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notes on using a ballcap as a fursuit base
7 years ago
General
The ball cap method is something I came up with over a decade ago due to my need of glasses and issues with the usual methods of balaclavas and elastic straps setting off my claustrophobia.
It has come to my attention another maker has been using hats inside their fursuit heads and they are doing it all wrong (using small sized floppy hats with a sliding adjuster, only sewing the hood to the hat in one small spot, and not attaching the hat to the resin base at all let alone putting any foam in the gap, just one of these can lead to a disaster of a fit and this person is doing all of the above) and now I am hearing "built on a baseball hat" used in a negative way.
When I started up business a decade ago I faced some criticism for using a ball cap, told it was "wrong" because it was not a normal method, so seeing them used poorly by this newer maker and seeing people remark about the use of a hat is really bothering me, I have a proven decade of hat use under my belt, I have also seen other notable makers such as Mixed Candy using a hat for a base, so I can assure you the issue is not the idea of using a hat the issue is how a hat is being used, so here are some notes on how to use to a ball cap properly https://twitter.com/TheBeastcub/sta.....51623233298433
It has come to my attention another maker has been using hats inside their fursuit heads and they are doing it all wrong (using small sized floppy hats with a sliding adjuster, only sewing the hood to the hat in one small spot, and not attaching the hat to the resin base at all let alone putting any foam in the gap, just one of these can lead to a disaster of a fit and this person is doing all of the above) and now I am hearing "built on a baseball hat" used in a negative way.
When I started up business a decade ago I faced some criticism for using a ball cap, told it was "wrong" because it was not a normal method, so seeing them used poorly by this newer maker and seeing people remark about the use of a hat is really bothering me, I have a proven decade of hat use under my belt, I have also seen other notable makers such as Mixed Candy using a hat for a base, so I can assure you the issue is not the idea of using a hat the issue is how a hat is being used, so here are some notes on how to use to a ball cap properly https://twitter.com/TheBeastcub/sta.....51623233298433
As for the velcro strap does the head stay put nice enough with the velcro closure left loose/undone? I am assuming setting it looser to feel more comfortable allows the head to slip too much is why you've had it fastened so tight as to be uncomfortable? because in that case elastic is going to feel just as snug so I am not sure what to do there, unless you don't mind the whole head hug of a balaclava.
Or perhaps the issue is you need a bigger than average hat? I use a one size fits most caps but I always ask the client if they know they fit said size as I keep some hats from here on hand https://www.bigheadcaps.com/
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It's a bit loose, and i have to adjust her head a bit, but i don't mind it compared to the tightness, if that make sense? It's just when fastened, my head presses against the base above her eyes. Unless it's suppose to be that tight, then I have no issue with keeping the velcro unfastened. She's my first suit, so i don't know a lot about fursuits ^-^"
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I do apologise for this, but I appreciate the replies!
I have a large collection of my own work which I share with friends and family for events (3 friends, my sister, her fiance, my brother and his daughter, my other niece and her 3 friends) so while overall I can assure my stuff on average is "one size fits most" I acknowledge there are exceptions, even within my performance group one member does need an adjustment made: they need a disk of foam half an inch thick inside the crown of the hat as they have high set ears and otherwise the hat rubs.
SO. By "my head presses against the base above her eyes" you mean foam is being squished into you? because the inside of the hat is supposed to be firmly against you yes, if it's foam or the back of the eyes touching you that can be fixed just by adding the room for glasses.
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Yes, against the hat! Ahh, if it's normal then I have no problems! I'll try and find a way to make it comfy! Thank you for answering, and sorry for wasting your time
As for the glasses I can't guarantee a retrofit will work but it is worth a shot: if you can get a hold of some foam try a piece about 6 inches long inside the brow (as in a bit longer than your glasses are wide) and about an inch tall, taper the top so it conforms to the dome of the hat. As for how thick, you may be able to get away with just a cm/half an inch, if not 2 cm should be more than enough to push the inside of the fact forward enough to make room. I would normally say get an EVA type foam like a puzzle floor mat, but in your case a soft foam may be a better bet as maybe it will turn the fit of the head when the strap is fastened into less of a snug and more of a hug.
Is there a way to fix it?
Sometimes even if the criteria I listed are met there can be fit issues, namely if the mask has any reason to be front heavy as it will slide forward.
As far as who told you the technique is "wrong"... who really said that in what amounts to a performing art profession? If you can't improvise in your craft to please the client and bring home the personalized experience of making such things then perhaps it's time to review why you're making costume pieces at all, especially on a commission basis.
Speet used a ballcap to build his Jack Salem head/costume in the late 80s.
It was one of the earliest suits, so I don't see how it couldn't be "normal".
-Badger-
the ball cap head i got still fits perfectly 8 years latter. held its shape well too despite careless packing in one of my moves.