8 Ways to Make Your Santa Suit Stand Out This Holiday Season
Here's a secret from the folks who ship more Santa suits than anyone: two Santas can wear the exact same suit and look completely different. The one kids run toward has a full beard, a twinkle behind gold glasses, boots that look like they've walked through snow, and a jingle when he moves. None of that comes from the suit itself. It comes from the details around it, and most of them cost less than a nice dinner. Here are the eight upgrades we recommend most, all pulled from our Santa suit accessories collection.
1. Upgrade the beard first
If you change one thing, change this. The beard that comes in a starter kit is fine for a family photo, but a full wig and beard set turns a costume into a character. The Regular Santa Wig and Beard ($62.99 at time of writing) has long wavy strands and fits most adults. The Professional Santa Wig and Beard Set ($80.99) is natural-color synthetic fiber and fully washable, which you'll appreciate after a day of little hands. Our favorite is the Majestic Santa Wig and Beard with Wired Mustache ($109.99): extra full, curly, washable, with a wired mustache you can shape into that classic curl.
2. Don't forget the eyebrows
Bushy white eyebrows are the detail almost every amateur Santa skips, and the one that makes the biggest difference up close. Deluxe Santa Eyebrows ($18.99) are full, natural-looking synthetic fiber and apply with spirit gum (not included). Once they're on, your own dark brows stop giving you away in photos.
3. Add the glasses
Santa's twinkle lives behind a pair of small round spectacles. Adults Round Santa Glasses ($6.99) have a round gold-tone metal frame with long temple pieces for a comfortable fit, and the gold looks right against red velvet. It's the cheapest upgrade on this list and one of the most noticeable.
4. Get the boots right
Sneakers peeking out from under fur-trimmed pants break the spell every time. For parties and photos, Deluxe Plush Santa Boot Tops ($26.99) slip over your own black shoes. For paid appearances, step up to Professional Santa Claus Boots ($109.99): polyurethane with a side zipper, wide calf flares and a white long-hair cuff. One heads-up from the product page: they run small, so the Large 11-12 fits best on a US men's size 10.
5. Swap the hat for velvet
The hat sits right next to your face in every picture. A Regal Red Velvet Santa Hat ($30.99) adds a richer red and a fuller trim than most kit hats, and the Majestic Santa Hat ($35.99) matches our top-tier suits. If you're in a burgundy suit, the Burgundy Velvet Santa Hat ($24.99) keeps the colors consistent from head to toe.
6. Jingle when you walk
Children hear Santa before they see him. The Jingle Bells Wrist Cuff ($16.99) is a faux leather cuff with three large working bells and soft red plush underneath, so it's comfortable for a whole shift. Hang Christmas Door Chimes ($26.99) on the door you'll enter through and you've got a grand entrance for under $30.
7. Carry a proper toy bag
A plastic shopping bag of candy canes is not the look. The Plush Santa Toy Bag ($49.99) is red pile plush with a white drawstring and measures 29 by 36 inches, big enough for real presents. The Santa Toy Bag ($19.99) is the budget pick if you just need somewhere to keep the candy canes. Either one gives your hands something to do in photos.
8. Bring Mrs. Claus
The most memorable Santas rarely arrive alone. A matching Mrs. Claus doubles the photo opportunities and gives the shy kids someone gentler to approach. The Women's Burgundy Velvet Mrs. Claus Dress ($239.99 in Large) is trimmed in the same white long-hair plush as our burgundy velvet Santa suits and includes a satin apron with lace trim and a mop-style hat. Sizes run Medium (8-10) through XXL (20-24). Browse the full Mrs. Claus collection for more options, including velvet capes and washable wigs.
Where to start
You don't need all eight. If your budget is $30, buy the eyebrows and the glasses. If it's $100, buy the Professional beard set and the glasses. Everything else can come next year, which is the nice thing about being Santa: he comes back every December. Start with the Santa Suits collection if you still need the suit itself, or browse all of our Christmas costumes for the whole North Pole crew.
Frequently asked questions
What's the single best upgrade for a cheap Santa suit?
The beard. A full, washable wig and beard set changes the whole look more than any other piece. Our Regular Santa Wig and Beard is $62.99, the fully washable Professional set is $80.99, and the Majestic set with a wired mustache is $109.99 at time of writing.
How do Santa eyebrows stay on?
Our Deluxe Santa Eyebrows are synthetic fiber and apply with spirit gum, which is not included, so add it to your order or pick it up locally. They're full and natural looking and make a big difference in photos.
Do I need real Santa boots or will boot tops do?
Boot tops slip over your own black shoes and work well for parties and photos. For professional appearances, our Professional Santa Claus Boots have a side zipper, wide calf and white long-hair cuff. Note the product page says they run small, so a Large 11-12 fits best on a US men's size 10.
What should Mrs. Claus wear to match a Santa suit?
Our burgundy velvet Mrs. Claus dresses are trimmed in the same white long-hair plush as our burgundy velvet Santa suits, and they include a satin apron and mop-style hat. Sizes run Medium (8-10) through XXL (20-24).