You’ve seen them dangling from Hermès Birkins and North Face backpacks. Those mischievous, sharp-toothed monsters with the long ears and the slightly chaotic energy. They’re everywhere. But if you’re a serious collector or just someone trying to figure out why your social media feed is flooded with designer vinyl, you know that not all monsters are created equal. The Labubu with tail variants—specifically the ones that actually look like they have a physical, wagging appendage or a plush tail tucked into their design—are the ones currently driving the secondary market absolutely insane.
It's weird.
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Actually, it’s beyond weird; it’s a cultural phenomenon that started in Hong Kong and surged through Southeast Asia before hitting the rest of the world like a tidal wave. Created by Belgian artist Kasing Lung as part of "The Monsters" series under the Pop Mart umbrella, Labubu isn’t just a toy. It’s a status symbol. And that tail? It’s often the literal "tell" for which version you’re holding and how much it’s worth.
The Evolution of the Labubu With Tail Design
Kasing Lung didn't just wake up and draw a rabbit. He was inspired by Nordic folklore. He wanted something that looked like a forest elf but had the teeth of a monster. Originally, Labubu was much more "creature-like" in the early limited-edition runs produced by How2Work before the massive Pop Mart partnership. In those early days, the Labubu with tail was a standard feature of the sculpt because it emphasized the character's animalistic, mischievous nature.
Fast forward to the "Macaron" plush craze. This is where things get confusing for the average buyer. Most of the viral "THE MONSTERS - Fall in Wild" or "Exciting Macaron" pendants focus on the head and the ears. But when Pop Mart released the full-body plushies and the vinyl figures like the "Labubu Flip with Me," the tail became a focal point. It’s a thick, sturdy tail that balances the figure. If you’re looking at a Labubu and it doesn’t have that signature pointed tail, you’re likely looking at a specific accessory version or, unfortunately, a very common "fufu" (fake) that missed the structural detail.
The tail isn't just for show. In the lore of the Nordic woods where Labubu lives, that tail helps him navigate. In the collector world, it helps you identify the generation. The "V1" and "V2" plushies have subtle differences in how the tail is stitched and how it sits against the body. Collectors will literally spend hours comparing the fluff density of a Labubu with tail from the "Lazy Yoga" series versus a limited drop from a convention in Thailand.
Why the Tail Matters to Collectors
Why do we care about a tiny piece of vinyl or polyester sticking out the back? Authenticity.
The market is currently flooded with high-quality counterfeits. If you go to a night market in Bangkok or browse a sketchy Third-party seller, you’ll see thousands of "Labubus." But the Labubu with tail on an authentic Pop Mart piece has a specific weight and flexibility. On the vinyl figures, the tail is often a separate piece joined with a seamless weld. On the plushies, it’s stuffed with a specific grade of cotton that gives it a "bounce back" feel.
Then there’s the "Tail Wag" Labubu. This isn't a literal moving part, but a pose. Some of the most sought-after figures are the ones where Labubu is looking over his shoulder, highlighting the tail. It’s about the silhouette. A Labubu without a tail feels incomplete to a purist—it’s like a Pikachu without the lightning bolt.
Honestly, the hype is partly fueled by scarcity. When Pop Mart drops a "Mega Labubu" (the 400% or 1000% sizes), the tail is often articulated. You can rotate it. This level of detail is what separates a $15 blind box from a $1,000 investment piece. People want the full creature, tail and all.
Spotting a Real Labubu With Tail vs. a Fake
Buying one of these right now is like navigating a minefield. You’ve got people on TikTok claiming they found a "rare" version when it's really just a factory error. If you are hunting for a Labubu with tail, here is what you actually need to check:
- The Stitching Junction: On plush versions, look at where the tail meets the lower back. Authentic Pop Mart items have a hidden seam. Fakes usually have messy "overlock" stitching that is visible if you move the fur.
- The "Squish" Factor: If it’s a plush Labubu with tail, the tail should be firm. If it feels like it’s filled with cheap bean-bag pellets or air, walk away.
- The Box Art: The illustration on the box must match the physical tail's orientation. Sometimes counterfeiters use the art from one series but the mold from another.
- The QR Code: Always, always scan the scratch-off QR code on the box. If it’s been scanned 500 times already, you’ve got a fake.
It's also worth noting that the "Have a Seat" series—which is currently the biggest trend in the Labubu world—features Labubus in various sitting positions. Because they are sitting, the tail is often tucked or used as a tripod leg to help the plush stay upright. This is a functional design choice that many copycats get wrong; they make the tail too thin, and the Labubu just tips over.
The Lisa Effect and the Global Shortage
We can't talk about the Labubu with tail without talking about Lisa from BLACKPINK. The moment she posted a photo holding a Labubu plush, the prices tripled overnight. She wasn't just holding a standard one; she was often seen with the larger, full-bodied plushies that feature the prominent tail.
This created a "global shortage" that isn't really a shortage of plastic—it’s a shortage of access. Pop Mart stores from London to Seoul have lines wrapping around the block. In Singapore, people wait for hours just for a chance to enter a raffle to buy one. When you finally get inside, you aren't looking for a "cute toy." You’re looking for the specific Labubu with tail that matches the "Fall in Wild" aesthetic because that’s what holds its value on the resale market.
The secondary market prices for these things are wild. A standard $12-20 blind box can sell for $60 if it’s a "hidden" edition. If it’s a retired series with the original tail sculpt? You’re looking at hundreds. It’s basically the Beanie Baby craze of the 2020s, but with better art and a much more aggressive fan base.
Why Labubu Isn't Just a "Trend"
Some people think this will die out in six months. They’re probably wrong. Labubu has been around since 2015. Kasing Lung has built a massive universe of characters—Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky—and Labubu is just the leader of the pack. The Labubu with tail is part of a larger narrative. Zimomo, for instance, is essentially a Labubu with a tail and a row of spikes down his back.
Collectors who start with a small Labubu pendant eventually move up to the Zimomo figures because they want that extra detail. It’s a "gateway toy." Once you appreciate the texture of the vinyl and the matte finish of the paint on a Labubu with tail, you start looking at other art toys differently. You stop seeing them as "dolls" and start seeing them as contemporary sculpture.
The cultural impact is also huge. In Thailand, Labubu was actually appointed as a "Cultural Ambassador" for tourism. That’s not a joke. An actual vinyl monster with a tail is helping drive the Thai economy. When a toy reaches that level of government-sanctioned fame, it’s no longer just a fad.
How to Style and Display Your Labubu
If you’ve managed to snag an authentic Labubu with tail, don't just leave it in the box. That’s boring. The whole point of the Labubu craze is the "Labubu Outfit" subculture.
- The Bag Charm Look: Use a heavy-duty carabiner. The tail can actually act as a stabilizer so the Labubu doesn't flip upside down while you're walking.
- Custom Clothing: There is a massive market on Etsy and specialized Asian marketplaces for Labubu clothes. You can buy tiny sweaters, denim jackets, and even miniature sneakers. Just make sure the pants have a hole for the tail!
- Acrylic Cases: If you have a vinyl Labubu with tail, dust is your enemy. The matte finish on these figures is a magnet for fingerprints and dust. Get a UV-protected acrylic case to keep the colors from fading.
What’s Next for The Monsters?
Rumors are swirling about a potential animated series or a larger theme park integration (Pop Land in Beijing already has massive Labubu installations). As the brand grows, the designs get more complex. We’re starting to see the Labubu with tail appearing in different materials—wood, porcelain, and even metal.
The next "big thing" is likely going to be the "Mokoko" variant, which is the pink, feminine version of Labubu often found at the Pop Mart store in Chiang Mai. But even with Mokoko, collectors are looking for that specific tail shape to ensure they are getting the real deal.
If you’re looking to get into the hobby, start small. Don’t go drop $500 on a resale site immediately. Join collector groups on Facebook or Discord. Look for people selling "unboxed but displayed" items where you can see the actual photo of the Labubu with tail to verify the quality.
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Actionable Steps for New Collectors
- Download the Pop Mart App: This is the only way to get "official" restock notifications. Don't rely on Instagram rumors.
- Check the Weight: If you buy a blind box, the Labubu with tail figures often weigh slightly more than the accessory-heavy figures. Serious "box shakers" use this to hunt for specific pulls.
- Invest in a Blacklight: Many authentic Labubus have UV-reactive paint on the eyes or the tail. It’s one of the easiest ways to spot a high-end fake.
- Verify the Series: Before you buy, go to the official Pop Mart website and look at the "Series Lineup." If a seller is offering a "Green Labubu with a curly tail" and that doesn't exist in the official catalog, it's a custom or a counterfeit.