The "The Monsters" series by Kasing Lung, particularly the Labubu plush pendants, has taken the world by storm. From K-pop idols like Lisa to fashion influencers in Tokyo and New York, everyone seems to have a mischievous Labubu hanging from their bag.
However, with massive popularity comes a massive problem: counterfeits.
The market is currently flooded with fake Labubu "The Monsters" plushies, ranging from low-quality knockoffs to "super fakes" that can trick even experienced collectors. If you are planning to buy a Labubu Macaron or the new "Have a Seat" vinyl plush, this guide is your essential defense against scams.
Here is how to distinguish a genuine Pop Mart Labubu from a fake in 2025.
1. The Box and Packaging: The First Line of Defense
Before you even open the blind box, there are tell-tale signs of authenticity. Pop Mart's packaging standards are extremely high, and counterfeiters often cut corners here.
The Holographic Sticker
Every legitimate Pop Mart product comes with a specific authenticity sticker on the box.
- Real: The sticker should be holographic (changing colors when tilted). It usually features a QR code and a unique security code that you can scratch off and verify on the official Pop Mart website.
- Fake: The sticker might be a static image (not holographic), printed directly onto the cardboard, or missing entirely. If the QR code leads to a sketchy third-party website instead of popmart.com, it is a guaranteed fake.
Print Quality
- Real: The colors on the box are vibrant, and the text is crisp. The cardboard feels sturdy and has a matte or satin finish depending on the series.
- Fake: Look for "bleeding" ink, blurry text, or colors that seem too saturated or washed out. Counterfeit boxes often use flimsy, thin cardboard that dents easily.
2. Physical Inspection: Touching is Believing
Once you have the doll in hand, the differences become much more obvious. The tactile experience of a real Labubu is distinct.
Fur Quality and Density
This is the easiest giveaway.
- Real: The fur on a genuine Labubu Macaron or Have a Seat plush is dense, soft, and uniform. When you brush it against the grain, the backing fabric shouldn't be easily visible. It feels premium to the touch.
- Fake: Counterfeit fur often feels synthetic, rough, or "oily." It tends to be sparse, meaning you can see the mesh or fabric underneath the fur if you look closely. It may also shed easily when pulled gently.
The Face and Teeth
Labubu's expression is iconic, and Kasing Lung's design requires precise manufacturing.
- Teeth: On a real Labubu, the serrated teeth are painted cleanly with individual separation. Fakes often have "clumped" paint where the white of the teeth bleeds into the gums or the mouth line is shaky.
- Eyes: The eyes should be perfectly aligned. Many fakes have "wonky" eyes where one is printed slightly higher or lower than the other.
3. The "Foot Stamp" Test (Crucial Detail)
If you are buying an unboxed (open box) item, always ask the seller for a close-up photo of the feet.
- Real: Genuine Labubu plushies have the "POP MART" logo and copyright info embossed or stamped deeply into the vinyl or fabric on the sole of the foot. The text is raised or indented with sharp, clear edges.
- Fake: Fakes often use a simple printed stamp that looks flat. The text might be blurry, the wrong font, or sometimes spelled incorrectly. If the logo looks like it was just painted on top, stay away.
4. The Identity Card
Every Labubu comes with a collectible identity card inside the box.
- Real: The card is made of thick, high-quality cardstock. The colors are accurate to the character (e.g., the Soymilk card should match the Soymilk doll perfectly).
- Fake: Fake cards are often flimsy, like standard printer paper or thin card. The colors are often darker or more pixelated than the original art.
5. Series-Specific Checks
For "The Monsters - Tasty Macarons" Series
- Head Rotation: The head of a genuine Macaron vinyl face plush can rotate 360 degrees smoothly. Fakes often have stiff necks or heads that feel loose and wobbly.
- The Hook: The metal ring/clasp on the head should be a matte gold (usually) and feel heavy. Cheap shiny yellow gold rings are often a sign of a fake.
For "Have a Seat" Series
- Articulation: This series is known for being posable. Check the joints in the arms and legs. They should hold a pose but move without forcing. If the limbs flop around or are stuck stiff, it's likely a replica.
6. Where to Buy Safely in 2025
To ensure you are getting 100% authentic Labubu merchandise, stick to these channels:
- Official Channels:
- Pop Mart Official Website (Global).
- Official Pop Mart Flagship Stores on Amazon, AliExpress, or Tmall.
- Physical Pop Mart Roboshops (Vending Machines) and Retail Stores.
- Reputable Resale:
- StockX: They have a verification process, though fees are higher.
- Established Local Retailers: Look for local toy shops that are authorized retailers.
Avoid: TikTok Shop listings with prices that seem "too good to be true" (e.g., $10 for a blind box that usually retails for $17+), and sellers on marketplaces who refuse to show detailed photos of the foot stamp or box bottom.
Conclusion
Collecting Labubu is about appreciating the art of Kasing Lung and the joy of blind box culture. While the high resale prices are frustrating, buying a fake not only hurts the artist but leaves you with a low-quality product that lacks the charm of the original.
Want to enjoy the Labubu aesthetic without breaking the bank? While you hunt for your dream authentic plush, give your phone a makeover. Browse our extensive collection of high-res Labubu wallpapers to match your favorite colorway!