I Compared Old Navy to Target for 2026 Wardrobe Essentials -- Which Store Is Most Affordable?
Old Navy and Target are both known for their affordable wardrobe essentials, but certain items are still cheaper at one than the other. So, I decided to compare the prices of staple items from Old Navy and Target to figure out which retailer gives you the most bang for your buck.
To keep this comparison as fair as possible, I looked at specific products in both stores that are close in style.
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Here's how the two stack up when it comes to building a basic wardrobe without overspending.
Basic T-Shirts
Old Navy's basic soft-wash T-shirt costs only $7.49, which is tough to beat. The fabric is lightweight and comfortable, and based on the positive reviews, most customers seem to love it as well.
Target's equivalent from A New Day is about 69 cents less, at $6.80, it's made from lightweight cotton that can be worn anytime of year.
Jeans
You may want to get your jeans at Old Navy, too. Old Navy's straight-leg jeans are already pretty budget-friendly at around $40, but they frequently get priced under $20 during sales.
For example, it's currently 41% off at only $22. Target's Wild Fable jeans are less expensive at their full price $28, but they don't get marked down as often. So from a pure cost perspective, Old Navy still wins if you buy their jeans on sale.
Hoodies
Old Navy's classic hoodie is around $45, but it often goes on promotion just like their other wardrobe essentials. Right now, it's only half the price at $22.49. Target's zip-up hoodie costs $35, but is on sale for around $30.
And though it seems to be slightly thicker, you pay more for what amounts to a small quality bump. Again, if budget is your priority, Old Navy gets you a warm hoodie for less.
Activewear Leggings
Activewear is a category where Target wins on price. Old Navy's PowerSoft leggings are soft, supportive, and under $25 when they go on sale. But without promotions, it's $39,99, which isn't that affordable.
Target's All in Motion leggings cost only $21 with promotions and $30 without. So if you're looking for a basic black pair of leggings, you may want to go with Target instead of Old Navy.
Button-Down Shirts
This is another category where Old Navy beats Target. Old Navy's classic button-down shirt costs $29.99 without promotion and $14.99 when on sale. Plus, it has over 7,500 mostly positive reviews, and many shoppers say the fit is great and the quality feels better than expected for the price.
Target's version of a similar white button-down costs a bit more at around $25 and isn't on sale. Many shoppers also mention that it wrinkles pretty easily after washing, so you'll want to keep that in mind.
Which Store Is More Affordable in 2026?
If you're looking for clothing essentials like basic T-shirts and hoodies, Old Navy is generally more affordable compared to Target, especially when you factor in sales and promotions. That said, Target is still a great place to shop. Based on customer reviews, the in-house brands seem to have solid quality and may hold up better wash after wash. This is important if you plan to keep clothes for the long haul rather than rotating them season to season. But if you want to save money upfront, consider going to Old Navy instead.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are accurate as of March 18, 2026, and are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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