CATS Costuming Basics

The basics of any 'Cats' costume, 'tis pretty plain to see..but here's for those of you who need it spelled out for you.

The Absolute Basics

• Unitard-usually the lightest color of the cat you are making. If the tummy is white, floral sprays work wonderful for filling in the rest of the area. Or you can use Rit dyes, which can be a bit messy.
• Leg/Arm Warmers-can be bought at almost any dance supply store. I reccomend ADA dance, they are fast, and the cheapest I've found..also good for unitards.
• Wigs-Okay..A little more difficult. (I'll go into detail later, but I'm too lazy right now)

Add-Ons

• Collar-Can be bought at almost any goth store, if you're looking for the spiked ones, or if you want, you can make a felt one, like Victoria's or Cassandra's. Just a felt, or velvety strip, with studs or gems glued or sewed on.
• Tails-Can be made by knotting pieces of yarn, into a three strand rope, or, you can buy one from someone (Dema will make some (for a price..duh)...for more info e-meow her!)<---unashamed advertising

Make Up! <-----Veeery Important!

• Creme-Usually comes off with water, and is fairly easy to apply.

  Zauders:

  Pros-Easy to apply, works great if you're just practising.

  Cons-Doesn't go on too smoothly, cracks when dry, smears when you sweat. It comes off really easy with water too...that can be considered both a pro AND a con..

  Ben Nye Creme-The best I've found. It blends well, but also makes good solid colors. For an example of Ben Nye Creme paints go to

• District/State Drama Cat Pics

I really approve of these paints, the one thing to remember when putting them on, is to set them with a translucent powder, else they'll smear all over the place.

• Grease-For more advanced applications. Bob Kelly and Ben Nye work great, use translucent setting powder. Kryolan Grease Sticks are OK, but if you try to put them on over a color foundation, then the color smears off onto the sticks, and the black turns gray over white. Works pretty decent if you aren't using a foundation.

• Cake- Honestly, I have no clue how well cake works..I've never used it, but from talking to people who have, I've heard that it works pretty good.

Another example of Ben Nye cream paints. :-)