4 days ago 17

Old Navy's flag sweater looks identical to Ralph Lauren's, but it's $360 less

Summer doesn't officially start until the solstice on June 20, but now's the time to start prepping your warm-weather wardrobe. And no closet is complete without a classic flag sweater. Whether you wear one every Fourth of July or you love adding a little Americana by tossing one on over your sundresses and jean shorts all summer, it's a versatile, fun way to add a little color to a basic outfit.

While The Iconic Flag Sweater from Ralph Lauren is, as the name suggests, iconic and instantly recognizable, it's also $398. Yes, you can style it all year round and wear it season after season, but that price tag still puts it out of most people's budgets. But that doesn't mean you're out of luck — several retailers offer similar designs, including Old Navy, whose Flag-Graphic Sweater looks nearly identical to Ralph Lauren's designer duds.

You may already own a classic Old Navy flag tee, but it's time to amp up the patriotism and add this cozy knit sweater to your collection. Wear it around your shoulders or curl up in it when the sun goes down — you may be surprised how often you wear this timeless design.

$35 at Old Navy

Old Navy's flag sweater comes in both crisp white and a grayish navy. Like Ralph Lauren's sweater, it's 100% cotton with a classic crewneck and ribbing at the collar, sleeves and hem. Both designs have a slightly oversized fit; Ralph Lauren's sweater is unisex, so the brand recommends women buy one size smaller than their usual. (Don't worry: Old Navy also offers a men's version.)

Besides the price tag, the biggest difference is the scale of the flag (Old Navy's is slightly larger) and the fact that Old Navy's style is, well, actually in stock! Ralph Lauren's sweater regularly sells out and isn't available in several sizes right now, while Old Navy's is ready to go in sizes XS-4X in both colors.

Ralph Lauren's flag sweater is regularly sold out in all colors (cream, navy and a medium blue), but if you're feeling splurgy, you can still scoop it up in select sizes.

$398 at Ralph Lauren

It's clear that Old Navy's flag sweater is a heck of a deal, but it's also earned more than 600 five-star reviews from happy shoppers.

One Old Navy shopper raved: "Finally bought this after admiring it from afar the last two years. Very pleased! Great length, not too cropped, not too long. Great quality. And a nice weight, not too thick to wear in the summer."

Another five-star fan shared, "This sweater is a great transitional and summer sweater. The weave of the sweater is loose enough for breathability. I chose to size up for a little bit more of an oversized look, which is what I prefer for this style. It gives a little more relaxed and casual look and feel. It washed very well without any issues. Looks great with jeans, shorts and shirts."

"Great alternative to the RL flag sweater! Size up if you want a baggy look," added another customer.

Some shoppers did caution that Old Navy's sweater isn't overly long: "I liked that the sweater was lightweight, but I wished it was a little longer in length. I am 5-foot-3 and it was a little shorter than I thought it would be." Agreed another: "Love the texture, colors and price ... just wish [Old Navy would] start making things a little longer in the torso."

If you already have enough white sweaters, opt for the navy. Cute with blue jeans, white pants or a sundress, you'll reach for it all summer long (not to mention into fall and winter).

$35 at Old Navy