Fashion Collaborations List
An incomplete list of Pokemon fashion collaborations in chronological order.
2018 - Pokemon x FILA
This is the earliest collab I have been able to find. Sport sneaker brand FILA collaborated with Nintendo to create a collection of shoes. It launched exclusively in South Korea on February 9, 2018. According to Complex, "the pack utilizes Fila's Classic Kicks B silhouette with details including co-branding on the tongue and insole, and complete with Poke-ball themed packaging."
After the original release, they also released a children's collection. These were also exclusive to South Korea. Nintendo Soup reports that these were based on the "Court Deluxe" sneakers.
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Jigglypuff.
2019 - FRAGMNT
On May 4, 2019, FRGMT launched the "Thunderbolt Project." This is Pokemon's first collab with a smaller brand. FILA is commonly used in streetwear looks, but its origins are in sportswear. Fragment, on the other hand, in a design-forward streetwear brand. It's interesting of Nintendo to choose to work with this brand because they are not an established name like FILA. It shows they are beginning to experiment with working with individual designers and smaller brands. It probably helps that Fragment is a Tokyo-based brand.
The collection itself is black and white and features hoodies and shirts.
For further reading, Source 1, Source 2.
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Unown, Eevee
2019 - Original Stitch x Pokemon Shirts
Pokemon partnered with the now tragically defunct company Original Stitch to create a collection of made-to-measure men's shirts with custom prints based on Pokemon. You could customize the shirt based on the type of collar you wanted, whether you wanted the print all over or just on the placket and cuffs, a pocket, and sleeve length. A totally unique collaboration, though with a hefty price around $100. Not all the prints were winners, either. Overall, I still think this is the best Pokemon fashion line and it's a shame that they closed down. I attempted to order one of the shirts but the amount of customization options freaked me out, since if I didn't like it, I couldn't return it.
While the company unfortunately went out of business, I find it interesting to see the Pokemon brand trying to break into apparel like this. They launched in Japan on February 27, 2019. 2019 was clearly a busy year for Pokemon collaborations!
There are more than a hundred designs, so I'll take a look at a few that I view as exemplary and a few that missed the mark.
These are super cute. They take into account the nature of the Pokemon and its design, but also use that to make a good print. They're not too busy. From afar, it may not be obvious they are Pokemon shirts. It's when you get up close that you can knowingly smile at the pattern. There is still something a little dorky about them - they remind me of men's party shirts that have a print of like, sushi or cats all over. I happen to like that sort of thing, so it's not a big deal, but it is something to point out about these.
The aforementioned men's party shirts.
On the less good side, some of the patterns are eyesores. The Butterfree pattern on the right is cool as a print, but it does not translate well to a shirt. I almost feel a little dizzy looking at it.
Some people view the Magikarp shirt as charmingly camp and super Tommy Bahama. I see what they're going for, but I'm not a big fan of it. Because of the design of Magikarp, when it cuts off, it doesn't just look like the pattern was interrupted, but like Magikarp has been cut in half. The big red blobs are also very attention-grabbing. This would be a very bright shirt as a short-sleeve; a long-sleeve version of this would be downright overwhelming.
Most of the designs were rather okay. With hundreds of designs, it's no surprise that not all of them got the same love and attention. I'm glad to get new artwork featuring Pokemon that usually don't get any attention, but this isn't just artwork - it's a shirt. It's difficult to avoid the feeling that many of these designs would look gimmicky in real life, like something you'd wear once and everyone would comment on it, but afterwords you'd leave it in your closet because it's hard to match with anything, or it's just too one-note. I don't want to be doom and gloom about it, though. There are many tasteful and fun designs here, especially if you don't just look at your favorite Pokemon and explore all the options.
Unfortunately Original Stitch no longer exists, and since the shirts are all custom-made, I imagine getting one of these second-hand in a sizing that works for you is gonna be rough. I suspect that having literally hundreds of prints available and having the shirts be made-to-measure made it more expensive to produce these shirts, and they probably didn't have enough orders for it to be worth it. Looking through YouTube for reviews, for example, I'm surprised to find few people reviewing and showing off the shirts themselves. This venture might have lasted longer if there were fewer prints.
I would like for future Pokemon collabs to be more like this one. There's care taken here to not just slap official art on it and call it a day - at least with most of the designs. Some are dangerously close to that... but most of them aren't, and that deserves praise. There's an intentionality here and a vision that makes it stand out from the lazier designs. Many of these could be well-integrated into a wardrobe without becoming the center of attention every time they're worn.
2019 - 10 Deep
This was the first time that Pokemon officially collaborated with an American streetwear brand. They released two capsules: one titled "Rivals" which was inspired by Team Rocket, and one titled "Elemental" inspired by the starters and tie-dye. "Rivals" was announced on February 28, 2019. Interestingly, their description on Instagram says "when Pokemon approached us about doing its first US streetwear collaboration, we got onboard." Really curious to see that Pokemon sought them out! This year appears to have been part of an attempt at getting a foot in apparel. Source here.
RivalsFeatured Pokemon: Pikachu, Meowth
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Meowth
2019 - Jeremy Scott
I'll let Complex explain this one: "Known for his bold and colorful design language, Jeremy Scott brought Pikachu into his world for his Spring 2019 collection. Debuted on the runway in September 2018 during New York Fashion Week by Offset and company, red and blue knit sweaters were covered in a Pikachu all-over print." Yes, that is the rapper Offset sporting the fuschia Pikachu sweater.
Scott is apparently known for bringing pop culture imagery into his designs. More details on the availability of the item and Scott's history can be found at Licensing Italia.
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu
2019 - God Can't Destroy Streetwear
Not much information on this one, but the Italian brand GCDS (God Can't Destroy Streetwear) launched a handful of Pikachu-themed items.
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu
2020 - Adidas
On January 1, 2020, Adidas launched a "unique clothing capsule" for Pokemon fans. It seems that Adidas may have done multiple releases in 2020, as I found several Adidas x Pokemon sneakers tagged as 2020, but it's not clear. Further photos can be found here.
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Eevee, Charmander, several others such as Seel and Ditto on sole
2020 - Daniel Arsham x Uniqlo UT
In April 2020, artist Daniel Arsham collaborated with Japanese brand Uniqlo to put out some Pokemon graphic tees (via Complex). Uniqlo, if you're not familiar with them, produce a lot of clothes I would consider to be "basic but solid." They like doing collaborations with artists and brands, so this Pokemon and Daniel Arsham collab was right up their alley. Daniel Arsham is known for his eroding statues.
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Mewtwo, Squirtle
2020 - Bape
BAPE, also known as "A Bathing Ape," is a Japanese fashion brand. This Pokemon collab dropped on October 31, 2020. Pokemon are drawn in the art style of "Baby Milo," one of the characters that frequently appears in BAPE's work. For more detail, head to Complex or Nintendo Wire.
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Mankey, Gengar, Jigglypuff, Eevee, others in collage (Bulbasaur, Primeape, Snorlax...)
2020 - thisisneverthat
Not one of my favorite collabs. Putting official art on a t-shirt just feels lazy to me. Yes, even if it's next to a brand name. The sweater with Mew is the one that feels the most intentional because it's using an image of Mew that is so light as to be white, giving the impression that we are seeing only an outline of Mew. Unfortunately, the "thisisneverthat" logo below with a thick purple border ruins the delicacy of the design.
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Gengar, Mew
2020 - New Era
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu
2020 - Bait
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu
2021 - Levis
This collaboration with famed denim company Levi's left a lot to be desired. It fell into some of my least favorite design tropes, namely "grab official art and slap it on something." This makes it feel like a more expensive and larger version of the Pokemon t-shirts targeted at children you can find at stores like Target and Old Navy. This might be acceptable if the prices were Target and Old Navy prices, but these collabs are rarely "affordable." I will be skipping over the various shirts and hoodies that are just official art on a background and focusing on the more interesting or unusual pieces.
The Pikachu Trucker Jacket
This is a light wash denim jacket with a lightning bolt applique near the sleeve cuffs, a Pokeball applique on the back yoke near the shoulder, and a giant Pikachu applique on the back.
I like the decision to go with a lightwash here to harmonize with the bright yellow of Pikachu. The front of the jacket looks pretty good. Overall, though, it is pretty lazy, design-wise. It would not be especially difficult for someone with a cricut to basically replicate this design, and with a more well-fitting jacket. The giant Pikachu on the back looks tacky and screams “merch” more than “fashion.” The Pokeball applique on the back yoke is a nice touch, as are the lightning bolt sleeve decorations, but you could easily make these yourselves without paying scalper prices. Because the Pikachu bit is on the back, this jacket could be easily integrated into your existing wardrobe, with the lightning sleeves looking like an elevated detail.
The Pikachu Jeans
Same light wash as the jacket. This is even worse. The jacket had some details that made it stand out, but this is literally slapping Pikachu on the thigh and back ankle. This doesn’t look like something that you can easily wear with other shirts because the Pikachu is just so obviously begging for attention. There are no lightning motifs or otherwise thoughtful details to make this standout. Once again, you can make this at home, but I would recommend against it.
Misty’s (Togepi) Tank Top
A light yellow cropped sleeveless tee with a Togepi applique. The Pokemon aspect is subtle but present - from the obvious throwback to Misty’s outfit in the anime to the small applique. It seems like it could be easily integrated into a wardrobe, worn with any pants or jacket. Issues - it does not look like it fits well on the model near the armpit, which is concerning! The crop also looks awkward, creating a belly gap even in high waisted jeans. It’s not a slim-fitting top either, so it balloons out near the waist.
2022 - Converse
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, Umbreon, Vaporeon, Jolteon
2022 - Pokemon x Puma
I'll let Hypebeast explain: "Bulbasaur and Pikachu appear on the PUMA Rider FV modern classic, Charmander takes up the Slipstream Lo 1987 basketball shoes, and Squirtle is featured on PUMA Suedes featuring icy translucent soles" - Hypebeast.
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander
There appears to be an alternative version of the Charmander Slipstream Lo, featuring fire-print soles. I can't find this one for sale or secondhand anywhere, so maybe this wasn't ever actually made?
2022 - Pokemon x Clarks
Some children's shoes, but pictured below are the adults' Wallabee Boot.
Rosie McKissock, Clarks Kids’ Business Manager, said:
'We wanted to use the credibility and popularity of Pokémon to connect quickly with consumers and establish Clarks Kids as a relevant footwear brand globally. Gaming has been a growing hobby for our key focus age groups for some time, but over the course of the pandemic, it became more than just a hobby, but a way for kids to express themselves, interact, etc. So, it made total sense for Clarks, as a kids specialist, to seek out a partner that reflected the priorities and passions of our consumers!'
Mathieu Galante, Licensing Director, EMEA at The Pokémon Company International, said:
“Pokémon is renowned for its collaborations with leading fashion brands to create unique and surprising collections. We are delighted to be stepping out with Clarks who for years have been a leading supplier of quality children’s footwear in the UK on this exciting new collection. We hope that children across the country will be returning to school in their Pokémon Clarks shoes.”
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu
2022 - Comme des garcon x Vans OG Old School LX
The Comme des Garçons x Vans OG Old Skool LX ‘Pikachu’ is taken from a Pokémon-themed collection composed of apparel, accessories and footwear. The latter takes the form of this special-edition Old Skool, featuring a crisp white canvas upper with a tonal leather side stripe. Off-white suede overlays reinforce the toe and heel. The low-top is mounted on a vulcanized rubber midsole, accented with a black foxing stripe and a ‘CDG’ print across the sidewall. The branding element is repeated on the toe bumper, along with a graphic depicting Pikachu’s rosy-cheeked likeness.
2022 - Billionaire Boys Club x Pokemon
Source 1Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Mewtwo
2022 - CDG by Comme Des Garcons
“CDG — COMME des GARÇONS' most youthful and accessible sub-label” Source 1. Source 2.
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu
2022 - Pokemon x Balmain
Source 1Featured Pokemon: Pikachu
Balmain is a French fashion house that, in 2022, partnered with Pokemon to create Pokemon-themed collabs.
Many of these amounted to making the Balmain labyrinth pattern yellow and black, with official art of Pikachu somewhere in there. This is another issue with Pokemon-themed collabs - they often turn into Pikachu-themed collabs. How much you like this collab will depend on how much you like the labyrinth pattern and Pikachu's color scheme.
Perhaps you want the pattern on pants? Curiously one of these is in blue but still has a Pikachu silhouette. Both of these are relatively lazy designs, but I cannot deny that they are peak Meeting of the Brands.
These pants have a little more effort to them. The first one has a curious nylon (?) panel in yellow below the knees. Cool idea, but as with Levi's, I must ask - why pay Balmain prices for these? You can make these at home easily. There isn't even anything especially Pokemon about them. The second ones have a little Pikachu silhouette and a neat lightning-shaped hem. I like them, though they border on costume-y and would definitely be statement pieces. I repeat, though... this is something you can make at home. If all you care about is having the Brand Name, then I'm sure that won't bother you, but I really would only pay prices like that for a totally unique design and construction that I couldn't get anywhere else.
Sneakers
I will hand it to Balmain - these are cool. These are an excellent Pikachu sneaker. It makes use of Pikachu's color palette of yellow, black, and red, with white added so the shoe isn't just blinding high-contrast. And they really take advantage of this color palette: the red and black split sole imitates two squished Pokeballs! There's a decorative white lightning detail as a nod to Pikachu's electric typing. This is an example of something clearly inspired by the world of Pokemon, but which isn't extremely obvious. It's not cosplay either, as you could totally incorporate this into a streetwear-style outfit. It is definitely an attention-grabbing statement piece, but it doesn't cross the line into ludicrous. Props to them, though the price is of course eye-wateringly high.
2023 - A.P.C. x Pokemon collection
“proudly ordinary French clothing stalwart meets graphic-first gaming franchise? — until you remember that A.P.C. founder Jean Touitou is good friends with Fujiwara (the Japanese creative was not directly involved in the A.P.C. x Pokémon line, mind you).”
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Charmander, Bulbasaur, Squirtle
Source, Source 2, Source 3.
2023 - Tiffany & Co x Pokemon x Arsham
Featured Pokemon: Pikachu, Mew, Squirtle, Cubone, Charmander, Jigglypuff
2023 - Clarks Torhill & Wallabe
2023 - Pokémon x SPINGLE MOVE (2023)
These are some of my favorites - a collab that focused on Galar. You have sneakers based on Raihan, Leon, and Marnie. There are also sneakers basedon less popular Pokemon, such as Mimikyu and Galar Zigzagoon. Props to these guys for going for something besides Pikachu and the starters.
Featured Pokemon: Cinderace, Galar Zigzagoon, Togepi, Mimikyu, Ditto
2024 - Fendi x Frgmnt x Pokemon
Source, all images from here.This collab is unusual in choosing a non-Pikachu Pokemon to completely center around. Dratini, Dragonair, and Dragonite are the stars of the show here. I like this! The designs themselves leave something to be desired. Putting the official art on the Fendi-branded purse isn't anything special. There are purses that are more themed, like the Dratini-head purse, but I'm not sure how I feel about that one. It's committing to the theme, but it's also not something I can see anyone wearing. Even as a statement piece, it feels very gimmicky.
Purses
Apparel
Jewelry and accessories
2024 - Clarks Torhill
2024 - Pokemon x Celio
Featured Pokemon: Gengar, Mew, Charmander, Pikachu, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Lapras, Ho-oh, Lugia Magikarp, Gyarados, Psyduck
2024 - Vandy The Pink
Featured Pokemon: Snorlax, Plusle, Minus, Cubone, Gengar, Umbreon, Espeon
2024 - Atsuko
2025 - Blackmilk
