Fabletics vs. Old Navy: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Fabletics is a subscription-based brand focused on trendy, performance-driven activewear with higher quality fabrics and a fashion-forward style. In contrast, Old Navy is a mass-market retailer that provides highly affordable, casual activewear designed more for everyday comfort and light activity than intense workouts.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right activewear brand for your needs.

Fabletics: Stylish & Performance-Driven Activewear

Co-founded by Kate Hudson, Fabletics offers stylish and functional workout gear through a flexible VIP membership model. The brand targets fitness enthusiasts who want their activewear to blend technical performance with modern, trend-driven designs. Its focus is on providing premium-feeling apparel at a more accessible price point than traditional luxury brands.

• Product mix: A wide range of activewear including leggings in different compression levels, sports bras, tops, and accessories. Collections often feature coordinated sets and fashion collaborations.
• Price point: Leggings typically range from $30 to $70, with sports bras and tops from $20 to $50. The VIP membership offers these items for up to 50% off retail prices.
• Quality &, Materials: Known for signature fabrics like the compressive PowerHold and seamless Motion365. These materials offer sweat-wicking, durability, and support suitable for high-intensity training.
• Sizing/Fit: Highly inclusive, with sizes ranging from XXS to 4X. The fit is designed to be compressive and sculpting, offering support during workouts.
• Rewards program: The VIP Membership model is central to the brand. Members get discounted pricing, early access to new collections, and earn points on purchases.
• Return policy: A 90-day return or exchange policy for items in new condition, providing flexibility for online shoppers.

Fabletics is ideal for shoppers looking for performance-oriented activewear that is also trendy and stylish enough for everyday life, all made more affordable through its membership program.

Shop Fabletics: fabletics.com

Old Navy: The Budget-Friendly Family Favorite

As part of Gap Inc., Old Navy is a household name for affordable, casual clothing for the whole family. Its activewear line, often called "Active," provides comfortable and functional pieces for low-impact activities, running errands, and lounging. The brand appeals to budget-conscious consumers who value practicality and convenience.

• Product mix: Carries a versatile selection of activewear including leggings, joggers, t-shirts, workout tanks, and fleece hoodies, all in a variety of colors and simple patterns.
• Price point: Extremely budget-friendly. Leggings are typically priced between $15 and $40, while tops range from $10 to $30.
• Quality &, Materials: Uses more basic fabrics like cotton blends, polyester, and spandex. While comfortable for daily wear, they lack the technical features like high compression and advanced sweat-wicking found in premium activewear. Durability is decent for the price.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers one of the most inclusive size ranges in retail, with styles available in XS to 4X as well as petite and tall options. The fit is generally more relaxed and comfort-focused.
• Sales: Constant sales and promotions are a key part of the shopping experience. It's rare to pay full price for anything, making it a go-to for bargain hunters.
• Return policy: A generous 45-day return policy, with the added convenience of being able to return online orders to any of its many physical stores.

Old Navy provides unbeatable value on casual, comfortable activewear, making it a perfect choice for stocking up on basics for light workouts or daily wear without a big investment.

Shop Old Navy: oldnavy.com

Fabletics vs. Old Navy Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in price between the two brands. Old Navy is consistently the more affordable option. You can frequently purchase leggings for under $20 and tops for around $10 during one of their many sales. The brand operates on a high-volume, low-margin model that prioritizes affordability.

Fabletics occupies an affordable-premium space. While its retail prices are higher, the VIP membership discounts bring them down significantly. For example, a popular 2-piece set can often be purchased for around $60, making it a strong value proposition for high-quality, trendy matching sets. For shoppers planning to buy activewear regularly, the membership program makes Fabletics very cost-effective.

Quality & Materials

Fabletics has a distinct advantage in quality and performance fabrics. Materials like their PowerHold offer serious compression that sculpts and supports, making them ideal for high-impact workouts like running, HIIT, and weightlifting. The fabrics are engineered for durability and sweat-wicking to keep you comfortable during intense exercise.

Old Navy's activewear focuses on comfort over performance. The materials are softer and more breathable for casual wear but lack compression and technological features. They are perfectly suitable for yoga, walking, or lounging, but they may pill, lose shape, or show sweat more quickly during rigorous activity compared to Fabletics.

Style & Aesthetic

Style is a major differentiator. Fabletics is fashion-forward, releasing monthly collections with on-trend colors, bold patterns, and modern silhouettes like one-shoulder sports bras and flared leggings. Their aesthetic is aimed at shoppers who want to make a statement with their workout clothes.

Old Navy offers timeless, classic activewear. Their designs are simpler, focusing on solid colors and basic patterns that appeal to a wide audience. The style is more practical and versatile for everyday wear rather than being at the forefront of fitness fashion trends.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands do an excellent job with inclusive sizing, offering a wide range from XS/XXS to 4X. Fabletics leggings are designed with a compressive fit that hugs the body, holds you in, and provides a sculpting effect. This fit is intentional and built for performance.

Old Navy's fit is more relaxed and comfort-oriented. Shoppers may find their sizes run a bit larger or have a looser feel, which is great for casual wear but offers less support for athletic movements. Some customers note that sizing can occasionally be inconsistent between different styles at Old Navy.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your budget, style preferences, and how you plan to use the clothing.

Choose Fabletics if:

• You need performance gear for high-impact gym sessions, running, or HIIT.
• You want trendy, stylish activewear and enjoy wearing matching sets.
• You prioritize compressive, sculpting fabrics that offer support.
• You plan to buy activewear regularly and can benefit from the VIP membership discounts.

Choose Old Navy if:

• You are on a strict budget and want the most affordable option available.
• You need comfortable clothes for light activities like walking, stretching, or lounging.
• You prefer simple, classic designs and colors over trendy styles.
• You value the convenience of having numerous physical stores for in-person shopping and returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fabletics or Old Navy cheaper?

Old Navy is significantly cheaper on a per-item basis, especially with its frequent sales and promotions. Fabletics becomes more cost-effective through its VIP membership, which provides substantial discounts for those who purchase activewear regularly.

Which brand has better quality leggings?

For athletic performance, Fabletics offers superior quality leggings with better compression, durability, and moisture-wicking technology. Old Navy's leggings are good quality for their low price point but are better suited for casual wear.

Are Fabletics sizes the same as Old Navy?

Not exactly. Both are inclusive, but Fabletics offers a true-to-size, compressive fit intended for exercise. Old Navy's sizing is often more relaxed and can sometimes feel larger or less consistent across different product lines.

Is Old Navy activewear good for the gym?

Old Navy activewear is perfectly fine for low-impact gym activities like light weightlifting, walking on the treadmill, or stretching. For more intense cardio, running, or HIIT workouts, you would benefit from the enhanced support and technical fabrics from a brand like Fabletics.

What is the Fabletics VIP membership?

It's a flexible subscription where you are charged a monthly fee that becomes a "Member Credit." You can use this credit to purchase any 2-piece outfit or item up to $100. It also unlocks sitewide discounts of 20-50%. You can choose to "skip the month" by the 5th of each month to avoid being charged.

Which brand is better for plus sizes?

Both brands are strong leaders in inclusive sizing, offering a wide array of products up to a size 4X. Fabletics provides a more performance-based, compressive fit in plus sizes, while Old Navy offers a comfort-focused, more relaxed fit.

Is Fabletics better for running?

Yes. With its secure high-waisted options, sweat-wicking properties, and compressive fabrics that reduce muscle vibration, Fabletics leggings are a much better choice for running than Old Navy's more casual options.

Can I return items to both stores?

Yes, both brands have straightforward return policies. Fabletics offers a 90-day window for returns and exchanges. Old Navy offers a 45-day window and has the major advantage of allowing easy, free returns at its hundreds of physical store locations.