materials for a vest?

[Delphinus]

I saw the thread by Skytroque about his vest, and I'd been thinking of a merman vest for myself. That post reminded me and got me thinking about what I was hoping to do with mine. I was thinking more along the lines of a traditional vest (not like a formal one, of course, more like a practical one), but I wasn't sure what a good material to use would be. I'd want it to have more weight than just a shirt, but it would also need to be useable in the water, without causing too much drag. Obviously I'm fully aware that there's only so much drag reduction you can get from wearing any sort of top in the water, but I'm just looking for the best options I can get.

Anybody have any suggestions? I was thinking of getting the look of shark skin or some other kind of fish or eel skin. You know, to keep that aquatic world look to it.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

There are neoprene vests that you can buy. Its made for water sports.

[Delphinus]

Like the wetsuit ones? I suppose as a material that could be a good base. I've been trying to work out a vest that would look like something a merman would have, too. I coooould borrow my brother's airbrush, but I'd need the proper paint that would last and be water resistant.

[Keiris]

Like the wetsuit ones? I suppose as a material that could be a good base. I've been trying to work out a vest that would look like something a merman would have, too. I coooould borrow my brother's airbrush, but I'd need the proper paint that would last and be water resistant.
Oil paint, enamel, some acrylics and of course dye are all water resistant. If you want to use them with an air brush you have to get the right ratio to thin them down to be fluid in the tool. You can also seal the color with a topcoat or varnish (look for one that doesn't yellow and dries flexible.)

Something you might consider since you mentioned eel skin etc.. are some of the synthetic fabrics out there and spray a protective coating on them as well. Afterall, people use fabric tails to swim in all the time.:)

[Delphinus]

Ahhh, gotcha! That should be a fun project, then. I think that could be a great way to explore personalization and practicality together!