When I was pregnant I looked all over for flattering maternity clothing that was also affordable. In Your Maternity Wardrobe Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune , I offered up many suggestions for how to save money on maternity clothes, but still look and feel great. Two of the stores that I frequented while creating my maternity wardrobe were Old Navy and Gap. Both of these stores, operated by the same company, offer maternity wear. Here is a comparison of the maternity clothes selection at Old Navy and Gap from my first-hand experience.
Selection. Both Old Navy and Gap offer nice varieties of maternity clothing options. The maternity pieces found at Gap are classic offerings such as blue jeans, khakis, solid button up shirts, and cotton t-shirts. Old Navy has more variety in their selection when it comes to pattern and different styles. Being someone with a more classic style, the selection at Gap fit my personality better. If you prefer maternity clothing that is simple, but flattering Gap is a better choice. If you like bold styles and funky details Old Navy is a better choice for your maternity wardrobe. On another note, not all Old Navy stores offer a maternity clothing section. Make sure you check with your Old Navy store for sure before setting out to shop. Also, if you wear plus-sized clothing you will definitely have more luck at Old Navy since they do offer some plus sized maternity clothing options whereas I have never seen plus-sized items in Gap’s maternity section.
Price. I have always been frugal but with a new baby on the way I became even more so during pregnancy. I searched for the best deals to fit my budget when seeking out maternity clothing. Old Navy wins hands down in Gap versus Old Navy debate in terms of maternity clothing prices. Old Navy offers styles in the $15-$30 range with many clearance items going for $10 or less. At one visit to Old Navy I was able to find two pairs of maternity pants and two maternity shirts all for a grand total of $25. Gap has higher prices on their maternity clothing; most are in the $30-$50 range. Gap does have clearance sales, too, but even on clearance Gap maternity clothes won’t beat out Old Navy prices.
Fit. When you are pregnant you are already feeling like your body isn’t really your own for a time so finding maternity clothing that fits well and makes you feel good about yourself is really important. In terms of fit, both the maternity clothing from Gap and Old Navy proved adequate. The maternity clothing I purchased from Gap did seem to fit a little better. I am pretty short and I was able to find pants at Gap that weren’t too long as most maternity pants tended to be. Some of my favorite pieces in terms of fit also came from Old Navy though. Depending on your shape, how you are carrying etc, you may have luck with Gap over Old Navy or vice versa, but overall, both stores offered well-fitting maternity options.
Both Gap and Old Navy are great stores in which to find your maternity wardrobe. While the fit and selection at Gap fit me better, I still preferred Old Navy for my maternity clothing needs because of the value I could find there.
