Spandex weights? Milliskin, moleskin, supplex, oh my!

[Mary Marine]

After making my first tail out of metallic spandex and discovering the problems with coated/holographic fabrics, I've been doing research into different kinds of spandex for my next tail. Even with narrowing the options to only 4 way stretch nylon spandex there are still different weights and finishes to choose from (some I don't even know what they mean). Milliskin seems to be what most people buy, but what about thicker/heavier weights like moleskin or the spandex they make football pants out of? Has anyone experimented with these before? Where's the line drawn between durable and too heavy to swim in?

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I just buy printed swimwear spandex. If its not in the swimwear section, I don't bother looking at it, as I've found out for myself with striped spandex that I found in the dance section. That fabric lasted two swims before it started breaking down. Had to refit my Trout Fish tail which I don't wear much anymore as it is not the same without its stripey fins!

[Ashe]

I remember hearing this when I first got into tailmaking. Milliskin is the one most often sold in stores, but moleskin is likely there as well, but in a different isle. I've never experimented with moleskin or anything heavier, but I would be interested. It would defiantly hold up far better than what most mers are used to. I'd be interested in seeing how it swims, but all spandex I've worked with swim very well and don't hold a lot of water.