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 odors. 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.

Hogtown Mascots uses a combination of closed cell foam and Etha foam to make all 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.

Construction and sports helmets are commonly used inside of mascot heads. Although they are not the preferred solution for creating stability in the mascot's head, sometimes they are the most practical.

At Hogtown Mascots 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

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 first and foremost.

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.

Hogtown Mascots 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.

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 mass-produced or less expensive 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.

Hogtown Mascots 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.

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.

Hogtown Mascots 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.

Hogtown Mascots 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 costume 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.