If you have spent any time browsing collectible toys, streetwear drops, or art auctions, you have probably run into a Bearbrick. That blocky, expressionless bear figure has become one of the most recognizable collectibles in the world, and one of the most collected. Here is what they are, where they came from, and why people pay anywhere from $20 to tens of thousands of dollars for one.

What Is a Bearbrick?

A Bearbrick (stylized BE@RBRICK) is a collectible art toy made by Medicom Toy, a Japanese company based in Tokyo. Every Bearbrick shares the same basic shape, a jointed, bear-shaped figure styled after a classic building-block toy, but the design on the surface changes constantly. Medicom partners with fashion brands, artists, musicians, and other companies to release limited editions, which is why you will see Bearbricks styled after everything from Chanel and Coca-Cola to KAWS and Star Wars.

A Brief History

Medicom released the first Bearbrick in 2001. The idea was simple: take a neutral, blank figure and use it as a canvas for collaboration. Over two decades later, that idea has produced thousands of different designs, and Bearbrick has become a genuine cultural fixture in streetwear and collector circles, alongside toys like KAWS Companions and Dunny figures.

Understanding Bearbrick Sizes

One of the first things new collectors notice is that Bearbricks are labeled by percentage rather than inches or centimeters. The percentage refers to the figure’s size relative to Medicom’s internal scale, not a literal measurement of anything else. The most common sizes are:

• 100% – About 2.7 inches (7 cm) tall. Small, affordable, and easy to display in numbers.
• 400% – About 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall. A popular middle ground for shelf displays.
• 1000% – About 27.5 inches (70 cm) tall. A statement piece and often the most expensive size in a given release.

Many releases are sold as two-packs combining 100% and 400% figures, which is why you will often see listings written as “100% and 400%.”

Why Collectors Care

A few things drive Bearbrick’s popularity:

• Scarcity. Many designs are produced in limited runs and never restocked once sold out.
• Collaborations. Getting a well-known artist or brand on a Bearbrick instantly raises interest and, often, resale value.
• Display flexibility. Because every figure shares the same shape, collectors can display dozens of wildly different designs side by side without the collection looking mismatched.
• Crossover appeal. Bearbrick sits at the intersection of toy collecting, streetwear, and contemporary art, so it draws collectors from all three worlds.

Tips for New Collectors

1. Start with a theme. Some collectors focus on a size, a color, an artist, or a brand collaboration rather than trying to collect everything.
2. Check the box and certificate. Authentic Medicom releases typically come with original packaging and, for larger figures, a certificate of authenticity, both of which matter for resale value.
3. Keep them out of direct sunlight. Vinyl figures can fade or yellow over time with prolonged UV exposure.
4. Buy from a source you trust. Because rare Bearbricks fetch high resale prices, counterfeits exist. Buying from an established seller reduces that risk.

Ready to Start (or Grow) Your Collection?

Whether you are after your first 100% figure or chasing a rare 1000% collaboration, browse our current Bearbrick collection to see what is in stock right now.