BAPE vs Ape — are they the same brand?

Yes—BAPE and A Bathing Ape are the same brand.

BAPE is simply the commonly used abbreviation for A Bathing Ape, a Japanese streetwear label founded in 1993 by Nigo. The full brand name is A Bathing Ape, while BAPE is the shortened name used in logos, product labels, and everyday conversation.

What sometimes causes confusion is AAPE, which is not a separate brand, but a diffusion line under A Bathing Ape. AAPE targets a younger audience with more accessible pricing and simpler designs, while BAPE remains the core, higher-profile line known for its camo patterns, shark hoodies, and limited releases.

In short:

• A Bathing Ape = BAPE (same brand)

• AAPE = sub-label under BAPE, not a different company

So when people say “BAPE” or “Ape,” they are referring to the same original brand: A Bathing Ape.