The Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Dakimakura

Everything you need to know about choosing, buying, and caring for anime body pillows

What is a Dakimakura?

A dakimakura (抱き枕) is a Japanese body pillow, typically ranging from 150-180cm in length, featuring printed artwork of anime, manga, or video game characters. The term literally translates to "hug pillow" and they serve dual purposes of comfort during sleep and display as collectible items for anime enthusiasts.

Originally popularized in Japan, dakimakura have gained international recognition within anime communities. At Moe Market, we've specialized in premium dakimakura since 2009, working directly with artists to bring you authentic, high-quality designs you won't find elsewhere.

Choosing the Right Size

Dakimakura come in several standard sizes, with the most common being:

160cm x 50cm - The standard size, compatible with most inner pillows
150cm x 50cm - Slightly shorter, common in some Japanese imports
180cm x 60cm - Larger format for maximum comfort

Before purchasing, always verify your cover's specific measurements. All Moe Market covers clearly list dimensions and compatible inner pillow sizes. Our inner pillows are specifically designed to perfectly fit our covers without stretching or distorting the artwork.

Material Comparison: 2-Way Tricot vs. Peach Skin

The fabric choice significantly impacts your dakimakura's feel, durability, and print quality. Here's our expert breakdown:

Feature	2-Way Tricot	Peach Skin
Texture & Feel	Extremely soft, smooth, slightly stretchy	Soft, velvety, non-stretch
Print Quality	High resolution, vibrant colors, fine details	Good quality, slightly less detailed
Durability	Excellent with proper care	Good, may pill over time
Breathability	High - excellent for warm climates	Moderate - warmer to sleep with
Price Point	Premium	Budget-friendly
Care Instructions	Hand wash recommended, air dry	Machine washable (gentle cycle)

Our Recommendation: For your first premium dakimakura, we strongly recommend 2-way tricot for its superior comfort, detailed artwork reproduction, and durability. The investment is worthwhile for a collectible you'll enjoy for years.

How to Care for Your Dakimakura

Proper maintenance ensures your dakimakura stays vibrant and soft. Follow these steps from our 15+ years of expertise:

Washing Instructions

Hand Washing (Recommended): Use cold water and mild detergent. Gently agitate without rubbing the printed surface.
Machine Washing: If necessary, use a delicate cycle in a protective mesh bag with cold water.
Drying: Always air dry away from direct sunlight. Never use a tumble dryer as heat can damage the fabric and print.
Avoid: Bleach, fabric softeners, and harsh detergents which can degrade the material and fade artwork.

Storage Tips

When not in use, fold your dakimakura cover with the artwork facing outward to prevent creasing. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Choosing Artwork and Designs

With thousands of designs available, selecting the perfect dakimakura can be overwhelming. Consider these factors:

Official vs. Doujin Artwork

Official designs are licensed directly from anime/manga publishers and maintain character consistency. Doujin (fan-made) artwork offers unique interpretations and often features characters in different styles or scenarios not found in official merchandise.

At Moe Market, we're proud to support the creative community through our direct artist partnership program, ensuring artists receive fair compensation while bringing you exclusive designs unavailable elsewhere.

Finding Your Style

Browse our seasonal new arrivals feature the latest characters from popular series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dakimakura?

A dakimakura (抱き枕) is a Japanese body pillow, typically ranging from 150-180cm in length, featuring printed artwork of anime, manga, or game characters. The term literally translates to 'hug pillow' and they're designed for both comfort and display as collectible items.

What is the difference between 2-way tricot and peach skin materials?

2-way tricot is a premium, stretchy fabric with exceptional softness and detailed printing quality, while peach skin is a non-stretch material with a soft, velvety texture that's more affordable but less detailed. 2-way tricot offers better durability and color vibrancy but requires more careful washing.

How do I wash and care for my dakimakura?

Always hand wash in cold water with mild detergent, gently squeeze out water (never wring), and air dry away from direct sunlight. Machine washing should be on delicate cycle in a protective mesh bag. Never use bleach, fabric softener, or tumble dry.

What size inner pillow should I get for my dakimakura cover?

Standard dakimakura covers fit 150cm x 50cm or 160cm x 50cm inner pillows. Always check your cover's specific measurements as Japanese sizes may vary slightly. Our covers are compatible with most standard 160cm x 50cm inner pillows available in our store.

Are the artwork designs official or fan-made?

We offer both officially licensed designs and exclusive doujin (fan-made) artwork created through our direct partnerships with talented artists. All artist collaborations are properly compensated through our royalty program, supporting the creative community.

How discreet is your packaging?

All orders are shipped in plain, unmarked boxes with no external indication of the contents. We respect your privacy and understand the importance of discreet shipping for our customers.