Over the last few years, using dakimakura or body pillows has become trendy among anime enthusiasts, collectors, and anybody searching for goodnight comfort. These long pillows with images of favorite cartoons make people feel warm and protected and have practical use.
Still, as one can imagine, finding the right dakimakura is as difficult as discerning the many variations available for consumers today. The surest way to avoid falling afoul of your expectations is to understand the fundamental aspects of a dakimakura body pillow in the first place.
This article will explore that what to consider when selecting the best dakimakura to sleep with or buy. That’s why you would not find anything here, including the types of fabric, sizes of pillows, characters, and options for customization.
1. Understanding Dakimakura
It is a type of pillow approximately 150 cm (59 inches) long in its standard form and comes from Japan. The term ‘daki’akura’ derives from the Japanese words indicating hug pillow, a pillow meant to be hugged during sleep. Initially, dalemakura were inclined to be comfortable and warm, but as a result, they are now widespread with drawings from anime, manga, and video games.
These pillows are of different types: full-body and other sizes. They can come with printed jackets, and the covers can portray virtually any subject, ranging from popular anime heroes to brand-new artwork.
2. Fabric Choices: The Feel of Your Dakimakura
The material used in your dakimakura is a key point to consider because it changes the look and feel of the doll. Comfort can be increased or decreased depending on the correctness of the chosen fabric, and conversely, dissatisfaction may be experienced. Here are some of the most popular fabric choices for dakimakura covers:
a. Peach Skin
Peach skin is a soft and delicate fabric that provides breathability and is usually used to cover dakimakura. It is fairly inexpensive and has a soft touch similar to genuine Suede. Due to its matt appearance, its setting is not very reflective and, therefore, suitable for long-term use. Peach skin is also known for being very rugged, and the product does not easily wear out.
b. 2-Way Tricot
This is why 2-Way Tricot is generally accepted as the best material for dakimakura covers. That is a delicate, stretchy fabric of high quality with a smooth, silky handle. This is quite a flexible material and is often used for more costly, quality body pillows. The skin is a little slippery, making it quite soft, an added plus when cuddling.
c. Minky
Minky is a soft and fluffy fabric used often for dakimakura cover designs. Minky is smooth to the touch, looks and feels like a soft fleece material, and will suit those desiring a soft, huggable pillow. Though less thin than regular fabrics, Minky can also provide warm feelings that suit cold climates.
d. Suede
Suede is the other type, which has a desirable factor and a smooth and magnificent feel. It’s softer than ordinary cotton and tends to have a slight sheen, making the fabric look more luxurious. Although not as stretchy as 2-Way Tricot, Suede is again a strong fabric that gives the skin a luxurious soft touch feel.
All these fabrics have their advantages and disadvantages, and thus depends on the texture, softness, and how often the person prefers to wash the fabric.
3. Deciding on the Right Furniture Dimension: Comfort and Utility
The size of a dakimakura is very important. Standard models range up to 150cm (59 inches) in size, but other varieties are always available if you prefer something more.
a. Standard Size (150 cm)
The standard dakimakura has an average dimension of about 150cm in length. This size might fit most people into traditional hug nanomechanics since the unit can hug the full body while simultaneously being portable. It is suitable as a sleep appliance and an ornament for the home.
b. Special categories include Extra Large, where the height of a car is 160 cm or 170 cm.
If customers desire more comfort or want to embrace a big hug, there are possibilities to buy an extra-large dakimakura that is 160cm or 170cm. These are perfect for tall people or individuals who wish to have an, even more, involving Star VR experience with even this larger space to cuddle into.
c. Dakimakura Divided into Two (80cm)
Half-size Dakimakura pillows are also an option if you are for something smaller. These measure around 80 cm and are generally smaller in size and weight; thus, they are easier to use, laid away, or even conveyed. They are good for anyone who wants the pillows mainly for decorative purposes or as a more or less secondary utility item.
This depends on several factors: the amount of space you have counts a lot, the frequency with which you intend to use the pillow also matters greatly, and what you consider comfortable as an individual.
4. Course: Design and character selection
The other aspect that provokes the most interest when deciding on a dakimakura is choosing the character or design. Given the availability of many options for Organizations, this decision is quite challenging. Here are some important considerations to help you choose the best design for you:
Which anime or game character do you like the most?
It is worth noting that most buyers use dakimakura to display their favorite characters. No matter whether your favorite character of the week is an anime hero or from a game, or if they are a favorite manga character, pick a design accordingly. Of course, not all dakimakura are fan art some are even copyrighted materials.
b. Double-Sided Designs
Some of the dakimakura covers have artwork on one side of the pillow, and the other has artwork. This way, you can select a design with more than one character or several poses, allowing for more presentation variants for the dakimakura.
c. Aesthetic Preferences
However, it is not the only aspect you should consider when choosing the right pillow. For instance, take time to look at the general appearance of the pillow. What color choices were made, what kind and style of artwork was displayed, and what overall tone was given off by the design? Is it a serious, dramatic design or something more lighthearted and funny? Your dakimakura must match the room and your preferences.
d. Customization Options
Some companies and internet shops offer an option to make a custom dakimakura – you can choose any drawing on the cushion or even send your own. It is a good idea for those who want something individual or a design that reflects their personalities.
5. Cost and Quality
Dakimakura can cost quite a lot of money or a little, depending on the material used, the pillow size, and the design. When choosing the best dakimakura for oneself, the best thing to do is ensure an affordable but quality product.
a. Budget Considerations
So, even financially tight, you can buy dakimakura covers of excellent quality for a decent price. But, an important note is that fabrics like 2-Way Tricot or any licensed character can be a little costly. Of course, the tendency is to opt for a less expensive product, but using a higher quality dakimakura will give a greater amount of comfort for longer.
b. Licensing and Authenticity
The price may exceed normal if the dakimakura is associated with a licensed character. Although officially licensed dakimakura may be relatively costlier, they offer assurance of good prints and designs on the body pillow. While unlicensed or fan-made designs may be cheaper than officially licensed ones, quality may not match.
6. Maintenance and Care
Like any other clothing item, your dakimakura will need some care to maintain its quality. Almost all Dakimakura covers are machine washable, but the washing guide may differ from the material used. Here are some tips to keep your dakimakura in good shape:
Wash Regularly: It is important to clean the cover somehow so as not to get it dirty or spoiled, and one has to clean it following the fabric care instructions. Most covers can be washed in the washing machine, but reading the instructions first is better.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Reduce damage or fading by washing your clothes with mild detergents.
Store Properly: Bear in mind that dakimakura may be washed, so it is recommended to be stored in cool and dry places when not in use. Do not place it under the sun to avoid the deterioration of colors in the fabric.
FAQ’s
What is a dakimakura?
A dakimakura is a long cushion often pictured with anime characters or designed as per the customer. It is applied to care, providing support, and as an accessory. The pillow’s name, dakimakura,’ means hug ‘allow,’ designed for hugging while sleeping.
Which fabrics are good for this type of dakimakura?
Cotton is the recommended material, at least for the upper part of dakimakura, as it comes in texture preference. Common materials are Peach Skin, which is skin-friendly and cool to the touch; 2-Way Tricot material, which has a silky and stretchy feel; Minky material, which is more pushed; and Suede material, which is soft to the touch. These fabrics vary depending on the degree of comfort or durability each contributes.
What size should I get for dakimakura?
It was found that 150 cm (59 inches) is the best and is suitable for most people. For those who desire a more fully immersed experience, however, sizes as large as 160 cm or even 170 cm are available. Half-size Dakimakura (80 cm) is made for people who want to take less space than the full-size dakimakura.
Is there a way to make my dakimakura unique?
Yes! Most stores have options for design selection, or one can upload their artwork to be incorporated. This option will do well for anybody seeking a custom-made Dakimakura cover for their favorite body type.
Can anyone please explain how to look after dakimakura?
To clean your dakimakura, you should always follow the washing instructions on the cover of the product; you must use mild soap when washing this cover; you should never expose this cover to any chemicals. If you want to retain the look and color and maintain its shape, do not place the pillow in an area with direct contact with heat or humidity.
Conclusion
Purchasing a dakimakura is not as simple as randomly selecting a favorite character icon. When choosing garments, several aspects have to be considered, including the type of fabric, size, design, and cost of the clothes. Don’t deal with the choice; think about how the item can make you feel comfortable in addition to how it will look – and your dakimakura will become the thing that brings both comfort and value. If you’re an anime fan and want to show off your favorite character on your bed or like a big body pillow to hug, there is a Dakimakura for you. Good luck and good hunting, and here’s where you will find a great dakimakura that can improve your slumber and assortment!
