Why are Coogi Sweaters So Expensive?

Knitwear brand Coogi is famously known for ultra colorful and vibrant sweaters. The brand was founded in Melbourne, Australia by Jacky Taranto in 1969. 

In 1994 though, Coogi’s trajectory changed forever. The brand was famously made popular by a mention in the hit songs “Hypnotized” and “Big Poppa” by Notorious B.I.G.

Coogi made its way to mainstream American fashion streets and blew up as one of the most recognizable brands in the world. 

But why are Coogi sweaters still so expensive? Coogi sweaters are primarily expensive because it is a luxury brand. With prices ranging from $400 to $600, Coogi is a status symbol of urban luxury.

 Read on to find out how these kaleidoscope sweaters came to be so popular.

About the Coogi Sweater Brand

The late Jacky Taranto started Cuggi when she was only 21. Cuggi was the original name given to the brand, inspired by the tiny Adriatic island of Alacoueli. This was the island that Taranto’s father had migrated from to Australia.

The name was changed to Coogi in 1987 to resemble indigenous, aboriginal Australian names. This was to target wealthy Europeans visiting Australia, and sell the sweaters as sort of a memento on their travels back home.

 However, in 1994, Biggie Smalls a.k.a Notorious B.I.G name-dropped the brand in one of his legendary songs. In the rap hit,  “Big Poppa”, part of the lyrics goes, “I stay Coogi down to the socks”.

This recognition and the super star’s soft power propelled Coogi Sweaters to new levels of popularity. 

Numerous other artists have also released albums about the Coogi sweater, such as this album by D.B. E.

Do People Still Wear Coogi Sweaters? 

Coogi’s popularity in the late 1900s and early 2000s has proven difficult to replicate. However, in 2014, the 90s were popular again. Coogi launched the Reimagined” collection with a focus on men’s wear. 

The vibrant sweaters have remained a favorite among many. On Coogi’s official website, most of the sweaters are actually sold out. This is a testament to the undying love that loyal clients have for the brand. 

Furthermore, A-List celebrities have been spotted donning the colorful sweaters, most notably FKA twigs, an English singer and songwriter.

Additionally, with vintage and retro always in style, vintage Coogi is selling at an unprecedented rate. 

Coogi Sweater Price 

Coogi sweater prices are averagely high. Here are some of the products listed on their official sites and their prices:

1. The brightly colored Coogi tribute zip hoody sweater dress. 

Price; $ 665.00 

2. The kids’ Coogi cascade crewneck mad100% Mercerized Cotton.

Price; $ 300.00 

3. The special edition Coogi blackout crewneck is a luxurious all-black textured weave with complex patterns.

Price; $ 690.00 

Why is Coogi So Expensive? 

1. It’s a Luxury Brand

Coogi is a luxury brand. As such, the sweaters not only give warmth and comfort to loyal Coogi fans. They also offer exclusivity and luxury. 

2. Celebrity Endorsement

With big artists like Drake, Riff Raff, and Snoop Dogg endorsing the brand, Coogi has maintained its place as a pop-culture symbol.

This association puts the brand on a pedestal, creating exclusivity, which in turn demands a hefty price.

3. Vintage/Retro

Coogi was at its peak in the 1900s. Vintage Coogi sweaters’ styles are abundant from this era. Vintage is usually very expensive due to the superior quality of material and the popularity of the fashion trend. 

Coogi snugly fits this category, and this translates to a higher retail price. Furthermore, the rich history of the brand and the iconic superstars associated with the Coogi name add a layer of luxury to the brand. 

4. The Coogi Pattern

The Coogi pattern is as recognizable as the kaleidoscope colors of the sweaters. Featuring asymmetrical wave shapes and a variety of textures, the Coogi pattern is intended to capture and convey the rich and exotic Australian landscape and culture. This pattern is as much a status symbol as the brand itself.

5. Kaleidoscope-patterned Sweaters

The most recognizable style of Coogi sweaters is the bold multicolored fabrics the brand uses. These vibrant colors notably do not change after years of wearing and washing.

The amount and quality of dye used to have such a strong and vibrant end product contribute to the higher price of Coogi sweaters.

Is Coogi a Luxury Brand? 

Coogi is a designer luxury brand. One of the hallmarks of a luxury brand is high quality, authentic quality, scarcity, and a rich heritage. Needless to say, Coogi possesses all four and more. 

Judging by the popularity of Coogi in the vintage niche, the brand’s quality is unquestionable. When it comes to scarcity, consumers can barely buy Coogi sweaters off the official website before they are out of stock.

Finally, Coogi’s heritage is enriched by celebrity endorsements and pop culture references.  

Read Also: Why are Golden Goose Shoes So Expensive?

Are Coogi Sweaters Worth the Price? 

Coogi sweaters may be highly-priced, but they are definitely worth the price. One of the many benefits of owning a Coogi sweater is the quality of the knitwear. Years of expertise ensure that Coogi sweaters are well made to last a long time. 

Additionally, over several decades, these sweaters have proven their resale value. According to market trends, over half of younger consumers consider resale value when purchasing luxury items. 

In this regard, Coogi is vintage royalty. Coogi has sold for above-average rates on sites such as Etsy and eBay. 

Where to Buy Original Coogi Sweaters for Cheap

As Coogi sweaters are so expensive, knock-offs and fakes sometimes infiltrate the market. However, there are several places you can buy original Coogi sweaters for a bargain. 

First, eBay is a great place to start. There are a lot of sellers selling both new and used Coogi sweaters on eBay. 

Furthermore, you will find a variety of style options to choose from. Another popular site for original Coogi sweaters is Etsy.

The rates vary from seller to seller, which means that if you shop around a bit, you will find well-priced sweaters. Poshmark Is also a great site to check out.

You can also find some stylish, luxury Coogi sweater alternatives on Amazon, such as this one here for men and many more on the site.