Purchasing a mascot is a significant investment. Whether it’s Ciker Costumes or another supplier that builds your mascot, here are some questions you should ask to ensure that your mascot looks good, functions effectively, and will last a long time.

What materials are used to make the mascot head?

Is there a helmet used inside the mascot head?

Is the head fastened to the body of the mascot costume?

How are the mascot hands made?

Does the mascot costume come with an inner body?

How are the mascot feet made?

Why is a Ciker Costumes mascot different?

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What materials are used to make the mascot head?

Fiberglass, upholstery foam, and surgical plastics should always be avoided.

Fiberglass is very rigid (not good for hugging), prone to cracking (which means more repairs), and is very heavy, making it uncomfortable for a performer to wear the mascot head for a long period of time.

Upholstery foam absorbs and traps moisture and odours.  It also decays very quickly and is not at all breathable.

Surgical plastic has many of the same shortcomings as fiberglass and should be avoided for the same reasons.

Ciker Costumes uses a combination of closed cell foam and Etha foam to make all of our mascot heads.  Both are ultra-lightweight, breathable and extremely long-lasting. They also have the benefit of being water-resistant and buoyant in case you ever need your mascot to float or are concerned about your mascot performing near water.

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Is there a helmet used inside the mascot head?

Construction and sports helmets are commonly used inside of mascot heads however, they are prone to breaking, increase the overall weight, and are less stable for the performer.  These types of helmet often come loose easily and hardware such as bolts and rivets can pose a potential danger to the performer.

At Ciker Costumes we have developed a unique design that incorporates the helmet directly into the interior structure of the mascot head. This provides more comfort, stability and easier maintenance. This design also allows for

• removable machine-washable liners.

• better placement of interior fans that are less visible to your audience and more beneficial to the performer.

• lighter overall weight giving the performer complete stability and control over subtle movements.

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Is the head fastened to the body of the mascot costume?

The mascot head should never be attached to the performer by use of straps or anything that will prevent the person inside from removing it quickly if necessary.  Good mascot design will always consider the performer’s comfort and safety.

Ciker Costumes has developed a removable head liner that not only keeps the inside of the mascot head fresh and clean but also allows for easy removal in emergency situations.

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How are the mascot hands made?

Whether it’s a hand, hoof, mitten or fin, all mascot hands should be made in a glove-style to overlap the sleeve of the bodysuit, rather than being attached to it.  Although it seems like a good idea to attach the hands directly to the bodysuit, it can cause problems depending on the design of your mascot. 

For example, if your mascot is required to perform large or acrobatic movements, the hands could separate and/or cause tearing of the costume during these motions because of added stress on the seams.  Also from a safety perspective, it’s better if the performer can remove parts of the mascot quickly and without help if necessary.

Ciker Costumes makes all mascot hands in glove style while ensuring that no part of the performer’s arm is ever exposed. The hands can be cleaned separately from the rest of the mascot costume, and they can be replaced more quickly and inexpensively without needing to invest in an entirely new mascot.

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Does the mascot costume come with an inner body?

The inner body is an important component since this is what gives your mascot its structure and shape.  Whether it’s a big tummy for a bear or a muscle suit for a superhero, the inner body is what sets a professional mascot apart from less well-made costumes.  Wire and any other material that will not retain its original shape when squeezed should never be used.

An inner body also allows you to wash the inside regularly without needing to clean the outside of the mascot all the time.  This will keep your mascot looking newer for a longer period of time.

Ciker Costumes uses specialized breathable foam, sandwiched between two layers of sporting mesh to allow heat and moisture to escape easily.  The shape of the inner body is maintained using flexible tubing attached to the structure. The inner body can be hugged repeatedly and will always return to its original shape.  This structure also keeps a cavity around the performer’s body to allow for maximum airflow inside the mascot.

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How are the mascot’s feet made?

Mascot feet that are slipped on with no way of securing the performer’s foot in place should always be avoided.  As well, feet that have a permanent shoe attached should be avoided as they will only fit one specific foot size, will require you to replace the entire mascot foot once the shoe becomes too dirty to wear, and is less hygienic in cases where multiple performers will wear the same mascot.

Ciker Costumes has developed two types of mascot feet for different needs and budgets. 

A solid core mascot foot can be used when quick dressing and undressing is required and/or budget is a factor.  Liners are made for this type of foot so they can be easily removed and machine-washed. This type of mascot foot is ideal for festivals and other events where mascots will be worn infrequently, and by a range of performers.

Combination core mascot feet are designed for higher-use applications like sports mascots and theme park characters.  This shoe allows the performer to wear his/her own shoes inside the mascot foot for comfort, stability, and cleanliness.

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Why is a Ciker Costumes mascot different?

Ciker Costumes constructs each mascot incorporating the design requirements and individual needs of each client.  Our first task is always to listen and find out from you as much as possible about where and how the mascot will be used so that you get exactly the right costumes to suit your needs. 

We are mascots designing mascots. Our designers and builders are also performers, so we have first-hand knowledge of important things like visibility, air circulation, ease of movement etc.

Our company organization and unique construction processes allow us to keep the costs of our mascots lower than many of our competitors – and we are able to pass those significant savings to our clients without compromising the quality of our mascots.

For more information on having your next mascot built by Ciker Costumes contact us. 

We are ready to serve you!

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