Over the past few years, Old Navy has taken over more and more of my closet, particularly since Zac Posen took over Gap Inc. in 2024. The brand excels in affordable basics, but they also have hidden gems in other categories, like activewear and dresses. Shopping in-store can be a little chaotic and overwhelming at the best of times — there’s just so much stuff — but online, it’s a little easier to navigate through Old Navy’s full array of offerings. (Shopping online also lets you see the full range of colors and sizes, including tall and petite sizing which can be hard to come by at other retailers.)
Read more This Face Scrubber Gets ‘Deep Down Into The Pores’ — And It’s Somehow Only $5
To make it even easier to find the best of what Old Navy has to offer, I put out a call to my HuffPost colleagues to tell me about their favorite items from the brand, which has more than a few fans in our newsroom. Below, you’ll find the women’s clothing items we believe to be truly worth the money — and perhaps even more money than they cost, given the accessible price tags on so many of these pieces.
The crewneck tee three different HuffPosters practically live in
Old Navy’s vintage crewneck T-shirt has many fans around our office; when I asked my colleagues to tell me about their favorite items from the store, three different people mentioned how much they love these loose, boxy tees. Editorial director Kristen Aiken even said she owns at least 20 of them, adding, “I refuse to buy other T-shirts.” The hem hits below the waist and has vented sides. The shirt also features drop-shoulder sleeves and a ribbed crew neck. It’s made with a soft jersey cotton (speaking from experience, Old Navy tees tend to shrink in the dryer, so hang-dry them or size up if that’s a concern for you).
The shirt comes in a whopping 21 colorways and sizes XS-4X, including tall and petite options.
This racerback sports bra in their stretchy PowerChill fabric
I recently bought this racerback sports bra because I wanted one that wore more like a shirt, and I had heard good things about Old Navy’s activewear. The PowerChill fabric is ultra-soft and stretchy, while still wicking away moisture and feeling firm enough to support. You can pair this with the matching leggings for a full set, but I opted not to after trying them on (they’re unfortunately not cameltoe-free). Still, I like the bra’s longer — but still cropped — length and the ultra-soft feel, and am just fine wearing this with my own high-waisted black leggings. The bra comes in seven colors, and sizes XS-4X.
The most comfortable pair of jeans I own
I bought these high-waisted flare jeans on sale during Black Friday, and they introduced me to the comfort of the brand’s low-priced “Wow” denim, which is more affordable than traditional denim, not to mention stretchier (they’re made with cotton, polyester and a 1% spandex blend). It’s genuinely hard for me to wear non-stretch jeans after slipping these on and luxuriating in the comfort. The waist sits at the belly button, and I like the flare for its happy medium between a skinny and loose fit. I opted for the medium wash, but these come in three other colors, and sizes 00-30, along with three inseams.
An editor-beloved button-down shirt
HuffPost Shopping managing editor Emily Ruane is a big fan of this oversized button-down and previously stated that she owns it in at least five colorways. “They’re pretty much all I wear to work throughout the week. (And honestly, on the weekends! I just pair it with more casual pants.),” she said. “It’s definitely a softer and looser silhouette, so if you’re looking for something really crisp and structured, this is probably not the shirt for you. I, however, love how ultralightweight it is. (It’s great to wear when the weather is hot but you still want to look a little polished.) As someone who lives in button shirts but also wants to be extremely comfortable, this is the perfect compromise. The oversized fit is pretty spot-on, too – my usual size, a small, fits with a perfectly roomy/slouchy fit.”
The shirt comes in 11 colorways — three of which are currently on sale for under $20 — and sizes XS-4X, with tall and petite sizing also available.
The basic tank one writer owns in a bunch of colors
Senior wellness reporter Jillian Wilson said, “I have this tank top in multiple colors (white, black, blue, peach) and love it on its own or underneath a cardigan. It’s simple yet stylish and I think it looks way more expensive than it is.” The ribbed material hits high at the neck and ends right at the waist with a snug fit that avoids being see-through. The tank comes in 25 colorways, including solids, stripes and graphics. Get it in sizes XXS-4X, including tall and petite options.
A denim button-down one editor called a “hero” in her closet
Lindsay Holmes, deputy director of HuffPost Life, said, “This denim button down is a hero in my closet. It’s perfectly oversized and great as a warm layer or stylish on its own! Very high quality for the price.” The shirt, which can you wear as a layer or on its own, has year-round appeal and strikes the right balance between casual and polished. Roll up the button cuffs, tuck in the curved hem or let it hang down — this is a truly versatile piece. It comes in three washes and sizes XS-4X, including tall and petite.
Plus these excellent high-waisted jeans that are too good to gatekeep
Holmes also said, “I also really want to gatekeep these jeans but they’re one of my most-worn pairs (especially in white). If you’re a fan of high-waisted styles, these are excellent.” Unlike the Wow denim I mentioned earlier, these jeans have less stretch, and this particular silhouette is even higher-waisted, landing above the belly button. Even with the lower stretch fabrication, however, reviewers say the fit is comfortable, especially with the wide-leg shape.
While Holmes’ white colorway is out of stock in most sizes, the jeans come in a bunch of other washes, some of which are on sale for 50% off right now. Get your own pair in sizes 00-30, and in regular, tall or petite.
A classic cardigan that looks more expensive than it is
Another of my colleagues recommended this cropped cardigan, which at first glance appears pretty darn similar to far pricier options from J.Crew or Quince. Made with Old Navy’s SoSoft fabric (a cotton blend, but designed to feel like cashmere), the cardigan has a ribbed hem and cuffs, and a cropped fit you can wear on its own or as a layer. It comes in five classic solids, three fun patterns or in a cable knit in brown and navy. Get one (or multiple!) in sizes XS-4X, including tall and petite options.
The flip flops I’ve been buying on repeat since I was a child
I genuinely don’t know that I’ve ever purchased a pair of flip flops that wasn’t from Old Navy — I’ve been wearing their $5 flip flops to the pool and beach since I was a kid and my mom was buying these for our whole family. They’re ultra-lightweight, durable enough for me to keep my pairs for several years, and nothing can convince me to spend a ton on flip flops when these do everything I need for such a low price. I almost always get them in classic black, but they come in a few other colors, and sizes 5-11.
A 3-pack of running socks that actually stay put
Greta Geiselman, our senior director of global workplace and security, tipped me off to this three-pack of running angle socks, saying, “I don’t run but can attest that these are comfy and STAY PUT with my sneakers. I hate socks that slip.” The socks, which come in three color combos and two sizes, are designed with a no-slip heel to deliver on that promise, which also has the benefit of protecting the backs of your heels from rubbing up against your shoes because of the taller tabs. The socks also feature zoned cushioning with arch support and notched toe seams.
Read more This Is The Comfortable Women’s Underwear That HuffPost Readers Buy In Bulk
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
Leave a Reply