Shopping Cart [ 0 ] October 22, 2024
In the world of costuming and cosplay, where creativity and passion reign, costumers dedicate themselves to embodying characters through intricate and often elaborate costumes. However, this dedication can sometimes come at a cost: overheating and discomfort.
Staying cool in costume is a common issue, whether you're donning a magnificent suit of armor for a Rennisance Festival in the scorching sun during outdoor performances, a layered historical gown on stage under the intense heat of stage lights, a full-body costume, or a fantastical cosplay creation during the bustling atmosphere of a convention. Overheating can transform a fun costuming experience into an uncomfortable one.
In this blog, I will outline some of the issues and dangers of excess heat, and share our Costume Cooling Plan costumers can use to manage the risks of overheating. I will also discuss cooling solutions that ThermApparel offers specifically for costumers, that allow them to stay cool while focusing on their passion and spending more time doing what they love.
The Hidden Dangers of Heat for Costumers and Performers
Heat is more dangerous than most realize, especially for those spending long hours in costumes. Globally, heat causes more deaths each year than hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined, yet it’s rarely treated as the deadly threat it is. Despite its severe impact, no heat event has ever been classified as a natural disaster by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), leading many to underestimate its risks.
One critical factor is the heat index, which combines air temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it feels to the human body. While a thermometer might say it’s 85°F (29°C), the heat index can make it feel much hotter – sometimes dangerously hot.
Did you know humans have a heat stress threshold of 85°F (29°C)? Once the heat index surpasses this, our bodies struggle to dissipate heat and cool us down making simple tasks feel exhausting. When the heat index hits 95°F (35°C) our work output drops by 45%.
Costume Cooling Plan
ThermApparel's Costume Cooling Plan helps you reclaim that lost 45% and perform at your best.
To make the most of your ThermApparel Cooling Gear and ensure you stay cool and comfortable, follow these essential stages: Pre-Cooling, Event Cooling, and Post-Cooling. Each step plays a critical role in managing your body temperature and keeping you energized throughout the event.
Pre-Cooling
Don’t wait until you’re hot to start using your cooling vest. Begin pre-cooling the day before your event and a few hours before you suit up. Wearing your cooling vest beforehand helps regulate your body temperature, so you’re not starting from scratch when you don your full costume. Use CoolSleeves and the Headband to help cool you down while you’re getting ready.
Pre-Cooling Tips:
- Keep a towel handy to wipe off cooling packs as they come out of ice water.
- If you only have one set of cooling packs, refreeze them 30-60 minutes before putting on your costume.
Why Pre-Cooling is Important: Pre-cooling prepares your body to handle heat more effectively, keeping your energy levels up and reducing exhaustion at the event. Hydrate well by sipping cold water consistently to maintain hydration levels. Practice switching out cooling packs beforehand to familiarize yourself with the process.
Event Cooling
During the event, continue to keep cool and hydrated. Before you zip up your costume, remove your CoolSleeves and Headband and place them in the freezer. Put on your Cooling Vest and, if you have an extra set of cooling packs, switch them out and place the used set in the freezer.
Event Cooling Tips:
- Use a UV umbrella or parasol for sun protection, especially while waiting for events to start. A UV umbrella can lower the temperature by 10-15°F (6- 8°C) by blocking radiated heat—and it can even double as a fun prop!
- Plan for the worst-case scenario: ensure access to air-conditioned spaces, cold showers, or cold water immersion for your hands and feet. You can also place extra cooling packs under your armpits and inner thighs to help quickly lower your body temperature.
- Switch out your cooling packs every three hours or as needed to stay cool.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your body’s ability to manage heat and maintain performance.
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Wear a Cooling Vest, which can lower your body temperature by up to 30°F (27°C), helping bring you back to a safer range.
WHY EVENT-COOLING IS IMPORTANT: Staying hydrated and cool is crucial to maintaining performance and preventing overheating and fatigue during an event. Heat stress can begin at 85°F (30°C), and as temperatures rise, the body’s ability to manage heat decreases. By the time temperatures hit 95°F (35°C), your energy levels can drop significantly, leading to fatigue and a reduction in performance— up to 45% less! Cooling vests help counter this by absorbing heat from your body and acting as a heat sink, pulling warmth away to cool you down and helping you maintain your energy and perform at your best, even in extreme heat.
Post-Cooling
After the event, focus on cooling down and recovery. Start by removing your costume completely. Use a fan to cool down for about five minutes. Sit in a cold room or a car with the AC on full blast. Retrieve your other set of cooling packs, CoolSleeves, and Headband from the freezer and put them on.
Post-Cooling Tips:
- Stop by a local gas station for an Icee to help cool down on your way home. Any drink with small slivers of ice will help cool you off faster.
- When you get home, take a cool shower and rehydrate to aid recovery.
Why Post-Cooling is Important: Effective post-cooling helps lower your heart rate and core body temperature, reducing fatigue and preparing you for the next day’s activities. This is especially crucial for back-to-back events.
Assemble Your Cooling Toolkit
To be fully prepared, assemble your cooling toolkit with the following items:
- ThermApparel Cooling Vest Garment and two sets of Cooling Packs
- Cooler, insulated lunch bag, or a large 3-gallon zip-lock bag with ice and water (ThermApparel Cooling Packs will refreeze in ice water in 30 minutes)
- Water bottles
- Towel to wipe off cooling packs
- Portable travel fan
- UV Umbrella
- Sweat-wicking T-shirt and leggings for full-body costumes
Assemble Your Team
If possible, have a handler or fellow costumer assist with switching your cooling packs. The opening for the packs is conveniently located on the back of the cooling vest for easy access. If you’re on your own, wear the vest without the straps like a belt, rotate it to your front, and change the packs yourself. You can also wear it over or under a corset.
Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarize yourself with putting on the cooling vest and costume well before the event to ensure a smooth process. By following this Costume Cooling Plan, you can keep heat sensitivity under control and avoid overheating, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
Download your free Costume Cooling PlanChoosing the Right Product
Why PCM Cooling Vests are Perfect for Costumers
Cooling vests come in various styles, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For costumers, performers, and cosplayers, PCM cooling vests are the ideal solution to stay cool without compromising the look or feel of your costume.
Unlike traditional ice packs that can drop to freezing temperatures and cause discomfort, PCM packs melt and refreeze at a moderate 50-70°F (10-21°C), providing consistent cooling without becoming too cold. They are safe to wear directly against your skin, so there’s no need for any additional barriers or protective layers. And because the packs don’t produce condensation, you don’t have to worry about moisture or dampness affecting costumes.
PCM packs work with your body’s natural cooling process, cooling your blood as it flows over the packs, and circulating that cooling effect throughout your body. This keeps your core temperature balanced and helps you stay focused, comfortable, and dry throughout your performance.
About ThermApparel PCM Cooling Vests
ThermApparel’s PCM cooling vests fit seamlessly under costumes without adding bulk, ensuring they are discreet and photo-friendly. The low-profile design allows you to move freely and maintain the aesthetic of your costume without the cooling vest being visible or causing discomfort.
These cooling vests are lightweight and easy to recharge – taking just 30 minutes in ice water or 60 minutes in a freezer or refrigerator.
Another key benefit to ThermApparel Cooling Vests is they don’t require batteries, wires, or noisy fans, making them silent and unobtrusive even on film sets or at live events.
UltraCool
For maximum cooling in demanding conditions, UltraCool is your go-to solution. Designed for full-body costumes or heavy outfits worn for extended periods, UltraCool features ExtendedCool Cooling Packs that deliver superior heat management. Whether you’re performing on stage under intense lights or navigating a bustling convention, this vest provides prolonged cooling and ensures you stay focused and comfortable without any bulk.
RallyWrap
For those who need adaptable and versatile cooling, RallyWrap is the perfect choice. This flexible wrap can be worn around the waist, shoulders, or limbs, offering targeted cooling exactly where you need it. It’s ideal for costumes that require a customizable cooling solution, giving you the flexibility to stay cool whether you’re on the go or in a static position.
UnderCool 3
UnderCool 3 is a lightweight, slim cooling solution designed for discretion and comfort. Perfect for form-fitting costumes or situations where a low profile is essential, UnderCool 3 integrates seamlessly with SlimCool or ExtendedCool Cooling Packs. This cooling vest provides effective cooling without adding bulk or altering the costume silhouette, making it ideal for maintaining your appearance while staying cool.
CoolSleeve
For quick, targeted cooling, CoolSleeve is your best bet. It focuses on the radial artery in your forearm, delivering fast relief during pre and post-cooling needs. Lightweight and flexible, CoolSleeve slips easily onto your arm, offering discreet cooling that supports your performance without interfering with costume movement.
Headband
For flexible, targeted cooling around the head, the ThermApparel Headband features FlexCool dual-sided cooling packs that mold comfortably to your head, offering heat relief without compromising your costume’s fit. It’s ideal for performers needing head cooling that adapts to their movements.
Grab-N-Go
Grab-N-Go packs are your perfect solution. Offering 30 minutes of cooling relief, these packs can be easily tucked into pockets, between layers of armor, or even in your corset or sports bra. Essential for costumers who need to transition swiftly between roles or scenes, they provide immediate relief without slowing you down.
Keep a set in the freezer, ready for those unexpected moments when heat catches you off guard. Designed with performers in mind, our cooling packs work seamlessly with your costume, ensuring you stay comfortable and in character throughout your event.
