Kohl's vs. Old Navy: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Kohl's operates as a full-service department store, offering a vast range of products from apparel and accessories to home goods and cookware from hundreds of national and private brands. In contrast, Old Navy is a dedicated apparel retailer focused on delivering trendy, affordable, and casual clothing with a youthful, vibrant aesthetic.

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

Kohl's: The Family-Friendly Department Store

Kohl's is a go-to one-stop shop for budget-conscious families across the country. Its strength lies in its immense variety, carrying everything from everyday clothing essentials for men, women, and kids to kitchen appliances and bedding. The shopping experience is built around value, driven by constant promotions, stackable coupons, and their popular Kohl's Cash rewards program, which gives customers money back to spend on future purchases.

• Product mix: Apparel, accessories, and footwear from popular brands like Nike and Levi's, alongside well-regarded private labels like Sonoma Goods for Life and Sonoma Community. They also have a large home goods department with everything from air fryers to bath towels.
• Price point: Generally affordable, with prices ranging from under $10 for basics to over $200 for small appliances or outerwear. The real value comes from their frequent sales events and the ability to combine discounts with Kohl's Cash.
• Style &, Aesthetic: The style is practical, versatile, and classic, catering to a broad demographic. It's less about fast fashion and more about building a functional wardrobe for the entire family.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a wide variety of sizes, including petites, plus sizes, and tall options across many of its brands. Sizing tends to run true to size but can vary between the different brands they carry.
• Rewards program: Kohl's Rewards program and the signature Kohl’s Cash are major draws. Shoppers earn store credit during promotional periods to be used on future purchases, effectively creating deep discounts.
• Return policy: Customer-friendly return policy, typically allowing returns up to 30 days after purchase with a valid receipt.

Kohl's offers unparalleled variety for shoppers who need more than just clothing and want to maximize savings through strategic use of sales and rewards.

Shop Kohl's: kohls.com

Old Navy: The Destination for Casual, Affordable Fashion

As part of the Gap Inc. family, Old Navy has perfected the formula for fun, trendy, and incredibly affordable fashion. The brand appeals to a younger, family-oriented demographic with its colorful designs, casual basics, and constant rotation of seasonal styles. The atmosphere is energetic and accessible, focusing on making fashion approachable for everyone.

• Product mix: Primarily focuses on casual apparel for men, women, children, and babies. Key product categories include their popular denim, graphic tees, activewear, dresses, and seasonal items like their famous flag tees and fleece vests.
• Price point: Highly budget-friendly. It’s common to find basic T-shirts for $10-$15 and jeans for under $40, with frequent sales events that offer storewide discounts of 30-50% off.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Playful, relaxed, and contemporary. Old Navy is known for its bright colors, bold prints, and trend-driven pieces that are easy to incorporate into an everyday wardrobe.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for its commitment to inclusive sizing, offering a broad range of options from petite to tall and one of the most comprehensive plus-size collections in its category. Sizing is generally consistent and reliable.
• Sales: Constant sales and promotions are core to their business model. You can almost always find a deal, from sitewide percentage-off discounts to special BOGO events.
• Return policy: A flexible return policy allows customers to return unwashed and unworn items within 45 days of purchase.

Old Navy is the ideal choice for shoppers seeking stylish, low-cost apparel and everyday essentials with a focus on inclusive sizing and a fun, modern vibe.

Shop Old Navy: oldnavy.gap.com

Kohl's vs. Old Navy Comparison

Price Comparison

Both retailers are firmly in the budget-friendly category, but they approach value differently. Old Navy generally has lower everyday prices on its apparel. A basic t-shirt might regularly cost $10 at Old Navy, whereas a similar item at Kohl's could be $15-$20 before a sale.

However, Kohl's pricing strategy revolves around deep promotional events and its rewarding Kohl's Cash program. A savvy Kohl's shopper who strategically stacks coupons and redeems rewards can often achieve a final price that is competitive with Old Navy's. Old Navy's sales are more straightforward - what you see is what you get - making it simpler for those who don't want to track coupons.

Quality & Materials

Quality at both stores is aligned with their affordable price points. Kohl's offers a very wide range of quality simply because it carries so many different brands. A jacket from a national brand like Columbia will have a different quality level than one from a Kohl's private label. Their in-house brands are generally seen as durable for everyday family wear.

Old Navy's quality is fairly consistent across its product line. Garments are generally well-made for casual use, with soft fabrics and modern construction. However, due to the fast-fashion nature of some items, durability can sometimes be a concern after many washes, but for the price, most customers find the quality to be very reasonable.

Product Selection

This is the most significant difference between the two retailers. Kohl's is a true department store. You can build a wardrobe, furnish a dorm room, update your kitchen, and buy luggage all in one trip. Their extensive electronics, toys, and home departments give them a huge advantage in variety.

Old Navy is a specialized apparel and accessories retailer. Their focus is solely on clothing, which allows them to be more agile with trends and offer a deeper assortment within their specific categories, such as their expansive denim collection. If you are shopping only for clothes, Old Navy offers a more curated and less overwhelming experience.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands have made excellent strides in inclusive sizing. Kohl's offers petite, plus, and tall sizes from many of the national and private brands it stocks. Finding a specific size in a specific brand can sometimes be a challenge, but the overall selection is robust.

Old Navy has built a strong reputation for its inclusive sizing. They offer one of the most extensive size ranges in retail, with consistent sizing from XS to 4X and specific cuts for petite and tall frames. Customers often praise Old Navy for making it easy to find a comfortable and flattering fit across various body types.

Return Policies

Both retailers offer straightforward, customer-friendly return policies, but Old Navy is slightly more generous. Old Navy gives customers 45 days to return unwashed and unworn items, providing a longer window for decisions.

Kohl's offers a 30-day return window. While slightly shorter, the process is simple and hassle-free, contributing to their positive customer service reputation. For many shoppers, the 15-day difference isn't a major factor, but it's a small point in Old Navy's favor.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on your specific shopping mission and personal style. Both retailers deliver excellent value, but they shine in different areas.

Choose Kohl's if:

• You're on a one-stop-shopping trip for the whole family and the home.
• You enjoy the "game" of finding the best deal by stacking coupons and using Kohl's Cash.
• You want to shop for specific national brands like Adidas, Under Armour, or Levi's.
• Your personal style leans more classic and practical over ultra-trendy.

Choose Old Navy if:

• You're looking for fun, colorful, and trendy casual wear on a tight budget.
• Inclusive sizing is a top priority, and you appreciate a consistent fit across an entire store.
• You prefer simple, straightforward sales without needing to track rewards or coupons.
• You need affordable basics like denim, graphic tees, and activewear to refresh your wardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kohl's or Old Navy cheaper?

For comparable apparel items, Old Navy often has a lower sticker price. However, a strategic Kohl's shopper can often achieve similar or even lower final prices by taking advantage of sales, coupons, and Kohl's Cash rewards.

Which has better quality clothes?

Quality can be subjective. Kohl's offers a wider spectrum of quality because it sells many different brands, some of which are higher-end than Old Navy's offerings. Old Navy provides consistent, good-value quality for casual apparel, but it doesn't offer premium-tier products.

Which is better for kids' clothes?

Both are excellent choices. Old Navy is fantastic for trendy, playful, and durable everyday wear for kids. Kohl's also has a massive selection, including character apparel (Disney, Marvel) and national brands like Carter's and Nike, making it a great all-in-one stop.

Does Old Navy have better sizing than Kohl's?

Both stores do a great job with inclusive sizing. However, Old Navy is particularly well-regarded for its extensive and consistent sizing across petite, tall, and plus ranges (up to 4X), making it a go-to for many shoppers.

Can you buy home goods at Old Navy?

No, Old Navy focuses exclusively on apparel, accessories, and footwear. Kohl's is the destination for home goods, offering a full range of products for the kitchen, bed, and bath.

What is Kohl's Cash?

Kohl's Cash is a rewards program where customers earn brand-specific "cash" (coupons) for every $50 they spend during promotional periods. This "cash" can then be redeemed on future purchases during a specific window, acting as a significant discount.

Which store has better sales?

Old Navy has more frequent and straightforward sales, such as sitewide percentage-off discounts. Kohl's sales are also constant but are often designed to be combined with other offers, like Kohl's rewards and stackable coupons, which can lead to deeper but more complex savings.

What are the return policies for Kohl's and Old Navy?

Kohl's generally allows returns within 30 days of purchase. Old Navy offers a more flexible 45-day return window for unwashed and unworn merchandise.