NOTE: This jumps to 50% off reg. priced styles if you head in store.
GAP has felt a little… mneh as of late. Stuck between their more stylish big brother, Banana Republic, and their more profitable and much cheaper kid brother, Old Navy, GAP feels like they’re in a little bit of a no-man’s land right now. Middle child syndrome perhaps. But that doesn’t mean they still aren’t worth a look for individual pieces here and there. And thanks to their Friends and Family sale, now is the time to very much give them another look.
No exclusions. And that’s a big deal, since it seems like a lot of the items that many of us here, on this website, would gravitate towards, are usually excluded. But hat’s not the case with their friends and family code GAPWOW. Everything gets 40% off. And it all ships for free. No minimum.
Stop the presses fellas. These could be a real, solid, cheaper alternative to the BR Japanese Traveler Denim. It’s from their new “high stretch” line that has an eerily similar fabric composition to the much beloved Traveler jean (85% Cotton, 13% Polyester, 2% Elastane). And GAP makes a point that while they do have “stretch” jeans (usually 98% cotton, 2% elastane)… these are HIGH Stretch. Much different. More engineered. And the deep, dark blue shade is perfect.
First of all, I did not pee my pants in the GAP dressing room. That’s just a shadow above center there. I swear. STOP IT I DID NOT. ALL THE COOL KIDS PEE THEIR PANTS! Anyway, They’re a true slim. Not skinny, but if you’ve got some strength down there, you might feel a bit constricted. Good color selection. Interesting texture to the mid-weight chino fabric. Almost like there’s a bit of a slub to it? Certainly not a lightweight fabric, but not overly dense or thick either. Sometimes excluded from codes since they’re khakis. Size shown above, middle, is 33×30 on 5’10″/185.
Honestly? These are one of the best items that GAP keeps cranking out. Good, thick leather. A basic, versatile, silver-tone buckle. And now they’ve even expanded into a lighter shade of brown. Perfect for jeans or chinos. 1.35″ wide. I wear mine with everything but suits and trousers. Often they’ll exclude “leather accessories” from codes, so these aren’t always up for a discount. Does have a blown stitch there on the brown one, but, hasn’t effected the piece structurally or anything.
Not a bad price for Japanese (Kaihara?) selvedge denim, for those that are into the stuff. Slim or Straight fits. Ships free of course.
OR… there’s these things, with 2% stretch worked in. Guessing these won’t take nearly as much time/work to break in compared to the Japanese options? Since they suggest you wash these in cold water first? (Full disclosure: I’m really not a denim head and don’t quite “get” the selvedge worship. More power to you if that’s your thing though.)
Ah yes. The OCBD. Remember when it wasn’t so sweltering out and you could wear one of these things pretty much every day? Under a sweater. Under a rumpled sportcoat. On its own. Well, still a little sticky out right now to wear oxford cloth shirts… but the time is coming when they’ll be a go-to once again. Tailored, but not super slim. If you’re on the very lean side, you might have too much room in these standard fit shirts.
Unlined back. Lightweight Poplin. Pockets to put stuff in. A great, easy to wear casual jacket for late summer and well into fall (depending on how hot you run and/or if you’re good with layering a bunch under your outerwear).
Just a pair of jeans in deep, dark blue. Might sit a little low for some tastes, but the straight fit should accommodate most frames that can’t comfortably get into slim or skinny jeans. All cotton here. No stretch. Size shown above is a 33×30 on 5’10″/185.
Surprisingly nice. Even if the poor light in the fitting room shots makes it look not as attractive. Substantial but not heavy thanks to the 30% linen blended in with the 70% cotton. Slim fitting too. The placket is nicely reinforced with extra fabric too. This is not some wimpy, ready to fall apart cardigan. Really well executed. A nice, mid-weight extra layer for transitioning into fall and beyond.
Somewhere between a chino and a blue jean. Kinda like a (much) less expensive alternative to the Bonobos Travel jean. Plus, these don’t seem to wrinkle like the Bonobos Travel jean, and the 2% spandex does provide a noticeable bit of stretch. Size shown above is a straight fit on 33—30 on 5’10” / 190.
Super inexpensive and still ships for free with the code. Extremely well reviewed. Mostly linen but the cotton should balance it out in terms of care, wrinkling, and feel. Sizes are scattered depending on color selection.
Just a shirt. But a nice shirt. A nice, deep navy gingham on a lighter weight poplin button down. Could wear tucked in, or, untucked if that’s your thing. Doesn’t dip overly long. Shown above is a medium.
The GAP 40% off everything, no exclusions, PLUS free shipping no min code GAPWOW expires Sunday, 8/7/16.
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