Even in the thick of August, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) isn't one for casual Fridays. But to celebrate Gap's 40th anniversary today, the retailer outfitted 1200 NYSE traders in its new 1969 jeans.

Lucky for the traders, this marks the first time that the exchange has allowed a dressed down wardrobe policy.

To ring in the anniversary, Gap's North America president Marka Hansen, board member Bob Fisher and the brand's founding family members, John and Bill Fisher rang the stock exchange's "Closing Bell" remotely from the company's San Francisco headquarters this afternoon.

"On August 21, 1969, Don and Doris Fisher opened a shop in San Francisco called Gap that sold jeans and records," Hansen says of the brand's humble beginnings.

Fast forward 40 years later, Hansen adds, "The fact that we're dressing the New York Stock Exchange in jeans for the first time in history really speaks to the role that Gap has played in pop culture and in outfitting America in jeans for the past four decades."

When it comes to denim, do you prefer Gap's affordable duds or a designer pair? Read more about $300 jeans here.