How to tell if a Bape Hoodie is Real? A Comprehensive Guide
Hey friend! So I know you’re looking to cop a sweet Bape hoodie. I don’t blame you – Bape makes some of the dopest streetwear out there. But with such a hot brand comes fakes trying to cash in. As your bud who’s obsessed with streetwear, let me give you the inside scoop on how to make sure your Bape hoodie is 100% authentic. This is crucial if you want the real deal quality and street cred.
First up, a quick Bape download for the uninitiated. Bape stands for A Bathing Ape and started in Japan in the 90s. But it blew up internationally thanks to major celebs like Pharrell rocking it. We’re talking about unique camo prints and that iconic ape head logo. But success means knockoffs, so we gotta make sure you don’t get played.
Peep the Tags
One of the easiest ways to legit check a Bape hoodie is to peek at the tags. It’s all in the details on these, so bust out your magnifying glass and investigate thoroughly:
- Neck Tag: Check that neck tag behind the hood. An authentic Bape neck tag will have crisp, clean printing – no blurriness or fading. The letters and ape head should pop.
- Care Tag: Inside the hoodie will be a care tag, usually near the side seam. Make sure it’s neatly stitched, not just hanging by a thread (see what I did there?). The text should be clear and legible too.
- Hologram Tag: Newer Bape hoodies have hologram tags sewn in with a rainbow ape head that you’ll see when you shine a light. This high-tech tag is hard for knockoff brands to copy.
Check the Quality
An authentic Bape hoodie is made with premium materials, so it’ll feel solid in your hands. Rip off that plastic bag and inspect it up close. The fabric should have some weight to it – no thin, cheap-feeling crap. Run your fingers along the seams and check that the stitching is on point, with no loose threads. It’s all about attention to quality details.
Examine the Print Design
Bape is hyped for its unique camo prints and that ape head logo. Scope that design extra close. An authentic print will be sharp and detailed with no bleeding colors or fuzziness. Even the tiny “BAPE” text should be crispy and clean. If the print looks sloppy, you may have a counterfeit.
Zippers and Hardware Give it Away
Some key indicators are hiding in the hardware, too. Authentic bape hoodies tend to use YKK zippers known for their buttery smoothness. Grab that zipper pull and give it a test drive. If it’s catching or feels cheap, red flag. The other hardware, like the drawstrings and eyelets, should feel sturdy, too, not chintzy plastic.
We’re detectives on a mission here, so let’s keep digging for clues to verify authenticity. The packaging and place of purchase can also help sniff out imposters. Read on, hoodie hound!
Packaging Tells the Tale
Even the bag your Bape hoodie comes in helps determine legitness. Real Bape gear is usually wrapped in a plastic bag with Bape’s signature camo print or logo. Feel the thickness – authentic Bape bags have a heavy-duty quality. If it’s thin, cheap plastic, that’s a giveaway. It’s fake.
Buy from Approved Dealers
To really ensure authenticity, buy directly from the Bape store site, flagship shops, or authorized retailers. Online marketplaces and random third-party sellers are sketchier because counterfeits get mixed in. Before buying anywhere, read up on the seller’s reviews and return policy in case you get a fake.
If the Price Seems Too Low…
Bape’s premium quality and scarcity come with a hefty price tag. If you see hoodies listed way below retail – like suspiciously low – it’s probably a knockoff. I know we all want a good deal, but crazy cheap for Bape likely means fake. Don’t get duped by discounts.
Limited Pieces Require Extra Diligence
Bape is known for limited collabs and seasonal pieces that resell for big bucks later. Fakes try hard to replicate these rare hoodies to scam buyers out of cash. When dealing with exclusive drops, go through authentication steps with a fine tooth comb. Compare every tag, print detail, and packaging element to retail pics.
Check the Serial Number
Some Bape products have a serial number on the care tag or a separate tag you can use to validate authenticity. If you’re still unsure, contact Bape customer service with the serial and they can verify if it’s legit.
There ya have it dude, the insider tips to spotting real versus fake Bape. It comes down to sweating the small stuff like materials, stitching, tags, and packaging. Stay vigilant – if something seems off, it probably is. Copping a real Bape hoodie takes knowledge so you can flex in confidence. You got this! Now you just need to pick which fly camo print you’re gonna rock next. Let me know once your legit Bape arrives so we can stunt together!
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