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In the world of streetwear, few brands carry the weight and influence of A Bathing Ape, or BAPE as it’s Bape Hoodies affectionately known. Founded in 1993 by Nigo in the heart of Harajuku, Tokyo, BAPE quickly became a cornerstone of hypebeast culture. From its distinctive camo prints to its iconic shark hoodies, BAPE has consistently pushed boundaries and turned heads. For the true hypebeast, owning original or "OG" BAPE pieces is more than just about fashion—it's about preserving a legacy and showcasing authentic taste.

A Legacy Born in Harajuku

Before Supreme’s box logo dominated Instagram and before Off-White turned quotation marks into a trend, BAPE was already a giant in streetwear. The brand’s roots in Japanese pop culture and hip-hop culture helped it grow organically through word-of-mouth, collaborations, and scarcity. Nigo’s vision was clear: create a brand that blends street culture with art, music, and rebellion. And he succeeded.

True hypebeasts know that OG BAPE isn’t just about having something from the brand—it’s about having something from the original era, when pieces were designed and overseen directly by Nigo himself. These are not just clothes. They are cultural artifacts.

The Shark Hoodie: Streetwear’s Crown Jewel

Arguably the most iconic BAPE piece of all time is the full-zip shark hoodie. First introduced in the mid-2000s, it quickly became a status symbol. With the aggressive shark face printed across the hood and bold lettering on the sleeves, it redefined what a hoodie could be. It was wearable art, blending military motifs with manga aesthetics.

What makes the OG versions stand out is their heavier material, tighter construction, and limited production runs. Early shark hoodies were notoriously hard to get, even in Japan, and some were exclusively released at special events or BAPE stores in Tokyo. Today, original shark hoodies from this era can fetch thousands on the resale market, but to the true hypebeast, the value isn’t monetary—it’s nostalgic.

BAPE Camo: A Print Like No Other

Another defining feature of OG BAPE pieces is the iconic BAPE camo. Unlike traditional camouflage designed for blending in, BAPE camo was created to stand out. Available in colorways like green, blue, red, and even pink, each print is instantly recognizable with its abstract apes hidden in the design.

Original camo pieces, particularly the 1st Camo series, remain highly sought after. These were the prints that laid the foundation for hundreds of later reinterpretations. While newer drops have expanded the palette and the pattern, OG fans know that the 1st Camo is the real deal. Jackets, crewnecks, and even BAPE Sta sneakers adorned with this early camo represent the golden era of the brand.

BAPE Sta Sneakers: Japan’s Answer to Streetwear Footwear

When BAPE launched its BAPE Sta sneakers, they weren’t shy about the inspiration—they were clearly modeled after Nike’s Air Force 1. However, rather than being seen as a ripoff, they were praised for their originality in materials, colors, and presentation.

The patent leather shine, star logo, and wild colorways turned BAPE Sta into a collector’s grail. OG releases came in limited quantities, often tied to seasonal drops or regional exclusives. For a real hypebeast, finding a pair of early 2000s BAPE Stas in wearable condition is like striking gold. They’re loud, unapologetic, and dripping with the spirit of early streetwear.

BAPEX Watches and the Subtle Flex

While most BAPE fans chase hoodies and sneakers, the true collectors know that OG BAPEX watches are where subtle flexing comes into play. BAPEX, BAPE’s parody of Rolex, was part satire and part statement. Featuring designs inspired by luxury timepieces but infused with streetwear swagger, these watches were limited, refined, and quietly powerful.

Original BAPEX models released under Nigo’s leadership are incredibly rare today. They embody the core of what BAPE has always been about—blending high fashion with urban edge. A BAPEX isn’t about telling time. It’s about telling a story.

The Era of Nigo: Why the OG Label Matters

What separates OG BAPE from the rest isn’t just age or rarity. It’s the fact that these pieces were made when Nigo was still at the helm. His exit from the brand in 2013 marked a major shift. While BAPE has continued to grow globally and innovate in various ways, many longtime fans believe the soul of the brand left with him.

To own an OG piece is to own a slice of that original vision. It's a direct connection to a time when streetwear was still underground, when wearing BAPE meant you were tuned into something the mainstream hadn’t yet caught onto.

The Hunt for Authenticity

In today’s world of fast fashion and endless collabs, finding authentic OG BAPE pieces has become increasingly difficult. Resale platforms are flooded with replicas and reissues, making it tough for even seasoned collectors to verify originality. That’s why research, community, and provenance matter.

True hypebeasts don’t just buy BAPE—they live it. They remember the days of standing in line for hours outside BAPE stores in Japan, scrolling forums for drop rumors, or watching Pharrell and Kanye rock rare pieces in music videos. That history fuels their passion.

Why OG BAPE Still Matters

BAPE’s influence on streetwear can’t be overstated. It was one of the first brands to truly merge music, fashion, and pop culture into a cohesive identity. OG BAPE pieces are a tribute to that legacy. They remind us of a time before everything became mainstream, when exclusivity wasn’t about clout but about culture.

For the true hypebeast, owning Bape Sweater OG BAPE isn’t just about showing off. It’s about honoring a brand that helped define what streetwear is today. It’s about wearing your passion, your history, and your identity—all in one.