GAP is the reference point for classic American sizing — which is exactly why so many people get other brands wrong after years of wearing it. GAP's cut is roomier than European and Japanese brands, with relaxed shoulders and generous ease through the body.
Here are GAP's published body measurements for women's and men's clothing, the numeric sizes the letters map to, and what to watch for with GAP's relaxed and oversized lines.
How does GAP fit?
GAP runs true to size by US standards, leaning slightly generous. The bigger issue shoppers report is consistency: fit can drift between items and seasons, and anything labeled relaxed or oversized runs notably big. Pant lengths skew odd too — regular often runs short while long runs very long.
- Take your true size in classic fits; size down in relaxed and oversized styles.
- Coming from European brands like Zara? Your GAP size is usually one size down.
- Check the inseam options on pants rather than assuming regular will work.
- Fit varies more between GAP items than between sizes — read the fit description (slim, straight, relaxed) before the size chart.
Women's size chart
Body measurements from GAP's published chart. Numeric size equivalents are approximate and vary slightly by garment.
| Size | US size | Bust | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 0–2 | 32.5–33.5" · 82.5–85 cm | 25.5" · 65 cm | 36.5" · 92.5 cm |
| S | 4–6 | 34.5–35.5" · 87.5–90 cm | 26.5–27.5" · 67.5–70 cm | 36.5–37.5" · 92.5–95.5 cm |
| M | 8–10 | 36.5–37.5" · 92.5–95.5 cm | 28.5–29.5" · 72.5–75 cm | 39.5–40.5" · 100.5–103 cm |
| L | 12–14 | 39–40.5" · 99–103 cm | 30.75–32" · 78–81.5 cm | 41.75–43" · 106–109 cm |
| XL | 16–18 | 42–44" · 106.5–112 cm | 33.75–35.75" · 85.5–91 cm | 44.75–46.75" · 113.5–118.5 cm |
| XXL | 20 | 46–47.5" · 117–120.5 cm | 37.75" · 96 cm | 48.75" · 124 cm |
Men's tops size chart
Body chest measurements for shirts and sweaters. Men's bottoms are sold by numeric waist size in inches.
| Size | Chest |
|---|---|
| XS | 34–36" · 86.5–91.5 cm |
| S | 36–38" · 91.5–96.5 cm |
| M | 39–41" · 99–104 cm |
| L | 42–44" · 106.5–112 cm |
| XL | 45–47" · 114.5–119.5 cm |
| XXL | 48–50" · 122–127 cm |
Measurements are based on GAP's published size charts and may vary by garment, fabric, and region. Always check the size chart on the product page before ordering.
GAP sizing FAQs
Does GAP run big or small?
GAP runs true to size by US standards, leaning slightly roomy. It uses a classic American fit with generous ease, so if you're coming from European brands it may feel a half size to a size large. Relaxed and oversized lines run genuinely big — size down in those.
What GAP size is a EU 38?
A EU 38 generally corresponds to a GAP US 6–8, which is a small-to-medium in GAP's alpha sizing. Because GAP cuts roomier than most European brands, many EU 38 shoppers find the GAP small fits the way their usual European medium does.
Do GAP jeans run true to size?
Mostly yes in the waist, with two caveats: lengths are inconsistent (regular often runs short), and high-stretch washes relax noticeably with wear. For rigid or low-stretch denim take your true size; for very stretchy washes consider sizing down.
Is GAP sizing the same as Old Navy and Banana Republic?
They're sister brands with similar charts on paper, but the garments fit differently: Old Navy cuts most generously, GAP sits in the middle, and Banana Republic is the most tailored. Don't assume your size in one carries over exactly to the others.
