How to Wear a Mascot Costume

School mascots can rev up the crowd at any sporting event. Business mascots can generate immediate, inexpensive publicity beyond traditional advertising venues. Mascots draw attention and create excitement among almost any crowd. If you wear a mascot costume for a business or sporting event, you're sure to get a great deal of attention. Make sure you do it safely.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Water bottles (2)
• Plastic tubing
• Safety pins
• Drill
• Velcro straps

1. Dress sparingly and for hot conditions. Mascot costumes, particularly those with full headgear, are very hot and sticky. Unless you'll be outside in extremely cold weather, wear comfortable, loose fitting shorts with a tank top underneath.

2. Hydrate yourself with water and snack on a few pretzels or potato chips before the event, especially in warm temperatures. Sweat causes you to lose water and sodium, which contributes to uncomfortable leg cramps and can make you feel faint. The salt provided by the snack infuses additional sodium into your system, and the water keeps dehydration at bay.

3. Create a personal cooling system using two water bottles and plastic tubing. Chill the water bottles, then remove the caps. Drill a small hole in each cap. Remove the plastic shavings and replace the caps. Strap each bottle to a sock-protected ankle using Velcro straps. Insert one end of the tubing into the bottles and run the other end up to the neckline of the costume. Secure with safety pins. Sip cold water through the tubing to provide necessary hydration and cooling relief inside the mascot costume.

4. Move cautiously at all times. Mascot headgear limits your visibility; a child can be standing at your feet and out of your field of vision.

5. Stay in character while wearing your mascot costume. Move and act accordingly.

6. Portray a friendly attitude at all times. The mascot is an icon, and poor behavior by the wearer can reflect negatively on the sports team or business it represents. Wave to passersby, and offer a handshake to anyone who comes close to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Occasionally a child will run up and hug you. If this happens, reach down and gently pat the child on the shoulder or the head for a few seconds, and then let go. Giving the child a big hug back might be seen as inappropriate and reflect poorly on those you represent.