This is a post I have wanted to write for a while but I stalled because I was looking for another option for slim-fitting dress pants at a different price point that I felt were similar enough to my beloved Banana Republic Sloan pants that have been my go-to office pants for years.
Now, a note on the Sloan pants. Incomprehensibly, Banana Republic changed the fit of them. It’s their best-selling pant, so it’s surprising they would change the fit, and if you read the reviews online, many women are not happy. I only have the older style ones, so I can’t compare myself, but I heard the new ones are cut a little slimmer. I do plan to order a pair the next time there’s a big sale so I can compare.
Old Navy’s Pixie pants have been around forever but I never tried them on since I loved my Sloans so much. I noticed one of my co-workers always had the cutest slim pants on at work and one day I asked where she got them— and they were Old Navy’s Pixie pants! Of course I decided right then that I had to order some.
The first time I placed an order, I ordered three pairs in 6 tall because I was told to size up as they’re a slim fit. They were really large on me and were also way too long. So I ordered a 4 regular and they fit perfect (full disclosure, I do weigh a little less now from nursing than before so perhaps that’s why sizing up didn’t work for me). I was surprised at how generous the regular length was, as I usually need a tall in everything at ON (I’m 5’10). If you’re petite, they have that option in these as well. *Updated to add: please note that this review is about the regular length pants called “long” and not the ankle length pixie pants.
The Pixie pants aren’t as thick as the Sloan, but they’re an incredible price point and the stretch makes them so comfy! They retail for $34.95 but I always try to buy them for 40% off during promos (which they’re often excluded from, so watch carefully for “no exclusion” sales).
Maybe it’s a generational thing, but I notice that my co-workers and people in our age group tend to favor a slimmer fitting pant for the workplace. Every single member of our team owns either the Pixie, Sloan, or both! We are work twins quite frequently, ha. I also love how smart these pants look paired with a tucked-in dress shirt and blazer. These pants pair well with both heels and flats, but I do wear heels about 90% of the time at work since my days can be a little bit unpredictable (and I’ll admit I feel a little more polished in heels).
Pixie pants (use code ENJOY for 30% off of your purchase) | navy eyelet top | pants | sunnies (just $12!) | bag | earrings | shoes
And now for the Banana Republic Sloan pants. As I mentioned previously, they’re a thicker fabric, which is nice. I’ve been dry-cleaning them for years and one day I accidentally washed them but I caught it before throwing them in the dryer (which had ruined a previous pair of Sloan pants for me) and I hung them to dry with excellent results. I’m not advocating washing them, but for me, it has been working well. To be honest, I hate dry cleaning because of the chemicals, so I try to avoid it as much as possible but of course there are garments you can’t risk it with. I usually wash these on the gentle/hand wash cycle and then hang them to dry. For sizing reference, my Sloans are a 4 Tall. The tall length gives that ankle-skimming look I love since they’re a cropped style.
Sloan pants (use code FALL40 for 40% off for card members) | sunglasses | bag | heels (on sale for less than $70— an incredible price for a closet staple!) | top —sold out, but this one from the Nsale is super similar and back in stock! (more similar styles here, here and here) | earrings
Do you wear slim-fitting pants to the office? I have several friends in Canada whose office environments allow them to wear Lululemon leggings! (I wish!) But these are really comfortable so I have no complaints.
Kait Bailey says
I love the Sloan pants, and agree that from my old pair to the newest ones, the sizing is different (I went up a size to compensate for the slimmer cut). But I recently just tried Betabrand’s Dress Pant Yoga Pants and am IN LOVE. They’re amazing. They legitimately look like dress pants (super thick quality fabric, dress pant details), but straight up feel like yoga pants. I have the straight leg version but am about to add their slimmer legging style as well.
Veronika says
I have heard of those! I am tempted to try them they sound awesome!
Sara says
The limited exact stretch skinny pants are great too!
Veronika says
thank you! I will have to try them 🙂 sounds like a lot of us love skinny dress pants!
Casey says
Ditto, I buy my skinny work pants from The Limited. But, they are usually only offered in one or two colors (Black and maybe Khaki), so I will try the Sloan pants sometime soon! Thanks for the heads up! I’m 5’9″ with long legs, so I really appreciate when you post how things fit you/fitting room pics/clothing reviews. Really helps when I’m looking to purchase something!
Veronika says
I just realized I didn’t post my size in the sloans- I will edit the post. I get the 4 Tall.
Erica says
Yes!!! You turned me on to sloan’s years ago and I love them (the old style — I didn’t even know they changed the fit, how odd!). Now I will have to try the pixies — and thanks for the heads up on the size because I’m 5’10” too!
Beautygirl24 says
They look identical in these pictures so that’s great if people want to try old navy first and then go ahead with the Sloan. I haven’t tried either but definitely agree that they look perfectly polished for work or even play 🙂
Veronika says
They do have a very similar fit! 🙂
Angie says
Do you find that the Pixies stretch out at all? Also I read through quickly so maybe I missed it, but is the fabric “professional” enough? Ie. not a cotton twill? Thanks for the review!
Veronika says
Personally I find they stretch out a little less than the sloans. They are 95% cotton, 5% spandex. I do feel they are a work appropriate fabric- everyone in my office wears them!
Meg O. says
I LOVE the Pixie pant!!!! Need every single color. I feel like some colors (i.e. the white) I had to size up, though, so it wasn’t too tight (and white, can get a little lumpy looking if too tight). I need to try the Sloans!!
Christina says
Buy the Sloan pants at the BR outlet they are the same as the original fit and easily half the price as a BR store.
Lisa says
I wore Sloans for years but finally gave up on them because sizing was so inconsistent. Last time I went up a full size and they felt a size smaller than previous pairs. It just was NOT flattering on me. I switched to a Vince Camuto pant that is much more comfortable and less of a sizing shock. I might need to give the pixie a try!
Meriam says
This couldn’t have come at a better time!! I was literally in the market for slim-fitting work pants, I had an old pair that I got from the Tommy outlet, but now I need to try these!!! Thanks so much 🙂
Kristen says
Heads up, the code won’t work on the Pixie pants right now, they are on sale for $32, code won’t work on sale items.
Veronika says
Darn! 🙁 sorry about that! I will say— even for $32 they are a steal.
Angela says
Awww I love the Sloan Pants and have so many. They are my work staple. I didn’t realize they changed the style and now I’m bummed. I rarely like Old Navy quality, but if you are endorsing it, maybe I should give them a try. I just think the quality of the Sloan fabric is awesome. I have been wearing mine since at least 2013 and they look just like they day I bought them.
I did order a few pairs of the Vince Camuto skinny crops on Zappos (around $89 a pop), haven’t received yet, but hope they work out.
I’m not nearly as tall as you, but I’m 5′ 8.5″ and feel like I fall on the tall side for most brands. Your reviews really help me decide on sizing.
Isabella says
Most people in my office do wear slim fitting pants. I am a fan of Ann Taylor pants, which have a nice stretch. I don’t often like the quality at ON, but may try these pants since they are such a great price.
Luxie says
Have you ever considered resourcing clothes from an ethical sustainable company? Personally I’m a big fan of the American brands Indigenous, Whimsy + Row and Naadam. Finding eithical clothing is more common in Europe, so I tend to buy most my clothes when we are home. I know people are going to claim not everyone can afford to spend more but considering you can and do it might be a interesting post. Cheers.
Old navy out sources manufacturing companys that hire children as young as 12 (it’s common for 14 year olds to be working full time) and these companies pay there works the equivalent of a dollar a day. In short it is possible that a 12 year old make your pants for a dime.