Old Navy vs. Banana Republic: What's the difference?

Old Navy offers affordable, casual, and trend-focused clothing for the whole family, while Banana Republic provides a more sophisticated and polished style with higher-quality materials at a premium price point. Though both are owned by Gap Inc., Old Navy is the destination for budget-friendly basics and everyday wear, whereas Banana Republic is geared towards professionals and those building a modern, versatile wardrobe for work and elevated casual events.

Let's compare all you need to know to decide which brand fits your style and budget.

Old Navy: The Go-To for Affordable Family Fashion

Old Navy is a go-to retailer for families and budget-conscious shoppers looking for stylish, comfortable clothing that doesn't break the bank. Its fun, colorful, and approachable aesthetic makes it a favorite for everyday essentials, seasonal trends, and reliable basics for men, women, and children.

• Product mix: A wide range of casual wear including jeans, t-shirts, activewear, dresses, kid's clothing, and maternity. Known for its versatile basics and playful seasonal collections.
• Price point: Very accessible, with most items well under $50. Expect graphic t-shirts around $10-$15 and jeans from $30-$40, with frequent promotions offering even lower prices.
• Quality: The quality is good for the price, primarily using comfortable fabrics like cotton and polyester blends suitable for everyday casual wear. These pieces are not meant to be lifetime investments, but they hold up well for their intended purpose.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generous and inclusive, with extensive options for petite, plus, and tall sizes. The fit is generally relaxed and comfortable, running true to size for a broad customer base.
• Sales: Famous for its constant promotions, holiday doorbusters, and "Super Cash" rewards program. It's rare to pay full price at Old Navy.
• Return policy: A standard 30-day return policy for unwashed and unworn merchandise, making it easy to shop online or in-store without much risk.

Old Navy is ideal for anyone seeking trendy, affordable clothing for daily life, particularly families who need to outfit multiple people in an accessible and stylish way.

Shop Old Navy: oldnavy.gap.com

Banana Republic: The Maker of Modern, Polished Wardrobes

Banana Republic targets professionals and style-conscious individuals who value quality fabrics, modern tailoring, and a polished aesthetic. Their collections bridge the gap between classic workwear and contemporary fashion, offering versatile pieces that are well-suited for the office, evenings out, and refined weekend style.

• Product mix: Focuses on sophisticated apparel like tailored blazers, silk blouses, chic dresses, dress trousers, and refined accessories. It is a one-stop shop for smart-casual and professional attire.
• Price point: Mid-range to premium, reflecting its higher-end positioning. A blazer can be priced around $120, while a blouse might cost around $60.
• Quality: Emphasizes superior materials such as silk, wool, linen, and suiting fabrics. The attention to detail in construction, fit, and finish means these garments are more durable and have a more luxurious feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a more tailored, modern fit than its sister brand. Sizing is consistent and true to size, but silhouettes are designed to be more streamlined and professional.
• Sales: While there are seasonal sales and promotions, they are typically less frequent and not as steeply discounted as those at Old Navy. Savings are focused more on end-of-season events.
• Return policy: Offers a 30-day return policy similar to its sister stores, ensuring a premium and flexible shopping experience.

Banana Republic strikes a balance between timeless design and modern trends, making it the choice for building a sophisticated and long-lasting wardrobe.

Shop Banana Republic: bananarepublic.gap.com

Old Navy vs. Banana Republic Comparison

Price Comparison

There is no contest here: Old Navy is significantly cheaper than Banana Republic. Most Old Navy items are priced under $50, with basics like t-shirts and tank tops often falling below $15. Their business model is built around accessibility and volume sales, making fashion affordable for everyone.

Banana Republic operates in a mid-tier, premium space. Prices regularly range from $50 for a sweater to over $150 for a blazer or dress. The higher cost is justified by better materials and more detailed construction, positioning its clothing as a longer-term investment for a professional wardrobe.

Quality & Materials

The difference in quality is directly tied to the price. Old Navy uses dependable, everyday materials like cotton, polyester, and viscose that are comfortable and easy to care for but may show wear after repeated use. Their focus is on creating affordable, trend-right pieces for the current season.

Banana Republic elevates its product with premium fabrics like silk, cashmere, merino wool, and high-quality leather. The craftsmanship is apparent in the stitching, lining, and a more structured feel. These pieces are designed to be staples that last for multiple seasons.

Style & Aesthetic

Old Navy captures a fun, casual, and energetic American style. Collections are bright, often feature prints, and align with fast-moving trends perfect for relaxed weekends, family activities, and laid-back work environments.

Banana Republic embodies a more worldly, sophisticated aesthetic. Its style is polished, modern, and understated, relying on clean lines, neutral color palettes, and timeless silhouettes. It is the definitive choice for modern office attire and smart-casual events.

Fit & Sizing

Old Navy is a leader in inclusive sizing, offering a wide array of options including petite, tall, and plus sizes up to 4X in-store and online. The fit is generally relaxed and comfortable, designed to suit a wide demographic.

Banana Republic provides a more tailored and structured fit. While it also offers petite and tall sizing, its overall fit is less generous and more true-to-form, designed to create a sharp, professional silhouette. If you are between sizes, you may need to size up for a more comfortable fit compared to Old Navy's roomier cuts.

Sustainability & Ethics

As part of Gap Inc., both brands follow the company's broader sustainability goals. Old Navy has worked to increase its use of sustainable cotton and reduce its environmental impact, but its high-volume, low-price model carries the challenges inherent in fast fashion.

Banana Republic leans more into sustainability messaging by focusing on durable, long-lasting items made from eco-friendly materials like TENCEL™ Modal and responsible wool. The emphasis on investment pieces rather than disposable trends inherently supports a more sustainable approach to fashion.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal style goals, budget, and where you plan to wear the clothes.

Choose Old Navy if:

• You're shopping for your entire family, including kids, on a budget.
• You need casual, comfortable, and trendy pieces for everyday wear like weekends and holidays.
• You love a good deal and look forward to frequent sales and deep discounts.
• You value inclusive sizing that offers a relaxed and comfortable fit across various body types.

Choose Banana Republic if:

• You are building a wardrobe for a professional office or smart-casual events.
• You prioritize high-quality fabrics and tailored craftsmanship over low prices.
• You prefer timeless, versatile pieces that will last for many seasons.
• Your style is more sophisticated, polished, and understated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Navy or Banana Republic more expensive?

Banana Republic is significantly more expensive than Old Navy. Its prices reflect its focus on premium materials, detailed construction, and a more sophisticated design aesthetic.

Are Old Navy and Banana Republic owned by the same company?

Yes, both Old Navy and Banana Republic are subsidiaries of Gap Inc., which also owns Gap and Athleta. Each brand serves a distinct customer segment.

Which brand has better quality?

Banana Republic offers better quality in terms of materials and craftsmanship. They use fabrics like silk, wool, and linen and focus on durability and a refined finish, whereas Old Navy prioritizes affordability with standard materials like cotton and polyester.

How do Old Navy and Banana Republic sizing compare?

Both brands generally run true to size. However, Old Navy has a more relaxed, looser fit and offers a broader range of inclusive sizes. Banana Republic features a more tailored, structured fit designed for a polished look.

Which brand is better for work clothes?

Banana Republic is the indisputable choice for work clothes. Its entire collection is built around professional and smart-casual attire, including blazers, trousers, blouses, and dresses appropriate for the office.

Is Old Navy considered a fast-fashion brand?

Yes, Old Navy's business model - offering trendy items at very low prices with a rapid turnover of new styles - aligns with the characteristics of fast fashion. However, Gap Inc. is taking steps across all its brands to improve sustainability practices.

Does Banana Republic ever have sales?

Yes, Banana Republic has sales, typically at the end of a season and during major holidays. However, these sales are less frequent and usually offer smaller discounts compared to Old Navy's constant promotional events.

Which store is better for family shopping?

Old Navy is far better for family shopping. It offers comprehensive and affordable selections for men, women, kids, toddlers, and babies, as well as a dedicated maternity section.