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

While owned by the same parent company, Athleta and Old Navy leggings serve entirely different needs. Athleta offers premium, performance-focused activewear engineered with technical fabrics and supportive fits for workouts, reflected in a higher price point. Old Navy provides trendy, comfortable, and incredibly affordable leggings designed primarily for casual, everyday wear or low-impact activities.

Here’s everything you need to know about how they stack up, so you can decide which brand is the right choice for your closet and your budget.

Athleta Leggings

Athleta leggings are a top choice for serious workouts and high-quality athleisure. The brand focuses on creating durable, flattering, and functional leggings using innovative, technical fabrics designed to support you through everything from yoga to high-intensity interval training. They are known for premium construction that holds up over time, wash after wash.

• What it is: High-performance leggings designed for athletic activities and stylish, everyday wear.
• Key features: Signature fabrics like silky-soft Powervita™, compression zones for support, moisture-wicking and quick-drying technology, and high-rise fits for tummy control.
• Price: $70 – $120
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes advanced technical fabrics like Powervita™ and Powermesh four-way stretch materials. Seams are reinforced for durability and longevity. Many styles incorporate recycled and sustainable materials.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a comprehensive size range from XXS to 3X, including petite and tall inseams. The fit is snug, supportive, and designed to flatter and stay in place during movement.
• Pros: Excellent durability and quality, superior fabric performance for workouts, compressive and supportive fit flatters the body, versatile for both gym and casual outings, strong commitment to sustainability.
• Cons: High price point makes them a significant investment, fewer trendy patterns and bright color options compared to Old Navy.

This brand is perfect for active women seeking long-lasting, reliable performance leggings that offer excellent support and comfort for demanding workouts or stylish athleisure looks.

Shop this product: athleta.gap.com/browse/category/leggings

Old Navy Leggings

Old Navy is the go-to brand for fun, trendy, and budget-friendly leggings. Best suited for casual wear, running errands, or low-impact activities like walking, these leggings prioritize comfort and affordability. They come in a massive assortment of colors, prints, and styles, making it easy to build a versatile wardrobe without a large financial commitment.

• What it is: Affordable and comfortable leggings for casual, everyday wear and light activities.
• Key features: Soft and stretchy fabrics, a wide variety of colors, seasonal prints, graphics, and styles.
• Price: $15 – $30
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from comfortable but basic fabrics like cotton blends, polyester, and spandex. Construction is sufficient for light use, but not built for intense athletic performance.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in sizes from XS to 3X, but the fit is generally more relaxed and less compressive than Athleta. Sizing consistency can vary between different styles.
• Pros: Extremely affordable, huge variety of trendy styles, prints, and colors. Comfortable for lounging and everyday tasks. Widely accessible online and in stores.
• Cons: Not durable enough for intense workouts, fabrics are prone to pilling and fading over time, lack technical features like moisture-wicking and compression, fit is less supportive.

These leggings are a great match for shoppers who want comfortable, stylish basics for casual outfits and light activities and who prioritize affordability and variety over technical features.

Shop this product: oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category/leggings

Athleta vs. Old Navy Leggings Comparison

Price & Value

The most significant difference is price. A single pair of Athleta leggings ($70-$120) costs as much as three to five pairs of Old Navy leggings ($15-$30). The value proposition reflects this. Athleta is an investment in quality, performance, and longevity. The leggings are built to withstand hundreds of workouts without losing their shape or support.

Old Navy offers outstanding value for casual wear. They are a low-risk, budget-friendly way to experiment with trends or stock up on comfortable basics for daily life, but they aren't intended to last forever or to perform under intense physical activity.

Quality & Materials

There is a clear distinction in materials and construction. Athleta uses proprietary technical fabrics specifically engineered for movement. Features like moisture-wicking materials pull sweat away from the body, four-way stretch allows for total freedom, and compression provides muscle support. The fabric feels substantial, squat-proof, and designed to perform.

Old Navy’s leggings are made from softer, more basic fabrics like cotton and polyester blends. They are perfectly comfortable for lounging or a walk around the block but lack the performance features for a sweaty workout. They are more likely to stretch out, fade, or pill over time, especially with frequent use and washing.

Fit & Sizing

Athleta's leggings are known for their secure, flattering, and consistent fit. The high-rise waistbands offer excellent tummy control and stay put without rolling down during activity. With options for petite, tall, and plus sizing, most people can find a near-perfect fit. The compressive nature helps sculpt and support your body.

Old Navy leggings offer a more relaxed fit that’s comfortable but less supportive. Without much compression, they don't provide the same sculpting effect. While they offer a good size range, the fit can sometimes be inconsistent from one style to another.

Style & Versatility

Both brands offer versatile pieces, but for different purposes. Athleta's aesthetic is sleek, minimalist, and modern. Their leggings easily transition from a spin class to grabbing coffee - the definition of athleisure. You can style them for a workout or a casual weekend outfit and look polished.

Old Navy's style is more playful, trendy, and casual. They excel at offering a vast array of colors and seasonal prints like florals, animal prints, and holiday themes. These leggings are great for adding a pop of personality to a casual look but are generally less suited for pairing with "dressier" casual items.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right leggings truly depend on how you plan to use them and what you want to spend.

Choose Athleta if:

• You need performance leggings for running, yoga, weightlifting, or other intense workouts.
• You are willing to invest in high-quality, durable activewear that will last for years.
• You want a compressive, supportive fit that sculpts your body and stays put.
• You prefer a sleek, versatile athleisure look that works for both the gym and casual wear.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are important factors in your purchasing decisions.

Choose Old Navy if:

• You are on a strict budget or want to buy multiple pairs without spending a lot.
• You need comfortable leggings for lounging, running errands, or very low-impact activities like walking.
• You love having a wide variety of trendy prints, patterns, and colors in your wardrobe.
• You prioritize soft-feel comfort for daily wear over technical performance features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Athleta and Old Navy leggings?

The primary difference is purpose and price. Athleta leggings are high-performance activewear made with technical, durable fabrics for workouts, priced at a premium ($70-$120). Old Navy leggings are affordable ($15-$30) daily-wear leggings made for comfort and casual style, not intense exercise.

Are Old Navy leggings good for working out?

Old Navy leggings are suitable for low-impact activities like walking, stretching, or light yoga. For high-impact activities like running, HIIT, or weightlifting, they lack the necessary compression, moisture-wicking capabilities, and durability offered by a performance brand like Athleta.

Are Athleta leggings worth the money?

For individuals who are frequently active and want durable, supportive, and comfortable workout gear, Athleta leggings are widely considered worth the investment. Their longevity and ability to maintain shape and performance over time often justify the higher initial cost.

How does sizing compare between Athleta and Old Navy?

Athleta sizing is very consistent and offers a snug, compressive fit true to size. They also provide petite and tall options. Old Navy sizing is generally true to size but can be less consistent across styles, with a more relaxed fit overall.

Do Old Navy leggings pill?

Due to their material composition (often cotton or polyester blends), Old Navy leggings are more prone to pilling with repeated wear and washing, especially in high-friction areas. Athleta's technical fabrics are highly resistant to pilling.

Which brand is better for tummy control?

Athleta is far better for tummy control. Most of their styles feature wide, high-rise waistbands and compressive fabric designed to smooth and support the core area, ensuring they stay put during workouts.

Are Athleta and Old Navy owned by the same company?

Yes, both Athleta and Old Navy, along with Gap and Banana Republic, are owned by Gap Inc.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Athleta places a much stronger emphasis on sustainability. As a certified B Corporation, they prioritize using recycled materials, water-saving dyeing techniques, and ethical manufacturing practices across their product line.