Bape, which is short for A Bathing Ape, is a premium Japanese luxury streetwear brand popularized by its connection to hip-hop stars.
However, the price tags of $300 to $700 for simple items like t-shirts and hoodies may make you pause and wonder why Bape is so expensive. I looked it up and found some answers. Carry on reading for the details!
Why Is Bape So Expensive?
Bape is one of the most expensive luxury streetwear brands for several reasons. The brand’s connection with hip-hop artists and culture has earned it a huge following, who are willing to pay high prices for iconic items and designs. Limited releases, quality materials, and craftsmanship make the clothing more expensive and sought-after.
Read on if you want to know more about why Bape is so expensive and what all the fuss is about. You’ll find all you need to know here!
1. Bape Is A Premium Luxury Brand
Bape is a luxury brand, and like other Japanese fashion clothing, it comes with a premium price tag.
Further, the brand was founded by Japanese designer Nigo in 1993 and became popular in hip-hop culture after 2003.
Also, the brand has gone through cycles of popularity but is well established as an iconic streetwear brand like Timberland and Adidas.
Nowadays, Bape has nostalgic value for many customers, leading to a renewal of its popularity.
2. Made With Quality Materials And Craftsmanship
The Bape clothing line includes streetwear and informal clothes like jumpers, hoodies, t-shirts, and sweats made with high-quality, 100% cotton fabrics.
Also, Bape clothing undergoes a series of quality control tests, so even though it’s trendy clothing, it’s made to last and look good.
Lastly, the design and manufacturing processes likewise emphasize style and craftsman to produce quality clothing.
3. Limited Releases Fuel Demand
The most popular items and designs by Bape are released in limited quantities, which increases their desirability for fans of the brand.
As a result, the most popular designs are in high demand and sell out quickly, and it is difficult for stores to keep them in stock.
Therefore, customers are willing to pay high prices for these must-have items, whether new or resale.
4. Worn By Hip-Hop Stars And Celebrities
Bape initially became popular due to the brand’s association with hip-hop and artists like Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Pusha T, Soulja Boy, and A$AP Rocky.
Further, they have been seen wearing Bape clothing in music videos, which gave the brand a considerable fan following.
5. Friendship With Pharrell Williams Popularized Bape
The friendship between designer Nigo and rapper Pharrell Williams and their collaboration in fashion and music also helped to increase the brand’s soaring popularity.
In fact, it was due to Pharrell that Bape was introduced in the US in 2003 and became an instant success.
6. Branding Makes The Clothing More Attractive
The connection to hip-hop helped promote the brand with product placement in hip-hop videos with Snoop dog, Soulja Boy, Lil Wayne, and A$AP Rocky.
Further, celebrity endorsements are crucial to marketing, and Bape is worn by leading hip-hop artists and cultural figures.
Naturally, high brand name recognition and loyalty also translate into high prices.
7. Events Help To Popularize The Brand
Events like the Bape heads show combined fashion and hip-hop with stars like Kid Cudi, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Pusha T, Lil Yachty, and DJ CIPHA SOUNDS, helped promote the brand.
Moreover, the show was accompanied by the release of limited-edition t-shirts for attendees.
8. Targets Niche Market With Wealthy Customers
Bape clothing caters to an exclusive niche market for wealthy customers. Further, these customers are willing to pay top dollar for exclusivity and branding.
9. Bape Has Quirky, Iconic Designs
Bape designs like the iconic Shark hoodie, the unique camouflage design, and the gorilla logo are instantly recognizable by fans.
Therefore, the unique designs set apart Bape clothing and ensure a large following.
10. Bape Clothing Has A High Resale Value
Bape clothing has a high resale value due to its brand name recognition. Further, the most popular items are released in limited quantities, so there’s always a demand.
Additionally, the brand is so famous that resale values are pretty close to the original price.
11. Collaboration With Leading Brands Expands Popularity
Bape has collaborated with leading clothing and footwear brands like Supreme, Undefeated, and Adidas, which helped expand its exposure and popularity.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on why UNIF is so expensive, why Torrid is so expensive, and why LoveShackFancy is so expensive.
Conclusion
Bape is a leading streetwear high fashion brand with a large fan following. Its popularity and association with hip-hop culture make it the most expensive streetwear.
Also, the quality of the clothing and the iconic designs and styles make it highly sought after, and customers are willing to pay high prices for popular items.
Bape clothing has a high resale value, and the collaborations with other leading fashion brands keep it fresh and popular.