Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

Gap Slim Fit Pima Polos – Express Signature Competition?

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GAP Solid Pima Polo & Striped Pima Polo – $20.00 ($29.50)

Use code GAP20 for the extra 20% off.  Code expires 2/11

A certain fondness for the non-logo, stretch, Express Signature polo has been well documented on this website.  But the GAP might have something here, and at the very least it’s a strong contender to the Express Signature’s top spot as the #1 polo.  Here are the pros and cons:

The buttons ain't black.

The Pros

  • Slim, athletic fit, despite not admitting to this on gap.com
  • Perfect sleeve length.  Hits just above mid bicep
  • Good collar
  • Nice button placement on the placket
  • When on sale, half the price of an Express signature

The Cons

  • The somewhat shiny buttons
  • Unnecessary chest pocket on the solids won’t please some
  • Has some natural stretch, but not quite like the Express Signature

The GAP polos are 100% pima cotton, so unlike the Express Signature which has a bit of spandex woven in, these depend on the natural stretch of the fiber to move with your body.  And they do, just not to the extent that the Express signature polo does.  The buttons don’t have quite as much shine as they appear to in the pic up there^, (blame that on the fitting room lighting).  They blend in, just not totally.

But aside from a few drawbacks, these things are terrific.  Unless Express starts running sales on their Signature Polos once it gets warmer, many of us might make the switch to these instead.

Which would you choose?  The costly Express?  Or the cheaper GAP?  Leave your vote below.

Gap at ShopStyle

Comments

  1. This is why I watch this sight. It’s insights like these that are the DEALS that I love. With my budget and desire to dress better, this site and insights like these help me achieve those “goals”. I’m looking forward to picking up a few of the GAP polos. Wouldn’t have even CONSIDERED going a looking at them, now I am.

    Will say that the pocket on the solid color versions at the GAP is initially off putting, but I’ll withhold my final judgement until I actually get to see the product in hand.

    Thanks for the tip.

  2. This is why I watch this sight. It’s insights like these that are the DEALS that I love. With my budget and desire to dress better, this site and insights like these help me achieve those “goals”. I’m looking forward to picking up a few of the GAP polos. Wouldn’t have even CONSIDERED going a looking at them, now I am.

    Will say that the pocket on the solid color versions at the GAP is initially off putting, but I’ll withhold my final judgement until I actually get to see the product in hand.

    Thanks for the tip.

  3. Not a fan of the chest pocket – if I were looking to get a solid polo I would have to go express. But on the other hand I’m a BIG fan of the subtle striping vs. the bold striping most polos have, I’ll have to go in and try a couple on!

  4. I agree with you 100%

    The pocket is a little discerning, but not that bad in my opinion. I’ll have to surviving these out in person also.

    Joe, are these as slim as the express polos? Enough to wear your usual size?

  5. The chest pocket is a deal-breaker for me, especially, as you mentioned, on the solids. Still, good to know there are other options out there for a proper fitting polo.

  6. Thanks Eric and Lance, as always, the positive feedback is appreciated. Lance: They are as slim as the express signature polos. I was shocked (in a good way… more of this GAP)

  7. Thanks Eric and Lance, as always, the positive feedback is appreciated. Lance: They are as slim as the express signature polos. I was shocked (in a good way… more of this GAP)

  8. I would love for either these or the express polos to be available for us europeans 🙁
    Has anyone seen a website that ships these to europe?

  11. Hmm yeah I’d say that the chest pocket is disconcerting rather than discerning, but just my opinion. Deal breaker, I think. Still, if I were looking for stripes, then a definite, and good to hear they’re beginning to understand slim fit!

    Great as always, Joe.

    Cheers,
    Ben