How to Buy a Santa Claus Suit

Buy a Santa Claus suit at a costume shop or online. They differ in quality and price, starting about $70 for a lower-quality costume to almost $400 for a higher-end one. The type of event you're wearing it to, how durable it needs to be and how much you can spend should be factors in your buying decision.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide how authentic you must look in a Santa Claus suit. You may be wearing it to a costume party for adults where most people know who you are anyway. Or, you may be spending long days with children on your lap eyeing you closely and deciding if you're real.

2. Realize that the more authentic looking a Santa Claus suit is, the better the quality. You must be willing to spend if you want to look real.

3. Know a Santa Claus suit should be durable if you're wearing it close to children or many times. In these cases, it should also be cleanable.

4. Note that a Santa Claus suit usually comes only in large sizes. It's loose-fitting and often stuffed at the belly or elsewhere to make Santa look larger.

5. Be aware that the better quality Santa Claus suit doesn't come with a wig and beard. You must purchase them separately, and they vary in quality and price.

6. Understand a Santa Claus suit with a zippered jacket is probably more expensive than a pullover type. But a zippered jacket is easier to remove with a Santa belly.

Tips & Warnings

• To look authentic, grow your hair and beard long rather than purchase a wig and beard. You won't have to worry about someone yanking them off. Dye your wig and beard or color them with hair whitener. Don't forget to purchase white eyebrows or a white eyebrow pencil to color your own. Buy a Santa Claus suit online for the best selection.