(Almost) Everything about Fursuits
What is a Fursuit?
A fursuit, is a costume worn by members of the furry community to represent their anthropomorphic character, known as a fursona. These fursuits can be complete, covering the entire body, or partial, usually including gloves, head and tail. Recognisable by their adorable and cute appearance, fursuits are often desired for their ability to evoke feelings of tenderness and joy.
These costumes can be complete, covering the whole body, or partial, usually consisting of gloves, head and tail. They're adorable and cuddly and it's impossible not to want to hug one, given the chance. Could you say no?
A crucial aspect of fursuits is their significant cost. Even the most affordable partial fursuits can cost a few hundred euros, while complete fursuits can reach thousands of euros, and in extreme cases, tens of thousands. This is due to the detailed craftsmanship and high-quality materials required to create these personalised pieces.
Fursuits play an important role in expressing identity within the furry community, allowing individuals to visually embody their fursonas at meet-ups, conventions and related events. In addition, these suits can be seen as a form of escapism and self-discovery, providing wearers with a way to connect with their imagination and creativity.
Although fursuits are often associated with furry culture, it's important to note that not all members of the community choose to wear these garments. Some prefer to get involved in the community in other ways, such as through art, literature or games.
In short, fursuits are more than just costumes; they are tangible manifestations of identity and creativity within the furry community, although their high cost can be an obstacle for some interested in acquiring them.
Interaction with Fursuiters
If they are in a meet or convention and want to interact with a fursuiterHere are some suggestions on how to do it.
The main reason for the existence of the suggestions lies in the difficulty seeing and hearing within the fursuit (see why in the "Security" section below). For this reason, if you want to communicate with a fursuiterIn a position where he/she can see/hear you. Stand directly in front of fursuiterand if you wish:
- Give a hug: Stand directly in front of the fursuiterand open your arms;
- Taking photos: Take a photo with your fingers;
- Having parties: Assuming you're already close to him/her, you can ask directly - use English if it's a foreigner;
- Other things: Ask the fursuiter or the accompanying person/handler..
A handler. is an escort for fursuiter who is always there to help him/her move around, and to help those who want to interact (audience) and don't know how. In cases where the character doesn't speak, having a handler. can be important.
If you have been given permission to touch and embrace the fursuit, be very careful not to spoil it! The hair of fursuits is artificial and will not grow back. A damaged fursuit can ruin the owner's day/month/year and prevent them from using it for that convention and the next.
Avoid:
- Pulling tails, ears, violent stroking, hair pulling or damaging the fabric in any way;
- Jumping on top of the fursuit;
- Other types of interactions that could jeopardise the safety of fursuiter.
If in doubt, always ask for authorisation from the fursuiter or to handler.. Remember that underneath the suit is a person who must be respected, and there are certain things that can jeopardise their safety.
Interaction with the public
A fursuiter is permanently "in character", and you don't want to spoil the magic for those watching, especially if there are children around.
During meets or conventions.It's very likely that you'll find people in the audience who have never seen a fursuitor who have never interacted with one but want to do so, or take photos, or play around a bit.
There's a chance that they'll try to do something dangerous that could damage the fursuit or jeopardise the safety of the wearer.
It is our responsibility as a community, not just the handler.We need to keep an eye on these interactions and inform people, both adults and children, how to proceed.
For a child, the fursuit is not a person in a suit, he's a living cartoon character, so it's important not to "spoil the magic". What's more, parents may not be fans of our activity, which is why we shouldn't force interaction,and always respect people's decisions and their space.
Security
A fursuit is an extremely limiting fact. Their field of vision is very small, so they can usually only see those directly in front of them, and they hear very poorly. What's more, both the head and the rest of the body suit are very hot materials, which can cause hyperthermia in those who wear them.
Don't hesitate to let fursuiter of obstacles such as steps, walls and even children out of their field of vision.
For handlers and accompanying persons who are present, it is advisable to pay attention to their gestures and signs, for example:
- Drinking gesture: "I need water!"
- Waving your hands towards your head (fanning), or gesturing to take your head off: "I'm overheating, I need to take my head off!". The ideal is to guide them to a secluded spot.
- Putting your hands on your groin: "I need to go to the loo!".
In any case, if a fursuiter needs your help, he/she will call you or come to you. Don't ignore them!
To fursuitersIt is recommended that:
- Drink water when you feel the need. Ask your carer or others furries around you;
- In public, try to keep company, either with other members/friends or with one of them. handler.;
- Be friendly if the public shows an interest in you. fursuits;
- Don't try to force interaction with people, adults or children;
- When interacting with children:
- Squat down so that you are at the same height as the child;
- Wait for the children to come to you. If they notice that you're afraid, pretend to be afraid too (hide your face, for example);
- Never accept children on your lap, even if their parents authorise it.