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| Which Costume Materials will Work Best for You? |
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If you're interested in purchasing a costume of Halloween, Mardi Gras, or any other event, it is important to consider the material from which the costume is made. While some costumes are extremely comfortable, others may have you leaving parties early, just for you can go home to change! There are a variety of materials used for costumes, so learning about them can help you determine which costume you should buy.
Costumes all start with a base material. This depends highly on the quality of the costume and on the type of costume. Commonly, cotton, spandex, nylon, and polyester are used. Of these, cotton in the most breathable. If you plan to wear multiple layers, as is often the case with costumes, or if you plan to be in hot places, such as at a crowded holiday party, this is your best bet for staying cool. Stay away from anything wool unless you want to be very warm. Most of the time a combination of these materials will be used. Keep in mind that some, like nylon, melt easily, so be careful if you are a smoker. One the base of the costume has been made-either by you or by the manufacturer of the costume-materials are used to add to the effect. This will by and large depend on the type of costume you buy. Lace, felt, sequins, feathers, yarn, and buttons are all commonly added on. Many costumes also use face leather or fake jewels to add to the effect. When choosing a costume, never buy it without trying it on first, unless you're willing to spend the money on something that might not fit correctly. Depending on the stretch of the material and the way the garment was sewn, different materials may fit in different ways. You may also realize, one you are wearing it, that the costume is too hot, itchy, or tight. If this is the case, you're better off continuing your costume search. Don't forget that your costume may include a mask or face paint as well. Here, the same rules apply-wear it before you put it on for the night to make sure that it is comfortable. Some masks are too hot to wear for more than a few minutes unless you're outside in the cool air, and some face paint may leave you feeling itchy. Avoid uncomfortable materials because they'll only make you wish the night was over instead of allowing you to actually enjoy the fun atmosphere. Article Written by: Peggy Schmitt |