I purchased these jeans for my husband on 12/29/1999 at a thrift store. I remember the date because I was desperately looking for jeans that could resemble bell bottoms for a themed 1999 NYE party and we were down to the wire. I’ve often wondered how old the jeans were and have searched on and off over the years for an answer. I’ve never been able to match the label to a year or find any clues. I can’t believe I’ve held onto them this long but I can’t let them go until I solve the mystery. I don’t expect that they are special or worth anything. Any insight?
Have you seen the VFG Label Resource? It doesn't resemble any of their labels (we need pre 2010 labels please) but there's a description that sounds a bit like yours from 1969-1986. It says the name was trademarked in '74 so it won't be earlier and because it doesn't have 'The' before 'Gap' on the label that might suggest something too: possibly an early label or a later one? It does have 'The Gap' on the button though. I think on the basis of the labels you could confidently put it between '74-86. The style looks very '70s to me, and this style of jean was unfashionable in the '80s so that helps but jeans aren't my area - hopefully someone can offer more. But I think they're likely between '74 and '79 and it would be lovely if you could submit this label for our label resource to help others. Thank you.
Not a jeans specialist here either, but I agree style-wise 70s makes more sense, and also them being made in Hong Kong probably points to earlier rather than later.
Thank so much! I have checked the VFG Label Resource... every year for many years hoping something would pop up. ;) I tracked down the name of a Gap archivist via a news article and sent her pics this morning. I’m hoping she responds so I can finally put this mystery to bed. I will certainly submit the label to the Resource once I hear back from her so I can provide the most information possible. If she doesn’t respond, I’ll submit with what I have.
This trademark was registered in the UK in 1978 for clothing. Of course it may have been registered earlier in the USA. Note it doesn't include 'the' in the logo for clothing. https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00001096590