Figuring out what doll size suits you.

I have only 70 cm dolls but I absolutely hate that size. The best size imo are fashion doll sized (16 inches) because of all the prop options but as that's not a standard size for ABJDS I think the best size for me would be somewhere between 50-60 cm. The only reason why I don't have dolls in those sizes and instead will keep them at 70 cm is because I'm not about to make a character look younger than they're supposed to be and still dress them like they're older and there are very little face options with mature minis (most of which still aren't old enough looking). I think what especially deters me are the yo size or kid size dolls supposedly representing characters that the owners claim they are attracted to. That not creepy at all. Nope.

 

Before choosing my first doll I spent a long time browsing and making a decision on what size to get. To get an idea, I'd even bring out a ribbon ruler and measure it against a wall or table and try to envision it, all that. I decided that mini-sized dolls were best for me for all the common reasons: prices, they were easier to carry and move, still big enough for lots of available things to buy, etc.. Though I've revisited the thought plenty of times wondering if a bigger size would be better, I've always come to the same original conclusion that large dolls are just too large for me to properly enjoy.

However, despite this I've noticed that my wishlist has as many tinies now than it does minis XD . I didn't plan it that way, but it just happened that way. But none of the tinies are smaller than 25cm, since smaller than that is a bit too small for me. I've been to a few doll meets before and seen the bigger and smaller dolls, handled them for myself, and that's also helped really solidify me feelings on what sizes are too big or small for me.

ali

 

The first BJD I fell in love was a SD (Iplehouse Carina). However, my friend brought her Iplehouse doll Jessica for me to hold and see if I like the size. Well, I didn't - I felt she was too large and heavy.

So, my first BJD was a 25 cm LittleFee from Fairyland. Very cute, but a bit too small for me. So, I then moved on to MSD and now have 9 of those - and they are my favorites.

But then... I saw a gorgeous SD doll and fell in love with her so much that her size didn't matter to me anymore! She is 63 cm tall. Then I decided she needed a boyfriend... Now I am planning to buy 4 (!!) SD dolls (and one of them - Carina, my first BJD love!)... Who would even think I would get to this stage! I don't think I will be travelling with the SD dolls, though, as I found even my MSD hard to carry around on a holiday (with small kids).

 

For me, it was mostly the look that made me choose a size. I have no interest in 'young' character dolls, so that ruled tiny dolls right out. Plus the problem with tinies for me is that I have quite large hands and they're too fiddly for me to handle. (The exception is Pipos but only their animal tinies, because I am in love with Mac and Robin). Minis are the same. They often look too young for my taste and feel too light and fiddly.

My ideal size is probably... 58cm - 65cm. Good size, good weight in most dolls those size. (Though I am keen on getting and EID but that's just my love for Iplehouse sculpts taking over).

 

I have come to my mind that rules can not be held in this hobby, I have tried all the general sizes and are about to do it again, because I noticed that it wasn't the size, but the doll itself about the body and mold. Recently I found some doll that are sd that I reeeeaaally want, so we'll se how that works.

For now msds are what I prefer, because the are not to little nor to big, but like i said, gonna try out sds again.

 

I always liked fashion dolls and such that ranged from 12-16 inches so I started with an MSD. After getting her I thought SDs were too big and YoSDs too small, but I ended up buying one that I feel in love with a few years later followed by a Soom tiny hybrid because I wanted a little hoofy doll to look cute and a few more MSDs. Now a few years later I am considering selling all but that first MSD and completing my collection in SD form. I don't carry the dolls around much, but I find I love that size. I think there's a lot of trial and error involved and sometimes its 10 years before you know what you want.

 

hmmm i think im an msd person, although i really want an sd someday D: cause i love their bodies *creep* haha anyway, msd's are easier to carry, and well for me i really like small boys >< not like pukifees cause how much i want them i just dont find myself buying one soon haha. ><

 

My first doll was a soom chalco, I didn't pay attention to his size when I bought him, and had the hell of a surprise when I saw how big he was. But I fell in love! 60cm-70cm dolls are the perfect size for me now, and I cannot considerate buying something aside from this size range.

 

My first dolls were a volks and dollzone msd, when I got them I was just a little disappointed. Not because I didn't love the sculpt, but because they were so light. I now have dolls in most of the size ranges and like the weight of SDs more, but the deciding factor for me is really the sculpt of the doll and price, not the size.

 

When you started this hobby and found a doll you liked, how did you figure out what size doll you liked?
The first BJDs I ever looked at were Minis and SD-size but the first one I ever held was a mini. I loved her weight and size of that mini, so I knew I wanted my first doll to be the same size. The first larger doll I held was at a meet and my arm got tired right away. So for me, I find measurements on a website helpful, but the size doesn't quite make sense to me until I can physically hold one. They give you an idea of size but not of the prescence or weight of the doll.

And, have you ever found a doll you wanted when you first joined the hobby then suddenly said, "You know... I want another doll size."
I was quite satisfied with my minis but then I started seeing tinies. And I liked the size of them too. I still have moments when I feel like I want a larger doll than my minis but then I play with my good friend's SD-size girls. Suddenly it comes back to me why that size is too big for me, but it's fun to play with them sometimes. I did cave and buy some tinies earlier this year.

If so, did you kind of regret it after you got a different doll because of it's size and not just how really cute it was to you?
I bought two tinies, not knowing if the size would work for me. I'm really pleased with them and they fit in with my minis. I'm worried that if I do give in and buy a larger doll that I would simply be overwhelmed with the size.

 

I love the MSD size because you get portability and ease of sewing with a more mature face. Originally I wanted a smaller doll, the general size of your average barbie or monster high doll, but fat chance finding a doll that size with a mature face. I've looked, still havent seen one. (if anyone knows a place that sells them, please share. lol) But MSD seemed perfect, not giant, but still big enough to hold and show off and play with. I did however see this 1/3 size doll with a beautiful face, that i just might have to save for, but the size puts me off a bit despite the beautiful sculpt. But who knows. Rules are made to be broken.

 

Have you looked at Limwha, Sugarble and Soom Mini-Gems? They all make 1/6 scale dolls with more mature faces and bodies.

 

I bought SDs because they were the nicest looking and had the largest range of clothing/wigs/etc at the time. And I liked their weight. Then I went to 70cm because I wanted lanky fashion boys. Then I bought a puki, which I adored and took everywhere in a pocket. I loved its convenient, fun size and cute face and amazing posability. An accident happened and I had to get rid of him, but now I want a pukipuki again... and an MSD. Because I think SD+ are simply too big for me to enjoy. I'm short and small, so I often can't see the majority of my doll at all until I move away from it. An MSD, I think, might be easier to enjoy because of the increase of available options, and because a smaller size will help me manage them better. A pukipuki, while the most fun and enjoyable, is still hard to shop for in wigs But I still want one. I dont regret any of the doll size choices. They all have theirnown perks, and they qll excel in their own areas!

The point is, though, that even if you know what you want now, it may change later on. Or perhaps you think you know what you want but after years you realize it isnt quite right. These things are never set on stone, so no stress!

 

I love the Limwha sculpts, but their website is mega confusing. idk if I'm just slow or maybe something going on, but when i went to the site i didnt see a price or anything on the dolls, no descriptions either. The Sugarable dolls are really cute, but not as mature as I'd like. I didnt, however, know about the Soom Mini-Gems. I just searched those a bit ago and they seem perfect, though of course the one I really like is sold out. But I'll be keeping them in mind for my next doll if I ever get another. Thanks so much.

 

The first BJD I ever wanted was a LE Leeke World vampire who was probably SD sized. I didn't have the money for him though. Then Soom had a free choice event with their Super Gem girls and I was tempted, but again not enough money. Then Soom had their Mini Gems as Xmas gifts and I pounced. I still have Barbie/Stacie/Kelly clothes from when I was little. I started finding the smaller size dolls, who would match in scale with a 30cm adult. I already have quite enough MSD/YoSD dolls thanks to Tonner, even if they aren't BJDs. I may end up with an MSD someday, but that would be an exception, probably caused by Soom.

 

You can take this with a grain of salt since I have no dolls home yet, but I can give you my reasoning of why I want to start out with an SD size.

I first wanted to get these dolls because you can change their eyes, but as time passed I realized that I was drawn to the idea because I wanted a big doll that I could craft for, but would also look more like an adult doll than a child. I looked around several sizes until I was debating between saving for an SD or a MSD. I have a Magic Attic doll (similar to an American Girl) and decided that I wanted a doll bigger than her. So I decided to take the measurements and compare them to her since I am bad at picturing how big they would be.

The MSD size doll that I was looking at was slightly smaller than her. I was so disappointed! I re-measured and re-measured since I kept reading how they were easy to carry around and easy to sew for and generally easier to manage than SD sized dolls. But I knew I would not be happy with my first doll if it wasn't bigger than the doll I already had.

So I started measuring SD sizes and decided that the 60 cm SD size would be perfect for me. It is a bigger doll for a bigger me. That thought makes me happy and I am sure that I will be thrilled with my first SD when I finally get to order her. So that is how I decided what to save for.

 

The Limwha website is harder to order from but I know that Junkyspot is an official dealer for them, which might be easier to order from. They also have more complete descriptions and prices.

 

I found out what size I liked when I first started showing interest in the hobby. I mentioned liking a SD to my friend and she brought me hers and had me hold him. I am a relatively short person and he was just to big for me to handle personally so I only get MSD or smaller dolls.

 

YoSD!
Since It's a convenient size for me and I love children face X)

 

I started off with a white skinned little girl , and now was a normal skinned boy .