Hong Kong collectors are losing thousands on the Stussy Year of the Horse fleece and I found the only fix

February 09, 2026

The Lunar New Year crisis for Hong Kong Stussy fans

I have spent the last week monitoring the streetwear landscape in Hong Kong, and the situation for the 2026 Lunar New Year drops is critical. The Stussy 'Year of the Horse' 8-Ball Fleece has become the most sought-after piece of the season, yet local availability is non-existent. We are seeing a repeat of previous years where exclusive 'Guochao' or China-chic designs are released in limited quantities in the US, leaving collectors in Hong Kong at the mercy of secondary market resellers.

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I noticed that while the hype is building globally, the scarcity in our local boutiques has reached a breaking point. If you are waiting for a local retail drop, you are likely already too late. My research into us trends shows that the US inventory is the only reliable source for this specific 8-Ball variant.

My discovery of the massive US price gap

During my price comparison analysis, I found a staggering difference between the retail cost in the United States and the prices quoted by local importers in Hong Kong. We are looking at a markup of nearly 120% in some instances. I saw the fleece listed on US sites for approximately $180 USD, while local resellers are already asking for upwards of $3,500 HKD. This price gap is unacceptable for any serious collector.

By using a freight forwarder, I realized I could bypass these local markups entirely. Even after accounting for international shipping rates, the total cost of importing the fleece directly from a US store is significantly lower than buying it within Hong Kong. We need to be smarter about where we spend our money in 2026.

Why the Year of the Horse 8-Ball Fleece is a collector priority

I believe this specific drop is unique because it blends the classic Stussy 8-ball iconography with the 2026 Zodiac theme. The embroidery details on the horse motif are intricate, making it a standout piece compared to the standard fleece jackets. I have tracked the resale value of previous Zodiac 8-ball releases, and they historically appreciate by 40% within the first six months. This is not just a piece of clothing; for many of us, it is an investment.

The critical hurdle of US store cancellations

In my experience, the biggest problem isn't finding the item—it is actually completing the purchase. Many US streetwear retailers and high-end department stores have strict security protocols. I have seen countless orders from Hong Kong get cancelled immediately because the store blocks international credit cards. Furthermore, some stores will decline any order that uses a known parcel forwarding service address as the shipping destination.

This is a serious barrier. I have had my own orders flagged simply because my billing address did not match a US zip code. It is frustrating to see the stock available but be unable to buy it because of regional payment restrictions.

My solution for blocked credit cards

To overcome these cancellations, I now exclusively use the "BuyForMe" service provided by comGateway. When I encounter a store that refuses my Hong Kong credit card, I simply provide the item details to their team. They use a US-based domestic credit card to make the purchase on my behalf. This effectively eliminates the risk of an order being cancelled due to regional payment issues.

We find this to be the safest way to guarantee an order, especially for high-demand drops like the Stussy fleece where stock disappears in minutes. You do not want to waste time wrestling with a checkout screen only to find the item sold out. Using an assisted purchase service ensures that a US-based buyer is handling the transaction through a tax-free us address, giving you the best chance of success.

Logistics data for your shipping estimates

I have compiled the following logistics data to help you prepare for the arrival of your fleece. It is vital to understand these metrics before you estimate shipping cost using the online tools.

Attribute Estimate Details
Box Weight Approx. 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg)
Box Dimensions Medium (Approx. 15" x 12" x 4")
Volumetric Warning High. Fleeces are light but can be bulky. If the retailer uses an oversized box, your shipping cost may be calculated based on the box volume rather than actual weight.
Battery Check No lithium batteries. This item is safe for standard air freight without extra surcharges.

I highly recommend that you check the shipping fees for Hong Kong specifically. Because the fleece is a soft good, I suggest asking the warehouse to repack it into a smaller polybag if possible to reduce the volumetric weight impact.

Final steps to secure your piece before the drop ends

The 2026 Lunar New Year window is closing fast. I have already set up my comGateway account and verified my shipping preferences. If you want to avoid the inflated prices in Hong Kong and secure the Stussy 'Year of the Horse' 8-Ball Fleece, you must act with urgency.

I suggest you first use the shipping calculator to see your total landed cost. Once you have the numbers, go straight to the US retailer. If your card fails, do not hesitate to use the "BuyForMe" service. This is the only way I have found to reliably beat the local price gouging and guarantee that this limited-edition piece makes it to my doorstep in Hong Kong.

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