H&M vs. Old Navy Jeans: What's the difference?

H&M is the go-to for trendy, fashion-forward jeans that reflect current runway styles at an affordable price. In contrast, Old Navy excels in creating comfortable, durable, and classic denim with inclusive and consistent sizing, prioritizing everyday wear over fleeting trends.

Let's compare them side-by-side to help you decide which brand has the right pair of jeans for you.

H&M: The Fast-Fashion Trendsetter

H&M is a global fast-fashion giant known for getting the latest trends from the catwalk to the store floor quickly and affordably. Their denim collection follows this philosophy, offering a huge variety of modern cuts, washes, and styles for shoppers who want to stay current. The brand is focused on a younger, fashion-conscious consumer looking for stylish jeans without a high price tag.

• Product mix: A wide range of styles including skinny, straight, wide-leg, mom, and boyfriend jeans. You'll find a heavy emphasis on current trends like distressed finishes, high-rise waists, and unique color washes.
• Price point: Most jeans are priced between $20 and $50. With frequent sales and a loyalty program, they are one of the most accessible options for trendy denim.
• Quality: H&M jeans are primarily made from blends of cotton, elastane for stretch, and recycled materials as part of their sustainability efforts. The quality can vary between styles, with the focus being more on fashion than long-term durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing generally runs true to size, but fits can be inconsistent across different cuts. Many of their styles have a slimmer, more European fit.
• Sustainability: The company is a major player in collecting used garments for recycling through their in-store programs and has goals to increase the use of sustainable or recycled materials in their products.

H&M is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to experiment with of-the-moment denim styles without making a major investment.

Shop H&M: hm.com

Old Navy: The Family-Friendly Classic

Owned by Gap Inc., Old Navy is an American staple for casual, comfortable, and affordable apparel for the entire family. Its denim is a cornerstone of the brand, loved for its reliability, comfort, and broad range of sizes. Their target customer is someone looking for functional, durable jeans for everyday life, from running errands to casual weekend outings.

• Product mix: Offers essential fits like bootcut, straight, skinny, and relaxed styles. The focus is on timeless, versatile denim rather than temporary trends.
• Price point: Very affordable, with most pairs falling in the $20 to $40 range. Old Navy is famous for its frequent promotions and holiday sales, making their already low prices even better.
• Quality: Emphasizes durable construction for everyday wear. Many styles feature stretch denim for comfort and reinforced stitching. The quality is generally consistent and built to last through regular use.
• Sizing/Fit: Well-known for its consistent and inclusive sizing. Old Navy offers a wide variety of sizes, including petite, tall, and plus, that fit a diverse set of body types dependably.
• Return policy: Offers a customer-friendly return policy, making it easy to try different sizes and styles risk-free.

Old Navy is a dependable choice for shoppers who value comfort, consistent sizing, and long-lasting quality in their everyday jeans.

Shop Old Navy: oldnavy.com

H&M vs. Old Navy Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands are extremely affordable, but they operate a bit differently. H&M jeans have a typical price range of $20 to $50, offering runway-inspired styles at a low cost. Old Navy prices its jeans mostly between $20 and $40, but the brand’s frequent, aggressive sales events often drop a $40 pair down to $20 or less.

Overall, Old Navy often ends up being the cheaper option, particularly if you are a savvy shopper who waits for one of their famous 40-50% off sales, which happen regularly throughout the year.

Quality & Materials

Here, the brands' philosophies diverge. Old Navy prioritizes durability and everyday comfort, often using robust stretch denim that moves with you and can withstand frequent washing. Their construction feels steady and aimed at longevity for casual, daily activity.

H&M's materials are chosen to achieve a specific look or trend. While they incorporate comfortable stretch fabrics and recycled fibers, the overall durability can be less consistent than Old Navy's. H&M denim is made to look good and feel good for a season or two of wear, whereas Old Navy jeans are built more like reliable workhorses for your wardrobe.

Style & Aesthetic

This is the biggest differentiator. H&M is all about what’s happening in fashion right now. You’ll find high-waisted wide-leg styles, heavily distressed finishes, carpenter jeans, and other trendy cuts. If you see a style on a fashion influencer, H&M likely has an affordable version of it.

Old Navy leans into timeless, American classics. Their aesthetic is built around versatile basics like the perfect dark-wash skinny jean, a comfortable straight-leg, or a classic bootcut. Their styles are meant to be practical, easy to wear, and less about making a bold fashion statement.

Fit & Sizing

Old Navy is a clear winner for shoppers who need reliable and inclusive sizing. Their sizes are remarkably consistent across styles and come in a broad range of options, including one of the most comprehensive plus-size selections in this price bracket. You can usually buy your size with confidence.

H&M's sizing can be a bit more unpredictable. While generally true to size, some shoppers find their fits to be slimmer, and an inch or two can make a difference between washes and styles. They also offer extended sizes, but Old Navy's range is typically wider and more consistent.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands operate under the fast-fashion model, which faces scrutiny for its environmental impact. However, both have taken public steps to improve their practices. H&M has a visible garment collection program for recycling and has established goals for using more sustainable materials.

Old Navy, as part of Gap Inc., has also committed to better manufacturing practices, reducing water usage in denim production, and investing in more eco-friendly fabrics. Both retailers are working on sustainability, but their business models are inherently based on volume and affordability.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right jeans depend entirely on what you prioritize in your wardrobe.

Choose H&M if:

• You want to experiment with the latest denim trends without spending a lot of money.
• Your top priority is style and replicating runway-inspired looks.
• You have a slimmer build or are familiar with their sizing nuances.
• You want a wide selection of washes, distressed options, and modern silhouettes.

Choose Old Navy if:

• Comfort and long-term durability are your main concerns.
• You need consistent, reliable sizing, including great petite, tall, or plus-size options.
• You prefer timeless, classic denim cuts that will last for years.
• You're a price-conscious shopper looking for the best possible deal during frequent sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, H&M or Old Navy jeans?

While both are very affordable, Old Navy is often cheaper, especially during its frequent store-wide sales, where jeans can be found for $20 or less. H&M has low base prices but relies more on its clearance section for the deepest discounts.

Which brand has better quality jeans?

For durability and consistency, Old Navy generally offers better quality. Their jeans are constructed to be reliable basics for everyday wear. H&M's quality can be more inconsistent, as their primary focus is on style and trend replication.

Does H&M or Old Navy have better sizing?

Old Navy is known for its exceptionally consistent and inclusive sizing, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of body types. H&M's sizing can vary more between different styles and fits.

Are H&M jeans true to size?

They are generally considered true to size, but their fit trends toward a slimmer, European cut. If you're between sizes or prefer a looser fit, you might consider sizing up or trying them on in-store.

Which brand is better for trendy fashion-forward jeans?

H&M is the undisputed leader for trendy jeans. They quickly produce affordable versions of the newest styles in denim, from extreme wide-leg cuts to distressed and vintage-inspired washes.

Which is better for comfortable jeans?

Old Navy puts a strong emphasis on comfort. Most of their jeans feature generous stretch technology and soft materials designed for easy, all-day wear.

Do H&M and Old Navy have plus sizes?

Yes, both offer plus-size selections. However, Old Navy has built a stronger reputation for its extensive and well-fitting plus-size range, which is a core part of their brand identity.

Can I return jeans to H&M and Old Navy?

Yes, both retailers have straightforward return policies for unworn merchandise with tags. Old Navy is often praised for its easy and customer-friendly process, especially for online orders.