If the weirdly endearing Labubu just popped up on your social media feeds, you’re not alone. But Labubus have been on a steady rise to fashion fame for a while now, evolving from a collector’s item into an in-demand style accessory.
These little monsters are popping up all over the place, but you’ll often see them latched onto the straps and zippers of bags. They’re leveling up street style, and like sneakers, becoming just as coveted. They’re sold out online, hard to come across in stores, and going for much higher prices on resale sites. And beware of fakes, nicknamed Lafufus.
Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the beloved Labubu, including where to get them, how to style them, and why we’re so engrossed in them.
What is a Labubu?
Beijing-based retailer POP MART specializes in adorable collectible trinkets sold in mystery boxes, so you never quite know exactly what color, prop, or pose you’re going to get. You can, however, pick what character you would like, and Labubu is one of the adorable critters in POP MART’s The Monsters line.
Shaped like a bunny and covered in a soft fleece, the Labubu is an absolute cutie, save for its biggest charm: its mischievous face. With big glossy eyes and a small button nose, the beloved character’s grin is accented by sharp triangle-shaped teeth, reminding us that a Labubu is technically a monster albeit a lovable one.
Labubus come as both home decor and key chains. The latter has become a coveted find in the fashion world as more and more opt to attach one to their designer bags as well as belt loops.
Why is the Labubu so popular?
The Labubu boom started in Asia and quickly gained popularity worldwide thanks to celebs bringing them across the globe. BLACKPINK’s Lisa brought Labubu its first wave of fame a little over a year ago when she put a Labubu dressed like a farmer on her bag. Later, when Lisa declared her love for Labubu in an interview with Teen Vogue, her White Lotus co-star Tayme Thapthimthong said, “You made that blow up.”
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It also has been spotted on other music stars like BLACKPINK’s Rosé, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa. Huda Kattan shared the joy of unboxing and Bretman Rock explored the art of matching your Labubu to your bag on social media.
The Labubu love spread to the sports world as well. NBA star Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets wore one on his belt loop, incorporating it into his arena arrival look. The addition caused waves in the league and on social media. Since the pre-game tunnel has become somewhat of a runway itself, the beloved character making the cut also cemented its status in the fashion world.
With plenty of celebrity-endorsements to boot, many at home wanted to get their hands on these coveted little Labubu's too. The effort it takes to get one combined with the element of surprise thanks to the mystery boxes has made the process of getting a Labubu a particularly emotional one, so many continue purchasing until they get their favorite one or just to keep chasing the rush.
How to get a Labubu?
Much of POP MART’s Labubu stock is sold out online, but they do restock. Devout collectors on Reddit suggest checking the site for restocks every night between 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. PST, especially on Thursdays.
You can also check out POP MART’s TikTok lives, where they add more stock as they broadcast. The POP Now app could help you snag one too, especially if you’re eager to know what’s in your mystery box ASAP.
You might want to visit your local POP MART store or vending machine. They similarly might be out of stock, but there are chances they have some on hand. Some local small business may also have some in stores, so be sure to follow them on social media as they’ll likely post a blast when they get some.
Resale is also an option and our editors have had some luck on StockX. If you go for the resale route, do exercise caution and check the sellers’ reviews because there are counterfeit Lafufu's out there.
How to wear a Labubu?
Once you get your hands on a Labubu, you’ll want to start showing it off immediately, or at least, that was the case for us. There’s no wrong way to wear a Labubu. Finding ways to incorporate it into your outfit is half of the fun. Our team shared how we wear our Labubus with our different go-to styling hacks.
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Don't be afraid to make a Labubu the focal point of your look. Using an accessory to add a pop of color to your outfit is a tried-and-true styling hack and the Labubu is no exception. My Macron Green Grape Labubu is the perfect juxtaposition to my neutral monochrome looks. For those who love the sleek chic look but want to show off their playful side too, Labubu is the answer. — Donya Momenian, Fashion & Beauty Associate Editor
Sometimes you can get two trends in one. Last summer, after seeing my friend Anya Tisdale do the same, I bought three of “The Monsters Have a Seat” collection Labubus and ended up with Zizi, Baba, and Sisi (lilac, camel and pale yellow, respectively). I’ve been loving Baba especially, (how hilarious to refer to him by his government name), because his trendy butter yellow coat looks cute against some of my springier bags. I usually keep him on this denim By Far bag with his appointed friend, Pompompurin. And yes I'm an adult. — Amalie MacGowan, Associate Video Director
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It’s no secret that the world is in a dark place right now. So finding joy and escapism in both expected (and unexpected) places has been one of my coping mechanisms as of late. I am admittedly a newbie enthusiast –– I saw a Labubu for the first time on Donya and Amalie’s bags a few months ago, and it took only a few days before I was completely hooked (pun intended!). They really are just stuffed little monsters in a variety of colors that made no sense to me before holding one in my hand, and snapping it onto my bag, bringing me a smile. — Emily Zirimis, Design Director
Coordinating with your Labubu will have you feeling just as cute as the little charm. Going for a bag that’s a similar hue as the fuzzy friend is a popular option that is always fun, but sometimes I like to go beyond that and match my outfit to mine. I think it can really pull the whole look together, and it makes my day way more fun. — Donya
