How to Buy a Mascot Costume

Being a mascot is tough work. The demands of physical comedy, coupled with very heavy, heat-generating costumes, often lead to injury and exhaustion. Despite these challenges, most mascots love their work. The best mascots have a true passion for the sports team or business they represent and truly enjoy entertaining others. You must do your research before you buy a mascot costume; the costume is every mascot's lifeblood.

Instructions

1. Save your money. High quality mascot costumes can cost up to $10,000. The good news is that the organization you represent when in character may foot most, if not all, of the bill.

2. Employ the services of a mascot costume design company. Although most firms require an additional fee for costume conceptualization, some offer this service free of charge. Costume designers consider their mascot customers' specific needs, such as size, travel requirements, weather exposure and level of activity.

3. Allow time for design and production. If you opt for a one-of-a-kind mascot costume, it may take up to eight weeks to receive your finished product after initiating the design process. If you're in a hurry, you may want to buy a costume off the rack.

4. Consider purchasing a ready-made mascot costume to save time and money. If the organization you represent does not have an official mascot, you can choose from a variety of stock characters. Gorilla, bear and pirate costumes are especially popular and generally cost around $1000.

5. Partner with a company that stores mascot costumes. Some companies, like International Mascot Corporation, store their customers' costumes, shipping them to and picking them up from locations as needed. They also offer cleaning and online costume management services.

6. Purchase the accessories you need to stay comfortable and safe. Most custom-made mascot costumes come equipped with state-of-art cooling systems, but many prefabricated costumes do not. Several online companies sell cooling vests and cooling fans specifically designed for mascots.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need your mascot costume yesterday, ask your design company about rush production and delivery.