care and maintenance
Fursuits are huge monetary investments and like any other investment they need to be maintained to protect their value. Like anything you wear your fursuit will begin to show its age over time . Below are the best practices for maintaining a Corgilope fursuit so that it can look great for years and years.
Transportation |
Use standard luggage to transport your fursuit. All suits, padded and not , can fit into a large duffle or hockey bag.
When flying, heads can often be brought on as a personal item which is suggested for most heads. Foam based heads are not delicate but packing the head so that the muzzle and ears are not bent is recommended; make sure that hard noses and eyes are shielded by soft parts of the costume or clothing. |
Between Washing |
Wear performance sportswear meant for warm weather activities or a diveskin (NOT a wetsuit) to prevent sweat and oils from getting onto the costume backing. Make sure you are smelling fresh before wearing your costume. Do not spray deodorants onto the costume as this will not disinfect but only mask odor and leave a greasy residue. Do not use Lysol or a similar product to disinfect the costume as these will do the same thing as deodorant. Use the following formula to create a disinfectant spray:
Brush your fursuit before and after each use to keep it looking brand new. Using a slicker or wire animal brush brush your costume using small strokes. Turn the brush upside down with the handle pointing up in order to cause the least damage. Fur of all lengths needs to be brushed. If your costume uses a short fur a soft bristle hair brush can be used to keep your costume looking great! |
The Big Dip |
All bodysuits, hand paws, feet paws, and tails are machine washable. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and your preferred detergent. Avoid fabric softeners as these can leave a greasy residue.
After washing allow the costume to air dry. Laying the body out of a flat surface will ensure that it is not stretched from the weight of trapped water. Brush the costume periodically as it dries to help the process and to prevent crimping. |
Storage |
Never store your fursuit while it is wet. Make sure that your fursuit is completely dry inside and out before putting it away.
All parts of your fursuit should be stored in a dry, room temperature area. Extreme hot and cold can damage your costume. Store your bodysuit on a hanger or on a flat surface. Folding your bodysuit can leave the fur damaged. While it is tempting to leave the fursuit head out as a display piece putting the head in a place away from direct UV light will allow the foam inside to have the longest life. A dryer sheet can be placed with your bodysuit, inside your head, hands, and feet to give your fursuit a lasting pleasant smell. |
Repair and Wear |
If you believe something on your fursuit is faulty or needs repair please E-MAIL me. I want your fursuit to be comfortable in every way so if you are unsure please don't be afraid to ask!
Fursuits are wearable pieces of art. Like clothing, overtime, fursuits will show their age. This is perfectly normal and nothing to panic about! If you are an extremely active wearer and engage in activities like dancing or rough housing your costume will show matting and small holes sooner. This is common and normal. Most matting can be brushed out and with good care those suits that see high use can still have an extremely long life. |
