Are costumes hot?
Mascot costumes are hot. Fans, cooling vests and other accessories help keep the performer cool. Costume performers should be physically fit and be comfortable in confined spaces. With a little practice you will be dancing around in no time.

How long can I wear the costume?
We recommend 20 to 40 minutes per performance. Breaks should last 20 minutes. Performers should stay well hydrated with sports drinks and be sure to have a change of clothes to wear after the event.

How many people are needed to host an event?
A costume performer must have a guide or handler to act as their eyes and ears when performing. Others may be needed, depending on the type of event.

How do I clean the costume?
Most costumes are hand-washed or machine-washed. Use a gentle detergent in a washing machine without an agitator in the middle. Beware of laundromat equipment, which often has bleach residue and other chemicals left from previous washes. Please call if you have any questions about your specific costume. Learn more about our mascot cleaning services by clicking here.

How do I transport my costume?
Be sure you know the size of your costume. Large characters will be expensive to ship if they exceed ground shipping requirements. Shipping trunks are available and last 2-3 years under normal use. If your character is very large and will travel often, consider an inflatable design to reduce shipping costs. Learn more about our shipping services by clicking here.

What do I do with my costume?
Your costume is a marketing tool that will perform for you when you perform with it. Have a plan in place for meet-and-greets, community events and any other event that gets you and your character public exposure. If you have multiple costumes or schedule many events, be sure to assign the responsibility to someone who has time to take care of your program needs.  Click here for promotional ideas, or learn more about our scheduling services by clicking here.

Will you service other companies’ costumes?
Absolutely. Due to the size of our service programs, we have seen and maintained costumes from every other mascot company in the industry. We can clean, repair and even replace parts of costumes originally made by other companies.

Why should I choose Costume Specialists for our mascots?
Costume Specialists has been producing quality, made in the U.S.A., mascots and costumes since 1983. Our website and customer service departments are focused on helping you make an informed purchase and helping you be prepared for the many responsibilities a mascot program will require. We have the largest costume service program in the industry, servicing more than 20,000 events every year!  We are happy to share our knowledge and experience to make your mascot, and your program, a success.

With the Covid pandemic, how are you keeping mascots safe for use?
Any costume arriving to Costume Specialists that has been out on tour or at a past event will be cleaned with our normal Mascot Spa process.  The Mascot Spa process both meets and exceeds the CDC recommendations for disinfection.   If you would like to book reservations for an event or have any questions, please Contact Us.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mascots