Question from a newbie - Bape related

24943 Views 25 Replies 11 Participants Last post by universeclothing, Jun 10, 2009

lilpete

Discussion Starter · Aug 16, 2006

Hi everyone,

Newbie here. Great board here. Been a long time lurker and first time poster. I finally decided on starting my own tshirt line and have a question for everyone.

Does anyone know what type of tshirts BAPE uses for their tees?

The reason I ask is because I'm deciding on ordering blanks from America Apparel mainly because of their quality. But I went to AA and tried their standard Medium tees and its kinda tight with shorter sleeves. For my line I was thinking of a more looser fit.

I tried on the other styles at AA but none of them were loose fit. I also tried Royal, and their standard tees are tight as well. They do have a premium jersey tee but have only 3 colors. Trying not to go the Gilden route. Please don't flame me Gilden lovers

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Pete

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Rodney

· #2 · Aug 16, 2006

Does anyone know what type of tshirts BAPE uses for their tees?

Most likely they are custom manufactured by the 1000's in overseas factories.

You could check the RN number on the label to research it though (or post it here).

The reason I ask is because I'm deciding on ordering blanks from America Apparel mainly because of their quality.

When you say "quality", what are you looking for? To some that means "heavyweight", some that means "durable". Soft? Generously sized?

What are you looking for in t-shirt, specifically? That will help us narrow down some suggestions for you to try

:welcome:

lilpete

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 17, 2006

Hey Rodney,

thanx for the quick reply.

I checked a couple of Bape tees in the store and can't seem to find the RN#
The only number I see is 0357722524. Can there be no RN# or can that be it?

In terms of quality, I guess I'm looking for a combination of soft, heavyweight, and generously sized blank tees.

.

Is there even such a thing in the US? or do I have to look overseas?

Greatly appreciate your opinion,
Pete

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Rodney

· #4 · Aug 17, 2006

In terms of quality, I guess I'm looking for a combination of soft, heavyweight, and generously sized blank tees.

Sounds a lot like what I've heard about www.luxe-t.com. I think the Hanes Beefy t-shirt and Jerzees Zt (style number 18z) might be worth looking at as well. You may also want to check out the M & O Knits t-shirts at georgiatees.com

I checked a couple of Bape tees in the store and can't seem to find the RN#
The only number I see is 0357722524. Can there be no RN# or can that be it?

It may be in an odd location (like the inside side seam), or it could be that they took it out so people can't track down their manufacturer

I think as long as they have the country of origin and the company contact information, they may be able to do without an RN number (although 99% of t-shirts have an RN somewhere)

hongkongdmz

· #5 · Aug 17, 2006

Would overseas factories (say in China) have the same quality as American Apparel or Alternative Apparel? I'm just wondering if there is a really big difference in quality and t-shirt in choosing an established t-shirt manufacturer. I was told my supplier has made stuff for Tommy Helfiger but I dont know if they have the same quality of product. Any help or suggestions?

Thanks.

hongkongdmz

· #6 · Aug 17, 2006

I was also wondering about BAPE shirts and the level of their quality. I'm interested in camo designs. Is there a way to learn about the different types of t-shirts and levels of quality online? Or is it a learning process when you consider what kind of t-shirts you're going to sell. I'm still trying to learn plenty so sorry for all the questions...

Rodney

· #7 · Aug 17, 2006

Would overseas factories (say in China) have the same quality as American Apparel or Alternative Apparel?

You would need to just order a sample from American Apparel and then ask the factories if they can reproduce that garment. I've heard that some can. Might take some back and forth time with samples.

Is there a way to learn about the different types of t-shirts and levels of quality online? Or is it a learning process when you consider what kind of t-shirts you're going to sell.

It's more of a learning process, since "quality" means something different to everyone.

You find a t-shirt you like, and you try to use the same or a similar garment.

I'm not sure what you mean by "the different types of t-shirts" though.

hongkongdmz

· #8 · Aug 17, 2006

I mean like v-necks, both fashion styles and the different variations of t-shirts. Otherwise to me most t-shirts look the same. Thats what I mean...I need to learn about how to see the difference between them. Can be frustrating learning sometimes but I chose my path in t-shirts.

Thanks though Rodney, the suggestion about the American Apparel sample might really help me.

Nick.

Rodney

· #9 · Aug 17, 2006

I mean like v-necks, both fashion styles and the different variations of t-shirts. Otherwise to me most t-shirts look the same. Thats what I mean...I need to learn about how to see the difference between them.

I still don't think I understand what you're asking. It sounds like you know the different types of t-shirts already?

What specific question do you have about the different types of t-shirts (might be better if you started a new thread that asked that specific question)?

hongkongdmz

· #10 · Aug 17, 2006

It's really hard to show my ignorance isnt it.....I'll learn from experience then like most people do.

Rodney

· #11 · Aug 18, 2006

It's really hard to show my ignorance isnt it

No worries! We're all learning here

Sometimes it just takes a little clarification of the question so we can give you the right answers

Solmu

· #12 · Aug 18, 2006

hongkongdmz said:
Would overseas factories (say in China) have the same quality as American Apparel

I daresay you could get them to leave seams unsewn and leave needles in the shipment if you really wanted to

Joking aside, it's a matter of picking your factory, negotiating the right deal, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if very good and very bad garments come out of the same factory - depending on how much the client is paying (and therefore how quickly the garments need to be made to make that profitable).

There's certainly a massive difference between the standard "Made in China" stuff we see on the rack and aa (any of the AA's), but that doesn't mean you couldn't find an offshore factory to do good work.

I know a lot of Australian designers source production from Asia (sometimes Vietnam etc. rather than China).

I would expect the weakest link to be the fabric used - there's probably not much difference in the quality of the sewing between an American worker and a Chinese worker, so the main thing is to make sure they're using quality materials if you want quality output.

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Rodney

· #13 · Aug 18, 2006

I would expect the weakest link to be the fabric used - there's probably not much difference in the quality of the sewing between an American worker and a Chinese worker, so the main thing is to make sure they're using quality materials if you want quality output.

Very good point! Just about anybody can sew fabric together. The quality usually comes from the fabric that's used.

Jasonda

· #14 · Aug 18, 2006

hongkongdmz said:
The Chinese are good at copying anything you want, but they lack innovation.

Considering they invented paper, compasses, bombs, spaghetti, clocks, iron casting, rudders, kites, and fireworks.. I don't know about that.

Rodney

· #15 · Aug 18, 2006

I wouldnt assume that Chinese factories would produce t-shirts of lesser quality then AA. Remember most companies produce their stock there anyway.

I don't think anybody assumed that at all

The Chinese are good at copying anything you want, but they lack innovation.

Let's try to stay away from generalizations of a while race or continent of people, thanks

'cia

· #16 · Aug 18, 2006

Hi,

I just launched my line of tees and I’ve used A.S.Tees in South Carolina for my blanks. They offer a quick custom line as well as a totally custom program. Everything depends on your quantities.

I also recently attended the ISS show and many t-shirt manufacturers were present. A company called Article1 in California caught my eye because their esthetic is similar to AA but they offer a limited custom line.

If you don’t or can’t order 1200 or more shirts of the same style, these two companies might be able to help you with a smaller run.

Hanes offers the SL40 classic fit tee if you are looking for loose and Fruit of the loom carries the LT30 relaxed fit tee.

Good luck,

‘cia

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hongkongdmz

· #17 · Aug 19, 2006

Has BAPE based their design about purely camo? I was considering it as a USP.

hongkongdmz

· #18 · Aug 30, 2006

umm.....anyone help still?

Tgraphics

· #19 · Aug 30, 2006

http://photo.163.com/photos/supernike520/

Hi Nicolai,
Here is a site I came across yesterday these are Bape copies I think mostly all camo made in China!
I also found an excellent factory that would supply 200gsm 100% cotton Heavyweight but you need to order 1000 pieces per style and colour. To be honest I've never found a decent heavyweight blank T-Shirt that I would consider printing a fashion design on (UK). Most of the T-shirts available are aimed at the coporate and promotional market not streetwear or fashion. It may be different in the USA as there are far more choices.

scout union

· #20 · Aug 30, 2006

check out www.alstyle.com this is the most used t-shirt by most street wear lines like the hundreds,crooks n castles and others. Their not too big and not tight either more like an lrg t-shirt.

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