How to Tell A Real Labubu From a Fake
Don’t get scammed! Learn to tell the difference between a REAL Labubu and a fake with our comprehensive guide!
With the popularity of Labubus, it has become quite difficult to get real ones, as they sell out almost immediately! It also means that there are LOTS of people trying to cash in on the name by selling knock-off Labubus, which are known as “Lafufus.”
A couple months ago, my girls’ aunt gifted them with their very first Labubus. Actually, she informed us, they might really be Lafufus, but she wasn’t sure exactly how to tell the difference.
My girls LOVED their Lafufus, and they still do! So if you have had trouble getting your hands on real Labubus so far, don’t worry! It’s not necessarily a bad thing if you end up with a Lafufu, as they are significantly cheaper and you don’t have to worry about letting the kids play with them, losing them, etc.
However, if you’re trying to buy a REAL Labubu, you definitely want to know the difference! Real Lafufus start at $27.99 in the Pop Mart app or in Pop Mart stores. Special editions can be much more pricey. Buying them secondhand can also be more expensive. You don’t want to get scammed if you’re spending all that money on what you think is going to be a genuine Labubu or a collectible!
10 Ways To Tell The Difference Between a Real Labubu and a Fake:
If you have them to compare side-by-side, it can be pretty easy to spot the difference. However, if you’re looking at one by itself, it helps to have specific things to look for:
1. Size
Real Labubu have exact measurements, depending on the generation. Fake Labubu come in all shapes and sizes. Some might be pretty close, while some will be noticeably different in size and shape.
Here are the measurements, as listed on the Pop Mart app:
- Have a Seat: 8x7x15cm from feet to ears, or about the same length of an iPhone 13.
- Exciting Macaron & Big Into Energy : 17cm from the bottom of their feet to the top of their ears
2. Teeth
Real Labubu have exactly 9 teeth. The white paint for the teeth should line up with the raised teeth marks on the vinyl face. Fake Labubu (aka Lafufu) might have more than 9 teeth or fewer than 9 teeth. The paint and the teeth might also be misaligned.
3. The Box
While the boxes can often look quite convincing, there are small details that can be a giveaway:
- Name – First, make sure that the name of the Labubu on the box matches the type of Labubu inside. Sometimes (but not always) fake Labubu boxes will have different names or try to present that they a special edition (that doesn’t actually exist).
- Material – Fake boxes are often flimsier than the real deal, almost like thick paper or cardstock. They may easily bend or get out of shape. The real boxes are made with fairly sturdy cardboard that holds its shape well.
- Texture – Fake boxes are often shiny, overly saturated, or very pale. Real Labubu boxes are matte texture. The name of the Labubu will be slightly raised and shiny, but that should be the only shiny part of the box.
- QR Code – The real boxes will have a QR code will take you to the Pop Mart website and a verification page. Beneath the QR code on the box is a scratch-off that reveals a unique code. On the verification page, you can enter the code to authenticate your Labubu. Fake boxes may have a QR code and the code might take you to the Pop Mart website, but there will not be a unique code.
- Brand Name – Some of the fake boxes I’ve seen have misprints or other brand names instead of Pop Mart. For example, one of our Lafufu boxes said “bobMart” instead of Pop Mart. Another box had no brand name at all and a blank back panel.
Here are some signs of a FAKE Labubu box:
Here are signs of a REAL Labubu box:
4. Identity Card
Real Labubu will come with an identity card inside the box that shows the name and picture of the Labubu inside. Fake Labubu usually don’t have this card inside, or they will have one that isn’t the right look or is made of cheap material.
5. Limbs
Real Labubu have posable arms, while most fakes do not. Their arms should look outstretched, as if they are ready to give a hug. The Fake Labubus may have mismatched arms and legs and they may pop off the body easily.
6. Head
The head on a real Labubu should look proportionate and be secured firmly in place; they do not move or spin. The heads on fake Labubus are often attached differently and can spin around. Sometimes the heads on fake Labubu can pop off the body.
7. Feet
Real Labubu have a Pop Mart logo on the bottom of the left foot. Fakes may have different logos, no logo at all.
Hands and feet should be secured firmly to the Labubu body. Some types of Labubu will have feet that can turn, but they shouldn’t spin freely, feel super loose, or pop off the legs. Hands shouldn’t spin at all.
The Have-a-Seat and Big Into Energy also have a Labubu icon on the bottom of the right foot that shows up with a blacklight. Fake Labubus may try to re-create this by using glow-in-the-dark material for the icon. You can tell the difference because the fake decals will continue to glow for a while after you remove the blacklight. The real ones will only glow while the UV light is on.
8. Ears
The ears on a real Labubu should both be the same size and will be fairly close together on top of the plushies’ head, slightly pointed towards each other at the tip. Fake Labubus may have mismatched ears and/or ears that are spaced too far apart.
9. Hanging Loop
The Pop Mart logo should be on both the material that connects the metal loop to the plush, as well as engraved on the loop itself.
10. Fur
The fur on a real Labubu should feel soft and like good quality material. Fake Labubus might use cheaper material. Some fakes may also have the fur placed over the plastic body, like a bodysuit. Real Labubu fur should NOT be removable.
Is there anything we should add to our list? Let us know in the comments!
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