BAPE (an abbreviation of “A Bathing Ape”) is a popular Japanese clothing brand known for its hoodies featuring unique camouflage prints and ape head logos. Authentic BAPE hoodies are highly coveted streetwear items that often come with a high price tag. One of the key things that distinguishes real BAPE hoodies from fakes is the fabric used. In this article, we’ll take a close look at what type of fabric real BAPE hoodies are made from.
The Fabric of Genuine BAPE Hoodies
Authentic BAPE hoodies are constructed using a thick, heavyweight fleece cotton. This makes the hoodies feel substantial and durable. The fleece fabric also has a soft brushed inner side, making it comfortable to wear.
BAPE hoodies typically weigh around 600-900g. The thick fabric helps the hoodie hold its shape well and provides warmth during colder weather.
The most iconic BAPE hoodie design is the BAPE Shark Hoodie. This features a shark face graphic printed across the front and center. On authentic BAPE Shark Hoodies, the shark face graphic is 3D and made from plush fabric appliqué. This appliqué feels soft and spongy compared to the fleece hoodie fabric.
Common Fabrics Used in Fake BAPE Hoodies
While authentic BAPE hoodies use heavyweight fleece cotton, fake BAPE hoodies tend to be made from inferior fabrics like:
- Lightweight cotton – This has a thinner, flimsier feel compared to real BAPE hoodies.
- Polyester – Cheaper fakes often use polyester which lacks softness and durability.
- Acrylic – Some fakes contain acrylic fabric, which feels rough and stiff.
The 3D shark face appliqué is also a tell on fake hoodies. Fakes tend to have the graphic printed on, rather than using plush fabric. The prints also often look misshapen or pixelated.
Verifying BAPE Hoodie Authenticity by Fabric
When trying to verify if a BAPE hoodie is real, one of the best checks is feeling and inspecting the fabric:
- Weight – Does it feel heavy and thick? Real BAPE hoodies have a substantial drape.
- Softness – Authentic hoodies feel soft and brushed inside. Fakes tend to feel rougher.
- Stretch – There should be minimal stretch in a real BAPE hoodie when you tug at the fabric.
- Print texture – On shark hoodies, check if the graphic has a 3D, plush texture.
You can also compare the fabric details to images of authentic BAPE items. Things to look out for include the Ape head patch, neck tags, and wash tags.
A Table Comparing Real vs Fake BAPE Hoodie Fabrics
Here is a table summarizing the key fabric differences between genuine and fake BAPE hoodies:
| Hoodie Details | Authentic BAPE Fabric | Fake BAPE Fabrics |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy, 600-900gsm fleece | Lightweight, thin material |
| Thickness | Thick, substantial feel | Thin, flimsy feel |
| Softness | Soft, brushed inner facing | Rough, scratchy interior |
| Stretch | Minimal stretch when pulled | Overly stretchy fabric |
| Print Texture | 3D, plush shark appliqué | Flat, printed graphics |
This table summarizes how to identify fake BAPE hoodies through the inferior quality fabrics commonly used.
Other Ways to Spot Fake BAPE Hoodies
In addition to checking the fabric, there are some other telltale signs that a BAPE hoodie may be counterfeit:
- Misspelled or uneven tags and branding
- Poor stitching and loose threads
- Incorrect colors used on camo prints
- Wrong fonts, sizes, or positioning of graphics
- Plastic-like shiny prints
Authentic BAPE hoodie tags should have neat, precise lettering. The camo prints involve strict color schemes. With official BAPE hoodies, the sizing labels, laundering instructions, and logos should always match the genuine article.
Buying From Reputable Sellers and Checking Reviews
The safest way to purchase a real BAPE hoodie is directly from an authorized BAPE retail store or stockist. There are also some reputable resellers that authenticate BAPE items.
When buying from a reseller, it helps to check for reviews and feedback about the seller. Look for consistently positive ratings vouching for the authenticity of items sold.
Be wary of sellers offering BAPE hoodies at suspiciously cheap prices. This is often a red flag for counterfeit items. You’re unlikely to find a real BAPE hoodie being resold at a steep discount.
Conclusion
Checking the quality of materials is one of the most reliable ways to distinguish between real and fake BAPE hoodies. Authentic BAPE hoodies use thick, heavyweight fleece cotton that feels soft and substantial. Fakes tend to be lighter, thinner, and stiffer. Examining the fabric, stitching, tags, and prints closely will help determine authenticity. When purchasing, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and stick to reputable sellers to avoid buying counterfeit BAPE.