Does a Modified Mascot Costume Qualify as a Fursuit?

Dear Papa Bear,

Hey, it's been a while since I wrote you last! I have a different kind of question for you concerning fursuits. I've made two suits myself before, but they weren't ACTUAL suits like you see at the furry cons, but more like modified clothes I altered myself a few years ago. I then bought a mascot suit earlier this year for AC '14, and even though I had a great time, I knew it wasn't the real deal. Can I still call myself a fursuiter if I either wear a bought mascot suit or clothes that I added animal ears and tails to?

Jake Otter

P.S.:  My last letter to you was in 2012 concerning my then recent diagnosis of Asperger's. I'm doing much better.

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Dear Jake,

The thing to remember here is that fursuiting should be fun! Let’s not split hairs (hares?) about what is a “real” fursuit and what isn’t. If you have a mascot suit, that’s fine. The point is that you had a great time!

Yes, you’re a fursuiter. Anyfur tells you otherwise, I suggest you give them a big kiss on the lips, giggle, and bounce away happily just to piss them off :-P

Hugs from a Fellow Fursuiter! I'm so glad you're doing better!

Papabear