Anyone who has worn a mascot knows how warm it gets. Two options deal with it: a small fan fixed inside the head to move air past the face, and a cooling vest under the inner liner to draw heat away from the body over a long day.
Two ways to stay cooler
A fan fitted in the head
Moves plenty of air through the head so it stays comfortable.
A vest under the inner liner
Draws heat off the body, which helps the wearer through long hours in costume.
The fan in the head
- Strong airflow
- Runs quietly
- Takes its power over USB
- Simple to fit and to take out
Powering the fan
- Runs from a USB power bank, which you supply
- Easy to carry and swap over
How the fan is set up
- The fan sits firmly fixed inside the head.
- Its wire runs through the hidden pocket.
- Plug it into the power bank and switch on.
The cooling vest, worn inside
- Put the cooling vest on first, beneath the inner liner.
- Pull the inner liner on over it.
- Then wear the costume as you normally would.
- Helps you stay cool through long hours
- Light and breathable
- Comfortable and safe to wear
Getting dressed
- Start with the head piece in reach.
- Put on the inner liner with the vest beneath.
- Add the costume over the top.
- Get out there and perform in comfort.
Why cooling matters in a mascot head
Inside a mascot head the air barely moves, so heat and damp collect around the face. It shows most at matches, fun runs, parades, fairs and promotions, where the performer can be inside for a long stretch. The fan shifts the air in the head and the vest works on the rest of the body.
You do not have to take both. Use the fan by itself for brief appearances, the vest by itself under a lighter costume, or fit both for a full day.
Picking a power bank
The fan takes its power over USB, and you provide the power bank. Look for one with a standard USB output, check the fan details in your quote, and ask us if you are unsure which would suit.
Charge it before every appearance and keep a spare for longer days. Because the wire goes through the hidden pocket, the power bank stays out of sight and the performer's hands stay free.
How the vest sits
The vest is worn close to the body, beneath the inner liner. The liner goes over it, so the costume looks no different from the outside.
Dress in this order: vest, then inner liner, then costume. It keeps the vest snug against the body and makes quick changes easier when several people share the costume during one event.
Looking after the equipment
Switch the fan off and unplug it before cleaning. Wipe the casing with a dry or slightly damp cloth, never put the fan in water, and let the head dry out completely before it goes into storage.
Follow the care label on the vest and inner liner and keep everything somewhere dry with some airflow. Look over the wire and connector now and then, and replace anything damaged before the next outing.
Sensible habits for the performer
Cooling gear makes a costume nicer to wear, but it is no substitute for rest. Schedule regular breaks somewhere cool, keep drinking water, and stop straight away if the performer feels dizzy or unwell.
On long days, agree a signal with a helper who can steer the performer around and watch for tiredness.
Ordering it with your mascot
Both options can be requested alongside a new bespoke mascot. Put them in your quote request or choose them when you order, and tell us how long the performer is usually inside so we can advise.
Why add them
- Plenty of airflow for quick relief
- A vest that fits comfortably
- USB power you can carry anywhere
- Safe, durable and well made
- Right for sport, events and promotions
Your questions
Does the power bank come with the costume?
No. The fan runs from a USB power bank, and that is not included.
Can the wire be seen from outside?
No. It runs through the hidden pocket in the costume.
Do I still need breaks with a fan and vest?
Yes. Take regular pauses and drink water, and stop at once if the performer feels unwell.
How do I ask for the fan or vest?
Pick the option when you order, or mention it in your quote request.
Want a mascot that is easier to wear for longer?