Old Navy is a go-to destination for basics for the whole family and especially when winter rolls in. Big promos, cozy fabrics and a constant flow of new arrivals make it tempting to stock up. But not every item is a smart buy in December. Whether you’re trying to stretch your holiday budget or just make more strategic wardrobe decisions, here are the items you may want to skip at Old Navy this month and why.
Whenever you do decide to shop for winter essentials, here are the six must-have items at Old Navy.
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Early-Winter Outerwear (Before the Post-Holiday Sales)
Old Navy rolls out puffer jackets, wool-blend coats and parkas in November and December, but the best deals almost always arrive after Christmas.
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Why skip now: December prices on outerwear are often higher, even during promos.
- Better timing: The week between Christmas and New Year’s typically has the deepest markdowns, sometimes 50% to 70% off.
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Trend-Based Holiday Sweaters
The glittery, novelty, ultra-seasonal and of course “ugly” sweaters are fun but most won’t hold up beyond the holidays.
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Why skip now: These pieces rarely get worn more than a few times and their quality can be hit-or-miss.
- Better alternatives: Classic cable knits or neutral pullovers often go on sale and you’ll wear them long after December.
Basic Tees and Everyday Staples
Old Navy’s iconic basics, crewnecks, v-necks and long-sleeve tees are not typically at their lowest in December.
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Why skip now: These essentials see their steepest discounts during back-to-school or midsummer.
- Better timing: Wait until January clearance to stock up on basics if you need them soon.
Lounge and Pajama Sets (Until Mid-December)
Old Navy’s holiday pajama sets are wildly popular and tend to sell out quickly, but there are a few reasons to hold off buying them in early December:
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Why skip now: Prices spike due to high demand, especially for matching family patterns. If you have a large family, buying a full set for everyone can get expensive and often the only reason to buy is for a quick holiday photo.
- Better timing: If you don’t need them for Christmas photos, wait until just before or after the holiday, when seasonal prints go on deep discount. This way, you can still get sets each family member likes without breaking the bank.
Accessories
Accessories at Old Navy, like scarves, hats, gloves and holiday-themed socks, can be tempting this time of year, but they’re often not the smartest purchases in December.
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Why skip now: Many of these items are priced higher for the holidays, even though the materials aren’t premium.
- Better timing: Wait for January clearance bins, where these accessories often drop to impulse-buy prices, then simply save them until the holidays next year.
Activewear ‘New Arrivals’
Old Navy activewear and loungewear are generally a good value, but December launches tend to be full-price or lightly discounted.
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Why skip now: Old Navy drops some of its best activewear discounts in January when New Year’s fitness trends kick in.
- Better timing: Skip the December hype and buy when everything goes on a resolution-season sale.
Holiday Kids’ Apparel
Old Navy’s holiday kids’ clothing, from miniature festive knits to glittery party dresses and two-piece matching sets, is undeniably cute, but December isn’t the ideal time to buy it.
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Why skip now: Kids outgrow seasonal clothing fast and the markup for holiday prints is high.
- Better timing: Buy kids’ holiday apparel right after Christmas for next year if you’re comfortable estimating sizes.
Full-Price Denim
Old Navy has excellent denim options, but December isn’t the ideal month to buy them.
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Why skip now: Denim cycles through promos constantly and December is often focused on winter apparel, not jeans.
- Better timing: Look for denim-focused events in January and February, when many washes and cuts are discounted.
Retail Note: Timing Your Holiday Purchases Matters
Holiday shopping can be tricky, especially when it comes to apparel. Recent data shows why it pays to wait for post-holiday markdowns:
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Discounts vary widely: According to Salesforce, in 2024, the average U.S. holiday discount was 23%, while general apparel discounts reached 33%. That means buying too early could mean paying more than necessary.
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Deep discounts happen post-holiday: Some big brands, like Nike, marked down up to 44% of their products in 2024, according to the Business of Fashion, so waiting a few weeks can mean major savings.
- Shoppers are savvy: 75% of consumers in a 2024 Deloitte survey said they plan to wait for early deals in October and November, showing that waiting for the right discount is a common strategy.
If you want the best deals at Old Navy, timing matters. Holding off on seasonal or high-demand items until after the holiday rush can save you a noticeable chunk of your budget.
Shop Smarter This December
Old Navy is a great place to shop during the holidays, but December can be a tricky month for getting the best value. By being strategic, waiting for post-holiday markdowns, avoiding limited-use seasonal items and skipping early-winter markups, you’ll stretch your dollars further and build a wardrobe you truly love.
Editor’s note: Availability may vary depending on location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Types of Items To Avoid at Old Navy This December
