Trading the streets for the weight room, AAPE BY *A BATHING APE® is expanding its sartorial footprint with its first-ever foray into the fitness space. The brand's brand-new GYM Collection seamlessly pairs its iconic streetwear DNA with state-of-the-art athletic engineering. Rooted in a striking, vintage-inspired aesthetic, this inaugural release signals a major new chapter for the label, proving that high-performance gear can still carry heavy cultural cachet.To properly ring in this major new chapter, AAPE has enlisted a powerhouse roster of local Hong Kong stars.
The brand-new visual campaign will feature 15 renowned Hong Kong talents from across the entertainment and sports industries, proving that high-performance gear can still carry heavy cultural cachet and seamlessly adapts to different active lifestyles. The diverse, 15-person cast includes actors Kevin Chu (former swimmer), Tony Wu (former baseball player), Locker, Angus Yeung, Himmy Wong, and Martin Wong; heavy-hitting musicians like Eddie from 24 Herbs, Ada and Macy from VIVA, Teller, Hayson Kwok, and Roberto Ma; as well as elite athletes and fitness figures including HK badminton player Lee Cheuk Yiu, skater Chun Chai, and gym coach Elvis Lam.Draped on this star-studded roster, the collection’s lived-in, retro vibe is immediately apparent.
The design team utilized specialized washing treatments across the apparel, giving each item a distinctive, faded look. This drop also serves as the official launching pad for the brand's new AAPE UNION insignia, which stands out in a vibrant purple shade. Catering to late-night runners and evening lifters, the label's unmistakable MOON FACE logo has been upgraded with highly reflective materials to ensure maximum visibility in low-light environments.Beyond the visual upgrades, this capsule is heavily grounded in utilitarian tech.
Key outerwear pieces and bottoms are equipped with a durable TEFLON coating, shielding the wearer from water, grease, and grime without trapping excess body heat. Underneath, the base layers are constructed from advanced COOL TOUCH textiles. These innovative fabrics actively pull moisture away from the skin and dry rapidly, providing an immediate, all-day cooling sensation during even the most grueling training blocks.Covering everything from technical jackets and breathable shorts to essential training accessories, the comprehensive SS26 release marks a massive pivot for the streetwear heavyweights.
Fans looking to upgrade their workout rotation can secure the gear later this week, with early buyers receiving a GYM towel to round out their gym bag. The SS26 GYM Collection drops on April 24, 2026 online and at AAPE stores.AAPE STORESHong KongShop B225B, Times Square, Causeway BayShanghaiLG2, iapm, Xuhui District, ShanghaiJapan2 Chome-10-2 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, OsakaClick here to view full gallery at Hypebeast