GapFit!

On Tuesday afternoon, after he got home from school, JG IMed me:

JG: a big gap box just showed up here for you
with a “gapfit” sticker

RA: woot woot!

I’d received e-mails about Gap’s new line of workout gear, GapFit, and I was pining silently for it because I only have just enough pants to make it though my week of fitness classes. Since I joined the Y in August, I have accumulated a good selection of tops — for which I refused to pay more than $10 each — but my pants selection is very limited. I must do laundry on Saturdays if I am to be decent at the gym on Mondays. The arrival of this package seemed especially serendipitous since it occurred on the very day that I posted about my fitness challenges. When I busted into the box, I found a jacket, a top, and five pairs of pants! Very exciting! I got so excited, in fact, that I had JG take pictures of me in terrible lighting, with my cell phone, as I modeled with goofy poses and cheesy grins, plus an occasional bewildered dog looking on. Let’s get to it!

gFast
Here I am, mid-stride in my living room, in gFast running leggings, top (that you cannot see), and jacket. I have never worn running leggings, and I was nervous that my legs would look all sausage-y in them, but these things suck you in like crazy. There’s even a convenient zippered compartment in the back for a key. They are a little long for me, per usual for my short legs, but that did not cause any problems, unless you count some ankle-scrunching.

For me, the most exciting thing about this ensemble was the jacket. No, my hand has not been amputated, as it might appear from the shoddy picture; the jacket has built-in fingerless gloves! You slip your thumb through a little slit, and the slightly-longer sleeve covers most of your hand. Once you are warmed up, just push the sleeve up and you are good to go. I also appreciated the zippered pockets on the outside and compartments on the inside. Plus, look at the kicky turquoise color! Love it.

gBalance
How could I not love a pair of cropped knit pants? These gBalance capris are super soft and comfy with a gray foldover waist band. Even though I am demonstrating a tree pose, I wore these pants this morning for my Body Pump workout, and they were an excellent, instant addition to my workout wardrobe.

gFlex
These gFlex pants are made from a lightweight material that seems like it would wick away moisture, and it’s just slightly stretchy (12% spandex, I see). They look, kind of, ah, dressier than my normal full-length pants, if that makes sense. There’s a hidden back pocket in these guys, too. Please note that in taking the awkward picture above, JG was all, “Wait a minute…” and I was all, “TAKE THE PICTURE ALREADY!” and Ted was all, “I’m confused.”

gDance
Check out my best approximation of a Zumba move as a still life! These gDance pants are really similar to their gFlex companions: same material and a back zip compartment. But this cut is slimmer overall and has a smaller flare at the ankle, which I think would be nice for aerobic workouts like Zumba or anything based on martial arts.

gStretch
When I put on these gStretch pants, I said, “Whoa, baggy!” Compared to the bootcut gFlex pants and the flared gDance pants, this last fit was positively roomy. That’s not to say it doesn’t fit, because it does. The wide leg is really comfy, and I’d appreciate it in yoga the most, think. The website calls it “part workout pant and part lounge pant,” and I have a vague feeling that my distribution of those activities in these pants will be something like 30-70. Plus, they have pockets! Even better. Judging from Ted’s expression, he had just about enough of this shenanigans.

Overall
In general, I liked the GapFit products I received. Without real road-testing, I think they appear to be well made and durable. The fabrics are light but not sheer, and I like the inclusion of details like zippered back pockets. My favorites were the top, jacket, and gBalance capris, because I know that I will use them right away and frequently. As far as fit goes, all of the pieces were in my default size, and they fit me well, with the exception of length. It’s fine; I’m a shortie, so I’m used to it. The gFlex and gStretch styles come in Ankle, Regular, and Long lengths, so I’d probably opt for Ankle instead of Regular. Even so, I appreciate the options in length.

My only quibble is price. The pants range in price from $34.50-$54.95, not to mention the top ($26.95) and the jacket (a whopping $69.95!). Sorry, Gap. I would never buy these items at these prices, but as I stated above, I am a total workout cheapskate. That said, it appears that these prices are lower than those at Athleta, Gap’s sister company for fitness clothing. I have 2 swimsuits from Athleta (bought on super ridiculous clearance with free shipping, obviously), and they are holding up great. So, I’m sure that their products are of high quality, but I could never stomach the full price. If you feel the same way about Athleta and your price threshold for workout gear is greater than mine, then you should definitely check out the GapFit line.

But wait, there’s more! If you are hankering for a piece of the GapFit action, you can order online and get 30% off with the promotion code NEWYOU until midnight tonight (ET). This discount applies to Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy, and you can get free shipping for orders over $50 across all 3 brands, plus free return shipping. (You can also get 20% off Piperlime purchases, which always ship for free.) If you’re a member of Ebates, you can also earn 2% cash back on your purchase; let me know if you’d like a referral link. So all I’m saying is, now would be a pretty good time to try the GapFit line, if you are so inclined.

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I received these GapFit items for free as part of my agreement to be a Brand Enthusiast for Gap through Brand About Town.

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