I recently decided to put sweaters from Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Gap through the wringer. My goal wasn’t just to compare styles or price tags I wanted to see which ones lasted in real life. Because honestly, sometimes paying more upfront can save you from regret later.
Here’s what happened when I wore each sweater for a full day, tested washability, and monitored wear and tear. The results taught me one big lesson: quality often matters more than cost.
The Setup: What I Tested & Why
I ordered three very similar crewneck sweaters:
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One from Old Navy (affordable, mass market)
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One from Gap (mid-tier, classic staples)
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One from Banana Republic (premium sibling in the same brand family)
Each was intended as a fall/winter staple something I could dress up or down, layer under a coat, or wear solo in cooler temps.
My testing criteria:
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Fit & drape — how it sits on the body
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Comfort & texture — does it itch, stretch, or feel flimsy?
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Durability across a day — friction, pilling, fabric pull
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Wash / wear test (after use) — how it holds up after laundering
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Cost vs. value — price paid vs. longevity potential
Spoiler: the more expensive sweater didn’t surprise me but the middle one definitely caught my attention.
How Each Sweater Performed
Here’s a breakdown of my findings.
Old Navy: The budget contender
What I liked:
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It felt warm and cozy for most of the day.
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For the price (about $40, and I later saw it discounted to ~$20), it has good everyday value.
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The design was casual enough to go with jeans or a layered fall outfit.
What disappointed me:
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The fit was a bit shapeless. It lacked structure unless I tucked or folded parts of the hem.
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I noticed some frayed threads already on the first wear signs the yarns are loose.
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The blend was heavy on cotton/polyester and mixed fibers, which meant it didn’t feel luxurious.
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Others have commented online that sweaters from Old Navy tend to pill or lose shape over time.
In short: a solid buy if you need something cheap and seasonal but not likely to be a forever piece.
Gap: The middle ground
What I liked:
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The sweater felt more structured than Old Navy’s.
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Comfort was solid it was soft enough to wear all day.
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The price ($60 with potential sales) seemed more justified for the slight bump in feel and fit.
What wasn’t perfect:
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It didn’t quite match the elegance or finish of the Banana Republic sweater.
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The fabric mix was still visible it didn’t feel “pure” or premium.
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In reviews, Gap is often praised for durability over fast fashion, but some shoppers say quality has dipped in recent years.
I saw Gap as the “smart buy” not cheap, not luxury and for many wardrobes, that’s the sweet spot.
Banana Republic: Paying for premium
What I loved:
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The cashmere sweater felt luxuriously soft, and the cut was elegant and flattering.
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It had a polished look that made it work for casual or dressier settings.
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Despite being pricier (around $160), I felt like I was buying longevity, not just a trend.
Where it had flaws:
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It was indeed a bit itchy in spots if worn without something underneath.
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I noticed some “fuzz” shedding not extreme, but noticeable.
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Some reviews warn that silk blends or fancy knits in Banana Republic lines can pill or degrade faster than expected.
If your budget allows, this is the piece you’re likeliest to keep wearing for years.
Why the “more expensive = better quality” logic often holds true
From this experiment and from what I’ve read, here are reasons why investing more often pays off:
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Better yarns and fibers — cashmere, merino, high-grade cottons tend to resist pilling and maintain softness
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Stronger knitting & stitching — seams, ribbing, hems are tighter, less prone to unraveling
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Better finishing & quality control — fewer loose threads, better dyeing, less shrinkage
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More thoughtful blends — when cheaper brands use heavy synthetics, you sacrifice texture and durability
That said, paying more doesn’t guarantee quality. You still have to pick wisely (materials, brand reputation, construction).
How to Shop Smart Even on a Budget
If you don’t want to spend $160 every time, here’s how to get the most from your sweater buys:
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Check the fiber content: natural fibers (wool, cashmere, high-grade cotton) tend to age better
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Inspect seams & hems: pull gently; see how much give there is
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Look at inside loops — loose loops often presage snags
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Buy on sale, but know when to pay full price — a good sweater is worth full price if it becomes a wardrobe staple
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Care matters: gentle wash, lay flat dry, avoid heavy friction
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Rotate your sweaters — let them rest so fibers recover
Value Over Price
At the end of the day, I found a direct correlation: the more I paid, the longer I expect the sweater to last, and the better I’ll feel wearing it. My Banana Republic cashmere proved it. But the Gap sweater surprised me offering much of the comfort and style gap between cheap and luxury.
Old Navy can still play its role as a backup, seasonal option, or casual layering piece. But for a go-to sweater that you’ll reach for season after season, paying for quality often saves you more over time than skimping up front.
