The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming and applying a plastic sleeve to a rigid base article, such as a glass bottle. A blank of plastic is wrapped and seamed around the fingers of a stripper sleeve enclosing a mandrel. The stripper sleeve holding the plastic sleeve is extended along its longitudinal axis telescopically over a preheated bottle positioned above and longitudinally aligned with the mandrel and the stripper sleeve. Clamping means, such as a plurality of vacuum fingers, extend downwardly and hold the plastic sleeve in position while the stripper sleeve with its fingers is retracted to its original position. The heat of the bottle causes the plastic sleeve to shrink slightly such that it is held in position relative to the bottle when the clamping means is removed. The bottle and plastic sleeve are then subjected to a thermoconstrictive operation.
