I tried on similar tops at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. I'm done assuming big names with the highest prices have the best products. (2024)

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My first stop was to Banana Republic.

Banana Republic is a global retailer with over 400 stores.

The store, which offers a range of workwear and elevated-casual styles, was my go-to shop for finding post-college interview outfits and business-casual ensembles.

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I was drawn to a neutral, linen-blend top.

The $65 shirt I tried on at Banana Republic was made of a blend of 52% linen, 45% cotton, and 3% elastane.

I was first drawn to the simple cropped cut and neutral tone. It felt lightweight on the hanger, and breathable material is a priority in my summer wardrobe.

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However, I didn't think the Banana Republic tank was worth the price.

Upon trying it on, the tank felt comfortable and fit well around my shoulders and chest. The silhouette seemed well-constructed and versatile for a variety of outfits. Was it worth $65, though? Not in my opinion.

It's also worth noting that a few weeks later, I found this same top on sale on the Banana Republic website for $39.

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Next, I went to Old Navy.

Old Navy has over 1,200 stores worldwide and offers affordable yet fashionable styles for all ages.

It was my favorite store as a child, and I can vividly remember wandering through the department-store-sized building in search of a new shirt or swimsuit I'd wear repeatedly for months.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the pricing remained mostly consistent with what I remembered (based on the current inflation rates).

The prices also seemed pretty accessible throughout the store — almost all new arrivals cost less than $50 — but the quality did reflect the lower price point.

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The Old Navy tank I picked out was thinner than the version I tried on at Banana Republic.

I found a similar linen-blend tank top at Old Navy but immediately noticed it was somewhat thin and feeble on the rack. In comparison, the Banana Republic version had a thicker lining underneath the shell.

However, at only $25, this top was available at a significantly lower price point. The shirt was made with a blend of 55% linen and 45% rayon.

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I was surprised by how much I liked the top once I tried it on.

I loved the fit of this tank once I put it on in the dressing room — the thick shoulder straps and airy shape felt both comfortable and flattering. Plus, the square neckline would be easy to pair with accessories like necklaces and scarves.

I didn't end up buying the Old Navy tank, but I'd consider going back to browse the store's offerings in the future.

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Finally, I stopped at Gap.

Gap has over 700 locations in North America and Asia.

The brand has come a long way since I was young, replacing some basic T-shirts featuring oversize logos with on-trend pieces that rival some luxury brands.

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I ended up browsing the entire store when I walked in.

I went to Gap just to try on the linen-blend tank but ended up trying on at least 10 different pieces. Since then, I've also been browsing the brand's website.

The entire shopping experience at Gap felt organized and seamless, with easy-to-read labels and dedicated sections for various styles.

The linen-blend tank I found felt high-quality, and I felt confident that I could wear it consistently without tarnishing it.

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I loved how the top from Gap fit me — but I was shocked by the price.

Of all the linen tanks I tried on, the one from Gap was my favorite.

The top fit perfectly and had the same square neckline and thick straps as the Old Navy tank, with a slightly more flowy bodice and a more structured overall look. I also loved the added button details on the back.

However, The Gap tank was $50, double the price of the Old Navy option, even though they had an incredibly similar material makeup (55% linen and 45% viscose rayon). For that reason, I'd only buy the tank from Gap once it went on clearance.

I always thought of Gap as a retailer that offered affordable fashion, but every piece I tried on or stopped to admire in the store seemed severely overpriced for what it was.

For example, a trench coat I liked in the store was $168. Personally, if I'm going to spend that much on a jacket, I'd prefer it to be from a vintage shop or boutique retailer.

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Based on the value, fit, materials, and overall quality, I’d be most likely to buy the tank from Old Navy.

Although I loved how the Gap tank looked on me, based on the overall value, I'd be most likely to buy the option from Old Navy. This completely surprised me, as I assumed the quality would be much lower, especially than that of Banana Republic.

Although there was a slight difference, the price, similar enough condition, and comfortable fit made the choice a no-brainer.

This shopping experience reminded me that a fancy brand name and a higher price don't always mean a better product.