Jaclyn Day

Let’s talk about Old Navy and the Gap!

I saw some really great replies in my last Gap vs. Old Navy post, but let’s move some of that conversation to this post, because I want to address two replies in particular and it will be easier to read on this post than scrolling down through the last one. (It was pretty long!)

sliu said: I disagree. I’m not saying Gap is worth the price they charge, but the quality is definitely better than Old Navy. Old Navy’s quality has seriously declined the past year or so.

I think that it depends on what you purchase. Old Navy’s quality in its tops (t-shirts, tanks, etc.) is usually quite poor, but I have some really well-made outerwear pieces from them. (That also explains Old Navy’s sharp price increases from basics to its outerwear.) In my experience, the same applies to the Gap: better quality denim and outerwear, with really terrible tops/dresses that tend to lose their shape after a few rounds in the washing machine.

nancylicious said: you have to talk about sizing though - gap is already pretty vanity and i just SWIM in old navy…that is a caveat.

This is so true. Gap and Old Navy have always struggled with “accurate” sizing, and I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: if you grab three pairs of pants from Gap and Old Navy in the same style, same size and same wash, they’ll all fit differently. It’s worth noting Sara recently did a post for Bon Marche in which she reviewed Old Navy denim and found it significantly improved.

Here’s a style rule, I guess you could say, that I think applies to ALL retailers that specialize in affordable fashion, whether it be Forever 21, H&M, Target, Old Navy, etc:

Try on everything you want to buy and don’t assume your normal size will fit. If you have to go up four sizes or down four sizes, don’t get stuck on that number. Go by how it fits on you and whether you’d have to do more work to make it look good (i.e. getting a piece tailored) and if tinkering with a garment is worth it given the price you’re paying.

Take it to the comments, guys! I want opinions! What have been your experiences with these two stores lately?

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10. spareunderthemat said: I have found 3 pairs of jeans in the last few months VERY deeply discounted at the Gap - but always on a week day. One pair was $11! I love their jeans so much, but couldn’t imagine paying full price! Scouting them out is well worth it.
11. dorothypzbornak said: I just ordered from Old Navy today! I was looking for a plain sweater dress and didn’t want to pay Jcrew prices. Plus they had 30% off.
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