and while I’m wearing the regular here, I think the petite would work best since I usually wear these with flats. I’d say these run small…I followed reviews and sized up to a medium (8-10 on the size chart).

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6. SPANXshape Booty Boost Full Length Leggings

leggings (s, also in 7/8 length) | tee (s) | sneakers

Basically the same idea as the flares, but in a classic legging. Same fabric, same compression, no center seam, and that contoured waistband. They definitely enhance the booty, but I also love how much they smooth the tummy. These fit a little higher than the flares, which I actually prefer (I like the extra coverage).

leggings (s, also in 7/8 length) | tee (s) | sneakers

I went with a small and they have great compression. If you want something a little less intense, size up, but I like the extra snatching power of the small. (They also come in a 7/8 length, but surprisingly the full length worked for me too.)

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So that’s it! I found some new favorites and now have all my questions answered…in general, I should stick with the petite sizing (recommended for 5’4″ and under–my height exactly), especially when the style is meant to be cropped…the shorter inseam doesn’t take away from the high rise! With the exception of the full-length flare (which I’ll wear exclusively with heels), the petites were always the better option.

So what do you guys think? What’s your favorite pair? Is anyone interested in a styling post on one of them? Let me know!

XOXO,

Scotti