Aape vs. Bape: What's the difference?

Bape is an iconic, luxury Japanese streetwear brand famous for its bold designs, signature camo prints, and premium price point, attracting a cult following of serious collectors and fashion insiders. By contrast, Aape is Bape's more affordable sub-brand, targeting a younger audience with a more minimalist, casual aesthetic and a significantly lower cost.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right streetwear brand for your style and budget.

Aape: The Accessible Streetwear Sub-Label

Launched in 2012 as a diffusion line of Bape, Aape was created to offer a more accessible entry point to the world of Japanese streetwear. It maintains the core DNA of its parent brand - playful graphics and an undeniable street sensibility - but tones down the more eccentric elements for everyday wearability. This makes Aape popular with teens and young adults who appreciate the Bape universe but prefer more versatile pieces at a comfortable price.

• Product mix: Aape focuses on casual wardrobe foundations, including graphic t-shirts, hoodies, joggers, simple outerwear, and accessories like caps and bags. The selection is straightforward and geared towards daily comfort.
• Price point: Prices are firmly in the mid-range streetwear market, making the brand attainable for younger consumers. A t-shirt typically costs around $50, while hoodies and sweatshirts range from $100 to $150.
• Quality: The quality is solid for its price point, using standard cottons and fleeces that are durable enough for regular wear. While not as premium as mainline Bape, the construction is reliable for everyday streetwear.
• Style & Aesthetic: Aape's look is more understated and minimalist compared to Bape. It often uses simpler logos, smaller graphics, and a more muted color palette, making it easier to mix into a variety of outfits.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally fit true-to-size with a relaxed, comfortable silhouette designed for casual styling.

Aape is the perfect choice for shoppers who want the style and influence of Bape in a more wearable and budget-friendly package.

Shop Aape: aape.com

Bape: The Original Luxury Streetwear Icon

Founded in 1993 by Nigo, Bape (A Bathing Ape) is one of the trailblazers of global streetwear culture, defining the trends of hype, exclusivity, and collaboration. The brand is instantly recognizable for its iconic Ape Head logo, vibrant First Camo pattern, and the coveted Shark Hoodie. Bape's target customer is a dedicated streetwear aficionado who sees clothing as a statement of cultural identity and is willing to pay a premium for exclusivity, heritage, and design.

• Product mix: Bape offers a wide range of products including high-end apparel, sneakers like the Bape Sta, complex outerwear, and extremely sought-after accessories. Its frequent collaborations link it with major international names like Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Marvel.
• Price point: As a luxury brand, Bape is expensive. Hoodies often start over $300, t-shirts are usually $100+, and limited-edition collaboration pieces can easily run into the thousands on the resell market.
• Quality: Bape is known for its high-quality materials and craftsmanship. From premium Japanese cotton to intricate embroidery and printing, the construction reflects its high price and collector status.
• Style & Aesthetic: Maximalist, bold, and loud. Bape is designed to be noticed, using vibrant colors, busy patterns, and large logos. It commands attention and is considered a status symbol within the streetwear community.
• Sizing/Fit: Bape generally fits true-to-size, though its sizing is based on Japanese standards and can sometimes run slightly smaller than typical US sizing. It's always best to check specific measurements on its website.

Bape is for a consumer who prioritizes hype, exclusivity, and brand status, and is willing to invest in an iconic piece of streetwear history.

Shop Bape: bape.com

Aape vs. Bape Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between Aape and Bape is the price. Aape is positioned as an accessible streetwear brand, with prices similar to competitors like Stüssy or Obey. You can build a full outfit with a hoodie, t-shirt, and joggers for roughly the price of a single Bape hoodie.

Bape, on the other hand, operates in the luxury market. Its pricing reflects its reputation, high-quality manufacturing, and intentional scarcity. Shoppers see Bape products not just as garments, but as collector's items that often hold or increase their value over time.

Quality & Materials

Bape's commitment to quality is a key justification for its luxury pricing. The brand uses premium Japanese textiles known for their softness, durability, and superior feel. The stitching, screen printing, and embroidery are often complex and executed with extreme precision, something apparent in pieces like the iconic Shark Hoodie.

Aape uses more conventional materials appropriate for its lower price point. While still perfectly durable and comfortable for daily wear, the fabric doesn't have the same heavyweight, premium feel as mainline Bape. The focus for Aape is providing solid-quality basics rather than heirloom-style artifacts.

Style & Aesthetic

In terms of style, the two brands are worlds apart. Bape is rooted in maximalism. If you wear Bape, you want people to know you're wearing Bape. Its collections are dominated by flashy camo prints, giant logos, and bold, experimental graphics that are designed to stand out.

Aape takes a more minimalist and modern approach. While it still uses camo and graphic elements, they are often less obtrusive - think a small logo hit on the chest, a tonal camo pattern, or a subtle back print. Aape’s designs are easier to work into an existing wardrobe and are better suited for those who prefer understated branding over loud statements.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true-to-size according to Japanese sizing standards, which can feel a bit slimmer for wearers accustomed to American brands. Aape tends to offer a more consistently relaxed and casual fit across its hoodies and tees.

Bape sizing can be more specific, especially for its more structured outerwear or collaborative pieces. Given the high cost, it's highly recommended to consult the official size charts on the Bape website before making a purchase from Bape to ensure a proper fit.

Shopping Experience

Shopping for Aape is relatively simple. Its products are available on its official website and through various multi-brand streetwear retailers. Items are generally well-stocked, making it easy to purchase what you want, when you want it.

Buying from Bape is an event. The brand built its reputation on exclusivity and hype, with limited-edition "drops" that sell out in minutes. This creates a sense of urgency and competition, rewarding dedicated fans who follow release schedules closely. While core items are sometimes available, the most desirable pieces are often only accessible through these limited releases or the secondary market.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands deliver Japanese streetwear inspiration, but they cater to very different styles and budgets.

Choose Aape if:

• You're shopping on a budget and want streetwear style for a reasonable price.
• You prefer minimalist branding and a more subtle, clean aesthetic.
• You need versatile, everyday pieces like hoodies and tees that are easy to style.
• You're getting into streetwear and want a friendly place to start.

Choose Bape if:

• You want iconic, statement-making pieces with loud branding and designs.
• You are a collector who values exclusivity, hype, and limited-edition drops.
• The history and cultural relevance of the brand is important to you.
• You view your clothing as a collectible investment and price is a secondary concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aape the same as Bape?

No, Aape is a sub-brand or diffusion line of Bape. It was launched by the same parent company to offer a more affordable and mainstream version of the Bape aesthetic.

Is Aape or Bape cheaper?

Aape is significantly cheaper than Bape. Aape hoodies cost around $100-$150, while Bape hoodies typically start at over $300.

Which has better quality, Aape or Bape?

Bape has superior quality. It uses premium materials, sourced and manufactured in Japan, with meticulous attention to detail. Aape offers good, standard quality suitable for its much lower price point.

Can I buy Bape gear on the Aape website?

No, the two brands operate through separate online stores and physical retail locations. You must visit the official Bape store or an authorized dealer to purchase Bape products.

Why is Bape so expensive?

Bape's high cost is due to its reputation as a luxury streetwear pioneer, its use of high-quality Japanese materials and manufacturing, its limited production runs to create scarcity, and its status as a cultural icon coveted by celebrities and collectors.

How does Aape and Bape sizing run?

Both brands generally fit true-to-size based on Japanese sizing, which can be slightly smaller than US sizing. Aape offers a more consistent relaxed fit. For Bape, it is always recommended to check the official size chart for each specific item.

Is Aape real streetwear?

Yes, Aape is a legitimate and popular streetwear brand produced by the same company as Bape. While it doesn't carry the same "grail" status as mainline Bape, it's a respected label with its own following, especially among younger streetwear enthusiasts.