Athleta vs. Old Navy: Which brand is better? [2026]

Athleta is a premium activewear brand focused on performance, high-quality sustainable materials, and a sleek, versatile style, commanding a higher price point. In contrast, Old Navy is a mass-market value brand that offers trendy, affordable activewear and everyday clothing for the whole family, prioritizing accessibility and frequent sales over specialized technical features.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your closet and budget.

Athleta: Premium Performance & Sustainable Style

As part of the Gap Inc. family, Athleta carves out its niche as a high-end option for active women who value durable, stylish, and versatile workout clothing. The brand is built on a foundation of empowerment and sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and ethical practices. Their target customer isn't just looking for gym clothes, she wants high-performance pieces that can seamlessly transition to running errands or meeting friends for coffee.

• Product mix: Specialized activewear for activities like yoga, running, and hiking, including leggings, sports bras, and outerwear. Also offers a wide selection of versatile travel and loungewear.
• Price point: Premium pricing reflects the quality and technology used. Expect to pay $80-$120 for a pair of leggings and over $150 for a jacket.
• Quality: Construction focuses on durability and performance with high-quality, technical fabrics that are moisture-wicking and offer four-way stretch. Many products also come with a satisfaction guarantee.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers inclusive sizing from XS to 3X. The fit is generally supportive and tailored for athletic activity, running true to size for most shoppers.
• Sustainability: A core part of the brand. Athleta is a certified B Corp and uses sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton in a large portion of its collection.
• Sales: Sales are less frequent than at its sister brand but can offer significant savings during end-of-season events and for loyalty members.
• Return policy: A flexible and generous return policy allows customers to try gear with confidence.

Athleta is the go-to brand for those willing to invest in long-lasting, high-performance activewear from an ethically-minded company.

Shop Athleta: athleta.gap.com

Old Navy: Affordable & Trendy Fashions for the Family

Also under the Gap Inc. umbrella, Old Navy serves a completely different customer: the budget-conscious shopper looking for trendy, fun, and accessible fashion for all ages. The brand's aesthetic is playful, colorful, and casual, focusing on everyday basics and seasonal items. Its activewear line, while growing, is geared more toward casual fitness and comfortable daily wear rather than intense athletic performance.

• Product mix: Extensive range includes clothing for women, men, and children, from jeans and tees to dresses and outerwear. The activewear line features leggings, tops, and sports bras in trendy prints and colors.
• Price point: Extremely budget-friendly. Leggings typically cost between $20-$40, and most other items are under $60, often with major discounts available.
• Quality: Quality is decent for the price point, using standard cotton blends and polyesters suitable for casual, everyday use. Not designed for long-term, high-intensity athletic wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive, with sizes from XS to 4X in women's, plus petite and tall options. The fit is generally more relaxed and casual across its lines. Varies between items, so it's best to check fit reviews for activewear if needed for exercise.
• Sustainability: The brand is making efforts to incorporate more sustainable practices, like using less water and more recycled materials, but it's not a central pillar of its identity like it is for Athleta.
• Sales: Famous for constant promotions, deep discounts, and "Super Cash" rewards. It's rare to pay full price for anything at Old Navy.
• Return policy: Standard and easy, with returns accepted on most items within a specified period both online and in-store.

Old Navy is perfect for families and individuals who want affordable comfort and style without a significant financial commitment.

Shop Old Navy: oldnavy.gap.com

Athleta vs. Old Navy Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference between the two is the most glaring distinction. Athleta operates in a premium space where you're paying for technical fabrics, sustainable practices, and durable construction. A typical workout outfit from Athleta could easily cost a couple hundred dollars or more. For example, their popular Salutation Stash Opaque Tights can be $109 while a Momentum Seamless Tank Top is about $59.

In stark contrast, Old Navy's business model is built on low prices and high volume. You could purchase several full activewear sets for the price of one from Athleta. Leggings can often be found for under $20 on sale, and basic performance tops are similarly priced. This makes Old Navy the undeniable winner for anyone on a tight budget.

Quality & Materials

This is where Athleta's higher prices are justified. Athleta uses innovative Lycra blends, recycled materials, and fabrics engineered to wick sweat, support muscles, and endure hundreds of washes without losing shape. The reinforced seams and thoughtful construction mean their gear is an investment that lasts.

Old Navy’s activewear is perfectly suitable for walks and light gym activities. However, the standard material blends are not built for intense, high-sweat workouts in the same way Athleta's are. They may stretch out or fade more quickly over time, and they lack the compression and technical features serious athletes would prefer.

Style & Aesthetic

Athleta offers a sophisticated, modern, and often minimalist aesthetic. Their color palettes tend to be more muted and timeless, with designs focused on flattering fits that can easily be styled for life outside the gym. It's chic and understated.

Old Navy is all about fun, accessible fashion. Expect bright colors, trendy seasonal prints, and more playful designs on their activewear. Their style is less about performance sleekness and more about showcasing personality and enjoying comfortable, casual movement.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands do an excellent job with size inclusivity. Old Navy offers one of the most comprehensive size ranges in retail, from XS to 4X, including plus, petite, and tall categories. Their fit is generally looser and more forgiving to appeal to a broad customer base.

Athleta, offering sizes from XS to 3X, provides a more performance-oriented fit. Expect their clothing to feel more compressive and form-fitting to support your body during workouts. Sizing tends to be consistent and reliable.

Sustainability & Ethics

If purchasing sustainably is a top priority, Athleta is the clear choice. As a Certified B Corporation, the company is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. A high percentage of their materials are from sustainable sources.

While Old Navy and its parent company, Gap Inc., have made public commitments to improve sustainability, their scale and fast-fashion model present more challenges. Their efforts are growing but are not as integral to their brand identity as they are for Athleta.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands serve their customers well, but they cater to very different needs and priorities.

Choose Athleta if:

• High-performance materials for serious workouts are your top priority.
• You are willing to invest more in activewear that will last for years.
• Shopping from sustainable and ethically-minded brands aligns with your values.
• You want versatile pieces that look just as good running errands as they do in a yoga studio.

Choose Old Navy if:

• You are shopping on a strict budget.
• You want trendy, fun, and colorful options for casual wear or light exercise.
• You are shopping for your entire family and need a one-stop-shop.
• You enjoy the thrill of a good sale and are always looking for a great deal on everyday essentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Athleta or Old Navy cheaper?

Old Navy is significantly cheaper than Athleta. Old Navy is a value-focused retailer with prices for activewear typically ranging from $20-$40, often reduced by frequent sales. Athleta is a premium brand with leggings often priced over $100.

Which brand has better quality?

Athleta has far superior quality in terms of materials, construction, and durability. Its items are made with technical, performance-oriented fabrics designed to last through intense workouts and frequent washing. Old Navy’s quality is good for its price but is designed for more casual, less demanding use.

Are Athleta and Old Navy owned by the same company?

Yes, both brands are owned by Gap Inc., which also owns Gap and Banana Republic. However, they operate as distinct brands with separate target customers, price points, and store experiences.

How does Old Navy's activewear compare to Athleta's?

Old Navy activewear is best for casual activities, comfortable lounging, and style on a budget. Athleta's activewear is true performance apparel, engineered with technical fabrics for high-intensity training, yoga, and other demanding sports. Think of it as fashion fitness gear (Old Navy) vs. serious athletic apparel (Athleta).

Which brand is better for workouts?

Without question, Athleta is the better choice for regular, intense workouts. Their clothing provides better support, durability, sweat-wicking properties, and overall comfort during high-impact movement. Old Navy activewear is better suited to low-impact activities like walking or stretching.

Is Athleta sizing the same as Old Navy?

While both brands have inclusive sizing, they may not be exactly the same. Athleta's fit is typically more tailored and compressive for performance. Old Navy often has a more relaxed, casual fit. It's always best to consult the specific size chart for the brand and item you are purchasing.

Can you return Athleta products at Old Navy?

No, you cannot. Despite being owned by the same parent company, Athleta and Old Navy operate as separate retail entities with different inventory and return systems. You must return items to the brand from which they were purchased.

Which is more sustainable?

Athleta is the much more sustainable brand. It is a certified B Corp and places a strong emphasis on using recycled materials, ethical manufacturing, and reducing their environmental impact as core tenets of their brand identity.