Buying guide for Best inflatable costumes
Whether you’re planning a Halloween party or just want to entertain your kids, the right costume can make all the difference. A typical costume can be impressive or scary, but an inflatable costume is the way to go if you really want to steal the show.
Inflatable costumes are filled with air to give them a three-dimensional appearance that sets them apart from traditional costumes. Some are as tall as 10 feet, but they aren’t uncomfortable to wear because they’re lightweight. You can find them in a wide variety of characters and designs, so there’s an option for any occasion. Many of these costumes work well for Halloween, but they’re also ideal for entertainment at kids’ parties, as sports mascots, and for business or marketing events.
If you’re considering investing in an inflatable costume, it helps to understand what it is and how it works. Consider the costume’s material before choosing a theme and style. A good shopping guide can point you in the right direction.
How to buy the best inflatable costume
What is an inflatable costume?
As the name implies, this costume is one that is filled with air to give it a more voluminous appearance. It can be taller than traditional costumes, and it offers a 3-D look that is very impressive.
These costumes are often used for mascots, party entertainment, and marketing events because they can look more realistic than other types of costumes. Most cover the wearer entirely except for the face, and some only cover the bottom half of the body to make it look as if the wearer is riding an animal, such as a bear, or being carried by a creature, such as an alien.
How do inflatable costumes work?
These costumes have a battery-powered blower or small fan that fills the costume with air like a balloon. The fan stays on while the costume is worn and constantly replaces any air that leaks out as the wearer moves around. The costume closes with a drawstring so it stays inflated.
Inflatable costume materials
Most high-quality inflatable costumes are made of lightweight nylon. It’s usually treated to prevent fading in the sun and waterproof to withstand light rain. You can also find some of these costumes that are made of high-denier polyester for increased durability.
Many of the more affordable inflatable costumes, such as those meant to wear once or twice for Halloween, are made of vinyl or PVC. Unfortunately, these materials aren’t as durable as nylon or polyester, so they aren’t the best option if you want to wear your costume repeatedly.
While an inflatable costume has a fan that runs continuously, you don’t have to worry about it making much noise. The fan usually operates at a decibel level that’s lower than normal conversation.
Staff
BestReviews
Features to look for in inflatable costumes
Theme
You can find an inflatable costume for nearly any occasion. Many depict well-known characters, such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Bugs Bunny, or Pikachu, and one of these is ideal if you want to wear the costume to entertain at a child’s party.
In addition to characters from TV shows, movies, comics, and video games, you can find many inflatable costumes shaped like animals like chickens, donkeys, sharks, and giraffes. Some costumes are shaped like fantasy animals, including dragons and unicorns.
Some of these costumes cover only the lower portion of the body to make it appear as though you’re riding an animal like a dinosaur or bull. Some also make it look like you’re being carried by a scary creature, such as an alien, dinosaur, or ghost.
Size
Inflatable costumes are typically one-size-fits-all. However, you can usually find adult and child sizes to provide the necessary fit to keep the air inside the costume.
It’s important to note that many of these costumes for adults fit taller individuals better than those under 5′5″. The opening for the face or eyes might not match up on someone who is very short, making it difficult to see and move around in the costume.
Comfort
Inflatable costumes might seem like they’d be uncomfortable, but most are easy to wear. Because they’re made of lightweight materials and full of air, they aren’t particularly heavy. Of course, the puffiness around your arms and legs can make it more challenging to walk, but as long as you can see through the opening, you shouldn’t have too much difficulty moving.
It’s best to look for a costume that has a zipper that can be undone from inside. If you opt for a costume that has an outside zipper, someone else will need to help you in and out of it.
Maintenance
Most inflatable costumes are relatively easy to clean. Simply wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and mild dish soap to remove any dirt. Rinse the material thoroughly and allow it to dry before storing the costume.
It’s also a good idea to air out the costume if it’s been worn for long periods. Inflate the costume after you’ve taken it off, and spray a small amount of an odor eliminator inside. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before deflating it and putting it in storage.
Did You Know?
If you have to wear your inflatable costume in particularly warm weather, it’s a good idea to wear a cooling vest under it. These vests have freezable ice packs that will keep you cool for several hours.
Staff
BestReviews
How much do inflatable costumes cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable of these costumes are those that cover the lower half of the body or those designed for children. These typically cost $20 to $50.
Mid-range
Most of these costumes are full-body costumes for adults. They aren’t made of the highest-quality materials, so they work better as Halloween costumes you’ll only wear a few times than as mascot, entertainer, or marketing costumes that will be worn repeatedly. These generally cost $50 to $100.
Expensive
The most expensive costumes are full-body costumes for adults. These are typically made of high-quality materials, so they hold up well with regular wear as a mascot, entertainer, or for marketing purposes. These generally cost $100 to $200.
If several people are using the same inflatable costume, wipe down the interior with antibacterial wipes after each use to prevent the spread of germs.
Staff
BestReviews
Tips
- Fasten all the costume’s closure points tightly. If the costume isn’t as airtight as possible, it will deflate while you’re wearing it.
- Check the fan’s batteries before you put on the costume. You want to be sure that the fan will work for the entire time you’re wearing the costume. Replace the batteries if necessary to avoid running out of power and losing air.
- Don’t sit on the fan. It’s possible to sit down while wearing an inflatable costume, but be careful that you don't sit on the fan or cover it and prevent it from keeping the costume inflated.
- Store an inflatable costume carefully. Avoid ripping or puncturing the material. If the costume has holes, it won’t stay inflated. Keep a repair kit on hand specifically for patching punctures or tears in your costume.
FAQ
Q. Are inflatable costumes safe?
A. Some people think that these costumes must be airtight to maintain their appearance, and they worry they won’t be able to breathe when wearing one. However, many inflatable costumes leave the face exposed, so breathing normally isn’t a problem. Costumes that do cover the face have a mesh panel over the nose and mouth, so you can breathe without issue.
Q. How long can I wear an inflatable costume?
A. It all depends on the fan’s battery power. Most batteries last a few hours. Once the batteries run out, the fan can no longer keep the costume inflated. If you need to wear your costume for longer than a few hours, be sure to have replacement batteries handy so you can keep the costume inflated as long as you need to.
Q. Are inflatable costumes hot?
A. With a high-quality costume, there’s usually good airflow inside the suit that keeps you from getting too warm. However, some low-quality costumes don’t have particularly effective airflow and are made of materials like PVC that aren’t breathable. As a result, these costumes can get fairly hot, especially if you’re running around in warm weather.
Q. How long do these costumes typically last?
A. It depends on the quality of the costume and how well you take care of it. If you purchase a higher-quality costume made of nylon or polyester, it can last for years. Lower-quality inflatable costumes made of vinyl or PVC are more likely to tear or puncture, so they won’t last as long. The cheaper inflatable costumes are best if you only plan to wear yours once or twice on Halloween, but they generally won’t last for more than a year or two.
