#gap denim

Kelly Harrington x gap

Gap vs Gap Factory: What's the Difference?

Gap sells lower-priced goods at “Gap Factory” stores, but technically Gap Factory is not an outlet, not in the classic sense. The clothes aren’t Gap leftovers, they’re manufactured separately. Here's what that means in terms of quality, craftsmanship, features, and price.

The labels are subtly different, especially on jeans. Gap Factory jeans use a horizontal label on the inside that says "Gap Denim." Gap jeans include square label that simply bears the Gap logo

Gap jeans include a leather patch behind the right hip. Gap Factory jeans don't include a leather patch

Gap jeans include further branding on the inside pockets of that usually include care instructions and product info. The inside pockest of Gap Factory jeans are usually blank

Button fly jeans are found exclusively at Gap. Gap Factory jeans are exclusively zip fly jeans

Selvedge denim is sold exclusivly at Gap. Gap Factory doesn't carry any

Gap items tend to have an edge in craftsmanship and quality, so they stand up to more wear and washes than Gap Factory items

Cheaper fabrics in Gap Factory items can produce itchier clothing, even with 100% cotton

Gap Factory lines feature more Logo Shop styles than Gap proper

These differences make Gap Factory more affordable than Gap and make it more akin to Old Navy (one of the reasons splitting off Old Navy could make sense; you could argue that right now, Gap Factory and Old Navy cannibilize each other), albeit with a narrower range of styles

Gap Factory still offers good value and reasonable quality, however, especially in these categories:

Denim jackets

Jeans (missing the bells and whistles of Gap jeans, but otherwise comfy and solid quality)

Accessories like hats

Woven shirts