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Chloe wearing three pairs of slacks in brown, black, and tan colors.
I definitely would have purchased the Gap pants if they were on sale during my visit.

Chloe Caldwell

  • I tried on work pants at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic to see which pair was the best value.
  • I liked the pants from Gap, but they were out of my price range.
  • I didn't like how the Old Navy option fit me, and the Banana Republic pair didn't blow me away.

Finding the right balance between fashionable and business-appropriate attire has always been a challenge for me.

If there's one thing every professional needs in their wardrobe, however, it's a classic and clean pair of slacks. Whether paired with a chic blazer or casual blouse, finding the perfect pair of work pants provides versatile styling options for a variety of settings.

There are three retailers I always turn to for elevated everyday basics: Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. These stores are all under the Gap Inc. corporation, but each brand varies in aesthetics and pricing.

So, I spent a day shopping at these three retailers to compare options and find the best work pants. Here's how it went.

I started my search at Gap.
The exterior view of a Gap store from a parking lot.
Gap has 575 stores in the US and Asia.

Chloe Caldwell

Gap, which has 575 locations in the US and Asia, is all about functional pieces and everyday essentials. My local Gap store has become my go-to for staple pieces.

I've also noticed the ongoing addition of on-trend and fashion-forward styles.

I liked the pants from Gap, but they were out of my price range.
A close-up of a woman wearing a black shirt tucked into brown work pants.
The pants from Gap were flattering and stylish.

Chloe Caldwell

I tried on the 365 high-rise pleated trousers, which had a relaxed, wide-leg fit. Although the pants were much too long for me (petite sizing wasn't available in-store), I loved the overall shape.

They were flattering and stylish, and I'd feel confident wearing them in any work setting, from the office to a conference. I especially loved the pleating beneath the waistband and the lightweight and flowy material.

Now, would I pay $90 for pants that are 100% polyester? Let's just say I left the store empty-handed, but would jump at the opportunity to buy these on sale.

Next, I stopped at Old Navy.
The exterior of an Old Navy store.
Old Navy has over 1,200 locations around the world.

Chloe Caldwell

After walking out of Gap empty-handed, I took a trip to Old Navy, which has over 1,200 locations worldwide.

I've always appreciated Old Navy's commitment to fashionable pieces at approachable prices. However, although the brand offers good deals on closet staples and trending styles, I've found the lower pricing is sometimes reflected in the quality of materials and construction.

I didn't love how the pants from Old Navy fit my body.
A close-up of a woman wearing a black shirt tucked into tan work pants.
I thought the Old Navy pants looked bulky on me.

Chloe Caldwell

I tried on the Taylor wide-leg trouser pants ($50), which have a textured crepe fabric made with 39% recycled polyester, 36% polyester, 19% viscose-rayon, and 6% spandex.

This material felt a bit thicker than the Gap pair and was comfortable against my skin. I liked the wide-leg shape, but the overall fit seemed off. I thought the pants looked bulky on me, and the inseam seemed crooked.

These didn't flatter my body type, but at nearly half the price of the Gap style, they'd be worth trying on for those looking for a less expensive option. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Banana Republic was my final stop.
The exterior of a Banana Republic store on a sunny day.
Banana Republic has over 420 locations around the world.

Chloe Caldwell

Finally, I stopped at Banana Republic, which has over 420 locations around the world.

As the most high-end brand in the Gap Inc. collection, Banana Republic delivers "attainable luxury" with classic, high-quality pieces.

I liked the Banana Republic option but wished it had a belt loop.
Chloe wearing an oversize, white button-down shirt with black work pants.
The pants from Banana Republic were too long on me.

Chloe Caldwell

I tried on the Hayden wide-leg pant ($100) at Banana Republic.

The length was several inches too long for me (again, there was a lack of petite sizing in-store), but I still loved the relaxed fit.

The lightweight material — made with 63% recycled polyester, 34% rayon, and 3% elastane spandex — was breezy and comfortable. However, there was no belt loop or even zipper, which limits the accessorizing and styling options.

However, if all you need is a standard pair of pants to wear with simple, corporate-appropriate outfits, these could be a good option.

I'd be most likely to purchase the pants from Gap.
Chloe wearing three pairs of slacks in brown, black, and tan colors.
I definitely would have purchased the Gap pants if they were on sale during my visit.

Chloe Caldwell

Overall, my favorite pair of work pants was from Gap. I loved the flattering, stylish shape and lightweight material.

I'll return to shop for them (and more business casual clothing) during the store's next big sale.

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Retail, Freelancer, freelancer-le, business-casual, return-to-office, Pants, old-navy, banana-republic, Gap, gap-inc, womens-workwear, womens-fashion, Workwear
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I tried on work pants from Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. I was blown away…