You should be able to find clothes you love—in a variety of styles, in a variety of colors—that are good for the planet, too. But this is definitely easier said than done.
Enter Gap for Good. As part of their ongoing commitment to the environment, Gap has developed the Good List. Products that meet these standards get a globe in the corner so you can easily find clothes that do good. It’s all the elevated basics you’ve come to love from Gap, made with improved practices from start to finish.
Because there’s a lot more to green fashion than meets the eye. It’s also about reducing factory emissions, innovating the way clothes are made, and lifting up the people on the product line.
Here’s how Gap is aiming high and setting new standards for sustainability with Gap for Good.
How Gap is Making it Easier to Shop Sustainably
Less waste
The best way to reduce waste in the clothing cycle is to buy clothes that last. That’s why Gap obsesses over the details to make best-quality products you won’t have to replace. And when you’re ready to give your clothes a new life, Gap has partnered with Give Back Box to help you conveniently mail them to the right charity. Gap also closes the loop by designing their clothes to be more recyclable (e.g., denim styles get stitches where metal rivets would usually be).
Less water
Jeans actually get laundered before they reach stores to give them a softer, worn-in finish. But this step increases the water footprint of denim. Since 2016, Gap has been making a difference with their Washwell program. By using a fabric spray instead of a wash, they’ve reduced the water required by 50%. And in 2020 Gap expanded on Washwell with a waterless indigo foam-dying technique. To date, Gap has saved 402 million liters of water. That’s enough to fill 804 million water bottles!
Lower emissions
Gap partners with mills that share their vision for doing things better. In fact, all mills that make Generation Good must achieve greenhouse gas emission savings through a Gap Inc. recognized efficiency program.
Better materials
Gap thinks about the environmental impact of textiles and their sourcing. On the Good List you can find materials like recycled, organic, and verified American-grown cotton. There’s also TENCEL, a fiber made from the wood pulp of sustainably grown trees. Because of its softness and versatility, TENCEL replaces the need for cotton in many clothes, which is more water and energy-intensive.
Support for workers
Human rights is another pillar of sustainability. A majority of the clothing supply chain is powered by women, and Gap Inc. is investing in their potential through the Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement (P.A.C.E.) program. This program provides women garment workers with foundational life skills, technical training, and support. Many of the products below come from a factory-supported by P.A.C.E.!
We’ve got our eye on these 23 responsibly-made pieces you can get at Gap.
1. The Gen Good T-Shirt ($12.99)
This T-shirt from Generation Good, Gap’s most sustainable line yet, took 24% less water to make than your average tee. With a lightweight, relaxed fit, it hangs perfectly without clinging. And subtle pleating at the collar and cuffs gives this top a uniquely lived-in look. Pair it with jeans, shorts, leggings, or an easygoing midi skirt.
Get up to 50% off sitewide with code YOURS, combinable with GapCash! No GapCash? Get an extra 30% off.
2. 100% Organic Cotton Vintage T-Shirt (From $9)
This tee is also organically grown and ticks that “model off duty basics” box. But it has a couple key differences: a closer fitting neckline and a boxier silhouette. We love it in honey yellow, carmine pink, and balsam green. You can also snag this style in a v-neck!
3. Sky High Rise Mom Jeans With Washwell ($55)
Denim is a huge piece of the sustainability puzzle, and Gap is leading the way with Washwell, a smart denim wash program that reduces the water required to make it. That means responsibly-made versions of all your favorite denim styles, like these comfy-cool mom jeans.
4. Organic Cotton Tank Bodysuit ($14.99)
Nothing beats the smooth lines of a bodysuit when you want a tucked-in look. Even better when it’s soft, supportive, and has a perfect fit. We like to pair this essential layer with jeans and a block heel. Throw a jacket over your shoulders and you’re ready for date night.
5. Icon Denim Jacket With Washwell ($62)
Be a style icon in this Icon Denim Jacket! The denim is surprisingly soft, so you get a fit that flatters but isn’t restricting. We love it in white for pairing with white or ecru pants. Find it in medium wash and dark wash, too.
6. 100% Organic Cotton Print Bandana (From $14.95)
Connect with your inner cowgirl! These super soft, 100% organic bandanas come in prints like paisley, tie dye, and ditsy floral. And they’re so versatile, too. In addition to all the fun ways you can wear them in your hair, you can tie them around your neck or the strap of your handbag.
7. The Gen Good Mid Rise Denim Shorts ($19)
Part of closing the fashion loop is clothes that are made to be made again. AKA, recyclable! These mid rise denim shorts are actually made with no rivets (the metal fasteners you find on most pockets and flies) so they’ll be easier to recycle. We love the ecru color as a refreshing take on neutrals.
8. Oversized Denim Jacket With Washwell ($80)
Love denim jackets but need something that will fit over your hoodie? Gap’s got you covered. This oversized denim jacket in washed black is roomy and rugged for that classic borrowed look. Wear it as pictured for a walk around the city, or go for contrast with a dainty slip dress.
9. Gap & Jean ReDesign Sky High Wide Leg Trouser Jean With Washwell ($89.99)
Live your 70s fantasy with these wide leg trouser jeans. Their long lines create a bold silhouette that brings out your hips and your confidence. We encourage you to go fully retro and pair them with a sherpa jacket or high neck halter. You just might start strutting to the beat of your AirPods!
10. The Everyday High Rise Jegging With Washwell ($39)
From the baseball stadium to the brunch table, comfy and cute is the name of the game. So you’re gonna want the secure but flexible fit of these high rise jeggings. Made from Gap’s softest, stretchiest denim, they wear like a dream—and hold their shape better than your favorite jeans.
11. The Everyday Mid Rise Jegging With Washwell ($39)
With all the high rise love these days, it can be hard finding anything but. That’s why we had to shout out Gap’s awesome selection of mid rise denim. Perfect for everyday wear, these jeggings are super soft and super flattering. And they come away a bit at the ankle to differentiate from the scrunched-up skinnies of the past.
12. Organic Scoopneck Bralette (From $19.99)
All the best bralettes have tank straps. No fussy racerbacks for us, thanks. This Organic Scoopneck Bralette features a hook and eye closure, and darting along the front for a bit of shape. Get an Organic Cotton Thong to make it a matching set!
13. The Gen Good Hoodie (From $53)
Not all hoodies are made equal. If you want one that’s as soft and cozy as it looks, you want The Gen Good Hoodie. We love it in pink raspberry glaze (a cerise color that’s really having a moment). Grab the matching fleece pants for an effortless monochrome look.
14. Truesleep TENCEL Modal Tulip Romper ($34.99)
Gap has beautiful, responsibly-made sleepwear, too! This tulip romper, named for its pretty petal-shaped shorts, is made with sustainable TENCEL Modal. Get it in blue leopard (a delicate ditsy print) or true black.
15. The Gen Good Tank Top ($12.99)
Just like The Gen Good t-shirt, this tank is soft, breathable, and it falls just right. It has the same vintage-y detail at the neckline for a relaxed feel. And we love the muted sorbet colors it comes in!
16. Sky High Rise Recycled Power Flare Leggings ($59.95)
Whether you’re an athlete or an athleisure fan, finding sustainable activewear should be simple. It is now with Gap’s range of leggings, joggers, and shorts! These flare leggings put comfort first with a smooth waistband and flatlock seams to prevent chafing. And they’ll look great wherever your feet take you.
17. GapFit Sky High Recycled Power Full Length Leggings ($50)
For a classic fit, Gap’s also got a recycled full length legging. And because pockets are always a plus, these feature a discreet side pocket! Pregnant people looking for this cut can find recycled under belly leggings in similar colorways.
18. GapFit Recycled Runaround Everstretch Joggers (From $39.99)
These joggers have the slight sheen of dress pants and the unwrinkled look of leggings. And when it comes to joggers, they have a superior fit. We think you could even get away with them for a formal occasion!
19. Wide-Leg Suspender Jeans With Washwell
Get ready to receive lots of compliments when you step out in these suspender jeans! They have the retro charm of overalls and even more personality. Pair them with a mock neck or a bell sleeve sweater for the perfect vintage vibe.
20. Pull-On Denim Shorts with Washwell ($34.99)
A drawstring waistband means these denim shorts are as comfy as your favorite lounge shorts! And you can dress them up or down for vacation, tailgates, or running errands. Pictured here in a light chambray color—find them in medium wash, too.
21. The Gen Good Mineral Dye Shorts (From $22)
Comfortable but put-together. Are you sensing a theme? The Gen Good Minderal Dye Shorts have an elasticized waist, too. And they come in breezy colors that look like they’ve been under the sun. These shorts are made in a factory supported by Gap’s P.A.C.E. program, which empowers women in the garment industry through career and life skill education.
22. TENCEL Lyocell Popover Shirt ($47)
Guess what we found: sustainable workwear that feels like PJs! This gorgeous popover top is made with TENCEL Lyocell, a sustainably-sourced, moisture-wicking fiber that’s two times softer than cotton. Create your perfect work or WFH outfit with coordinating pants.
23. Recycled Slides ($16.99)
Feed your love of cool, chunky slides with this responsibly-made footwear. A light-as-air footbed makes these fun to slip into for a day out or just fetching the mail. At the time of writing they’re available in an on-trend blue tie dye.
How to Save Even More at Gap
Save even more on styles for the whole family with these tips:
- Take 50% off sitewide with code YOURS, combinable with GapCash! (No GapCash? Get an extra 30% off.)
- Find the best Gap promo codes and earn 7% cash back when you shop with Giving Assistant.
Final Thoughts
For ideas to get you started, check out this guide to the best environmental organizations you can select as your preferred nonprofit today.