Collection: Saint Nicholas costume

Buying a Sinterklaas TV costume

What should I consider when buying a Sinterklaas TV costume? A TV costume always refers to the velvet version of the Sinterklaas outfit, complete with a cylindrical mitre. You can choose between two types: the Bram costume or the Stefan costume.

What is the difference between the Bram and Stefan costumes?

Both costumes are named after the current and previous TV Sinterklaas actors, namely Bram van der Vlugt and the current Sinterklaas, Stefan de Walle. Bram van der Vlugt wore a bright red costume, and the band on his cape is a type of wyber, even named after him as the 'Bramband'. Bram van der Vlugt rode a horse during the arrival parade, which is why his cape is extra wide, designed to drape beautifully over the horse. The Bram costume features a cylindrical mitre with a cross in the same band. The mitre is one of the biggest differences between the two costumes. Stefan de Walle, the current TV Sinterklaas, received a new mitre, which is significantly lower and features more gold. The capes are otherwise identical and of the same quality but with different gold banding; to the untrained eye, this difference is minor. A notable difference lies in the stole: the Bram costume still has crosses, while Stefan's stole features two small golden mitres. The Stefan costume is available in a standard and a wide version. Even if Sinterklaas is not on horseback, the wide cape provides a luxurious appearance; price-wise, you could opt for the narrower cape.

In summary, there are 3 TV costumes:

• TV Sinterklaas costume Bram wide: The TV Bram costume with a wide cape
• TV Sinterklaas costume Stefan wide: The current TV costume with a wide cape
• TV Sinterklaas costume Stefan standard: The same costume as the wide one, but with a standard cape

Do you have to purchase a TV costume?

No, that completely depends on your budget and what you want to spend on a Sinterklaas costume. There are also alternatives, and in some cases, you can just replace the cape, habit, or mitre. The burgundy red cape is hardly worn anymore. There are also cheaper Sinterklaas costumes; the difference usually lies in the material, with velvet replaced by polyester velvet and the cylindrical mitre by a folding mitre.

Which habit should I choose?

There are three types of habits (underdresses). A TV costume typically comes with a habit with a skirt, but if you want a habit with trousers, you can specify this in the order comments. The real Sinterklaas wears a habit with trousers, also because of the horse. The trousers have such wide legs that they look like a skirt; the difference between trousers and skirt is barely noticeable. The 2-piece habit consists of the robe with purple sections in the sleeves and a separate pair of trousers or a skirt underneath; these come with a cord. A third option is a one-piece habit, entirely white, also supplied with a cord.

In summary, you can choose from 3 costumes:

• 2-piece habit with skirt
• 2-piece habit with trousers
• Deluxe poplin habit: this habit consists of one piece

Cylindrical mitre or folding mitre

In the past, Sinterklaas costumes often had a folding mitre; this flat mitre is, so to speak, unfolded and then clamped onto your head. With a cylindrical mitre, it's different; it's already round and sits on your head like a cylinder. The cylindrical mitre looks more professional. The two most sold mitres are, as mentioned earlier, the Bram mitre and the Stefan mitre. If you want to resemble the current TV Sinterklaas, it's best to choose the Stefan mitre. If you prefer a Bram mitre, that's certainly not a problem; children find both mitres beautiful!