This guide explains the differences between the 1st to 4th generation Labubu dolls, their sizes, and how doll clothes fit across different generations and body types. It covers both the large standing plush dolls (around 38 cm) and the smaller 15–17 cm Labubu pendants.
1. What Collectors Mean by “1st–4th Generation Labubu”
In the Labubu collecting community, “1st–4th generation” most often refers to the large standing plush Labubu dolls (about 37.5–38 cm tall), designed by Kasing Lung and produced by POP MART.
The four main large generations are generally recognized as:
- 1st generation – darker “tan” skin, chestnut-brown hair, classic freckles and blush.
- 2nd generation – lighter skin, gray hair, no freckles.
- 3rd generation – very fair skin, milky-white hair, softer, pastel-like colors.
- 4th generation – often associated with newer themed big-doll series (such as “Heart Code / Heart Password”), keeping the same tall body but using updated fur colors and styling.
All four large generations use the same general tall body type with detachable outfits. The main differences are in skin tone, hair color, facial details (freckles/blush), and official outfit design.
2. Size Comparison: Large Labubu Generations (1st–4th)
Various official and retailer listings describe the big Labubu dolls as approximately 37.5–38 cm tall. The following table summarizes the commonly referenced sizes and design notes:
| Generation | Approx. Height | Body & Design Notes (Affecting Clothes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st gen big Labubu | About 37.5 cm tall | Darker “tan” skin, chestnut-brown hair, freckles and blush on the face. Clothes are fully detachable; body is a tall standing plush with thick limbs and large head. |
| 2nd gen big Labubu | About 38 cm tall | Same overall body as 1st gen, but lighter skin, gray hair, and no freckles. Slightly adjusted height (often listed as 38 cm) but body width and proportions remain very similar. Clothes remain detachable. |
| 3rd gen big Labubu | About 38 cm tall | Same 38 cm standing body. Skin is very fair, hair is milky-white, color palette is softer and more pastel. Outfits are cut to the same body block as 2nd gen, so clothing compatibility is effectively the same. |
| 4th gen big Labubu | About 38 cm tall | Newer big-doll releases (such as “Heart Code / Heart Password”) continue to use a tall, approximately 38 cm body. The body is essentially the same size as 2nd–3rd gen, with new fur colors, textures, and themed outfits. |
Because 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation big Labubus are all promoted as roughly 38 cm, most sellers treat generations 2–4 as the same size class for clothing, and the difference between 37.5 cm (1st gen) and 38 cm is not important for fabric patterns.
3. Clothing Differences & Compatibility for Large (38 cm) Labubu
3.1 Shared Body Shape Across Generations
Despite color and styling changes, the large 1st–4th gen Labubu dolls share a very similar body structure:
- Same tall standing pose and overall height (about 37.5–38 cm).
- Similar head and ear height, arm length, and leg length.
- Thick plush limbs and a chubby, rounded body.
Because of this, most third-party outfits labeled “for 38 cm Labubu” or “for big Labubu” are sold as universal across the 1st–4th big generations. Sellers rarely distinguish between specific generations for large doll clothing.
In practical terms:
- Tops, dresses, and coats – These usually fit 1st–4th gen big Labubu with no pattern change.
- Pants and overalls – Waist and hip measurements are very close; the small height difference between 37.5 cm and 38 cm does not affect pattern cutting.
- Hats and hoods – All big Labubu heads are similar in size, but later generations (3rd and 4th) may look fluffier. Tight beanies might feel slightly snug, but head circumference itself is effectively the same.
Some collectors also dress big Labubu in newborn baby clothes (0–3 months). Basic baby T-shirts, onesies, and some pants can fit over the 38 cm body, though:
- Necklines and shoulders may be a bit loose because baby clothes are designed for human proportions.
- Baby clothes are not tailored for the large ears or thick plush limbs, so the fit is more casual and oversized.
3.2 When Clothing Is Not Fully Interchangeable
There are a few situations where you may need different patterns or careful sizing:
- Shoes and boots Big Labubu feet are short, wide, and very plush. Generic baby shoes are often too narrow. Most “Labubu shoes” use a wide, soft pattern specifically cut for this foot shape. While generations share the same foot structure, generic human baby shoes may not fit well.
- Sitting vs. standing bodies Currently, the standard big Labubu body is a standing pose. If future large dolls use a sitting body, skirt and pants patterns might need changes in front rise, back rise, and length. At the moment, 1st–4th generation big dolls are all standing, so they share outfit patterns.
4. Small Labubu Pendants (15–17 cm) and Their Clothes
Besides the large 37.5–38 cm dolls, there is also a line of small Labubu plush pendants with vinyl faces and fabric bodies. Collectors sometimes also call these “1st/2nd/3rd generation Labubu” within the small size class.
4.1 Small Labubu Generations & Sizes
- 1st-gen “Heart-Beating Macaron” Labubu – Standing pose, approximately 17 cm tall. Short curly fur, compact standing body.
- 2nd-gen “Have a Seat / Sitting Party” Labubu – Sitting pose, approximately 15 cm tall when seated. Head and torso are similar in scale to the 1st-gen small standing doll, but legs are bent.
- 3rd-gen “Big Into Energy” Labubu pendant – Standing pose, often listed at around 17 cm (about 6.7 inches). Slightly updated styling and sometimes longer fur.
Many clothing sellers explicitly advertise their small outfits as usable across all of these small generations. Typical product descriptions are things like:
- “Universal clothes for 1st/2nd/3rd generation Labubu, 15–17 cm.”
- “17 cm Labubu outfit set for 1st, 2nd, 3rd generation figures.”
In other words, most 15–17 cm Labubu clothes are marketed as universal for all small generations within that size class.
4.2 Fit Notes for Small (15–17 cm) Labubu
- 1st vs. 3rd small generation – Both are standing and roughly 17 cm tall. Their chest and neck measurements are similar. Clothing labeled 17 cm Labubu typically fits both.
- 2nd-gen sitting Labubu – Appears shorter because of the sitting pose (around 15 cm tall when seated), but the torso and neck size are close to the 1st-gen standing doll. Tops, coats, and dresses made for “15–17 cm Labubu” usually fit fine; pants and skirts may look a bit shorter.
- Fur length – Some small generations have slightly longer or thicker fur, especially around the head. Tight hats or high collars might feel more snug, but most patterns in the 15–17 cm category are cut with enough ease.
Newer small Labubu releases that continue in the 15–17 cm range are generally compatible with these same outfits, as long as the listing specifically mentions the size (for example, “fits 15–17 cm Labubu”).
5. Simple Size Guide for Your Shop
For customers who just want a quick answer, you can summarize the information above in a clean, easy-to-read size guide.
5.1 Large Labubu (Big Dolls, 1st–4th Generation)
- 1st generation: about 37.5 cm tall.
- 2nd–4th generation: about 38 cm tall.
- All four generations share nearly the same body size and proportions.
- Clothes labeled “for 38 cm Labubu” are designed to fit 1st–4th generation big Labubu unless the listing says otherwise.
5.2 Small Labubu (Pendants, 1st–3rd Generation)
- 1st-gen Macaron: standing, around 17 cm.
- 2nd-gen Have-a-Seat: sitting, around 15 cm.
- 3rd-gen Big Into Energy: standing, around 17 cm.
- Clothes labeled “for 15–17 cm Labubu” are usually universal for 1st/2nd/3rd small Labubu.
5.3 Example Text You Can Use on Product Pages
You can reuse or adapt the following wording for your listings:
Large Labubu (big doll) – 1st to 4th generation
• 1st gen: about 37.5 cm tall
• 2nd–4th gen: about 38 cm tall
• All 1st–4th gen big Labubu share almost the same body size. Our 38 cm outfits are designed to fit all four generations.Small Labubu (pendant) – 1st to 3rd generation
• 1st gen Macaron: standing, ~17 cm
• 2nd gen Have-a-Seat: sitting, ~15 cm
• 3rd gen Big Into Energy: standing, ~17 cm
• Our 15–17 cm outfits are universal for 1st/2nd/3rd small Labubu.