Old Navy
Rated: Fair
Price: $
Location: USA
Quick verdict
Old Navy is best for budget-conscious families who need affordable basics with some sustainability awareness baked in. The Washwell™ denim program has saved 6 billion litres of water since 2016, and Gap Inc. achieved 98% sustainably sourced cotton by 2024: genuine bright spots. However, the core fast fashion model with 3,000+ women's styles, aggressive discounting, and no living wage guarantee fundamentally undermines sustainability claims.
Key info
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA (Gap Inc.)
- Founded
- 1994
- Product categories
- Fast Fashion, Basics, Family
- Price range
- $
- Key certifications
- Better Cotton Initiative member, Washwell™ (WRI-validated), SBTi-approved targets (Gap Inc.), ZDHC commitment.
Old Navy sustainability rating
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (We Avoid) to 5 (Excellent). How we rate
Rating breakdown
98% of cotton from BCI/organic/recycled sources (Gap Inc., 2024). 100% of denim meets Washwell standards. But still relies heavily on virgin polyester; products labeled "sustainable" can contain as little as 5% recycled content—a greenwashing red flag.
No supply chain factories certified by independent labor standards. Only 68% of facilities "green-rated" on internal audits. Requires minimum legal wages only, not living wages.
SBTi-approved targets (net-zero by 2050, 30% Scope 3 reduction by 2030). Washwell has saved 6 billion litres. But Fashion Transparency Index scored 33/100 for climate/biodiversity. No take-back or recycling program.
Gap Inc. publishes full Tier 1 factory list, annual ESG reports, emissions data, and audit compliance. However, raw materials traceability scored just 5/100 on the Fashion Transparency Index.
Exceptionally affordable. Size-inclusive (2XS–4XL). Quality complaints are common (thin fabrics, items deteriorating quickly), but the budget value proposition is strong.
What they do well
- Washwell™ denim program. Saves 20%+ water per garment in washing, with 6 billion litres saved since 2016, validated by the World Resources Institute
- 98% sustainably sourced cotton. Across Gap Inc. (BCI, organic, recycled, regenerative) as of 2024, targeting 100% by 2025
- Supply chain transparency at the parent level: Gap Inc. publishes Tier 1 factory lists, ESG reports, vendor audit results, and emissions data
- Size inclusivity. Extended sizing (2XS–4XL), plus, tall, petite, and maternity lines
- P.A.C.E. program: Gap Inc. initiative supporting women and girls in the supply chain
Room for improvement
- No living wage commitment. Only requires minimum legal wages. No factories certified by independent labor standards (Fair Trade, SA8000)
- Greenwashing on "sustainable" labels. Products contain as little as 5% recycled cotton or 13% recycled polyester while being marketed as sustainable. Multiple independent reviewers flag this as misleading
- No circular economy programs. Unlikesome competitors, offers no garment recycling, take-back, or resale programs
About Old Navy
Old Navy launched in 1994 as Gap Inc.'s budget-friendly spin-off, named after a bar in Paris. Today it operates 1,200+ stores and is Gap Inc.'s largest revenue driver at over $9 billion annually. The brand offers everyday casual clothing for men, women, children, and babies at aggressively low prices.
Primary materials include conventional cotton, polyester, viscose, and spandex. Through Gap Inc., the brand has made meaningful cotton sourcing progress (98% from sustainable sources in 2024) and real water savings through Washwell. The brand follows ZDHC chemical management standards.
Manufacturing occurs in Vietnam, China, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Central America. Gap Inc. publishes a full Tier 1 factory list and uses a green/amber/red audit system, As of 2021, 68% of sourcing volume came from compliant facilities, meaning 32% had issues. The Fashion Transparency Index gave Gap Inc. 44/100 overall.
Shipping is standard with free delivery over ~$50. Returns are free in-store within 30 days. Compared to H&M and Target, Old Navy is generally cheaper but with lower perceived quality. Trustpilot reviews are poor (1.5 stars, ~500 reviews) with complaints about missing items, declining quality, and poor customer service.
Product highlights
Washwell™ Straight-Leg Jeans
Classic denim with water-saving wash process
~$30–35
Made using validated Washwell techniques; 100% of eligible denim meets these standards
EveryWear Crew-Neck T-Shirt
Cotton-blend everyday basic
~$8–12
Bestselling basic in 30+ colours, size-inclusive to 4XL
High-Waisted PowerSoft Leggings
Nylon/spandex activewear
~$25–30
Popular budget activewear; no recycled content confirmed
Heart Earth Denim Collection
Sustainable-branded denim
~$25–40
Consumer-facing sustainability range; note recycled content is low (5–13%)
