I get this question in my DMs more than you'd think. It comes in a few different flavors. "Is Labubu a boy or a girl?" "Are you a guy who collects Labubu?" "What's up with this 'Labubu Man' thing I see on TikTok?"
It's a funny question because in the world of designer toys, we don't usually get hung up on this stuff. But Labubu has officially broken into the mainstream, and with it come mainstream questions. So let's actually talk about it. As the owner of PopNya, I see the sales data, I talk to the collectors, and I've been in this rabbit hole for a long time.
First, let's get the easy part out of the way. Is Labubu, the character, a male?
The official answer from the creator, Kasing Lung, is that Labubu is a mischievous elf-like monster. It's not explicitly gendered. Labubu is just... Labubu. It can be whatever you want it to be. This is pretty common for art toys. The artist creates a canvas, and we, the collectors, project our own stories onto it. Some people see Labubu as a boy. Some see it as a girl. Most, like me, don't really think about it. The character's appeal isn't tied to its gender; it's tied to its cheeky grin, its bunny ears, and that slightly chaotic energy. If you want to know more about the character's origins, I've written before about the real Labubu meaning and why people have so many wild theories.
But I don't think that's what people are really asking.
The search for "male labubu" or "labubu man" isn't just about the character's biology. It's about the collectors. It's a reflection of a bigger conversation: can men collect cute things? Are you a "real man" if you have a shelf full of vinyl monsters?
The answer is, of course, yes. But it's complicated.
The Rise of the "Labubu Man"
Let's be real. The designer toy scene, especially for characters like Labubu, Molly, and Dimoo, has historically skewed female. Walk into any Pop Mart on a weekend and you'll see the demographic. But that's been changing. Fast.
Over the past two years, I've seen a huge shift in my own customer base at PopNya. More and more of my orders are from guys. More of the DMs I get are from men asking about restocks, sharing their collections, or asking for advice.
So what is a labubu man? It's not some weird performative trend you might see in a bizarre news headline. It's just a guy who likes Labubu. That's it. But the reasons they're getting into it are what's interesting.
For some, it's a gateway from other "male-coded" collectibles. I've had conversations with guys who started with Funko Pops or Bearbricks, got bored of the repetitive shapes, and were looking for something with more artistry. They stumble upon Labubu and are hooked by Kasing Lung's unique style. The monster-like features give them just enough "edge" to feel comfortable diving in. It's not just a cute doll; it's a cool monster. I've written about Kasing Lung's incredible journey and art style before, and it's that depth that often appeals to new collectors.
For others, it's the thrill of the hunt. The blind box mechanism is basically gambling for art, and the chase for a secret or a rare figure is addictive, regardless of gender.
And then there's the influence of pop culture collaborations. The second the Naruto x Labubu series was announced, my DMs exploded. Guys who had never even heard of Labubu were suddenly asking, "How do I get the Kakashi one?" That series was a masterstroke by Pop Mart. It acted as a bridge, giving a massive, predominantly male fanbase a reason to look at this little monster with buck teeth and think, "Okay, I need that."
A Seller's Observation: What Do Labubu Men Buy?
From my vantage point at PopNya, I see clear patterns. While there are always exceptions, I've noticed male collectors tend to gravitate towards certain series.
* The "Cool" Factor: The Monsters series (like Monsters Carnival or the original The Monsters) are huge hits. The designs are more creature-focused and less "cutesy." The Zimomo figures, with their spiky bodies and zippered mouths, are also incredibly popular with my male customers. They have that classic Kaiju DNA. * The Collabs: As mentioned, the Naruto series was a tidal wave. Any collaboration with a known anime, video game, or streetwear brand tends to bring in a new wave of male collectors. I get way more questions from men about the Mega Labubu figures, specifically the 400% and 1000% sizes, which are more like display statues than small collectibles. They have a different kind of shelf presence that appeals to the Bearbrick and sneakerhead crowd.
Conversely, series like The Monsters Flower Elves or Labubu Sweet series tend to be less popular with this demographic. It's not a hard rule, but it's a trend I've seen in my own sales data month after month. The interest from labubu men seems to correlate with how much the design leans into the "monster" aspect versus the "cute" aspect.
Real Talk: The "Grown Man with a Doll" Stigma
Let's not pretend it's all easy. I've been in this hobby for years, and the stigma is real, even if it's fading. I'm part of several collector groups, and I've seen the posts. Guys sheepishly posting their hauls with captions like, "My girlfriend got me into this, I swear!" or "Don't judge me."
" The top answer is perfect: "Because I'm a grown man and I can buy what I want."
And that's really the heart of it. The new generation of male collectors seems to care less and less about these outdated gender norms. They grew up with nerd culture being cool. They understand the value of art and design. They're comfortable liking what they like.
The community is also becoming more welcoming. The fan art community, for example, is incredibly diverse. The whole trend of people drawing Labubu has shown that the character resonates with everyone, and the art styles are as varied as the artists themselves.
One of my favorite customer interactions was with a guy in his 40s, a construction manager. He bought a single blind box of the Labubu Macaron series on a whim. He pulled the secret. He was instantly hooked. Now he has three IKEA display cases full. He told me it's his "zen time" after a stressful day at work. He unboxes them, sets them up, and sometimes does little photoshoots. He's a labubu man, and he's not apologizing for it.
A Collector's Tip for the Guys (and Everyone, Really)
If you're a guy reading this and you're on the fence, here's my advice.
First, just buy one. Don't go all-in on a full case. Pick a series that looks cool to you from our LABUBU collection, grab one or two blind boxes, and see how it feels. The magic of these toys is tactile. It's the weight in your hand, the texture of the vinyl, the satisfying rip of the foil bag.
Second, don't get caught up in the hype. It's easy to see a rare figure selling for hundreds of dollars and think you need it. You don't. The best collection is the one that makes you happy to look at, not the one that's worth the most on the secondary market.
Third, engage with the community, but on your own terms. You don't have to post your hauls on Instagram. But maybe check out the Labubu subreddit. See how other people are displaying their figures. You'll find you're far from the only guy there.
Our Take: The Final Word on Male Labubu
So, is there a male labubu? No. Labubu is Labubu.
But is there a labubu man? Absolutely. And their numbers are growing every day. They're not a weird trend; they're just people who appreciate good art and cool monsters. They're a sign that the designer toy world is becoming more inclusive and breaking free from outdated stereotypes.
As a seller, it's exciting. It means a bigger, more diverse community. As a collector, it's validating. It means more people are discovering the joy that these little vinyl creatures can bring.
So if you're a guy who loves Labubu, welcome. You're in good company. And if you're anyone else, just be happy that the world of collecting is getting a little bigger and a lot more interesting. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some new arrivals to unpack.
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