Bearbrick Collecting Guide for Beginners 2026: Sizes, Series & Where to Buy Authentic

If you've ever asked "what is a Bearbrick?" or "how do I start collecting Bearbricks?", this guide is your starting point. Bearbricks are the bear-shaped collectible figures made by Medicom Toy, the Japanese company that launched the line in 2001. They come in standardized sizes, span hundreds of artist and brand collaborations, and have grown from a toy into a serious collectible category. This beginner's guide covers the sizes you need to know, the series worth chasing, how to display and store your figures, and how to make sure what you buy is authentic. Browse our full lineup of authentic Medicom Toy pieces in the Bearbrick collection.

What Is a Bearbrick, and Why Medicom Toy?

A Bearbrick (stylized BE@RBRICK) is a cartoon-bear figure with a simple, instantly recognizable shape: rounded ears, a cylindrical body, and articulated joints. Medicom Toy created the design and is the only company that produces genuine Bearbricks, so the brand name is also your authenticity marker. The appeal is the canvas: that plain bear silhouette becomes a surface for artists, fashion houses, anime franchises, and pop-culture icons, which is why no two series look alike. Because Medicom Toy is the sole maker, a real Bearbrick always traces back to them, and that's the first thing any new collector should learn.

Bearbrick Sizes: 100%, 400% and 1000%

Bearbricks are sold in standardized percentage sizes, and understanding them is the foundation of collecting:

• 100% — about 7 cm (roughly 2.75 inches). The smallest standard size, often sold in pairs or as part of a set, and the easiest entry point for new collectors.
• 400% — about 28 cm (roughly 11 inches). The most popular display size and the one most collectors build their shelves around. A 100% and 400% of the same design are frequently sold together as a set.
• 1000% — about 70 cm (roughly 27.5 inches). The statement piece: large, heavy, and the centerpiece of a serious collection.

There are also smaller and in-between sizes across the line's history, but 100%, 400%, and 1000% are the three you'll see most often. New collectors usually start at 400% because it's the sweet spot between presence and price.

Artist and Collaboration Series Highlights

The reason Bearbricks have such a devoted following is the sheer range of collaborations. Some of the most recognized include:

• Artist series — KAWS is the most famous Bearbrick collaborator, and his pieces are among the most sought-after in the entire category. Other contemporary artists have lent their work to the bear canvas, making artist editions a major collecting lane.
• Anime and pop-culture editions — franchises and characters get their own Bearbricks, which is where many anime fans first cross over into collecting.
• Fashion and brand collaborations — streetwear and luxury labels have all released Bearbricks, blurring the line between toy and design object.
• Material variants — from standard finishes to clear, chrome, flocked, and pattern-printed editions, the same size can come in dozens of looks.

You don't need to chase everything. Most collectors pick a lane, whether that's a favorite artist, an anime franchise, or a single size, and build from there.

Display and Storage Tips

Bearbricks are made to be displayed, but a little care protects their value and finish:

• Keep them out of direct sunlight. UV exposure can fade colors over time, especially on bright and printed editions.
• Use a closed display case for premium pieces. Glass cabinets cut down on dust and protect flocked or matte finishes that are hard to clean.
• Hold the figure by the body, not the head. The neck joint is the most stressed point, particularly on 400% and 1000% sizes.
• Save the box. For collectors who may resell, the original packaging matters as much as the figure's condition.
• Dust gently. A soft, dry microfiber cloth is enough; avoid solvents that can damage printed designs.

Where to Buy Authentic Bearbricks

This is the most important point for any new collector: buy only genuine Medicom Toy Bearbricks from verified sources. Because the line is so collectible, unofficial copies exist, and the safest way to avoid them is to buy from sellers who source authentic Medicom Toy product. At Magic Stories, our Bearbricks are authentic Medicom Toy pieces, so you can collect with confidence rather than second-guessing what arrives. When you're starting out, sticking to verified sellers protects both your enjoyment and your investment. Browse the full range in our Bearbrick collection.

Returns and Buying with Confidence

Every Bearbrick we sell is backed by a 30-day return window, so you can order, unbox, and confirm your figure is exactly what you expected. Combined with authentic Medicom Toy sourcing, that means a low-risk way to start or grow your collection.

Where to Start

If you're new, begin with a single 400% piece in a series you genuinely love, learn how it looks and feels in person, then expand into a size or theme you want to collect. Measure your shelf space before buying a 1000%, keep your figures out of direct sun, and always buy authentic. Start your collection with confidence in our Bearbrick collection of authentic Medicom Toy figures.

Related guides: Anime Figures for Beginners · Anime Figure Collecting Guide 2026

New here? See our Anime Figure Authenticity Guide.

Quick Answers

• What is a Bearbrick and who makes it? A Bearbrick (stylized BE@RBRICK) is a cartoon-bear figure with rounded ears, a cylindrical body and articulated joints, made by Medicom Toy, the Japanese company that launched the line in 2001 and is the only maker of genuine Bearbricks.
• What are the main Bearbrick sizes? 100% is about 7 cm (2.75 inches), 400% is about 28 cm (11 inches) and the most popular display size, and 1000% is about 70 cm (27.5 inches), the statement centerpiece.
• Which size should a beginner start with? New collectors usually start at 400% because it's the sweet spot between presence and price. A 100% and 400% of the same design are frequently sold together as a set.
• How do I make sure a Bearbrick is authentic? Buy only genuine Medicom Toy Bearbricks from verified sources. Because Medicom Toy is the sole maker, the brand name is your authenticity marker; our Bearbricks are authentic Medicom Toy pieces.
• How should I display and store Bearbricks? Keep them out of direct sunlight, use a closed display case for premium pieces, hold the figure by the body rather than the head since the neck joint is most stressed, and save the box for resale value.