I don’t typically shop Old Navy, but Hayley’s book The No Brainer Wardrobe raved about their skinny jeans. Since I’d been trying–unsuccessfully–to find some skinnies I was willing to wear in public for over a year, I thought I might as well give them a try. I’m so glad I did!
Here’s what I like about Old Navy skinny jeans:
1. They’re not skin tight like so many of the other skinnies I’d tried–and hated. (This does not apply to Old Navy’s “jeggings”–those are tight.) They fit much like my regular denim down to my knees, but go much better with my boots.
2. They are cheap. At a regular price of about $29, Old Navy denim is much cheaper than the jeans I usually wear. (And sales and coupons are easy to come by.)
When it comes to clothes shopping, I am all about tips and shortcuts that save me time and money so I can get the job done and get on with the rest of my life. Many of you have told me you’re the same way, and with that in mind, I’ve made this handy cheat sheet for buying skinnies at Old Navy.
Most of these guidelines apply to buying any jeans–from any store–made from a fabric that contains spandex. The tricky part is getting the size right, but these tips will help you get it right on the first try!
How to Buy Skinny Jeans That Fit!
1. Pick a few styles of skinny jeans to try on (I tried the Diva and the Sweetheart) in your normal size. The temptation with skinny jeans is to go up a size to compensate for the slim fit. Don’t do it! (The major exception: I needed to go up two sizes to get a pair of Rockstar super-skinny jeans to fit!)
2. Try ’em on. Old Navy skinnies have quite a bit of stretch. If the jeans fit you comfortably, with the right amount of ease–they’re too big. These skinnies are going to stretch out at least one size, and you don’t want them to be saggy-baggy after you’ve worn them for an hour. Go get yourself the next size down.
3. Repeat. (Try them on; go down a size if necessary.)
4. Check the inseam. Old Navy has a ton of options for length: from shortest to longest, they offer petite, short, regular, long, and tall. My local Old Navy carries short, regular, and long for the Diva and Sweetheart styles in store, but only the regular length for the other styles.
5. Grab your jeans and go! If the store doesn’t have what you’re looking for, note your size and inseam length so you can order online. I’ve had great experiences shopping online with Old Navy: shipping is free on orders over $50, I can get cash back by going through ebates, and I can return whatever doesn’t work to the store (even the internet-only items).
That’s all you need to know to fearlessly hit the stores. Happy shopping!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten for buying jeans?
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12 comments
I don’t wear jeans much, but Old Navy has long been my place of choice to get them when I need more. Their boot cut jeans are perfect and last forever.
The best advice I have for picking jeans wasn’t given to me but something I discovered in the process: finding jeans is not a shop-with-a-friend experience. It is one of those things that is going to potentially be time consuming and involve lots of size swapping and trying on. So go by yourself, when you have time and a good mindset. Save the shopping with friends for browsing sale racks or window shopping!
I love love love skinny jeans. The only problem is my huge calves–I sometimes can barely squeeze them into jeans that fit correctly in the seat. Which leads me to buy jeans that I *know* are too big and will stretch and bag, but they fit me in the calves…sigh.
I have a pair of Sweetheart skinnies from Old Navy that I love, though, and some Mossimo ones from Target that have also held up really well. The only jeggings I’ve ever managed to get to fit (calves again) are American Eagle, and I love them. Except they don’t have functional pockets. Sigh.
Thanks for the reminders, Anne! Also, I wanted to say, I just went ahead and bought The No-Brainer Wardrobe after reading your recommendation because it sounds like exactly what I’ve been looking for. Can’t wait to sit down and read it and get to work. ^_^
I have one pair of skinnys that I like… I don’t love them and I wish I could. I think the reason is they are more on the low rise side and I have to cinch them so tight with a belt to keep them from falling below my hips and giving me a wrinkly bum! Plus the constant hitching up of the jeans to avoid plumbers’ crack. Oy.
My hip/bum to waist difference is noticible, but I wouldn’t say I was classically curvy. I too have thick calves which makes it doubly challenging.
With all that said, the skinnys I have I do like, I just wish I loved them.
Just in general with pants I need a higher rise, turns out. That makes such a difference with them sliding down your bum–and with controlling the stomach pooch and the muffin toppage. That was a major epiphany, lol.
I’m pretty traditional, but not skirts-only, and I love Old Navy jeans! I’m only 5 foot 2, so their short sizes are proportioned just right for me. If I’m trying a style I don’t normally wear (my go-to jeans are either the Flirt or Diva in boot-cut), I order 2 sizes and take the one back that doesn’t fit. Our Old Navy store is popular and there’s often a line for the fitting room, so I also like trying on at home because I don’t feel like I have to rush and make a snap decision in order to free up the dressing room quickly for the people still waiting.
You are a lifesaver! Great tips, Anne. I’m going to try to pop over to Old Navy soon and see if skinny jeans and I can have a lasting relationship.
I like Old Navy jeans for the reasons you mentioned here. Because of my proportion, I have to work on balance when it comes to clothing, especially jeans. I’m wearing a pair of Old Navy flares right now. They fit great, but the flare is huge, and they drag the ground with anything but three-inch heels. They were nine bucks, though. I hope to go jeans shopping there soon, Lord willing. Will keep your tips in mind. Thanks!
I love skinny jeans! But I’ve never tried any from Old Navy, though I like their jeans in other styles. Sweetheart is my favorite. I’ll definitely be checking out the skinnies next time I’m there.
When you find a brand/style you LOVE, be loyal!