As an avid Gap jeans fan, I know firsthand how confusing their sizing can be. With multiple fit types and fluctuating vanity sizes, it’s hard to know exactly what size to buy, primarily online. I wrote the ultimate guide to deciphering Gap jeans size charts. After analyzing numerous pairs from my closet and poring over Gap’s latest size charts, I’m detailing their women’s and men’s fits. You’ll learn how sizes vary across styles, rises, and fabrics. I’ll explain the differences between numbered and letter sizing and provide tips for finding your ideal pair based on your unique body type and preferred fit.
By the end, the mysteries of Gap jeans sizing will be solved, and you’ll know exactly what size to order with total confidence. It’s time to wave goodbye to guessing games and ill-fitting denim!
Women’s Gap Jeans Sizing
Let’s start by tackling women’s fits since this area tends to cause the most confusion. Gap currently offers three main fits for women:
High Rise
As the name implies, these jeans sit higher on your waist, usually around your belly button or slightly above. They create a more vintage, 50s-inspired look compared to low-rise styles.
Here’s how the women’s high-rise sizes break down:
- 00: 23-24 inch waist, 31 inch hip
- 0: 25-26 inch waist, 32 inch hip
- 2: 27-28 inch waist, 33 inch hip
- 4: 29-30 inch waist, 34 inch hip
- 6: 31-32 inch waist, 35 inch hip
- 8: 33-34 inch waist, 36 inch hip
- 10: 35-36 inch waist, 37 inch hip
- 12: 37-38 inch waist, 38 inch hip
- 14: 39-40 inch waist, 39 inch hip
- 16: 41-42 inch waist, 40 inch hip
- 18: 43-44 inch waist, 41 inch hip
So, if your waist measures 30 inches and your hips 34 inches, a size four would likely be your best high-rise fit.
The high-rise style only comes in numeric sizing, running from 00 to 18. There are no letter sizes like 0S or 0L offered.
Mid Rise
The mid-rise hits 1-3 inches below your belly button, providing a happy medium between high and low rise. It’s by far Gap’s most popular women’s fit.
Within mid-rise, you’ll find both numeric and letter sizing:
Numeric:
- 24: 23-24 inch waist, 32 inch hip
- 25: 25-26 inch waist, 33 inch hip
- 26: 27-28 inch waist, 34 inch hip
- 27: 29-30 inch waist, 35 inch hip
- 28: 31-32 inch waist, 36 inch hip
- 29: 33-34 inch waist, 37 inch hip
- 30: 35-36 inch waist, 38 inch hip
- 31: 37-38 inch waist, 39 inch hip
- 32: 39-40 inch waist, 40 inch hip
Letter:
- 24S: 23-24 inch waist, 32 inch hip
- 24L: 25-26 inch waist, 33 inch hip
- 26S: 27-28 inch waist, 34 inch hip
- 26L: 29-30 inch waist, 35 inch hip
- 28S: 31-32 inch waist, 36 inch hip
- 28L: 33-34 inch waist, 37 inch hip
- 30S: 35-36 inch waist, 38 inch hip
- 30L: 37-38 inch waist, 39 inch hip
- 32S: 39-40 inch waist, 40 inch hip
The letter sizes correspond to the numeric sizing but provide a bit more detail:
- S = Small through the hips
- L = Larger through the hips
So, a size 26S has a waist of 27-28 inches but narrower hips, while the 26L has a waist of 29-30 inches and wider hips.
Low Rise
Gap’s lowest rise hits right below your hip bones, 2-3 inches below your belly button. This creates a modern, trendy look.
Low-rise sizing is available in both numbers and letters:
Numeric:
- 24: 23-24 inch waist, 32 inch hip
- 25: 25-26 inch waist, 33 inch hip
- 26: 27-28 inch waist, 34 inch hip
- 27: 29-30 inch waist, 35 inch hip
- 28: 31-32 inch waist, 36 inch hip
- 29: 33-34 inch waist, 37 inch hip
- 30: 35-36 inch waist, 38 inch hip
- 31: 37-38 inch waist, 39 inch hip
- 32: 39-40 inch waist, 40 inch hip
Letter:
- 24S: 23-24 inch waist, 32 inch hip
- 24L: 25-26 inch waist, 33 inch hip
- 26S: 27-28 inch waist, 34 inch hip
- 26L: 29-30 inch waist, 35 inch hip
- 28S: 31-32 inch waist, 36 inch hip
- 28L: 33-34 inch waist, 37 inch hip
- 30S: 35-36 inch waist, 38 inch hip
- 30L: 37-38 inch waist, 39 inch hip
- 32S: 39-40 inch waist, 40 inch hip
It is the same deal as the mid-rise – S means smaller through the hips, while L means larger hip measurement.
Other Women’s Fits
In addition to the central high, mid, and low rises, Gap also offers:
- Demi Curve: Designed for curvier figures, with more room through the hip and thigh. Sizing runs from 14 to 24.
- Plus: Available in high and mid-rises, sized 00-20 based on waist and hip measurements. Runs slightly larger than standard sizes.
- Maternity: Sized by pre-pregnancy pant size, available in mid and low-rise styles.
- Petite and Tall: For shorter and taller heights, select mid-rise styles are offered.
Men’s Gap Jeans Sizing
Gap makes it a bit more straightforward for guys, with two main fits – original and slim:
Original Fit
This is their roomier fit through the hip and thigh. Men’s original fit sizing is available in both waist sizes and numeric:
- 28W x 30L
- 29W x 30L
- 30W x 30L
- 30W x 32L (and other inseam lengths)
- 31W x 32L (and other inseam lengths)
- 32W x 32L (and other inseam lengths)
- 33W x 32L (and other inseam lengths)
- 34W x 32L (and other inseam lengths)
- 36W x 32L (and other inseam lengths)
- 38W x 32L (and other inseam lengths)
- 40W x 32L (and other inseam lengths)
- 42W x 32L (and other inseam lengths)
- 44W x 32L (and other inseam lengths)
Numeric:
- 28×30
- 29×30
- 30×30
- 30×32 (and other inseam lengths)
- 31×32 (and other inseam lengths)
- 32×32 (and other inseam lengths)
- 33×32 (and other inseam lengths)
- 34×32 (and other inseam lengths)
- 36×32 (and other inseam lengths)
- 38×32 (and other inseam lengths)
- 40×32 (and other inseam lengths)
- 42×32 (and other inseam lengths)
- 44×32 (and other inseam lengths)
Slim Fit
As you’d expect, the slim fit is cut closer through the hip and thigh for a tailored look. The sizing options are the same as the original fit.
Other Men’s Fits
Gap also has a few less commoner fits:
- Athletic: Extra room through the hip and thigh to accommodate muscles. They are offered in select styles.
- Loose: Their roomiest fit is similar to relaxed or baggy styles, only in specific jeans.
- Tall: For taller guys, offered in limited mid-rise slim and original styles.
Other Women’s Fits
It provides detailed size charts on its website if you want to double-check a size. They break down the fits we covered and show the measurements of the waist, hip, and inseam.
Here are the latest charts:
| Size | Waist | Hip | Inseam |
| 00 | 23″ | 33″ | 27″ |
| 0 | 24″ | 34″ | 27.5″ |
| 2 | 25″ | 35″ | 28″ |
| 4 | 26″ | 36″ | 28.5″ |
| 6 | 27″ | 37″ | 29″ |
| 8 | 28″ | 38″ | 29.5″ |
| 10 | 29″ | 39″ | 30″ |
| 12 | 30″ | 40″ | 30.5″ |
Tips for Finding Your Perfect Gap Jeans Size
Now that we’ve broken down Gap’s primary jean sizing, here are some tips for figuring out your ideal pair:
Measure Yourself
Don’t rely solely on standard clothing sizes. Since vanity sizing fluctuates significantly between brands, always measure your waist and hips. Then, you can match your measurements to Gap’s size charts to pinpoint your fit. Make sure to measure in your underwear or tight-fitting clothing.
Know Your Preferred Rise
Think about which rise you find most flattering – high, mid, or low. The rise can dramatically affect how a pair of jeans fit, so choose the one that complements your body type. Intense surge tends to be more fitted, while high rise provides more coverage.
Consider Your Body Type
Gap fits specific body shapes better than others. Try the Demi Curve or women’s Original Fit for a curvier figure. If you’re narrow through the hips, go for an “S” letter size. Tall or short frames are better accommodated in the specialty inseams.
Identify Problem Areas
Figure out which parts of your body are trickiest for finding well-fitting jeans. This could be a rounder belly pooch with a flat backside or muscular thighs. Seek out Gap styles with extra room or stretch where you need it most.
Take Your Time Trying Them On
Never impulse buy jeans online! Always try them in-store first, even if you plan to order later. Move around and sit to ensure the fit feels comfortable from all angles. Gap’s dressing rooms have good lighting – take advantage!
Know Your Preferred Fabrics
Gap uses a range of denim washes and fabrics, each with a unique feel. Stretch, rigid, soft, distressed – figure out your favorite finishes and focus on those. More spandex or elastane means more stretch and flexibility.
Be Willing to Size Up or Down
Don’t get hung up on standard sizes! It’s common to range across 2-3 sizes depending on the brand, style and cut. Getting the right fit matters far more than the size on the label.
FAQs
Do Gap jeans run big or small?
It depends on the style, but many Gap jeans run slightly oversized due to vanity sizing. Ignore the size tag for the most accurate fit and go by your measurements compared to their size chart.
Why don’t my usual size 16 jeans fit me at Gap?
Their sizing can be inconsistent, so don’t necessarily expect your standard size 16 to work across every gap style. Be willing to try larger and smaller sizes to find the best measurements for your body in that pair of jeans.
Should I order my regular-size Gap jeans online?
It’s always safest to try Gap jeans in-store rather than ordering your standard size online sight unseen. If that’s impossible, order two sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit. Their online size chart can help guide you.
Which Gap jeans have the most stretch?
Jeans labeled “Premium Stretch” or “Super Stretch” contain the highest spandex content, around 5-10%, giving them the most flexibility while retaining their shape. Dark washes like black and midnight blue often have extra stretch.
Why are some Gap jeans high-waisted but others low-rise?
Gap offers multiple rises – high, mid, and low – so women can choose the most flattering option for their body type. High rise provides more coverage and a vintage look, while low rise sits below your hips for a modern, sexy vibe.
Finding Your Perfect Pair Simplified
I hope this overview has helped remove the confusion surrounding Gap jeans sizing. While their fits may fluctuate and vanity sizes abound, taking the time to understand the nuances of each style puts you on the path to denim bliss.
Remember to ignore the tag size, measure your body, and try multiple options before purchasing. Listen to your preferences on rising, cut, and fabric. Seek out stretch when needed and specialty fits that accommodate your frame.
Armed with the expertise gained in understanding MENS TOMMY HILFIGER JEANS, you can confidently navigate through Gap’s latest collection, effortlessly discerning your perfect fit without any guesswork or the frustration of ill-fitting misses. The perfect vintage high-rise skinnies or ultimate slim boot cuts accentuate your body beautifully. Time to go shopping for your new favorite pair! Let me know if you have any other Gap jeans fit dilemmas – I’m always happy to help decode their sizing. Jeans joy awaits.
