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Gap is making a big comeback — and our editors are all for it

We asked our staffers to share some of their favorite basics from the brand.
Courtesy of Jess Bender; Courtesy of Kate McCarthy

In the '90s and early aughts, it was nearly impossible to go anywhere without seeing the Gap logo sweatshirt. You know the one I'm talking about: The ultra-cozy hoodie with the letters "GAP" boldly stitched in an arch across the front.

Originally launched for kids in 1995, it became a staple for everyone from tweens to dads in the first decade of the 2000s before the company — much like many other popular mall brands of the time — started to fall out of fashion in favor of newer, trendier lines.

But in the last couple of years the brand, and its iconic hoodie, has made a big comeback thanks, largely to TikTok, of course. Videos featuring the #gaphoodie started to go viral in 2021, generating an increase in interest in the cozy staple — at that time, a vintage brown version of the hoodie was going for up to $300 on resale sites. And more recently, shoppers have continued to flock to the brand: In its fiscal report for the third quarter of 2024, Gap recorded increased sales for its fourth consecutive quarter.

It's not just the hoodie that has caught people's attention. Social media users and even our own editors have shared their surprise at the sheer number of stylish and on-trend pieces Gap now offers. As a former Gap kid, I've recently found myself frequently scrolling through the site and visiting the store again after years of not shopping there.

So what's behind the recent Gap renaissance? It could have something to do with its new leadership. In early 2024, the brand announced that designer Zac Posen was taking on the role of executive vice president and creative director of Gap Inc., as well as chief creative officer of one of its sister brands, Old Navy. The brand has also had a number of high-profile partnerships with brands like DÔEN and Madhappy, as well as campaigns starring the likes of Tracee Ellis Ross, Troye Sivan and more, creating more buzz. Gap also launched select items on Amazon, making the brand even more accessible.

So what should you be shopping from the brand? We asked our editors to share some of the best finds they've scored from Gap recently. Plus, we pulled some shopper favorites that are worth adding to your cart.

The best Gap fashion essentials, according to editors and experts

Gap High Rise Kick Fit Jeans

What we like
  • Gap’s Washwell program jeans
Something to note
  • Not enough stretch for some

Sizes: 24 — 35 | Fits: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Four | Materials: Cotton, recycled materials, stretch

When recommending the best jeans for mature women, wardrobe coach and personal shopper Lisa Emelo previously suggested trying this style from Gap.

"My clients love these jeans because they are comfortable since they are made of mostly cotton with enough stretch to hug the hips and thighs but they carry a ton of support," she shared, "They are high waisted and fitted through the hip and thigh with a slight flare at the bottom to balance off the hips."

Gap Organic Cotton VintageSoft T-Shirt

What we like
  • "Incredibly" soft
  • Multiple fits available
Something to note
  • Some styles not totally opaque

Sizes: XXS — XXL | Fits: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: 19 | Materials: Cotton

My wardrobe mostly consists of versatile basics that I can mix and match to create a stylish outfit, regardless of the season. And as I've gotten back into shopping at Gap, the brand has become one of my go-to spots for finding them. I bought this shirt during a recent sale and love how comfortable it is and how well it pairs with high-waisted pants or a skirt. And I'm not the only one.

Senior SEO editor Jess Bender says that Gap is "one of those iconic mall brands that have made its way back into my life time and time again," and much like me, she tends to gravitate towards the brand's basics — like this tee. "They are by far one of the softest pieces in my rotation thanks to their 100% cotton material that felt well-worn from the moment I purchased them. I believe I currently have about five different colors of this in my wardrobe right now."

Gap Featherweight Turtleneck

What we like
  • An easy layering piece
  • Lightweight material
Something to note
  • Fits tight in the arms

Sizes: XXS — XXL | Fits: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: 12 | Material: Cotton, modal and elastane fabric blend

Associate editor Sierra Hoeger shares that this turtleneck is an "easy layering piece," saying that when worn under sweaters, tees or sweater vests, "it lies right where a turtleneck should."

All colors of the top are on sale right now, so you can get it for as little as $10.

Gap High-Rise True Skinny Jeans

What we like
  • Retains color after washes
  • High stretch
Something to note
  • Certain sizes sold out

Sizes: XXS — XXL | Fits: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: One | Material: Lycra, cotton, rayon, polyester

No matter what you've heard, skinny jeans will never go out of style. And style expert Jasmine Snow recently shared her love for this Gap style on the show. According to the brand, the jeans are super stretchy, but also have "high recovery" to ensure that they always hold their shape.

Gap High Rise ‘70s Flare Jeans

What we like
  • True-to-size fit
  • Broken-in feeling
Something to note
  • Mixed reviews on length

Sizes: 24 — 35 | Fits: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Eight | Materials: Cotton, recycled materials, stretch

Senior social media editor Kate McCarthy says she is "truly obsessed" with these jeans. "I bought them in the fall and now own them in four different colors. They're the first pair of jeans I've ever had that I can wear all day and not feel like I need to rip them off by the end of the day." She adds, "They fit true to size without being stifling."

Gap 100% Cotton Oversized Boyfriend Sweater

What we like
  • Soft cotton
  • Oversized fit
Something to note
Nothing to note at this time

Sizes: XXS — XXL | Fits: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Three | Materials: Cotton

Social editorial assistant Annie Shigo says that "always" gets compliments on this sweater. "This sweater is a conversation starter for sure, I have had women compliment me on it and ask where I got it from. It is very comfy and washes really easily. I layer it with everything."

Gap bestsellers

Gap Modern Boatneck Top

What we like
  • Stretchy
  • Easy to style
Something to note
  • Runs tight

Sizes: XXS — XXL | Fits: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Four | Materials: Cotton

The brand calls this top your "new 7-days-a-week essential," and it's not hard to see why. With its boatneck design, the top is a stylish and versatile closet staple that you'll want to wear again and again.

Gap Modern Rib Cardigan

What we like
  • "Forms to your shape"
  • Stretchy
Something to note
  • Some say thin

Sizes: XXS — XXL | Fits: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Five | Materials: Cotton, modal, elastane

This cute cardigan is designed to be ultra-stretchy, so it molds to your shape for a flattering fit that looks great on its own or over a tee. One shopper said that the top was "perfect," adding "The material is substantial enough yet not too thick, so it can be worn alone as a top! Very versatile, and I was comfortable temp-wise all day."

Gap VintageSoft Cropped Hoodie

What we like
  • Brushed inside
  • Drawcords at neck
Something to note
  • Cropped design

Sizes: XXS — XXL | Fits: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: 12 | Materials: Linen, rayon

Of course, we had to include one of Gap's iconic hoodies on this list. And this cropped version has more than 700 perfect five-star ratings from shoppers. The designs vary by color, so you can get one with the logo on the back or with smaller lettering, depending on your preferences.

"Officially my new favorite hoodie," one person wrote. "It is the shirt I will want to grab at the end of a long day when I just want to be comfortable. I sized up for an extra cozy fit. The color is fantastic."

Gap Linen-Blend Relaxed Straight Ankle Pants

What we like
  • Concealed closure
  • Soft linen material
Something to note
  • Mixed reviews about sizing

Sizes: 00 — 20 | Fits: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Five | Materials: Cotton, polyester

Looking for your new favorite work pants? Look no further than this bestselling pair. They feature a relaxed fit and soft material for comfort. And the ankle length is great for pairing with heels or flats.

How we chose

We selected all of the above items from Gap, because they are either editor-favorites, bestsellers or are a popular item with plenty of five-star ratings from shoppers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.