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Welcome to Skimm Tested, a series where we put viral products to the test and give you our honest, unfiltered reviews.
Why We Tested...
What Margo Tested…
Margo’s Test Results…
Fit. I have yet to find a barrel jean that works on my 5’ frame, so I was floored at how well these fit me. I opted for my usual size 0, but instead went for the petite length. They hit at the perfect spot on my ankle (no hemming needed), and I love how easy they’ve been to style. They have a tapered leg that isn’t overly baggy, which is an issue I’ve had with barrel jeans from other brands. I’ve washed these a few times on delicate, while letting them air dry. They’ve maintained their shape and haven’t shrunk, either. I also love that they don’t feel like plastic-y, fake denim. They’ve definitely kept their softness with each wash.
Price. They’re just under $50, but they’re usually on sale. I just bought the corduroy version, too.
What Ali Tested…
Ali’s Test Results…
Fit. The fit of these jeans is to be expected for a straight leg, with room to be comfortable. Size 29 runs big on me, but I like to size up in jeans, so the fit was what I wanted. I love that the color range and style selection is wide. Our team of editors all had differing experiences with fit, some styles fit better than others, so definitely try on in store to alleviate that. Transparently, I haven’t washed these yet. I don’t wash jeans super regularly, so I’m curious to know what happens after a wash cycle. I’m afraid these will shrink on me. I have a lot of room in the waist, so a bit of a shrink won’t hurt, but if they come out two sizes smaller, I’ll be in trouble.
Style variety. So far they have straight, loose, barrel, wide, boot-cut, skinny, and slim on the site.
Price. The price on these jeans can’t be beat. Like Margo mentioned, the brand is always having a sale, so prices can skew even lower.
What Ale Tested…
Ale’s Test Results…
Comfort. I found the fit of these jeans to be ultra-comfortable and I got my usual size. That said, I was hoping they’d have a tad more stretch.
Color. I went for a medium wash. Photographs on the site can be deceiving; I found that this color denim was darker than I expected, but it was still easy to style and incorporate into my wardrobe. I loved these so much that I’m planning to buy a lighter wash next.
What Abby Tested…
Abby’s Test Results…
Fit. I loved these. I got a size 8 (which is my usual size), and they were the perfect level of baggy for me. They hit exactly between my belly button and the lower part of my hips. I will note that they ride down a bit when walking, but that can easily be solved by going down a size. I’ve washed them twice since getting them, but in cold water. I then put them in the dryer on low heat and haven't noticed a change in color, loose threads, or shrinkage. At 5'3", the petite length skims the bottom of my sneaker and allows half the shoe to pop out when wearing heels. Because they are meant to be baggy, they are definitely longer than other petite jeans, so you may need to hem them a bit if you are under 5'2".
Feel. The denim is soft, but is substantial and thick without feeling restrictive.
Comfort. I've worn them during multiple 12+ hour days and felt comfortable the entire time. (Dare I say I would even wear them on a plane.)
What Caroline Tested…
Caroline’s Test Results…
Quality. While the fit of these jeans did not work on my 5’ frame at all, I am hoping to find a style that works on me because the quality is on par with other premium brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Gap.
Fit. The fit on these jeans were insane. They quite literally fit like clown pants and were at least two sizes too big (and I got my usual size). If you go for this style, try on in store and be sure to size down.
What Martha Tested…
Martha’s Test Results…
Quality. Like Caroline, I loved the feel of these jeans. They’re thick and rigid just like Abercrombie jeans and have a vintage quality about them.
Wash. The light wash on these jeans looked expensive, while being versatile enough to style in lots of ways.
Fit. I got a size 2, and usually I'm a 4. I was surprised when these were huge on me — like not even the wearable kind of baggy.
Final Thoughts…
Our ultimate conclusion: The quality of these jeans for the price is a hit, but the fit is a mixed bag. Be prepared to order multiple sizes and styles, and make returns to find your best fit. Otherwise, shopping in store before you buy is the best move. The pricing is unmatched, and they’ve maintained their shape after every wash. Just make sure to wash on delicate, lightly tumble, and air-dry for long-lasting quality.
The Fine Details…
You can buy Old Navy jeans in store at Old Navy or at oldnavy.com
Prices, sizes, washes, and lengths vary by style.
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