KL, you might try LOFT instead. The ponte is different than AT ponte. Well, it may depend on which pants you tried. I just find AT ponte is thicker and not as stretchy, especially in the waistband, so it creates muffin top. Whereas the LOFT ones require me to wear a belt and they seem to have more give in the waist, yet don't bag in the knees. They do eventually pill -- but the Theory ponte pants I have actually pilled sooner. The price point can't be beat so like a tee shirt you just refresh each season.
Also try on various sizes! I have, or have had, LOFT ponte pants in 2 regular, 4 regular, 4p, 2p, 6p... and they all seem to fit but with subtle differences. The rise hits a bit differently with each, the petites are more like ankle pants, etc. I think the 2 regular are my favorites.
I used to have INC ponte pants, that's another one to try....
