Home » Old Navy: Budget-Friendly Basics That Shine In Store, Struggle Online

Old Navy: Budget-Friendly Basics That Shine In Store, Struggle Online

by Harry Bramwell

Old Navy’s documented strength is affordable, family-friendly basics with surprisingly good activewear and denim. Part of the Gap family of brands, Old Navy sells clothing for women, men, kids and babies in stores and online. Its PowerSoft activewear line gets strong editorial praise. An AOL editor wrote “do not sleep on Old Navy” when recommending its High-Waisted PowerSoft Full-Length Leggings, available in sizes 0 to 20 and multiple inseam lengths. The Everygirl said a PowerSoft piece felt like it came from a high-end brand, with quality that feels much more expensive than the price tag. Marie Claire had four editors test the updated PowerSoft range.

Old Navy’s denim also earns praise. GOBankingRates says Old Navy basics can outperform high-end brands in quality, highlighting the High-Waisted Wow jeans as a popular, highly rated line that reviewers find very comfortable for everyday wear. Prices are low. GOBankingRates lists PowerSoft leggings at $39.99 full price, often under $25 on sale, and Wow jeans on sale for about $22. Today reports reviewers love how inexpensive PowerSoft joggers are compared with luxury loungewear.

In-store shoppers are often happy. Yalini Sundar (US, 4 stars) said staff helped with returns smoothly and the clothes were great quality. Sanda Burbura (US, 4 stars) said the Gap family is her go-to, with Old Navy for great deals. CarlyQ (UK, 4 stars) praised sneakers with a perfect, comfortable fit.

The honest caveat: Old Navy’s Trustpilot profile, filed under “Gap” for oldnavy.com, scores 2.0 from 67 reviews, with 37% one-star ratings. Online shoppers report slow shipping with delivery windows up to 10 days, wrong items delivered, missing items, lost packages, orders canceled for suspected fraud and late priority shipments without refunds. El (US, 1 star) said a change in PowerSoft fabric made leggings thinner and less durable. Old Navy’s profile is unclaimed, and it doesn’t respond to reviews there.

Quick Highlights

✅ PowerSoft leggings praised by AOL and The Everygirl
✅ PowerSoft available in sizes 0 to 20 and multiple lengths, per AOL
✅ Wow jeans popular and comfortable, per GOBankingRates
✅ Very affordable, with frequent sales
✅ Clothing for the whole family
✅ Tall and extended sizes online
✅ Helpful in-store staff, per reviewers
✅ In-store returns available
✅ Part of the Gap family of brands
✅ Activewear quality that feels premium, per The Everygirl
✅ Marie Claire editors tested the PowerSoft range
✅ Wide range of basics

❌ Trustpilot score of 2.0 from 67 reviews
❌ Slow online shipping, per reviewers
❌ Wrong or missing items, per reviewers
❌ Lost packages with some carriers, per reviewers
❌ Orders canceled for suspected fraud, per a reviewer
❌ PowerSoft fabric quality complaints after a change, per a reviewer
❌ Unclaimed Trustpilot profile with no replies

Why Trust This Review

This review draws on 67 Trustpilot reviews on Old Navy’s profile (listed as “Gap,” TrustScore 2.0), editorial reviews from The Everygirl, AOL and Marie Claire, analysis from GOBankingRates and Today, and Old Navy product information. The Trustpilot profile is unclaimed and Old Navy has never invited reviews there, so it reflects a small, mostly online-shopping sample. Prices change frequently with sales. GlossGirly has no commercial relationship with Old Navy that affects this verdict.

Full Review Breakdown

Activewear: PowerSoft and More

PowerSoft is Old Navy’s star line. AOL’s editor strongly recommended the High-Waisted PowerSoft Full-Length Leggings, available in sizes 0 to 20 and inseam lengths of 23, 25, 28 and 31 inches. The Everygirl loved the hidden-pocket biker shorts and a cropped zip jacket with zippered pockets and thumbholes, saying the quality felt much more expensive than the price.

Durability opinions vary. El said a newer PowerSoft fabric felt thinner, showed underwear and pulled threads after one wash, compared with leggings she’d loved for eight years. Check recent reviews before buying, and wash activewear inside out on gentle cycles.

Denim and Everyday Basics

Old Navy’s denim, especially the High-Waisted Wow jeans, is popular for comfort and value. GOBankingRates says many shoppers compare it favorably with pricier brands like Levi’s and Madewell. Old Navy also sells tees, sweaters, dresses, outerwear and kids’ and baby clothing.

Fit can vary. Abraham Quear (US, 2 stars) said his jeans didn’t fit right. Andrea Lin (US, 2 stars) shops online for men’s tall sizes that aren’t stocked in stores.

Online Orders and Shipping

Online shopping is Old Navy’s weak spot. Andrea Lin said delivery windows stretch up to 10 days and orders often arrive at the end of the window or later. Annabelle Lai (US, 1 star) said priority shipping arrived late, and she wasn’t refunded because of a policy buried on Old Navy’s site. Da Bigguy (US, 1 star) received five child-size polos instead of adult sweatshirts.

Other complaints include orders canceled for suspected fraud with no easy way to verify (Yeimy Rafaelina, Dominican Republic, 1 star), lost packages with some carriers, and requirements to return wrong items before refunds. Juanita (US, 1 star) said canceling an online pickup order required picking up and returning items.

In-Store Experience and Value

In-store shopping fares better. Yalini Sundar praised friendly staff and smooth returns. Sanda Burbura called Old Navy great for deals within the Gap family. Shopping in store lets you check fit and avoid shipping problems.

Old Navy’s value is hard to beat. PowerSoft leggings are $39.99 full price but frequently under $25, and Wow jeans drop to about $22 on sale, per GOBankingRates.

Best Products Worth Buying

Old Navy’s signature leggings in sizes 0 to 20, with multiple inseam lengths. An AOL editor said not to sleep on Old Navy, and GOBankingRates praises their durability. Best for workouts, errands and everyday wear. Trade-offs: one reviewer felt a fabric update made them thinner, so check recent reviews.

Old Navy’s popular, comfortable everyday jeans, compared favorably with pricier denim brands. Best for budget-friendly denim with a flattering high rise. Trade-offs: fit varies by style, so try in store if possible.

Biker shorts with hidden pockets that The Everygirl’s tester said she was obsessed with. Best for workouts, walks and summer wear. Trade-offs: sizing may vary, so check reviews.

Soft, stretchy joggers that Today’s reviewers love for their low price compared with luxury loungewear. Best for lounging and travel. Trade-offs: lightweight fabric may not suit cold weather.

What Customers Actually Think

“Old navy for a great deal, Gap for the needed basics, and banana republic for a fancier/proffesional occasion.” — Sanda Burbura, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 4 stars, Old Navy and Gap brands)

“The staff were nice and friendly and helped us through our returns process smoothly.” — Yalini Sundar, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 4 stars, in-store purchase)

“Receiving an order of an in-stock item, from a major US company, shipped via well known delivery services, almost 2 weeks after I place the order does not feel like a modern e-commerace experience.” — Andrea Lin, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 2 stars, men’s tall clothing)

“My last order resulted in receiving 5 child size polos when I ordered 2 2xl sweatshirts and a 2xl shirt.” — Da Bigguy, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 1 star, online order)

“This new fabrics is not suitable for leggings. It is basically nylon tights.” — El, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 1 star, PowerSoft leggings)

Is It Worth It?

Yes, for affordable basics, PowerSoft activewear and Wow jeans, especially when bought in store or on sale. For online orders, allow extra time, check items on arrival, and keep tracking details in case of delays or errors.

Competitors Table

Feature

Old Navy

Target (All in Motion)

Gap

H&M

Amazon Essentials

Uniqlo

Trustpilot rating

2.0/5 (67 reviews)

Not checked

1.4/5 (647 reviews)

Not checked

Not checked

Not checked

Activewear line

PowerSoft

All in Motion

GapFit

H&M Move

Amazon Essentials

AIRism

Family clothing

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Physical stores

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Extended sizes

Yes

Yes

Some

Some

Yes

Some

Price level

Budget

Budget

Mid

Budget

Budget

Budget to mid

FAQs

Is Old Navy good quality?

Some lines, like PowerSoft and Wow jeans, are praised for quality at their price, though experiences vary.

How much are Old Navy PowerSoft leggings?

About $39.99 full price, often under $25 on sale

Why is Old Navy shipping so slow?

Reviewers report long delivery windows, so allow extra time or shop in store.

Is Old Navy owned by Gap?

Yes. Old Navy is part of the Gap family of brands.

Can I return Old Navy online orders in store

Reviewers report smooth in-store returns, though policies may vary.

Final Verdict

Old Navy offers some of the best-value basics available, with PowerSoft activewear and Wow jeans earning praise from editors and shoppers. For families and budget-conscious buyers, it remains a reliable go-to, especially in store.

Online ordering is the weak spot, with slow shipping, wrong items and inflexible policies. Shop in store when you can, buy on sale and check deliveries carefully. For affordable everyday clothing, Old Navy delivers good value.

Scorecard

Category

Score

Value for Money

9.0/10

Activewear Quality

7.8/10

Denim Quality

7.8/10

Size Range

8.4/10

In-Store Experience

7.8/10

Online Order Reliability

4.4/10

Shipping Speed

4.6/10

Customer Service

5.0/10

Overall

6.8/10

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