How to choose your first Anime Body Pillow

Wondering what the best size is for your anime body pillow? Which cover material feels the smoothest? What you should check before ordering your first dakimakura? Then this guide is made for you.

Anime body pillows have been a pillar of otaku culture since the late 90s, and every seasoned fan knows the comfort they bring. But when you are just starting your dakimakura journey, the options can feel overwhelming: sizes, fabrics, inner pillows, budgets. Let's break it all down so you can shop like a pro.

If you are still fuzzy on what a dakimakura actually is and where the tradition comes from, start with our complete dakimakura guide, then come back here to pick yours.

Step 1: Pick the right size

The traditional dakimakura size is 50x160cm, long enough to feel like a life sized companion. A slightly shorter 50x150cm format has also become popular with fans outside Japan, as it is a little more affordable to produce and ship while keeping the same huggable width.

Smaller pre printed pillows exist too, but let's be honest: the magic of a dakimakura is lying next to a life sized print of your favorite character and being able to swap covers whenever you want. If you can, go for 160x50cm or at least 150x50cm for the full experience. Whichever you choose, double check the dimensions on the product page so your cover and inner pillow match.

Step 2: Do not forget the inner pillow

Here is the thing every newcomer learns: dakimakura covers are sold as covers. The softness comes from the inner body pillow you slide inside. A quality inner pillow keeps its shape and fluffiness through years of nightly hugging, and one good inner can serve an entire collection of covers. Budget for it from the start, your future self will thank you.

Step 3: Choose your cover material

The touch and feel of your pillow depends almost entirely on the fabric of the cover. Two materials dominate the market:

2-way tricot: the premium choice

2-way tricot (often shortened to 2WT) is the fan favorite, and for good reason. The name refers to a knit fabric that stretches in both directions, the same family of material you find in sportswear and swimwear. It is delicate, silky smooth, resists wrinkles and shows off high precision printing beautifully. It also handles temperature well, staying cozy on cold nights without turning sweaty on warm ones. It is the most expensive option, but if your budget allows it, it is the one to get.

Peach skin: the budget friendly option

Peach skin is a smooth 100% polyester fabric with a soft brushed finish, and it also takes high precision printing very well. It is durable and noticeably cheaper than tricot. The trade off is that it has minimal stretch and a less luxurious feel. For a first dakimakura, or for building a rotation of covers without breaking the bank, it is a perfectly solid choice.

Step 4: Check the details that matter

• Print quality. Look for vivid, high resolution artwork on both sides of the cover.
• The zipper. A quality hidden zipper glides smoothly and will not scratch you at night.
• Double sided artwork. Most covers feature two poses of the same character, one on each side, so you effectively get two designs in one.
• Washability. Your pillow will be hugged nightly, so it will need washing. Gentle cold washing keeps the print sharp; we cover the full routine in our dakimakura washing and care guide.

Step 5: Choose your character

Now for the fun part. The character is what turns a body pillow into your body pillow, so pick someone who genuinely makes you happy to come home to.

Looking for a waifu body pillow? Icons like Megumin, Rem and Zero Two are eternal favorites. More of a husbando fan? Characters like Todoroki, Levi and Kakashi have devoted followings of their own. And if you are undecided, browsing the best sellers is a great way to see which characters the community loves most right now.

Step 6: Set a realistic budget

Quality dakimakura are an investment, so for a first purchase, get what you can comfortably afford. A peach skin cover with a decent inner pillow already delivers a wonderful experience, and you can always upgrade to 2-way tricot later. Remember that the cover system is the heart of the hobby: your second cover is much cheaper than your first full setup, since the inner pillow is already on your bed.

Ready to meet your new cuddle buddy?

To recap: aim for a life sized format, pair your cover with a proper inner pillow, pick the fabric that fits your budget, and above all choose a character you love. That is the whole secret to a happy dakimakura life.

FAQ: choosing your first anime body pillow

What is the best dakimakura size for beginners?

The classic 50x160cm format gives the full life sized experience, while 50x150cm is a slightly more affordable alternative with the same huggable width. Both are excellent first choices; just make sure your inner pillow matches the cover size.

Which is better, 2-way tricot or peach skin?

2-way tricot is softer, stretchier and more premium, which makes it the favorite of longtime collectors. Peach skin costs less and still offers smooth fabric with sharp printing. If budget allows, go tricot; otherwise peach skin is a great start.

Do I need to buy the inner pillow separately?

In most cases yes. Dakimakura covers and inner pillows are sold separately so you can collect multiple designs for one pillow. Check our inner body pillow collection to complete your first setup.

Are anime body pillows only for waifu characters?

Not at all. Husbando body pillows featuring popular male characters grow more popular every year, and there are designs for every fandom and every taste, from wholesome to spicy. The only rule is to pick the character you love.