Old Navy Powersoft vs. PowerChill: What's the difference?

The Old Navy Powersoft and PowerChill activewear lines both offer affordable, stylish performance gear, but they are engineered for different needs. Powersoft is known for its exceptionally soft, peachy feel and comfortable stretch, making it ideal for everyday casual wear and low-impact activities. PowerChill, on the other hand, is a technical fabric designed with advanced moisture-wicking and cooling technology to keep you dry and comfortable during more intense workouts.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Old Navy activewear fabric for your lifestyle.

Old Navy Powersoft

The Powersoft collection is Old Navy's answer to all-day activewear that feels as comfortable as loungewear. Known for its lightly compressive feel and unbelievably soft, peached finish, this fabric is designed for versatility. It easily transitions from a morning walk to running errands or just relaxing at home.

• What it is: A versatile and buttery-soft activewear fabric designed for light-to-moderate activity and everyday comfort.
• Key features: Peached, super-soft exterior, light compression for gentle support, four-way stretch for total freedom of movement, and moisture-wicking properties suitable for light sweat.
• Price: $15 - $50
• Materials/Construction: A blend of polyester and spandex is used to achieve its signature softness, durability, and flexible stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a relaxed yet form-fitting silhouette. Generally fits true to size, providing a comfortable, body-hugging feel that isn't restrictive. Available in Old Navy's inclusive size range from XS to 4X.
• Pros: Exceptionally comfortable for all-day wear. Highly versatile for both fitness and casual activities. Affordable price point. Wide variety of styles and colors.
• Cons: Not designed for high-intensity, sweaty workouts. The moisture-wicking might not be sufficient for intense exercise sessions. Can be warmer than more technical performance fabrics.

This line is perfect for those who prioritize plush comfort in their activewear for low-impact workouts like yoga, Pilates, and walking, or as go-to stylish everyday leggings and tops.

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Old Navy PowerChill

PowerChill is Old Navy's performance-driven fabric, featuring cooling technology built to handle your toughest, sweatiest workouts. It incorporates advanced moisture-wicking fibers that pull sweat away from the skin, helping you stay dry, cool, and comfortable in hot conditions or during high-intensity training.

• What it is: A performance-focused activewear fabric with advanced moisture-wicking and cooling technology for moderate-to-intense exercise.
• Key features: Go-Dry moisture-wicking pulls sweat away. Cooling technology helps regulate body temperature. Quick-drying and breathable to prevent overheating.
• Price: $15 - $50
• Materials/Construction: Made with specialized polyester blends that have inherent moisture-management properties designed for optimal workout performance.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to have a more compressive and secure fit compared to Powersoft. Some may find it runs slightly snug, which is typical for performance fabrics. Sizing is also inclusive, from XS to 4X.
• Pros: Excellent at managing sweat and heat. Keeps you dry and comfortable during tough workouts. Great for hot or humid climates. Durable enough to withstand frequent, intense use.
• Cons: Fabric can feel more technical and less "cozy" than Powersoft. The compressive fit might not be ideal for casual lounging.

Choose this fabric for intense gym sessions, running, HIIT, outdoor workouts, and anyone who sweats a lot and needs their gear to keep up.

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Powersoft vs. PowerChill Comparison

Feel & Comfort

The most immediate difference between the two fabrics is how they feel. Powersoft lives up to its name with a buttery, peached surface that feels incredibly soft against the skin, similar to high-end loungewear. Its comfort is its primary draw, making it something you'll want to wear all day long.

PowerChill has a cooler, sleeker, and more technical hand-feel. It isn't harsh, but it prioritizes performance over coziness. You feel the technology in the fiber - it's designed to manage moisture, not necessarily for cuddling up on the couch. For workout comfort, its ability to keep you dry makes it superior, but for all-day comfort, Powersoft wins.

Performance & Moisture-Wicking

This is where PowerChill demonstrates its true purpose. Its specialized fibers are engineered to rapidly pull sweat from your skin to the fabric's surface where it can evaporate. This keeps you feeling significantly drier and lighter during tough cardio or weightlifting sessions. If you leave a spin class drenched in sweat, PowerChill is your best bet.

Powersoft has basic moisture-wicking capabilities and will handle a light sweat from a yoga class or brisk walk. However, during an intense workout, it can become saturated and heavy, taking much longer to dry than PowerChill.

Fit & Sizing

Both collections follow Old Navy's inclusive sizing, but the intended fit is different. Powersoft offers light compression, hugging the body gently without feeling restrictive. It's meant to be forgiving and comfortable for long-term wear. Many find it fits completely true to size for this relaxed purpose.

In contrast, PowerChill often has a more compressive and snug fit. This is intentional, as performance fabric needs to sit close to the skin to wick sweat effectively. While it should still be purchased in your true size, expect it to feel tighter and more secure than a comparable item in Powersoft.

Style & Versatility

Because of its soft texture and comfortable fit, Powersoft pieces are incredibly versatile. The leggings, joggers, and tops transition seamlessly from the gym to the grocery store or a coffee date. They serve as excellent "athleisure" apparel.

PowerChill items have a more distinct athletic aesthetic. While still stylish, the technical fabric and compressive look signal "workout gear." You certainly can wear them for errands post-gym, but they are less versatile as standalone fashion pieces compared to the universally casual appeal of Powersoft.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both fabric lines offer excellent value, but they serve two distinct customers.

Choose Powersoft if:

• You prioritize a buttery-soft feel and all-day comfort.
• Your activities are low-impact, like yoga, pilates, walking, or light stretches.
• You want activewear that doubles as comfortable, stylish loungewear or casual clothes.
• You prefer a gentler, lightly compressive fit over a tight, secure one.

Choose PowerChill if:

• You sweat a lot during workouts and need superior moisture-wicking.
• You engage in high-intensity workouts like spinning, HIIT, running, or circuit training.
• You exercise in a hot or humid environment and need fabric that helps keep you cool.
• You prefer a snug, compressive fit that feels secure and supportive during intense movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Old Navy Powersoft and PowerChill?

The main difference is their purpose. Powersoft prioritizes incredible softness and casual, all-day comfort for light activities. PowerChill prioritizes performance with advanced cooling and moisture-wicking technology for intense, sweaty workouts.

Is Old Navy Powersoft moisture-wicking?

Yes, Powersoft does offer moisture-wicking properties, but they are best suited for light sweat. During heavy perspiration, it won't keep you as dry as the more technical PowerChill fabric.

Are Old Navy activewear lines true to size?

Yes, both lines generally fit true to size according to Old Navy's size chart. However, be aware that PowerChill is designed to have a tighter, more compressive fit than the more relaxed-fitting Powersoft fabric.

Which fabric is better for leggings?

It depends entirely on your planned activity. For everyday wear, lounging, and light yoga, Powersoft leggings are far more comfortable. For running or intense gym training, PowerChill leggings will perform much better by keeping you cool and dry.

Are Powersoft leggings squat-proof?

Generally, Old Navy Powersoft leggings in darker colors are considered squat-proof by many reviewers. As with any brand, lighter colors may show more. It is always wise to check recent reviews on the specific product page for feedback.

Is Old Navy PowerChill really cooling?

Yes, the cooling effect comes from its superior moisture-wicking. By drawing sweat off your skin and allowing it to evaporate quickly, the fabric helps your body's natural cooling process work more efficiently. This makes you feel cooler and more comfortable.

Which one is softer?

Powersoft is significantly softer. It has a unique peached texture that feels exceptionally comforting against the skin, whereas PowerChill has a sleeker, more functional feel.

Do these fabrics pill?

Like many blended activewear fabrics in this price range, both can experience some pilling over time, especially in high-friction areas. To minimize this, wash them in cold water, inside-out, and tumble dry on low or hang to dry.