diff --git a/zone/mob.cpp b/zone/mob.cpp
index b9dd4b2c3..95ed9e89c 100644
--- a/zone/mob.cpp
+++ b/zone/mob.cpp
@@ -2483,8 +2483,12 @@ void Mob::SendIllusionPacket(
 
 	// update internal values for mob
 	size             = (in_size <= 0.0f) ? GetRaceGenderDefaultHeight(race, gender) : in_size;
-	texture          = new_texture;
-	helmtexture      = new_helmtexture;
+	if (new_texture != 0xFF) {
+		texture          = new_texture;
+	}
+	if (new_helmtexture != 0xFF) {
+		helmtexture      = new_helmtexture;
+	}
 	haircolor        = new_haircolor;
 	beardcolor       = new_beardcolor;
 	eyecolor1        = new_eyecolor1;