Inexpensive knits tend to fail along two lines: they either feel sheer like tissue paper or cling uncomfortably to the hips. Old Navy opted for a breathable cotton blend with a modest percentage of spandex to guarantee rebound. In our fabric scale tests, the textile logged a mid-weight density of approximately 175 grams per square meter (GSM). That weight is substantial enough to drape smoothly over underwear lines without requiring a separate slip.
The smocked bodice is the primary engineering feature. Rather than using an unyielding woven backing, Old Navy threaded elastic directly through the jersey knit fabric. This method maintains two-way give while producing a waist-defining fit that hugs the torso without constricting lung capacity. Tactile touch is soft and matte. Unlike synthetic polyester slub, this cotton-rich knit allows skin to breathe during high-humidity heatwaves.