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Feb 25, 2024

Old Navy StretchTech Wide

Published on 8/8/2023 at 3:15 PM This probably is no secret to you, but cargo pants are proving themselves as one of the most highly covetable trends for this season and next. So it's no surprise that

Published on 8/8/2023 at 3:15 PM

This probably is no secret to you, but cargo pants are proving themselves as one of the most highly covetable trends for this season and next. So it's no surprise that Old Navy's womenswear offerings are stocked with them. As someone who prefers adaptable styles to workwear-inspired designs, I was thrilled when I came across the High-Waisted StretchTech Wide-Leg Cargo Pants ($40) in the brand's new-arrivals section. The retailer describes them as "sleek" and "endlessly versatile," which was music to my ears. I swiftly added the beige color dubbed A Stone's Throw to my shopping — here's my honest review on whether you should scoop them up, too.

What I love most about these cargo pants is that they can be dressed up or down. I teamed them with my go-to white ribbed crop top and sandals to work from home, but I think they'd look just as good with a more elevated ensemble for a day (or night) on the town, like a thong heel and a coordinating cardigan set.

I'm also a big fan of their details. They boast on-seam hip pockets, a generously sized flap-cargo pocket on the left thigh, and adjustable drawcord hems — a convenient feature to cinch tightly or untie according to your chosen footwear. And lastly, the material choice leaves me thoroughly impressed. The lightweight and quick-drying fabric is comfortable even on hot summer days.

What's worth noting about these cargo pants is that they run big, to the extent that they were slipping off my waist. I cinched the drawstring super tight while testing them, but determined I'm better off exchanging them for a size small. While they might look normal in the accompanying photos, I pulled them so tightly that it's placing stress on the waistband fabric. (Please note that they're not supposed to have a rippled look.)

Shoppers agree that they're bigger than expected. One person who gave them a five-star rating deemed them "super comfy and versatile" but advised going down a full size. Also, reviewers have consistently labeled the fit as "loose," a trend prominently highlighted on the website's product page (see the screenshot below).

These cargos are best for those who want to partake in the cargo trend but want a versatile pair that can be dressed up or down. They're great for those searching for a lightweight, silky silhouette that transitions seamlessly from summer to fall or spring.

★★★★