Shark Full-Zip Hoodie
The zip-over-the-face shark hood is BAPE's most recognizable garment and the piece that turned the label into a global streetwear icon.
Explore Shark hoodies →Brand profile
Bape
Japanese streetwear label founded by Nigo in 1993, known for Ape Head logos, 1ST CAMO, Shark hoodies, Baby Milo and BAPESTA sneakers.
TokyoOrigin
MenswearFocus
StreetwearStyle
$$$Price
22 brands like Bape like Billionaire Boys Club, Bape Baby, Supreme →
What to know about Bape
Built on a handful of signatures
The Shark full-zip hoodie, 1ST CAMO and ABC camo prints, Baby Milo graphics and the BAPESTA sneaker account for most of what the brand is bought for.
Ura-Harajuku roots, Hong Kong ownership
Founded by Nigo in Tokyo in 1993, the label has been controlled since 2011 by Hong Kong retail group I.T, which runs the business from there.
Two price entry points
Main-line hoodies and sneakers sit at the upper-middle end of streetwear, while the AAPE diffusion line covers cheaper pieces under the same house.
The pieces that define Bape
Shop Bape →ABC Camo
The ape-head camouflage print, alongside 1ST CAMO, is the house pattern that stamps BAPE across hoodies, tees and accessories.
Explore ABC Camo →BAPESTA
BAPE's star-sided low-top is the brand's defining sneaker and a cornerstone of Ura-Harajuku sneaker culture.
Explore BAPESTA →Shop Bape
Shop all Bape ↗Available atSSENSE
How Bape fits
Overall fit
runs small
BAPE uses Japanese sizing that tends to run smaller and shorter than Western equivalents, so many people size up for a comfortable or relaxed fit.
Tip: Most shoppers size up one, sometimes two, from their usual size, especially the Shark hoodies.
High confidence · based on 30 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeans & denim | slightly small | mostly straight to slightly relaxed | Expect a snug waist and consider going up one tag size. |
| Shirts & overshirts | slightly small | regular to slightly boxy camp/overshirt cuts | Go up one size if you plan to layer or want sleeve length to reach the wrist. |
| Trousers & pants | slightly small | varies from tapered joggers to wider cargo and camo pants | Check the waist measurement and size up one if you're between sizes or tall. |
| Sneakers | true to size | regular width | BAPESTAs generally fit true to size but run a bit long; consider a half size down if between sizes. |
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | runs small | boxy with fitted arms | Size up one for the Shark full-zip hoodies; two sizes if you want a relaxed fit over layers. |
| Jackets | runs small | boxy streetwear cut | Size up for layering room since outerwear follows the same small Japanese sizing. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | slightly small | regular to slightly boxy | Consider sizing up one if you prefer a looser fit, as tees run a touch small. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Bape
See all 22 brands like Bape →
88% matchBillionaire Boys Club
Nigo's other label — same graphic-heavy logo DNA
What changes: US-based, space/astro theme over camo and Ape Head
86% matchBape Baby
BAPE's own Baby Milo kids and lifestyle line
What changes: Kids sizing and character-led, not adult flagship pieces
82% matchSupreme
Hype-drop model with a logo everyone recognises
What changes: Skate-rooted New York attitude, less character branding
80% matchNeighborhood
Same Ura-Harajuku era, darker biker-military codes
What changes: Muted militaria over loud camo and cartoon graphics
Bape fit questions
Does Bape run big or small?
Bape runs small. Most shoppers size up one, sometimes two, from their usual size, especially the Shark hoodies. BAPE uses Japanese sizing that tends to run smaller and shorter than Western equivalents, so many people size up for a comfortable or relaxed fit.
How does Bape fit?
BAPE uses Japanese sizing that tends to run smaller and shorter than Western equivalents, so many people size up for a comfortable or relaxed fit. Overall shape: boxy Japanese streetwear cut.
How do Bape jeans & denim fit?
Bape jeans & denim fits slightly small. Expect a snug waist and consider going up one tag size. Shape: mostly straight to slightly relaxed.
How do Bape shirts & overshirts fit?
Bape shirts & overshirts fits slightly small. Go up one size if you plan to layer or want sleeve length to reach the wrist. Shape: regular to slightly boxy camp/overshirt cuts.
How do Bape trousers & pants fit?
Bape trousers & pants fits slightly small. Check the waist measurement and size up one if you're between sizes or tall. Shape: varies from tapered joggers to wider cargo and camo pants.
Brand facts
A Bathing Ape (BAPE) is a Japanese streetwear label founded by Tomoaki "Nigo" Nagao in Ura-Harajuku, Tokyo, in 1993, and now owned by Hong Kong retail group I.T, which acquired a controlling stake in 2011 and bases the business in Hong Kong. Signature products include the Shark full-zip hoodie, 1ST CAMO and ABC camo apparel, Baby Milo character graphics and the BAPESTA sneaker. The brand operates BAPE STORE locations across Asia, Europe and North America, runs the AAPE diffusion line, and marked its 30th anniversary in 2023.
- Founded
- 1993
- Origin
- Tokyo, Japan
- Made in
- Japan, China
- Price
- $$$
- Typical prices
- T-shirts $99–$124 · Footwear $277–$343 · Hoodies $364–$500
- Focus
- Menswear
- Facts checked
- September 2026
- Styles
- Streetwear, Y2K, Skatewear