Old Navy PowerSoft Leggings Review: Honest 2026 Test

Are Old Navy PowerSoft leggings actually squat-proof, and do they stay up once you start moving? That is the real question behind any useful old navy powersoft leggings review. If you want affordable leggings for walking, Pilates, lifting, or errands, PowerSoft is a common pick because the price is low, the size range is broad, and sales are frequent.

Short answer: PowerSoft leggings are a good budget option for everyday wear and light to moderate workouts. They feel soft, the high rise is comfortable, and darker colors are usually more reliable in a squat test. The trade-off is lighter compression, some waistband shifting during harder workouts, and inconsistent opacity across colors.

If your top concerns are see-through fabric, roll-down, pilling, and fit on real bodies, this review covers where PowerSoft performs well and where it does not. And if you landed here specifically to compare PowerSoft with PowerChill, there is a dedicated section below.

How Old Navy PowerSoft Leggings Fit and Feel

PowerSoft leans soft first. According to Yahoo Shopping's January 2026 coverage, the fabric is a recycled polyester and spandex blend that offers "ample stretch" and reviewers say they "feel more expensive than they are." The fabric has a smooth, brushed feel with more give than true performance compression leggings.

That makes them comfortable for walking, travel, yoga, errands, and low-impact training. It also means they do not give the same locked-in hold as firmer gym leggings made for running or heavy leg days.

Waistband and rise

Most PowerSoft styles use a high-waisted fit with a wide waistband. On many bodies, that creates a flattering, secure feel for daily wear. For shorter torsos, the rise can feel very high. For longer torsos or repeated bending, the waistband may shift a bit.

Best for: all-day comfort, light smoothing, easy wear.
Less ideal for: shoppers who want strong compression and a no-adjust waistband.

Fabric feel

The fabric feels soft rather than slick, which many people prefer for casual wear. It does not have the dense, tight feel of more compressive leggings. That softer surface is comfortable, but it can also show wear faster in high-friction areas.

Bottom line: they feel better than many low-cost leggings right away, but they do not feel as substantial as premium training tights.

From the Avurer shop: Avurer Viva High-Waist Leggings suit shoppers who want a firmer waistband and more consistent opacity than PowerSoft offers, in sizes S–L. Build a set of three or more pieces and 15% comes off automatically at checkout.

Are Old Navy PowerSoft Leggings Squat-Proof?

This is the most important part of any old navy powersoft leggings review. If leggings turn sheer in a squat, the rest matters less.

In darker colors, PowerSoft leggings are usually opaque enough for standard gym use. Black, navy, and other deep shades tend to perform better than pale or seasonal colors. Opacity depends mostly on size, color, and how much the fabric stretches across the hips and glutes.

What affects opacity

1. Size: Sizing down for extra compression can make the fabric go sheer faster.
2. Color: Light shades and some prints are more likely to show underwear lines or look semi-sheer in deep bends.
3. Stretch level: If the fabric is under more tension through the seat, opacity usually drops there first.

For a practical answer, Old Navy PowerSoft leggings can be squat-proof, but not every pair is equally reliable. If non-see-through coverage is your top priority, darker shades are the safer choice.

Best use cases for opacity

They are usually fine for walking, yoga, Pilates, and casual strength work. For deep squats, split squats, or bright studio lighting, some shoppers may want a thicker fabric or stronger compression.

Key takeaway: PowerSoft is better than many bargain leggings, but it is not the most dependable option for full-depth squat coverage across every color.

PowerSoft vs PowerChill: What Is Actually Different?

The most common question that brings people to this review is the PowerSoft vs PowerChill comparison. They are both Old Navy activewear fabric lines, but they are built for different situations.

Here is what the available information shows — and where the gaps are.

PowerSoft: what it is

PowerSoft is Old Navy's general-purpose activewear fabric. Yahoo Shopping's 2026 review describes it as a recycled polyester and spandex blend with "ample stretch," moisture-wicking properties, and an extra-high waist. It is designed for everyday wear and light to moderate training. Regular retail price runs around $40; sale pricing can drop to $25 or lower. Over 80% of Old Navy shoppers give PowerSoft leggings five out of five stars, which is a strong signal for the price point.

One detail worth knowing: Old Navy has updated the PowerSoft line over time. The newer Boundless version removes the front seam that earlier styles had. Opinions split on this. Most reviewers treat the seam removal as an upgrade, but some shoppers in that same review thread preferred the original construction, saying "no front seam is kind of weird to me, not a benefit." If you have worn older PowerSoft and loved the fit, it is worth checking which version you are buying.

PowerChill: what it is

PowerChill is Old Navy's cooling-focused fabric line. The name signals its purpose: it is positioned for warmer conditions, higher-sweat workouts, or shoppers who run hot. Refinery29's activewear coverage lists PowerChill styles at lower price points than PowerSoft (a PowerChill flare pant was noted at $20 on sale), which suggests it may sit slightly lower in Old Navy's activewear hierarchy.

That said, the research available does not include PowerChill's exact fabric composition, its waistband construction, or direct opacity comparisons with PowerSoft. Those are genuine open questions. What can be said from the product names and positioning alone: PowerChill is built around temperature management, while PowerSoft is built around feel and everyday compression.

Which one is better for hot weather or cooling workouts?

Based on positioning, PowerChill is the more logical pick for hot yoga, summer runs, or any workout where you want the fabric to feel cooler against the skin. PowerSoft's brushed, soft texture is more suited to moderate temperatures and lower-sweat activities.

If you run hot or sweat heavily, PowerChill is the line to look at first. If you want a softer feel for Pilates, walking, or strength training in a climate-controlled gym, PowerSoft is the better fit.

Styles available in each line

PowerSoft appears across leggings (full-length, 7/8, and shorts), sports bras, and some tops. Refinery29 notes a PowerSoft sports bra at $34.99 and rib-paneled 7/8 leggings at $44.99 (on sale for $35) as part of the broader line. PowerChill has been seen in leggings and flare pants; the full style range is not confirmed by the sources available here.

Side-by-side summary

Feature	PowerSoft	PowerChill
Primary purpose	Everyday comfort, light compression	Cooling, warm-weather workouts
Fabric	Recycled polyester + spandex	Not confirmed in available sources
Feel	Soft, brushed, substantial	Lighter, cooling-focused
Best for	Pilates, walking, yoga, strength	Hot yoga, summer runs, high-sweat sessions
Price range (sale)	~$25–$35	~$20+ (limited data)
Opacity data	Good in dark colors, variable in light	No direct comparison data available

Compression, Stay-Up Performance, and Workout Use

Another common question in an old navy powersoft leggings review is whether the waistband stays put. Here, the answer is fairly simple: good for lighter movement, less reliable for higher-impact training.

PowerSoft offers light to medium compression (see our guide on compression leggings for recovery). That is comfortable for long wear, but it also means some people will need the occasional pull-up during faster or more intense workouts.

Where they work best

Walking: Very good. Soft, flexible, and easy to wear for hours.
Pilates: Good for mat classes. Reformer users may want a firmer waistband.
Yoga: Good if you prefer comfort over heavy compression.
Strength training: Fine for upper-body sessions and general lifting. Less secure for heavy lower-body days — if you need options with stronger hold, see our best leggings for strength training guide.
Running: Not the best fit if you want strong hold and zero bounce.

Does the waistband roll down?

For most wearers, the waistband stays flatter than very cheap leggings, but it is not exceptional. Torso length, workout style, and fit all matter. If your main test is, "Can I finish a workout without touching the waistband?" PowerSoft may fall short.

One sizing note: some reviewers in Yahoo Shopping's coverage report the leggings run snug or roll down when between sizes. Most reviewers praise the fit, but it is not universally reliable across body types. When in doubt, size up rather than down.

If comfort matters more than firm hold, the lighter support may actually be a plus.

Durability, Pilling, and Wash Performance

An honest old navy powersoft leggings review also has to cover what happens after several wears and washes. This is where budget leggings often separate into good value or false economy.

PowerSoft leggings usually hold up reasonably well for the price, but durability is not perfectly consistent. Some pairs stay smooth for months, while others show wear earlier, especially at the inner thighs.

Common durability issues

Pilling: Possible over time, especially in high-friction areas.
Shape retention: Usually decent, but some pairs can feel less supportive after repeated washing.
Surface wear: The brushed finish can look older faster than slick performance fabric.

How to make them last longer

Wash in cold water, turn them inside out, and skip fabric softener (see REI's guide to washing activewear). Air drying helps protect stretch and surface texture. Rotating multiple pairs also reduces early wear.

Reality check: they are good for the money, not premium for the money. If you expect high-end durability at sale pricing, you will likely be disappointed.

Value, Sizing, and How They Compare

Price is a big reason people look for an old navy powersoft leggings review. Yahoo Shopping's 2026 review puts the regular retail price at around $40, with sale pricing dropping to $25 — making PowerSoft one of the cheaper activewear buys from a major retailer. That matters, but value is not just price. It is price versus fit, opacity, hold, and how long the leggings still look good.

Sizing notes

Old Navy gets credit for a broad size range and multiple lengths in many styles. That is a real advantage. The catch is that fit can vary slightly by color, fabric batch, and seasonal release.

Choose your usual size if comfort and better opacity matter most.
Size down only if needed for a firmer fit, knowing that sheerness risk can go up.

How they compare to other affordable leggings

Vs. Aerie OFFLINE Real Me: PowerSoft usually feels a bit more substantial. Real Me is lighter and stretchier, but often less supportive.
Vs. CRZ Yoga Butterluxe: Butterluxe often feels more refined and fluid, but usually costs more. PowerSoft wins on easier sale pricing.
Vs. Old Navy PowerChill: PowerSoft generally feels more supportive and more gym-ready than PowerChill. PowerChill is the better pick when cooling is the priority.

Main trade-off: PowerSoft gives you comfort, accessible pricing, and decent everyday performance, but not the strongest compression or the most consistent squat-proof coverage.

When to choose something else

If your top priorities are strong waistband hold, zero sheerness in deep squats, and better long-term resilience, paying more for a more performance-focused legging may make sense.

If you want a practical pair for weekly wear, light workouts, and everyday comfort, PowerSoft is still a fair buy in 2026.

FAQ: Old Navy PowerSoft Leggings Review

Are Old Navy PowerSoft leggings see-through?

Usually not in darker colors and the right size, but lighter shades and overstretched pairs can become sheer during squats or deep bends.

Do Old Navy PowerSoft leggings stay up during workouts?

They stay up well for walking, yoga, and lighter training. For running or intense lower-body sessions, some wearers may need to adjust the waistband. Shoppers who are between sizes report more roll-down than those who fit squarely in one size.

Do Old Navy PowerSoft leggings pill?

They can pill over time, especially at the inner thighs or other high-friction points. Gentle washing and air drying help reduce wear.

Should I size down in Old Navy PowerSoft leggings?

Usually no, unless your regular size feels loose. Sizing down may increase compression, but it can also reduce comfort and opacity.

What is the difference between PowerSoft and PowerChill?

PowerSoft is Old Navy's everyday compression fabric — soft, brushed, and suited to Pilates, walking, and general gym use. PowerChill is the cooling-focused line, designed for warmer conditions and higher-sweat workouts. The exact fabric composition of PowerChill is not confirmed in the sources available here, but the positioning is clear: PowerChill for heat management, PowerSoft for everyday feel and light compression.

Is PowerChill better for hot yoga?

Based on how Old Navy positions the two lines, yes — PowerChill is the more logical choice for hot yoga or any high-heat session. PowerSoft's brushed texture is better suited to moderate temperatures. That said, no direct opacity or performance comparison between the two fabrics in hot yoga conditions is available from current sources.

Are Old Navy PowerSoft leggings worth it in 2026?

Yes, if you want budget-friendly leggings for everyday wear and moderate workouts. They are less convincing if you want premium compression or fully consistent squat-proof coverage. More than 80% of Old Navy shoppers rate them five stars, which is a strong signal at the $25–$40 price range.

Final Verdict

The clearest takeaway from this old navy powersoft leggings review is simple: they are a solid budget legging, not a top-tier performance legging. They feel soft, fit comfortably, and work well for walking, yoga, Pilates, errands, and casual gym sessions.

The limits are clear too. Opacity can vary by color, compression is moderate, and durability is decent rather than standout. For shoppers who want affordable, wearable leggings without spending much, PowerSoft makes sense. PowerChill is the better call when cooling is the priority.

If your standard is strong hold, reliable squat coverage, and less waistband adjustment under tension, compare them with more performance-driven options before you buy. If you want a proof-first benchmark, explore Avurer's activewear to see how fit, hold, and opacity look on real bodies before you decide.