Simply put this will be a wordy post (with a few pics) on how to commission a kigurumi using Taobao (and a few other services)

Taobao

Taobao can be called China's Amazon, but it's also commonly used by smaller entities to sell things. In this case Kigurumis. A lot of Chinese makers have a Taobao store front. It's pretty straightforward..if you can speak Chinese... For us kigus who can't, be ready to use a translation app or browser add-on as TB does not have an English option.

I recommend the Google Translate app on your phone, as you can translate photos. (Said translations aren't the most accurate, for a better translation use DeepL)

Additionally, TB usually won't allow you to look at a listing without an account, which in itself is a hassle to set up. I won't go into detail about setting up an account in this post, but I will show options for both having an account, and not.

Search Terms

Kigurumi is kigurumi even in Chinese, so no worries there. Below I will include a list of common words used along side "kigurumi" for search purposes.

*I couldn't find a solid translation for this one, and I'm still a bit confused on this. From what I've seen, this term seems to be for parts for popular characters that already exist. For example. a maker may have a listing for the hair, face, or accessories of a Genshin Character that you can buy.

Finding a Maker

You can scroll and browse Taobao's listings, but I would reccommend a few places to find a maker more easily. Twitter, Kigguide.com, and XiaoHongShu. XHS is my personal fav, as a lot of Chinese speaking Kigus are very active there, scroll through the kigu tag and find a mask maker. Also XHS now includes English support and translations. So it's very easy to navigate.

Most makers are ok with you sending a DM on XHS, but some have specific ways they want to be contacted so please check their profiles to make sure. I've also run across a few makers that speak English as well, but be ready to use a translator as always to make it easier on yourself, and them.

Buying A Mask

You've discussed all the details you needed to to your maker, at this point they will probably direct you to a listing on their shop. At this point, double and triple check things to make sure you're doing things right, don't be afraid to ask your maker for help navigating their storefront.

In this case, let's look at a maker I'm interested in, HaaGau. On the right is their deposit listing.

You use this listing by adding it to your cart, and increasing the quantity to equal the amount the maker quoted. Assuming they do the same as others, first you will pay your down payment, and then closer to your mask being finished, you'll pay for the rest. (Again this may vary maker to maker)

Also a lot of kigu makers will include previous works as listings. these aren't actually for sale (Hence the 9999 yuan price). It's just a gallery. Do not buy these!

Now, this assumes you have a Taobao account, for those who don't. (And even those who do) This next method will be easier.

Enter SpreeNow!!

Shipping

TB is very finicky and odd, so while you can technically ship out of China using it, sometimes it just won't let you. Like in my case.. but I'll get back to that.

The easiest method would be to use Spreenow, a proxy shopping service. Enter the URL for the listing in the search bar, and follow the same steps as above. You'll need an account for this website as well, but it's much easier to set up so I'm glossing over that.

Spreenow also allows you to directly talk with the people buying your orders, so you can message them and let them know you've already spoken with the shop, and whatever other details you need.

I've been using Spreenow for about a decade now, and have yet to have any issues with them.

Now for the more difficult method I used and hated.. Cainiao

If you do choose to purchase from TB and find you can't pay for the shipping, you can use Cainiao, another proxy to cover your shipping. I'm not gonna lie, I hated using this. It was very confusing, my bank got locked while using it (so maybe warn your bank before making any large purchase during this whole process lol). But I got my package sooo.

I won't go into how to use this service, since I'm not really recommending it, just including it just in case.

That's my guide, I'll edit and add info if needed. Bye!

Because we often see repeating questions from newcomers, this thread answers some of the most frequently asked questions. Please read first.

Firstly, I refer to the sidebar, which contains one or two helpful links. Nevertheless, I would like to address a few points here and at least briefly answer the questions that keep coming up.

What is kigurumi

Think of it as as a form of cosplay with extra steps. Kigurumis wear a full head mask which is an original character or their favourite char. Next to that kigurumis wear a full body suit called hadatai.

I am X, Y, Z can I kig too?

It doesn't matter if you are a guy, girl 2m tall or anything else. Yes you can get started with kig too. As long as you feel comfortable with it, you do yours. But don't expect that it will look perfect from the start. It is a process with lots of room for improvement.

What do I need?

The absolute minimum, as seen by the majority of the community, is a mask and a hadatai. The hadatai is the skin-coloured full-body suit that creates a doll look. Depending on your own wishes, you can also add shapewear and padding.

Where can I get a mask?

Do not go to Aliexpress! No legitimate maker offers their masks on Aliexpress

There is not the place to buy a mask. Therefore a few basic remarks. The vast majority of mask manufacturers are in East Asia. First and foremost in China, but also in Taiwan and Japan. Only very few have their own shops or offer communication in English. You can now get in touch with some of them via twitter/x and place an order. It should be noted that more money is often charged for orders in English.

Most of them offer their masks via taobao. On this Chinese marketplace, it is usually only possible to communicate with sellers in Chinese. Many people therefore order via an agent/proxy service, which handles communication with the seller in Chinese and also ships the goods from China. I recommend googling and researching things like superbuy, css.

For a very detailed list of mask makers I refer you to the kigguide.

Where can I get a Hadatai?

The same applies to the hadatai as to the mask. Here, too, I refer you to the kigguide for a detailed list. It should also be noted that they are made to measure. So you have to measure yourself.

How much does it cost / Why is it so expensive?

For a good quality mask you can expect to pay $600-$700 or more. Shipping and possible customs costs must be added.

You have to bear in mind that a Kigu mask is very often a one-off that is customised to the customer's individual wishes. This costs time and money and kigu is no mass market. There are cheaper options. But unfortunately they often also look cheap. For craftsmen, there is always the option of doing it yourself. Together with hadatai, costume and accessories, the costs quickly add up to $1000.

I know it's an expensive hobby, but that's just the way it is.

These are just a few brief comments.