What Is a Dakimakura? A Complete Guide for Anime Fans

A dakimakura (抱き枕, literally "hug pillow") is a Japanese-style body pillow: a long pillow you wrap your arms and legs around while you sleep or relax. In anime collecting, the word usually means the printed cover: a soft, full-length case with character artwork on one or both sides. This guide explains how dakimakura covers work, which DakiHeaven sizes and fabrics to compare, and when custom printing or image upscaling makes sense.

What does "dakimakura" mean?

The word combines daki (抱き, "to hug/embrace") and makura (枕, "pillow"). Plain body pillows are used for comfort and side-sleeping support, while anime dakimakura covers turn that format into a full-size artwork piece. A complete setup is usually two parts: the printed cover and a matching inner pillow insert.

Dakimakura vs. a regular body pillow

The shape is similar, but a dakimakura cover is made around artwork-first details:

• The print: full-length anime, custom, AI, commissioned, or photo-based artwork, often with different front and back images.
• The fit: the cover is sized to a specific insert so the image stays smooth instead of loose or wrinkled.
• The fabric: DakiHeaven offers multiple cover fabrics, from soft premium 2WT options to display-friendly Peachskin.
• The finishing: premium DakiHeaven fabrics use reinforced YKK zippers, while the other fabrics use clean invisible zippers.

DakiHeaven dakimakura sizes

The classic anime-body-pillow sizes are 150 × 50 cm and 160 × 50 cm. DakiHeaven also supports larger custom cover sizes, including 170 × 60 cm, 180 × 60 cm, 210 × 70 cm, and 240 × 80 cm, plus smaller custom formats for compact pillows and decorative covers.

For most first-time buyers, 150 × 50 cm is the safest standard. Choose 160 × 50 cm for a little more height, or 170/180 cm when you want a wider, more dramatic custom print. Our dakimakura size guide explains the DakiHeaven size options and recommended print resolutions.

DakiHeaven fabric choices

Fabric decides how soft the cover feels, how crisp the artwork looks, and how much stretch you get around the pillow. DakiHeaven's current lineup includes:

• 2WT Comfort Max: the softest premium fabric for daily cuddling, with strong stretch and smooth wrinkle resistance.
• 2WT Precision Max: the best visual-clarity fabric for detailed anime line art and sharp custom prints.
• 2WT Plus: a dry, smooth upgrade from traditional 2 Way Tricot with better fabric density.
• 2 Way Tricot: the classic smooth, cool dakimakura feel.
• Plush Velvet: a warm, fluffy option for cozy use, with softer-looking artwork.
• Peachskin: a smooth, shiny, easy-care fabric best for display covers.

For a detailed comparison, see the DakiHeaven fabric guide.

Ready-made designs vs. custom & AI art

You can browse thousands of ready-made dakimakura covers, or upload your own front and back artwork on a custom dakimakura cover. The custom product page includes a built-in crop and preview tool, so you can match your image to the exact aspect ratio of the selected size before ordering.

If your image is small, soft, or AI-generated, DakiHeaven's image enhancement options are the main difference from a generic print shop. You can choose Standard Upscale, Premium Upscale, or Premium Upscale + Pro Artist Retouch. Premium Upscale uses Topaz Gigapixel, while Pro Artist Retouch adds manual cleanup and sends the result by email for approval before printing.

How to choose your first dakimakura

1. Pick the artwork — a ready-made design, your own illustration, AI art, or a photo-based custom print.
2. Choose the size — 150 × 50 cm is the common standard; 160 × 50 cm gives extra height; larger custom sizes make more impact.
3. Choose the fabric — Comfort Max for softness, Precision Max for sharp art, Peachskin for display, or another DakiHeaven fabric that fits your use.
4. Use image enhancement if needed — upload the original file and let DakiHeaven upscale or retouch it if the resolution is not print-ready.
5. Add the matching insert — the cover and inner pillow should use the same size.
6. Plan for care — covers are washable; see how to wash a dakimakura.

Frequently asked questions

Is a dakimakura just a body pillow?

The inner pillow is a long body pillow. In anime collecting, "dakimakura" usually refers to the printed cover that goes over it.

What size dakimakura should I get?

150 × 50 cm is the easiest standard. Choose 160 × 50 cm for extra height, or a larger DakiHeaven custom size if you want a more dramatic print.

Which DakiHeaven fabric is best?

Choose 2WT Comfort Max for the softest cuddle feel, 2WT Precision Max for the sharpest artwork, 2WT Plus for a balanced premium upgrade, or Peachskin for a practical display cover.

Can I print my own art on a dakimakura?

Yes. Upload front and back images on the custom dakimakura cover page, preview the crop, and add image enhancement if the file needs upscaling.

Ready to start? Browse all dakimakura covers or create a custom design.