I tried on the Doen x Gap collab and I have THOUGHTS
As a mid-sized Doen obsessive (It's a long one)
I'm a long time Doen fan girl so when I saw they were collaborating with Gap to release a capsule collection at a lower price point I was IN, bby 💸
An early access link to the drop was shared out a day early so of COURSE I panic purchased some items online to secure the goods I was interested in 👀 but I was feeling very much in the “treat yoself” spirit today and decided to hop on down to my nearest Gap to see if I could scope out the full collection in person #impatientaf #attemptingtovalidatemyspending
tdlr; the purchasing decisions I made online were ALL WRONG. I rarely do myself this dirty so let’s talk about all the things I learned while trying this collection on in person.
the fabrics
I love Doen AND Gap natural fabric pieces so I had high expectations going into this collection. Here are my quick thoughts on the fabrics:
The cotton knits were soft and the dyes were beautiful.
I was disappointed that the “linen blend” was a linen x poly and not a linen x cotton.
The denim was SO soft. It felt like beautifully worn in vintage.
The poplin was crisp but felt resistant to wrinkles (unlike some of the Doen poplin pieces I have).
The cotton weaves were buttery soft and not as sheer as some of the lighter wovens from Doen.
The eyelets were stunningly ornate and well finished. Absolutely impressive textures and details on these pieces.
the clothes
My measurements for reference: 40” bust, 32” waist, 45” hip. I believe I’m a true “American” large.
online - purchased a large
in-store - ended up deciding on a medium
ultimately - did not purchase in store and will be returning the online purchase 😇
I don’t hate this item but I feel that the cut of it broadens the chest and shoulder area visually. As someone with a more “shallow” chest area and wider upper arms, this just isn’t the most flattering look for my body type. I want to love it I just think I would get more wear if this were a tee instead. I know Doen sells a style very similar to this in a tee format but the price point is def more than I want to spend on a tee.
Idk, I’m still thinking about it so maybe I’ll regret not picking it up. I’m obsessed with the pink and blue, they’re perfect shades for my color palette. Still thinking…. there was so much stock at my local store I think I can afford at least 24 hours of sitting on my hands and maybe reconsidering if I return one of the items I did end up purchasing. Who knows maybe this was an issue of styling (I wore tights and a sports bra to the store so I didn’t exactly set myself up for success)
Note: I found that were were size discrepancies between the color options in this style. The white version fit more snug than the pink or blue.
online - visually this was one of the most appealing pieces to me online BUT the fabric comp deterred me from purchasing
in-store - tried on a medium in-store because that was the largest size they had on hand. I would definitely size up to a L or XL for the fit I’m looking for.
ultimately - I’m salty that this is linen x poly and won’t be purchasing 🥲
Someone just please tell me why this couldn’t be a cotton x linen blend pls 🙄
Love the knit pattern and the color. Shocked by the limited size selection in-store for this item since every other style had lots of options. I *know* this is an open knit but the fabric isn’t breathable enough for Texas summers. Could be a cute date-night top but bleh. So much potential. This was the biggest letdown for me in the collection.
online - purchased an x-large because large was oos
in-store - tried on a large and decided that was the correct size
ultimately - purchased but may return it if I can’t integrate into my wardrobe. 😎
This was what I expected to be the hero item from this collection and I had the highest expectations for this piece. As a 5’3” person with wider hips, I’m always concerned about a drop waist construction but this style actually worked really well on me and I found the tier to hit at the perfect height.
My only issue with skirts this shape and length is that it can be tricky to work into my wardrobe considering my kibbe body type and style essence. I’ll report back on this. In fact, let me know if you want me to talk about kibbe or style essence in general.
online - purchased a large
in-store - tried the large on in store (pictured) and the bust was WAY too big so sized down to a medium but while the bust was still a little too roomy the hip was now too snug.
ultimately - did not purchase in store and will be returning the online purchase.
I didn’t think this piece was for me when I first saw it online, but I saw someone on Instagram post a very flattering story wearing this and they totally got me. I should have minded my instincts here because this fully clashes with my body type and style essence and I think it ages me personally. This dress, as proven by the IG story, suits a particular body type VERY well so don’t feel discouraged by my experience.
Note: The skirt on the dress feels fuller and a little more flowy than the standalone skirt.
online - didn’t even consider purchasing because I was afraid the sleeves were too long for my larger upper arms considering there was no stretch in this garment.
in-store - tried on a medium and was shocked that this fit my arms with room to spare.
ultimately - purchased the medium and I’m requiring myself to integrate this into at least 3 outfit formulas before I can take the tags off.
I had my doubts about this one! I saw the sleeves and I totally counted this style out. Usually, in Doen a woven top I look for elastic sleeve cuffs because my arms are objectively large (I’d measure them for you but I feel like I might trigger myself if I do that tbh. Just trust me 😅 this is coming from someone with like 18” calves so I’m not playin’ around). SO when I saw that the sleeve openings on this top were non-stretch I put it out of my mind. I also just expected that the sleeves would be a touch too long to be flattering on me. You get it.
In store, I couldn’t help myself. The details on this top are just SO stunning. I’m such a sucker for a feminine detail. So I grabbed it in a Medium and Large and to my surprise the Medium fit my arms, so large arm girlies rejoice, its a safe choice.
Unlike most Doen tops, and contrary to the “cropped” style name, I found that this was actually a tuckable length, which is VERY appreciated because I do love the option to cinch in that waist with some tuck action.
online - didn’t even consider purchasing because I was afraid the sleeves were too long for my larger upper arms considering there was no stretch in this garment.
in-store - tried on a medium and was shocked that this fit my arms with room to spare.
ultimately - purchased the medium and I’m requiring myself to integrate this into at least 3 outfit formulas before I can take the tags off.
My feelings are all over the place on this top. I love the fabric, like, obsessed with it. The little hem detail is absolutely *chefs kiss* and hits the perfect spot on my lower back. I think my issue is the boxiness through the bust and waist.
Square neckline? Love. Lack of shape through the body? Ehhhhh.
The straps are also *slightly* too long. Just a touch, like maybe a cm or two. It’s SO minor but it prevents it from being a perfect fit.
I’m torn between loving the neckline and feeling that there is room for improvement in the overall fit. I might honestly try sizing down ONE more to see if that fixes my concerns (although I would be shocked if I fit into a Small). I have some work to do to build outfits with this top. Maybe a linen pant or a relaxed jean. I’ll let you know.
the oversized icon denim jacket*:
online - didn’t even click into this item online to look at the details. this was so far off my radar I never would have added this to any sort of interest list tbh.
in-store - decided on a large for a slouchy, oversized af, boyfriend-fit vintage vibe.
ultimately - purchased in a large and I think I’ll be wearing this nonstop year-round. it reminds me of my fave flannel, but denim.
*SLEEPER HITTER ALERT* 📢🚨‼️
Ending this ramble on a high. I was absolutely shocked that I loved this as much as I do. I don’t even know what compelled me to pick this up off the rack and try it on? It was one of those “wellll I guess while I’m here…” things. Total chance.
I initially grabbed a L and XL because I was going for the very oversized look here. I wanted a true “my bf is a f*ckin lumberjack” fit. Easy. The hand on this is SO soft and broken in. It’s truly so beautiful and effortless. I will wear this to death. It’s a mid-weight denim so it’s not oppressively warm either and feels quite breathable which is necessary in the Texas heat I live in for whatever reason.
I will say, the sleeves must be cuffed for me. The little puffy cuff detail is cute but its not for me. I appreciate that the option is there but *observe* the difference it makes below. For me, this is the highlight of the collection and I’m definitely being dramatic here I’m just really excited to incorporate it into my wardrobe.
final thoughts
tldr; the good:
the shirt is tuckable! bless
the denim jacket. all of it.
the cotton fabric details, hand feel, and opacity are all perfect
tldr; the bad:
I wish the pointelle tank was actually a tee
linen x poly blend makes me 👹
the sizing is challenging
Loved this collection but clearly I have horrible online purchasing judgement because pretty much everything I purchased online was the wrong size or style for me.
I suggest trying things on in store or erring on the side of sizing down.
Please tell me your thoughts, share your purchases or items on your watch list, or even request more details about another item and I’ll see if I can check it out at my store tomorrow and update you here.
Kloveyoubye 💖
*I've added affiliate links to this article but please feel free to choose your own adventure if you aren’t comfortable with those. I also just highly recommend dropping into your local Gap to try this collection on since stock is volatile online.
Linen x poly blend is a crime. Immediate jail.