A fursuit is a custom-made animal costumes owned and worn by cosplayers, or members of the furry fandom, commonly known as "furries"; a furry who wears a fursuit is called a fursuiter. Unlike mascot suits, which are usually affiliated with a team or organization, fursuits represent an original character created by their designer, and are often better-fitting and more intricately crafted.
The construction process can vary greatly depending on personal favors. This site outlines the basic processes before, during and after fursuit construction.
Fursuit Construction[]
Concept[]
- Main Article: Concept
Often this part is totally clear. Setup a basic plan what the goal of the construction will be. Often a reference sheet helps a lot during that process.
Preperations[]
What materials should you use? Maybe you are experiences in crafts, that can help you getting the work done.
Some suggestions:
- Do you have access to a sewing machine? (maybe even a professional one)
- Do you have access to a workshop?
- Do you have space to work?
Then the journey through local and webbased shops begins. Convenience shops might have, what you're looking for. Be it a plastic bowl for eyes or a cheap pack of cutters. The Fursuit Wiki provides a list of local shops but you should keep your eyes open.
Building[]
Building the actual fursuit can take a while, it might take a professional up to a month for one full suit, maybe less for a half suit. Keep this in mind, especially two days before a con.
Fursuit Maintanance[]
- Main Article: Maintanence
Refreshing a fursuit after it's worn might enhance the lifetime of the costume. Cleaning a fursuit often is no trivial matter. Synthetic furs can usually be washed at 30°C by hand, but foam and metal parts require special attention when cleaning. Repairing also is important when the suit gets damaged minorly.
External Links[]
- Fursuit.org (knowledge-base for fursuit construction) English
- fursuit.de Deutsch