A fursuit is a unique, custom-made costume of an anthropomorphic character worn by cosplayers or members of the furry fandom, or “furries.” Fursuits are the manifestation of a furry’s creative vision, as the making of a suit brings an illustration of one’s fursona (furry persona) to life–but how much does a fursuit cost?
Whether you’re thinking about making your own fursuit or are just curious about the hobby, there are many factors that decide the cost of a fursuit. Read more to find out how much a fursuit costs!
How Much Does a Fursuit Cost?
Given the highly customized nature of a fursuit, the price will vary greatly. There are multiple ways one may attain their own unique fursuit. Many furries make their own fursuits, while some commission their fursuit from a professional costume or fursuit maker.
Cost of Making Your Own Fursuit
Making your own fursuit is a great option for those looking to be more involved with the hobby. It can be quite simple, thanks to a wealth of resources on how to make a fursuit, such as this comprehensive guide by Neffertity, a freelance artist and fursuit maker, on YouTube.
The most expensive costs when making your own fursuit are a sewing machine and faux fur fabric, though buying these materials doesn’t have to break the bank! Buying faux fur at a craft store can range from $9/per yard to $25/per yard, while a quality sewing machine can range from $92 to $280.
The rest of the materials, as stated by costumer-turned-fursuit maker, Xege Kheiru, are inexpensive in comparison, such as duct tape, foam, plastic wrap, or other fabrics.
Cost of Commissioning a Fursuit from an Artist
Making your own fursuit can be a fun and rewarding learning experience. Another option is to commission a professionally-made fursuit from experienced artists. However, this option can be more expensive for those on a tight budget.
While prices will vary across artists, just the head alone of a fursuit can range upwards of $500, to $1,000, while an entire suit can cost $9,000 or more. These prices typically reflect the level of customization–fursuits are one-of-a-kind!–along with compensating artists for their time, hard work, and the cost of materials.
Many fursuit artists have websites where you can find quotes on how much a fursuit would cost, whether custom-made or a pre-made stock item.
Lemonbrat, a company of furry artists that make custom fursuits, has a comprehensive list of the different parts of a fursuit and each item’s cost, along with their own guide as to how a fursuit commission works for them.
Though it may be more costly to buy a fursuit rather than making your own, speaking with an experienced fursuiter is still a great way to further connect with the furry community and support its hard-working artists.
Conclusion
With so many options to obtain a fursuit, whether making it yourself or buying one, the cost of a fursuit can greatly differ. Making your own fursuit can be considerably less expensive due to a lower price in materials along with being less time-consuming, but the higher price of commissioning a fursuit from an artist can guarantee a high quality suit.
