I tried on jeans at Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Gap. It reminded me that a good pair is worth the investment.

• I tried on similar pairs of jeans at Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Gap .
• I liked the look of the Old Navy jeans, but I was disappointed by the fit and feel.
• Though the Gap jeans were too long on me, I loved how they fit.

If there's one thing everyone needs in their closet, it's a pair of durable blue jeans .

But as someone who loves a well-put-together outfit, I believe finding a pair that hits my curves in all the right places is equally important. If I'm wearing something regularly, it may as well give me a boost of confidence.

The last time I went denim shopping , however, was about five years ago — in the thick of the oversize "mom jeans" era. So, I decided it was time to add a pair of classic straight-leg jeans to my repertoire.

I turned to Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic (all owned and operated by Gap Inc.) and their wide selection of everyday basics to find my new favorite pair of pants. Here's how it went.

I started my journey at Old Navy and was impressed by the selection of denim.

Old Navy was founded in 1994 and now has more than 1,200 stores around the world.

When I visited, I found floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with various styles and sizes, as well as additional racks throughout the women's section.

It makes sense, considering the brand's public commitment to size inclusivity — all women's styles at Old Navy are available for the same price in every size .

I was excited about the potential of finding jeans that might fit my petite frame and ended up trying on a pair of high-waisted straight jeans .

I liked the style of the jeans but was disappointed by the overall fit and feel.

I was drawn to the medium wash and promising silhouette of the jeans. They hugged my hips nicely and were flattering around the back. I can see why this style is a bestseller.

As soon as I slipped these on, however, I noticed they felt a bit stretchy — not sturdy like high-quality denim should be.

They reminded me of the "jeggings" I would wear in middle school. The lack of structure also caused the denim to bunch around the crotch and knees.

On the plus side, the flexible fabric made them comfortable and easy to move around in. I just didn't trust that they'd last long.

For only $35 (I later saw them on sale for $22), I'd consider buying these jeans for casual occasions — such as painting, horseback riding, or outdoor activities — when I wouldn't be worried about tarnishing my outfit.

Next, I went to Banana Republic, a retailer known for its selection of elevated basics.

Since Old Navy didn't have the jeans I was looking for, I thought Gap Inc.'s more pricey counterpart might have the solution.

Founded in 1978, the elevated retailer now has more than 400 stores around the world.

Though the Banana Republic location I visited didn't have as many denim options as Old Navy, it still offered a decent number of sizes and styles. I appreciate that Banana Republic offers petite sizes , but unfortunately, I couldn't find this sizing option in-store.

The Banana Republic jeans felt more firm and well-constructed.

Upon trying on Banana Republic's slim jean , I realized that the general sizing was quite inconsistent between the Gap Inc. brands.

The Banana Republic jeans were smaller than the ones I tried on at Old Navy, yet the fit was much looser, especially around the waist. They looked bulky and didn't work well with my body type.

Though this pair didn't fit me, I think the overall cut, medium wash, and durable fabric would work well as an everyday wardrobe staple . They'd be easy to dress up or down for semi-professional, daytime, and evening settings.

Now, are they worth spending $110 for? It's a no from me.

My last stop was at Gap, where I found my winning pair.

When I visited Gap, which was founded in 1969 and now has more than 700 stores in North America and Asia, the store was busy with back-to-school shoppers .

Gap didn't offer as many jean options as Old Navy, but there were still plenty of pairs to choose from.

I sifted through the tall shelves full of denim, looking for a pair of classic straight jeans . Though Gap carries short, long, and extra-long sizes, I couldn't find a short or petite pair in the style I wanted.

I tried on the regular length to determine whether buying them in my size online would be worth it.

Aside from the length, these jeans fit extremely well.

The Gap jeans were snug yet comfortable on my curves and looked flattering from all angles. The material was comfortable, but it still felt as if it'd last for several years.

Though I'd probably order them in a darker wash, these jeans would be great for casual daytime events or errands.

This pair cost $60, which I think is a fair price, but I did end up seeing the same pair on sale on the Gap website for $36.

Either way, I thought these jeans were worth the splurge. After all, a good pair of jeans is a worthwhile investment.

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