How to tell the difference between real and fake Labubus and where to get in the UK
They are the plush dolls with exaggerated facial expressions that have become a global phenomenon, and unless you have been living under a rock, you will be familiar with their sharp teeth, large ears, and scruffy appearance.
Labubu is the monster, elf-like creature from Chinese toy maker Pop Mark and created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung that has become a viral sensation, attracting celebrity fans like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian.
Ordinary people are just as obsessed, with the doll hanging from bags and sitting on bedroom shelves all across the world. There have been long queues to snap up the doll, with the mania sometimes even descending into fights.
But all of this begs the question - how does one get their hands on the much sought-after character?
And when you do, how do you know if the Labubu is real or fake?
Where to buy Labubus
The best advice is to stick to authorised retailers and trusted online shops, according to Which?.
In the UK, Pop Mart doesn't yet have its own dedicated retail stores, but you can buy genuine Labubu figures through Pop Mark UK, the official retailer of Labubus.
Be warned, though, that stock runs out very quickly on the website, so you may have to wait for drops to land.
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Pop Mart also has a TikTok shop that stocks Labubu figurines, charms, blind boxes and more. Keep an eye on Pop Mart's TikTok live streams, too, as some shoppers have reportedly had more luck bagging their Labubu that way.
If you're down south, Pop Mart's new flagship has just opened at 262 Oxford Street in London. The store sells exclusive drops of the collectable Labubu dolls. Sadly, no similar, brick-and-mortar store has opened north of the border.
What's more, Selfridges apparently now sells the figurines at the Pop Mart Robo Shop pop-up on the fourth floor of Selfridges London. They aren't available online from this retailer.
If you're hunting for sold-out or rare Labubus, or want to buy second-hand, consider using sites like eBay, Depop, StockX, the Pop Mart store on Amazon, or other marketplace sites.
How to spot a fake Labubu
Although fake Labubus - nicknamed Lafufus - might seem like harmless knock-offs, they can actually be "quite dangerous," according to Grace Florell, who appeared on ITV's This Morning earlier this month to discuss the issue.
"Counterfeits often don't have safety labels," Grace said. "Or might not meet the health and safety requirements that make them legal to be sold in the UK... they may contain choking hazards or have chemical warnings".
Look for the Pop Mart logo
Real boxes and figures will have the Pop Mart logo printed clearly - usually on the box, and often on the figure's base or tag. Real versions should also have a silhouette that lights up if you shine a UV light on to it at its feet.
Check for the Pop Card
Every real Labubu comes with a collector card (often called a Pop Card).
It features the character's name and illustration, a QR code or serial number and Pop Mart branding.
If you scan that on your phone, it will take you to a Pop Mart authentication website where you can verify your toy.
If the card is missing, of low quality or generic, that's a red flag.
Examine the quality
Official Labubu boxes have high-resolution printing and bold colours.
Watch out for blurry logos, misspelt words, thin cardboard or flimsy packaging.
"Real Labubus have a box with a matte finish which is really important," Grace said.
"If it's glossy or shiny, that probably means it's fake.
"Fake complexions are slightly different, too. The real complexion is muted, pale, and peachy, whereas fakes can be yellow, orange, and pink. The stitching is not as good quality either, and the fur is different, too.
"The real fur is soft and fluffy whereas the fake has straighter fur."
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