About BUM
BUM (officially BUM Equipment Inc.) is a Filipino fashion and lifestyle brand specializing in casual apparel, streetwear, and youth-oriented fashion. Established in 1992 in Manila, the company has become one of the Philippines’ best-known local clothing brands, offering clothing and accessories for men and women through standalone boutiques, department stores, and major e-commerce platforms such as Lazada and Shopee. [1]
Originally recognized for its bold graphic T-shirts and urban-inspired aesthetic, BUM has evolved into a multi-line apparel company while maintaining its focus on affordable, trend-driven fashion aimed primarily at teenagers and young adults. [2]
History
BUM Equipment Inc. was founded in 1992 in Manila, Philippines during the rapid expansion of youth-oriented fashion in the country. From its inception, the brand positioned itself as an accessible alternative to international streetwear labels, combining contemporary global trends with designs tailored to Filipino consumers. [3]
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, BUM expanded rapidly through:
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Company-owned boutiques
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Major shopping malls
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Department store counters
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Provincial retail partners
Its popularity grew alongside the rise of Philippine mall culture, making BUM a familiar brand among students and young professionals. [4]
Today, the company states that it operates 100+ boutiques nationwide while maintaining a presence in major department stores including SM Store, Robinsons Department Store, Landmark, and KCC Malls. [5]
Brand Identity
BUM describes itself as a Filipino lifestyle brand centered on self-expression through fashion.
Its design philosophy draws inspiration from:
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Urban culture
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Street fashion
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Music
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Youth lifestyle
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Contemporary casual wear
The company emphasizes clothing that balances:
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Style
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Comfort
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Everyday practicality
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Affordability
rather than luxury or premium fashion. [6]
Product Range
BUM produces a wide variety of casual apparel and accessories.
Men’s Clothing
The men’s collection includes:
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Graphic T-shirts
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Basic crew-neck shirts
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Polo shirts
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Henley shirts
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Hoodies
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Sweatshirts
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Jackets
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Windbreakers
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Jeans
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Jogger pants
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Cargo pants
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Shorts
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Chinos
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Underwear
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Socks
Many items feature minimalist branding, typography, military influences, or large graphic prints depending on the collection. [7]
Women’s Clothing
Women’s apparel includes:
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Graphic shirts
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Crop tops
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Dresses
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Skirts
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Denim
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Jackets
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Active casual wear
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Fashion basics
Accessories
BUM also offers:
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Caps
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Bags
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Wallets
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Belts
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Footwear (selected collections)
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Lifestyle accessories
depending on the season and retail channel. [8]
Sub-brands
Over time, BUM has introduced specialized labels to target different customer segments.
BUM Black Army
A military-inspired line characterized by:
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Tactical aesthetics
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Utility details
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Neutral color palettes
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Outdoor-inspired designs
The collection focuses primarily on men’s apparel and emphasizes durability with a rugged visual identity. [9]
BUM G
A youth-focused fashion line offering:
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Trend-forward casual wear
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Seasonal collections
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Modern silhouettes
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Contemporary graphics
It targets younger consumers seeking affordable everyday fashion. [10]
Retail Presence
BUM products are available through multiple sales channels, including:
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Standalone BUM boutiques
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Department stores
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Official online stores
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E-commerce marketplaces
In the Philippines, the brand maintains official stores on Lazada Philippines and Shopee, allowing nationwide access to its apparel collections. [11]
Target Market
BUM primarily targets:
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Teenagers
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College students
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Young professionals
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Consumers seeking affordable casual fashion
The brand positions itself between value-focused clothing retailers and more premium local fashion labels, emphasizing accessible pricing without departing from current fashion trends. [12]
Design Style
Common characteristics of BUM apparel include:
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Urban streetwear influences
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Graphic typography
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Logo-driven designs
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Neutral everyday basics
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Military-inspired themes
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Denim essentials
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Relaxed silhouettes
The overall style emphasizes casual wear suitable for daily use rather than formal or business attire. [13]
Marketing
BUM has historically promoted its products through:
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Television commercials
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Celebrity endorsers
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Mall events
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Seasonal campaigns
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Social media marketing
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Online marketplace promotions
Its campaigns generally focus on themes of individuality, confidence, and youth culture. [14]
Reputation
Among Filipino consumers, BUM is widely regarded as one of the country’s established local clothing brands, alongside other long-running names in the casual fashion market. The brand is particularly associated with affordable graphic shirts, denim, and youth-oriented casual wear, and has maintained visibility through its nationwide retail network and online presence. [15]
Note on the Name
Although it shares the name B.U.M. Equipment, the well-known American apparel brand founded in 1986, BUM Equipment Inc. in the Philippines presents itself as a proudly Filipino company established in Manila in 1992. The Philippine company operates independently under its own corporate identity and branding in the local market. [16]
Company Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | BUM |
| Company | BUM Equipment Inc. |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Manila, Philippines |
| Industry | Fashion and Apparel |
| Products | Casual clothing, streetwear, accessories |
| Target Market | Teens and young adults |
| Retail Channels | Boutiques, department stores, Lazada, Shopee |
| Brand Philosophy | Self-expression through affordable fashion |





