I know, I know: this isn’t the first time I’ve raved about Old Navy jeans. In fact, the retailer has become one of my go-to places to shop for denim over the past year or so. I found an on-trend split-hem pair that I wear at least once a week, a pair that harnesses so-called *magical* sizing, and now: the Extra High-Waisted Balloon Non-Stretch Black Ankle Jeans ($45), which I love so much I’ve worn them two days in a row. Keep reading for all the reasons why you *probably* need them in your closet, too.

What I Like About These Jeans

By now, you know I’m a big fan of Old Navy denim, so it probably doesn’t come as a surprise that I survey the brand’s new arrivals section rather frequently. When I came across these balloon jeans (aka barrel jeans), I audibly gasped. For those unfamiliar with the style, it’s characterized by a high, fitted waist and a baggy, straight leg that tapers at the ankle — and is usually cropped. They reached their heyday in the ’80s, but now that oversize jeans are back, I think you’ll be seeing a lot more of this silhouette.

As you can see in the photo above (if you look closely), they feature subtle fading and abraded edges on the pockets to evoke a true vintage feel. And not only do they look really cool on, but they’re comfortable, too. Since they’re baggy, I didn’t feel constricted at all, and they weren’t too hot to wear on a summer day in the Midwest. I teamed them with a basic white tank, platform sandals, and a belt bag — and knew I’d be re-creating the look again in the (very near) future.

What’s Worth Noting

Since these jeans are brand new to Old Navy’s website, they have yet to bring in reviews. One thing that’s important to keep in mind is that these jeans are definitely on the baggy side, so if that’s not your thing, you may want to consider a different style. But if you’re completely on board, I think you’ll be happy with your purchase. After all, the price is right. A quick Google Search for similar results yielded designs with much higher price tags. While I can’t speak to the fit of others, they all looked similar to Old Navy’s version.

Who Are These Jeans Best For?

These jeans are best for someone looking for a denim style that’s equal parts timeless and trendy, that you can wear year-round. If you’re a fan of minimalist basics, I think you’ll love them as much as I do.

Additional Details

• These jeans come in sizes 0-30.
• They’re made of 100 percent cotton.
• They feature scoop pockets in the front and patch pockets in the back.
• Machine-wash them in cold water and tumble-dry on a low setting to keep them in tip-top shape.

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