‘The comfiest jeans I’ve ever worn’ raves fashion editor who tries denim from 90s come back brand Gap
AFTER a short fashion hiatus, Gap is back.
Following struggles post-Covid and complete closures of all its UK and Ireland stores in 2021 and a collaboration with Kanye West that turned sour in 2022 after the rapper’s antisemitic remarks.
The brand brought in fashion designer Zac Posen, who has dressed royalty like Princess Eugenie as well as Hollywood royalty like Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Kate Winslet, as the brand’s creative director and has seamlessly merged his high-fashion expertise with Gap’s heritage.
Zac’s been using his connections in showbiz land and managed to get Gap designed frocks on Demi Moore and Parker Posey – actress of the moment who recently starred in White Lotus – who is the face of their campaign who can be seen dancing around in their signature piece, denim.
But aside from the frocks and celebs, Gap used to be the go-to place for basics.
A good, long lasting T-shirt, knitwear and of course jeans – something they’ve gone back to.
Posen has launched a new, more premium line at Gap named ‘Studio’ featuring core Gap products like the dress he made for Anne Hathaway in 2024 which has sold out after two days online in all three available colours (nude, white and navy and white polka dot), that retailed at £120.
The collection ranges from £50 to £225 which is a lot more than their average £12.
I loved Gap denim, and their T-shirts too, but the jeans were always a winner for me,
On reflection, I think I stopped shopping there because you couldn’t go into a store and try on anything or see anything, something which we have now adjusted to as brands have made the online shopping experience more seamless.
They might not be back in their own stand alone stores but they do have franchises in branches of Next which is handy, if like me, you love to try-before-you-buy.
As I’m never not looking for a new pair of jeans, I thought I’d challenge myself to try the key trending styles in jeans to see if I can go back to Gap.
BARREL
I can see why their sell-out success pair of ‘Barrel’ jeans were such a success – I love them.
I do love a dark indigo wash as they look a bit smarter and darker hues are always more slimming, and this pair ticks all those boxes.
They’re only slightly barrelled – not too bow-legged looking that they’re frightening – and have a real secure feel to them which I also prefer in my denim.
I always think, I don’t want to try and find the perfect size and fit for them to stretch out and then look wrong, so fingers crossed this pair doesn’t do that.
They are slightly gapey on the waist at the lower back which isn’t the best when you’re paying £55 for jeans, however, everything else works for me so they’re my favourite.
The popular patchwork style is still unavailable online but you might have some luck in store.
BAGGY
Wide leg and oversized jeans are one of the most popular styles of denim and have been consistently on the catwalk and high streets for the past two year.
Gaps ‘Baggy’ jeans are a goodun if you’re after a pair.
This pair are mid-rise, which I don’t mind if you’re going for the slouchy, laid back look, and they are so soft and comfortable to wear, in fact they are probably the comfiest jeans I’ve ever worn.
This is the kind of jean you could wear on a plane and feel like you’re in joggers.
The silhouette is great and the pale wash is on the warmer side of blue that cool which I also personally prefer.
They are a little short when wearing with heels, however, so if you’re wanting a pair that’s versatile for dressing up I’d definitely try and get into a store to try the length as they are only available in standard, regular lengths.
90’S STRAIGHT
A classic from the nineties heyday of Gap these jeans would have been best sellers, and as the nineties is in style at the moment, as are high waisted straight jeans, I had to give them a go.
But unfortunately they’re not my favourite.
This is personal preference but I hate this shape.
It feels and looks dated, the baggy keens the unforgiving shape.
They are very soft, so that’s a big bonus, but feel very stretchy which
I know is popular with most people but not for me.
The wash isn’t bad but the lighter shading down the front gives me late nineties and early noughties flashbacks – and not in a good way.
However, if you’re after a shape that’s going to boomerang back into style every few years, then this is it.
The nineties will always be cool and if they suit you – embrace this pair to nail the eras esthetic,
CROPPED
This pair isn’t a style that I’d usually reach for, but I think they’re a winner for summer.
The straight leg silhouette is flattering on my thighs, which I love, and they’re really soft to touch.
The large pockets on the hips give them a seventies feel which ties in nicely to the boho trend that’s come back this season, and I don’t mind the crop.
I often find with cropped jeans that they come with a ‘kick-flare’ that feels some-what dated and a bit naff – but this pair doesn’t.
I think they’re really nice for summer and would be fab in white too.
I would shelve them for cooler months though as I can’t stand a chilly ankle.