Bathing Ape vs. Bape: What's the difference?

While many believe they are separate entities, A Bathing Ape is the official brand name, and Bape is its universally recognized abbreviation. They are one and the same - a legendary Japanese streetwear brand famous for its iconic ape logo, camo patterns, and limited-edition product drops.

Let's break down everything you need to know about this iconic brand and clear up any confusion.

A Bathing Ape: The CULT Streetwear Icon

Founded by Nigo in 1993, A Bathing Ape (or BAPE) is a cornerstone of Japanese urban fashion and global streetwear culture. The brand is known for its playful and bold graphics, high-quality materials, and exclusive collaborations that create immediate hype. The target customer is a fashion-forward individual who values artistic expression, exclusivity, and cultural relevance in their clothing.

• Product mix: BAPE offers a full range of streetwear, including their famous full-zip hoodies, graphic T-shirts, premium denim, sneakers like the BAPE STA™, and a wide array of accessories from hats to keychains.
• Price point: As a premium streetwear label, pricing is in the mid-to-high range. T-shirts typically start around $90, hoodies range from $150 to over $300, and sneakers often sell for $200 - $400+.
• Quality: Known for using high-quality-heavy cottons, durable hardware, and precise construction. The brand maintains a reputation for well-made apparel that lasts.
• Sizing/Fit: BAPE sizing is based on Japanese standards and generally runs true to size. However, many wearers find that some pieces, particularly hoodies and jackets, have a slightly more fitted cut than typical US brands, so sizing up is common for a relaxed fit.
• Collaborations: A huge part of the brand's identity, BAPE has partnered with hundreds of artists and brands, from Marvel and Adidas to Pharrell Williams and Kanye West.

A Bathing Ape set the blueprint for modern streetwear with its limited releases, pop-culture relevance, and commitment to a bold, unmistakable aesthetic.

Shop A Bathing Ape: bape.com

BAPE: The Unmistakable Abbreviation

BAPE is simply the shortened name for A Bathing Ape and is used interchangeably by fans, retailers, and the brand itself. It's the colloquial and more common term that represents the same bold aesthetic, signature camo patterns, and cultural influence. Think of BAPE as the nickname that became as famous as the official title, dominating music, art, and fashion for decades.

• Product mix: Identical to A Bathing Ape, the BAPE name is found on full-zip "Shark" hoodies, character T-shirts, BAPE STA™ sneakers, and accessories that are central to the brand's identity.
• Price point: The pricing doesn't change based on the name. A BAPE hoodie costs the same as a hoodie officially listed as "A Bathing Ape" - between $150 and $300+.
• Quality: The reputation for excellent craftsmanship and high-quality materials is consistent across all products, regardless of which name is used on the tag or marketing.
• Sizing/Fit: The sizing guidance remains the same. Check the official size charts on the BAPE website, and consider sizing up for a baggier, more traditional streetwear look.
• Branding: You will see "BAPE" used frequently on product graphics, marketing materials, and store signage as it is shorter and more impactful than the full name.

BAPE is the street-level term for the brand, signifying the exact same products, quality, and cultural status as A Bathing Ape.

Shop BAPE: bape.com

A Bathing Ape vs. BAPE Comparison

Because these are two names for the same brand, there are no differences in their products, pricing, or quality. The only distinction is in the name itself. Here’s a quick overview confirming their unity.

Price Point

There is absolutely no price difference between items labeled "A Bathing Ape" and those marketed as "BAPE." A signature camouflage printed hoodie will cost the same whether you search for it using the full name or the abbreviation. For example, hoodies consistently retail in the $150-$300 range, establishing a clear premium market position for all of the brand's products.

Quality & Materials

BAPE became an iconic brand partly due to its commitment to quality. The heavy fleece used in its hoodies, the durable print-on T-shirts, and the construction of its sneakers are consistent across the entire brand. There isn't a separate, lower-quality line associated with one name over the other. Every piece is made to the same high standards.

Style & Aesthetic

The style is identical. From the vibrant, multi-colored BAPE CAMO to the iconic Ape Head logo and the playful Baby Milo character, the brand's visual identity is unified. No matter which name you use, you're referring to the same streetwear pioneer known for its rebellious, graphic-heavy, and instantly recognizable aesthetic.

Fit & Sizing

Sizing is consistent across the entire product catalog, as all items come from the same production lines. The recommendation to check specific product measurements and consider sizing up for a more relaxed fit applies to all apparel, whether it's tagged with the full name or the abbreviation.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice isn't between two different brands but in deciding if BAPE's iconic and bold style is the right fit for your personal wardrobe. Both names refer to the exact same company and products.

Choose BAPE / A Bathing Ape if:

• You appreciate streetwear with a rich history and deep cultural ties to music and art.
• You want to make a bold statement with standout graphics, vibrant colors, and recognizable logos.
• You value exclusivity and enjoy collecting limited-edition items and hyped collaborations.
• You prefer high-quality, durable materials in your clothing and don't mind a premium price point.
• You're looking for iconic pieces like the Shark Hoodie or BAPE STA™ sneakers that are recognized worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BAPE the same as A Bathing Ape?

Yes, they are 100% the same brand. BAPE (often stylized as BAPE®) is the common abbreviation for A Bathing Ape®. Both names refer to the same products, company, and creative direction.

So, why the two names?

"A Bathing Ape" is the full, official name inspired by the 1968 film Planet of the Apes and a Japanese phrase that references lazy, overindulgent youth. "BAPE" is the shortened, catchy nickname that became popular among fans and is now used in official branding a lot.

Why is BAPE so expensive?

BAPE's high price point is due to several factors: its use of high-quality materials, manufacturing in Japan (which has higher labor costs), the brand's cultural cachet and reputation, and its strategy of releasing products in limited quantities to create scarcity and high demand.

How does BAPE sizing fit?

Most BAPE apparel fits true to size, but it is tailored closer to Asian sizing standards, which can be slimmer and shorter than US sizing. Many people choose to size up one full size for a more relaxed or oversized streetwear fit, especially for hoodies and T-shirts.

Where can I buy authentic BAPE products?

The best place to buy authentic items is from the official BAPE website or official BAPE flagship stores located in major cities worldwide. You can also purchase from authorized high-end retailers like a real high-end streetwear and sneaker focused resale marketplace. Stay away from unverified third-party sellers to ensure you get authentic merchandise.

Is BAPE considered a luxury brand?

BAPE is considered a premium or high-end streetwear brand rather than a traditional luxury brand like Louis Vuitton or Gucci. It operates at a similar price point to other top-tier streetwear labels like Supreme and Palace.

Who created BAPE?

BAPE was founded in 1993 in Ura-Harajuku, Japan, by the designer and music producer Tomoaki Nagao, who is best known as Nigo.

Does BAPE ever have sales?

Direct sales on the core seasonal items are rare and usually limited to specific events or end-of-season clearances at official stores. Due to its limited-drop nature for hyped items, most popular pieces sell out at full price quickly and often trade for more on the resale market.