HOW TO WEAR A COSTUME

So, you volunteered or got drafted to wear the company or school mascot but have no idea of how or what to do. Hopefully this will be of some help.

First off, yah, mascots are hot, vision is limited, and they are not particularly comfortable. This is not intended to scare you; but if you and your handler know what to do if something happens you can avoid any problems.

I’ve been a Costume Designer for 20 years and have worn mascots on many occasions. I hope you can benefit from my experiences. I figure to be “forewarned is to be forearmed.”

Because mascots are hot you should wear as little clothing as possible, like a tee shirt, shorts and socks. You will want to bring a change of clothes because you are going to sweat!

Because you are going to sweat you need to drink plenty of water (NOT sodas, NOT coffee and definitely NOT beer, but LOTS OF WATER)!  Drink as much as you can before getting into the mascot; drink more during your breaks and even more when you are done. I tend to wear the mascot for long periods of time and don’t take as many breaks as I should, so when I’m done and getting out of the mascot, I’m slightly disorientated. If this happens to you don’t worry, just sit down and drink more water, it will go away after about five minutes.

There are two ways to wear a mascot. One is just to put it on and walk about…looking dead and lifeless (this is not the way that I suggest.) The second way is much more fun. Move with big bold gestures and positive body language, march instead of walking and the mascot will come alive! Sometimes a mascot will frighten very small children. It is because they see a living HUGE stuffed toy. If you frighten a child, move slowly and go down on one knee. Now you are not so big and threatening. Usually, the child will overcome their fear, and even come up to touch or talk to the mascot. After this, you can resume the big bold movements, and the child will no longer fear the mascot.

HAVE FUN!!!

Patterson,
Cartoonist and designer of Carol Flemming Design