Custom plush toys are everywhere these days. People share their ideas with manufacturers, who design and mass-produce plush toys based on those concepts. One popular custom plush is the “cotton doll.” Following trends like blind box dolls and BJD (ball-jointed dolls), many young people are now embracing cotton dolls. But what exactly is a cotton doll?
What Are Cotton Dolls?
A cotton doll is a plush toy filled with polyester cotton, known for its detailed facial embroidery. It originated in South Korea’s fandom culture, where management companies would turn celebrity images into adorable 10-20cm dolls. Fans quickly embraced these idol dolls as must-have items for supporting their favorite stars. Their small size and lightweight design make them perfect for carrying to events.
The trend has expanded beyond celebrity-themed dolls to include “no attribute” dolls, which lack specific star associations. These original designs, along with stylish doll clothing, have gained popularity in the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and other markets. The appeal isn’t limited to fans; cotton dolls have become collectibles in their own right. Brands like Rua Waba and MINIDOLL focus solely on cotton dolls, while companies like Bubble Mart and Koitake have expanded their fashion toy lines to include these unique items.
The Development of the Cotton Doll Trend
Cotton dolls first gained attention in 2015 when a fan brought a handmade doll of EXO’s CHEN to a concert. The doll’s charming appearance won over many fans, sparking a wave of similar creations. Soon, fans of other K-pop groups followed suit, creating dolls based on their favorite idols. The trend gained momentum, especially at concerts, where holding a personalized cotton doll became a new way to show support.
At first, fan-created dolls circulated privately, but that changed in 2017. South Korean company CJ saw the potential in cotton dolls and started producing official dolls for Wanna One. This sparked a second wave of popularity, with dolls shifting from animal-themed designs to more human-like figures. Today, sizes typically range from 10cm to 20cm, and prices vary depending on the doll’s role and group affiliation.
Online sales have surged, with the industry’s market size exceeding $1 billion by 2021. As the trend grew, cotton dolls evolved from simple fan merchandise to cultural collectibles. They now embody aspects of creative culture, fashion play, and even spiritual connections.
Challenges in Custom Plush Toys Production
Creating high-quality cotton dolls is no easy task. The process involves several steps, including drafting designs, choosing factories, opening pre-orders, sampling, and finally, mass production. Skilled craftsmanship is essential, as each doll requires careful attention to detail, from embroidery to fabric selection.
Few factories can meet the high standards required for top-quality dolls. Some specialize in basic dolls, while others focus on more complex cotton dolls. The added challenge of incorporating plastic skeletons for flexible poses increases production costs. This complexity often leads to supply shortages, with high demand pushing up prices.
The Future of Cotton Dolls Custom Plush Toys
Online platforms remain the main sales channels for cotton dolls, although offline sales are growing. Trendy stores like TOP-TOY and X11 have embraced these dolls, while traditional toy stores lag behind. Offline events and exhibitions have also gained popularity, attracting fans eager to find the perfect cotton doll.
Industry insiders are optimistic about the future. With more companies entering the market, the industrial chain must adapt quickly. The entry of major brands is seen as a positive development that could help standardize production and meet increasing demand.
As the cotton doll industry evolves, it’s becoming a way for young people to express themselves and form connections. Whether fans are drawn to the dolls for aesthetic reasons or emotional significance, the trend shows no signs of slowing down.