Old Navy vs. H&M: What's the difference? [2026 updated]

Old Navy excels at providing affordable, colorful, and comfortable basics for the entire family, focusing on inclusive sizing and frequent, deep discounts. In contrast, H&M offers more trend-driven, fashion-forward styles with a modern, often minimalist aesthetic, increasingly emphasizing sustainability through its Conscious Collection and recycling programs.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right fast-fashion retailer for your wardrobe and budget.

Old Navy: The Destination for Affordable Family Fashion

Old Navy is an American staple known for its casual, versatile, and budget-friendly clothing for men, women, and children. The brand targets shoppers looking for everyday wardrobe essentials that are both stylish and practical. Its core appeal lies in accessibility, consistent sizing, and a fun, approachable aesthetic that doesn't take itself too seriously.

• Product mix: A wide range of casual wear including graphic tees, their famous Flag Tees, everyday dresses, activewear, and a huge selection of jeans and denim jackets. They are a one-stop-shop for complete family outfitting from toddlers to adults.
• Price point: Extremely affordable, with basic tees often starting around $10 and jeans ranging from $30 to $50. Prices are made even lower by constant sales and promotional codes. You can often build a full outfit for under $75.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Colorful, classic American style with a playful twist. The focus is on comfort and wearability rather than chasing fleeting micro-trends.
• Sizing/Fit: A major strength. Old Navy is known for its inclusive sizing, typically offering sizes from XS up to 4X in stores and online. Their fit is generally consistent and true to size, with a more relaxed, American silhouette.
• Sales: Old Navy is famous for promotions. Expect weekly deals, "Super Cash" rewards, and legendary sales events like their $1 flip-flop day and massive Black Friday discounts.
• Return policy: Generally offers a hassle-free return policy, allowing customers to return unwashed and unworn merchandise within a specific timeframe with a receipt.

Old Navy is the ideal choice for families and budget-shoppers seeking durable, classic, and size-inclusive basics without a high price tag.

Shop Old Navy: oldnavy.gap.com

H&M: The Global Fast-Fashion Trend Leader

H&M is a Swedish retail giant that brings runway-inspired fashion to the masses at accessible prices. Known for its quick turnaround on trends, the brand caters to fashion-conscious shoppers who want of-the-moment styles. While fast-fashion at its core, H&M has made significant public commitments to sustainability, a key differentiator that appeals to ethical shoppers.

• Product mix: An expansive selection of women's, men's, and children's apparel that spans from casual basics to formal workwear, trendy statement pieces, and seasonal collections. They are also known for their high-profile designer collaborations.
• Price point: Affordable, but slightly higher than Old Navy. Basic tees are around $12–$15, while dresses and outerwear can range from $30 up to $60 or more.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Modern, sleek, and trend-focused. The aesthetic often leans toward a minimalist, European sensibility with neutral color palettes mixed with bold, seasonal patterns and silhouettes.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a broad range from XS to XXL, with a dedicated H&M+ plus-size line. H&M's fit can be more tailored and slim compared to American brands, and shoppers sometimes report inconsistencies between different product lines.
• Sustainability: A leader in the fast-fashion space. H&M's Conscious Collection features items made from at least 50% sustainable materials, like organic cotton or recycled polyester. They also have a popular garment collection program in stores.
• Return policy: H&M provides a flexible return window for unworn items, offering refunds or exchanges with proof of purchase.

H&M is geared toward the young, style-savvy consumer who wants to experiment with current trends and prioritizes eco-conscious initiatives in their shopping choices.

Shop H&M: hm.com

Old Navy vs. H&M Comparison

Price Comparison

Old Navy is the clear winner for shoppers seeking the absolute lowest price. With basic tees starting under $10 and frequent promotions that offer 30-50% off sitewide, its value is hard to beat. You can reliably stock up on wardrobe essentials for a fraction of the cost you might spend elsewhere.

H&M is still very affordable but occupies a slightly higher price bracket. A comparable dress or pair of trousers will usually cost 15-25% more than at Old Navy. You are paying a small premium for more trend-driven designs and, in some cases, more sustainable materials.

Quality & Materials

Both brands operate in the fast-fashion category, so quality is designed for seasonal wear rather than lifelong durability. Old Navy primarily uses reliable basics like cotton, denim, and fleece that hold up well for daily use and frequent washing, making them great for kids' clothing and casual wear.

H&M offers a wider variety of fabrics, including trendy materials like faux leather, satin, and linen blends. Their focus on sustainability also means you'll find more organic cotton and recycled polyester, especially in their Conscious Collection. While the quality can be inconsistent, certain H&M pieces can feel more elevated than their Old Navy counterparts.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is the most significant distinction. Old Navy champions a comfortable, fun, and classic American look. You'll find bright colors, timeless patterns like stripes and plaid, and laid-back silhouettes perfect for weekend activities, casual Fridays, and family photos.

H&M reflects a global, trend-focused aesthetic with a European sensibility. Their collections are filled with the latest silhouettes seen on runways - think oversized blazers, wide-leg trousers, slip dresses, and minimalist basics. The color palette is often more subdued and sophisticated, focused on neutrals and muted tones with pops of seasonal color.

Fit & Sizing

Old Navy is a go-to for inclusive and predictable sizing. They offer a comprehensive range from petite to tall and plus sizes up to 4X, all integrated into their main product lines. Their fit is generally more relaxed and true-to-size for the American market.

H&M offers a good range of sizes, including a plus-size section, but their overall fit is more tailored and runs smaller than Old Navy's. It's not uncommon for shoppers to size up, especially in more structured items like blazers and coats. Finding the right fit can sometimes require trying on different styles in-store.

Shopping Experience

Old Navy stores are typically large, bright, and organized by department (women, men, kids), making family shopping trips easy to navigate. Their website is straightforward and promotion-heavy, making it obvious where the best deals are.

H&M stores offer a more modern, boutique-like experience, often merchandised by trend or collection. The atmosphere is energetic and fashion-forward. Their website is polished and functions as a style guide, providing outfit inspiration and editorials alongside product listings.

Sustainability & Ethics

H&M has made sustainability a core part of its brand identity and is widely considered a leader among fast-fashion retailers in this area. Through its garment collecting program, broad use of sustainable materials, and commitment to supply chain transparency, H&M gives environmentally conscious shoppers a more responsible way to engage with fast fashion.

Old Navy, as part of Gap Inc., has also increased its use of sustainable materials like certified organic cotton. However, its efforts are less prominent and marketed than H&M's, and the brand is not as known for its environmental initiatives.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both retailers offer excellent value, but they cater to distinct priorities and styles.

Choose Old Navy if:

• You are shopping on a tight budget and want the most bang for your buck.
• You need durable, comfortable clothes for your entire family, especially children.
• Inclusive sizing up to 4X is a must-have for you.
• You prefer classic, casual, and colorful American styles over chasing fleeting trends.

Choose H&M if:

• You want to wear the latest fashion trends without the designer price tag.
• Your personal style is more minimalist, modern, or European.
• Shopping with brands that have strong, visible sustainability initiatives is important to you.
• You're looking for affordable workwear or trendy pieces for a night out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Navy or H&M cheaper?

Old Navy is definitively cheaper. Between its lower baseline prices and its extremely frequent sales, Old Navy offers more opportunities for deep savings on everyday apparel for the whole family.

Which brand has better quality?

This can vary by item, but H&M generally has a slight edge in material variety and construction, especially in their higher-priced collections. Old Navy's quality is consistent and reliable for casual basics like denim and tees.

Who has better plus-size options?

Old Navy is superior in this category. Their BODEQUALITY initiative integrates plus sizes (up to 4X and size 30) directly into their main line with consistent pricing and availability, making for a much better shopping experience.

Is H&M sizing smaller than Old Navy?

Yes, H&M's sizing typically runs smaller and is more fitted than Old Navy's. Most shoppers find Old Navy runs true-to-size for the American market, while they often need to size up at H&M.

Which store is better for basics?

It depends on the style. For classic, comfortable basics like plain tees, hoodies, and straightforward denim, Old Navy is the winner. For more stylized basics like a ribbed tank top, a perfectly draped t-shirt, or a minimalist sweater, H&M is the better choice.

Which brand is more sustainable?

H&M has a much stronger and more public commitment to sustainability. Their in-store garment recycling program and extensively marketed Conscious Collection make them the clear choice for shoppers prioritizing environmental concerns.

Does Old Navy or H&M have better sales?

Old Navy has more frequent and aggressive sales. It is common to find the entire store discounted at 30-50% off, whereas H&M's sales are often more seasonal or limited to specific clearance sections.