BAPE (A Bathing Ape) has long been a powerhouse in streetwear, known for its bold camo prints, iconic Ape Head logo, and high-profile collaborations. But with its high price tags and limited availability, scoring an authentic BAPE sweatshirt isn’t always practical—especially if you’re on a budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of brands and designs that offer the same streetwise aesthetic without the designer cost. Here are the best alternatives to BAPE sweatshirts that serve up style, edge, and affordability.
1. HUF
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
HUF offers streetwear staples with bold logos, skate culture roots, and high-quality fleece options. Their sweatshirts often feature graphic-heavy designs that reflect urban attitude, much like BAPE.
Standout Features:
- Graphic prints
- Durable construction
- Skater-inspired fits
2. Stüssy
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
A pioneer of streetwear since the ’80s, Stüssy blends surf, skate, and hip-hop aesthetics. Their sweatshirts often feature bold logos and abstract art that mirrors the graphic appeal of BAPE.
Standout Features:
- Iconic script logo
- Oversized fits
- Seasonal drops with collectible value
3. The Hundreds
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
With a strong focus on pop culture, cartoons, and vibrant prints, The Hundreds produces streetwear sweatshirts that feel visually rich—like BAPE but with a slightly lower profile.
Standout Features:
- Story-driven graphics
- West Coast vibe
- Quality fleece and consistent sizing
4. Kith
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
Though more minimal than BAPE, Kith combines premium fabrics with a refined take on streetwear. Their collaborations and branding carry that same hype-driven energy.
Standout Features:
- Elevated basics
- Occasional bold graphics
- Great layering potential
5. 10.Deep
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
10.Deep is bold, rebellious, and rooted in music and subculture—just like early BAPE. Their sweatshirts often feature all-over prints and heavy logo work, making them perfect for statement pieces.
Standout Features:
- Urban-inspired graphics
- Affordable price point
- Bold seasonal themes
6. Supreme (on the resale market)
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
While Supreme isn’t always cheap at retail, you can often find used or older season Supreme sweatshirts on sites like Grailed or eBay for less than a new BAPE piece. It offers similar prestige and minimal-to-bold style options.
Standout Features:
- High hype factor
- Resell value
- Classic and collab editions
7. Carhartt WIP
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
Carhartt WIP (Work In Progress) bridges the gap between utility and streetwear. Though not graphic-heavy like BAPE, their sweatshirts offer clean logos, durability, and a cult following.
Standout Features:
- Rugged material
- Understated streetwear appeal
- Perfect for layering and urban fits
8. UNIQLO x Artists or Anime Collabs
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
UNIQLO occasionally partners with artists, anime franchises, and cultural icons to release limited-edition sweatshirts with BAPE-like flair—at a fraction of the price.
Standout Features:
- Artistic, bold prints
- Great affordability
- Consistent sizing and comfort
9. Primitive
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
With roots in skateboarding and collaborations with anime titles like Dragon Ball Z and Naruto, Primitive is perfect for fans of graphic-heavy streetwear with flair.
Standout Features:
- Anime streetwear fusion
- Vibrant graphics
- Strong skater base
10. Puma x Streetwear Collaborations
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
Puma has been stepping up its streetwear game through collabs with artists, musicians, and fashion designers. These drops often mimic the exclusivity and style of BAPE pieces.
Standout Features:
- Affordable collab pricing
- Athletic-streetwear crossover
- Clean silhouettes with bold accents
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to spend hundreds on a BAPE sweatshirt to rock high-quality, streetwise style. These alternative brands bring their own spin to graphic design, cultural references, and urban fashion, offering affordable and accessible options that deliver on both comfort and aesthetic. Whether you lean toward skater styles, hip-hop heritage, or bold anime prints, there’s a BAPE-worthy sweatshirt out there that fits your style—and your budget.