Old Navy Activewear: Why I Shop The Children’s Section •

Out with the old, in with the bold.

This summer, I have been all about color. I feel like I spent all of 2020 in black and gray athleisure, so I figured what better way to add a little joy to my wardrobe than with vibrant hues! Apparently I’m not alone with this idea, because every retailer I visited this week in Florida was completely picked over – which is what led me to the children’s section and inspired today’s post!

As a *very* late bloomer, I spent way more years in the children’s clothing section than my friends – but the plus side is that I learned a lot of the sizes overlap into the adult section, leading to a lot of perks!

When it comes to shopping, it’s important to disregard the tag size on your clothes. Every brand fits SO differently, and the number on the tag should never reflect how you feel about yourself. For example, I wear a 00 in Old Navy, a 0 in Express, a 2 in ASOS, a 4 in Topshop, a 6 in Lululemon, and an 8 in my bridesmaid gown for a friend’s wedding. I’m a 34A in most bras, but a 32C in Victoria’s Secret – always baffling!

By learning to disregard the tag size, it not only boosts your self-esteem – but it widens your shopping options!

First of all, children’s clothing is usually a fraction of the price – so if you’re investing in a designer piece (say, a Moncler puffer or a Barbour coat), it’s smart to try on the children’s (boys or girls) version of a style to get the look for less! In high school, my friends and I always preferred the boys Polos for a boxier fit (and passed the school dress code), and the Northface fleece jackets always fit a bit more cropped in the kid’s section, so it’s a great way to find a style that you love in a different fit.

Another reason why I peruse the children’s section occasionally is because it’s usually less picked over than the women’s section. When I was looking for colorful athletic wear, I couldn’t find any matching sets in my size – however, the children’s section was packed with coordinating sets that looked identical to the women’s. Best of all, they were half the price – win.

If you’ve ever shopped at Old Navy, you’re probably familiar with the fact that their items run a bit large. I always size down when I shop there, so it’s no surprise their children’s section runs a bit large too. I snagged this vibrant red sports bra and yoga pants set this past weekend, and I have to say I am blown away with the comfort! The pants are so lightweight and comfy, and they remind me a lot of my favorite Outdoor Voices pants!

For size reference, I am 5’4 and a size 0/2 typically. I picked up these leggings in a Girls XL (14-16), and I may size down to a Girls L (10-12) on my next pair. They have an almost identical fit to my Outdoor Voices yoga pants in a size S, and they are roomier than the FP Movement leggings in a size XS. Best of all, they are less than $20 and come in lots of colors. If your standard activewear size is X-Small to Medium, the children’s Large to XXL should be the perfect fit!

If you are busty, you’d probably want to size up – but for my frame, the XL sports bra fits super comfortably – and I have to say, it may be my new favorite!

Since Old Navy ALWAYS has sales, you can catch these affordable favorites at highly discounted prices often – so be on the lookout for their endless sales for guilt-free shopping to spruce up your wardrobe!

Keep scrolling to see more of my look and all the details for my outfit + more of my Old Navy Activewear picks!