REVIEW: Trying on Wide-Leg Jeans at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic

As someone on a budget, I appreciate that Old Navy offers a wide range of affordable pieces that don’t sacrifice on style.

The first thing I noticed upon walking into the store was the expansive denim display near the front entrance. Jeans were neatly folded on well-organized shelves and separated by silhouette, making it easy to find what I was looking for.

I grabbed a pair of wide-leg, high-rise jeans in a medium wash that seemed fitting for the darker tones of the season.

These jeans were long on me and would need to be hemmed, but I loved the overall fit and shape of the denim. I also appreciated the dynamic look of the wash, as it was slightly faded on the thighs and darker along the hems.

However, it seemed as though the material around the zipper didn’t overlap properly, which made it appear as though the fly was down.

The material (63% cotton, 30% recycled polyester, 6% recycled cotton, and 1% spandex) felt soft and comfortable on my body, but didn’t seem to be of the highest quality.

Although I prefer denim made with a higher percentage of cotton, I’d consider this option based on the low price. The jeans were originally marked at $37, but they were on sale for $28 during my visit, which I thought was an incredible deal for a stylish pair of pants.

This style was a high contender, but I decided to try my luck at the other retailers before making a decision.

I love Banana Republic’s elevated aesthetic, so I was excited to explore the brand’s denim collection.

When I walked in, I noticed the jeans were neatly folded on shelves, and the store felt chic and luxurious. However, the styles were scattered throughout the store, and the labels were small, making it a little more difficult to find what I was looking for.

Once I spotted the wide-leg silhouettes, I grabbed a pair of similar high-rise, wide-leg jeans with a slightly lighter wash. The store didn’t have my exact size in stock, so I sized up.

It’s also worth noting that despite my best efforts, I couldn’t find the exact pair I tried on on the Banana Republic website after my visit.

My first impression upon trying these jeans on was that I loved the overall style.

They featured a medium wash that was slightly distressed throughout, creating an effortlessly cool look, especially when paired with the slouchy silhouette.

The shape of the pants was also flattering on my backside and legs, which is always a plus.

When I looked at the tag, I noticed this pair was made of 74% cotton, 25% lyocell, and 1% spandex/elastane. With the highest percentage of cotton of the pairs I tried on, they were comfortable and breathable while still holding their structure and shape.

At $120, the Banana Republic jeans cost significantly more than those of the other retailers I visited. But in my opinion, a good pair of jeans is always a worthwhile investment. With the proper sizing, this pair is something I’d wear regularly for a long time.

Lately, I’ve shopped at Gap for everything from a stylish fall sweater to work-friendly pants. So, I was hopeful I’d be able to find a nice pair of jeans there.

When I walked into my local store, I found a sizable section of denim on shelves with large labels. However, I could only find one wide-leg style — the mid-rise baggy jeans, which have an extra-wide and slouchy silhouette.

This pair of jeans was oversized in the legs and length, and if it were available in-store, I would’ve tried on a size down. However, I did appreciate the light wash, which was classic and still had some dimension.

Overall, these were comfortable and breathable, with fabric made from 55% cotton, 40% lyocell, and 5% recycled cotton.

However, I thought the style was unflattering and overwhelmed my body type. Based on the fit, wash, comfort, and style, these were my least favorite pair of jeans out of the three options, especially considering the $90 price tag.

At the end of the day, I thought all three options I tried on were decent.

The price for the Old Navy pair was hard to beat, but overall, my favorite jeans were from Banana Republic.