Fabric advice?

[AbbyOfGailous]

So I see a lot of people using neoprene as their fabric tails but I was wondering if anyone could put out a list of pros/cons of neoprene, polyester blend, spandex blend or any other recommendations?

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[Mermaid Whisper]

If you look around a bit, you’ll find a lot of that information, though perhaps not in one concise form.

Your choice ultimately depends on lifestyle, budget, time constraints—multiple variables.

For me, though I’ve loved mermaids and been here for 5 years, I simply don’t go out enough to warrant anything more than fabric. Rightly so, since it has next to no wear, as I only swim 3 or 4 times a year at max.

I love how easy spandex tails are, but they show everything and aren’t good for those using it constantly.


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[AbbyOfGailous]

If you look around a bit, you’ll find a lot of that information, though perhaps not in one concise form.

Your choice ultimately depends on lifestyle, budget, time constraints—multiple variables.

For me, though I’ve loved mermaids and been here for 5 years, I simply don’t go out enough to warrant anything more than fabric. Rightly so, since it has next to no wear, as I only swim 3 or 4 times a year at max.

I love how easy spandex tails are, but they show everything and aren’t good for those using it constantly.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkI've got a sketch made up of a betta inspired tail I was considering doing full neoprene, just wanted to get as much info in one form for if I (Or anyone else) decides they want to experiment with other materials.

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[Mermaid_Izzy]

☆[emoji615]TAILMAKING REFERENCE INDEX[emoji615]☆ -Look here BEFORE you post any questions!-
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_fid=53279&share_tid=2633&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmernetwork%2Ecom%2Findex%2Fshowth read%2Ephp%3Ft%3D2633&share_type=t

There are tons of resources for tail making. Here is a good place to start, but you can also find information on YouTube and with a google search.


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[AbbyOfGailous]

☆[emoji615]TAILMAKING REFERENCE INDEX[emoji615]☆ -Look here BEFORE you post any questions!-
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_fid=53279&share_tid=2633&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmernetwork%2Ecom%2Findex%2Fshowth read%2Ephp%3Ft%3D2633&share_type=t

There are tons of resources for tail making. Here is a good place to start, but you can also find information on YouTube and with a google search.


Sent from my ShellPhone using TapatalkI did read the it, I was just trying to weigh the pros and cons of say nylon, polyester, neoprene

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[Mermaid_Izzy]

I did read the it, I was just trying to weigh the pros and cons of say nylon, polyester, neoprene

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Oh okay, I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance.


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[Mermaid_Izzy]

I don’t know if you have seen this; https://youtu.be/FAida17jizg

I found it in another thread, faithonthebass usually has very informative videos


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[AbbyOfGailous]

Oh okay, I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance.


Sent from my ShellPhone using TapatalkIt's no problem :) just weighing my options with tail fabric. Although I think I found a polyester one on Amazon meant for swimwear that'll be fun to use.

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[TybeeMermaid]

I've made 2 tails out of neoprene and polyester. I'll go ahead and list my personal pros and cons of both tails for you.

Neoprene Pros:
- Looks more realistic
- Helps you stay warmer if the water is cold- Much more durable than spandex or polyester
- Holds up pretty well in chlorine

Neoprene Cons:
- Expensive
- Harder to find a reliable seller
- Requires a little more effort to put on
- Is harder to work with since it requires stronger needles on sewing machines

Polyester Pros:
- Cheaper
- Easier to work with
- Easy to buy
- Holds up better than spandex in the chlorine
- Easy to take off (in case of emergency)

Polyester Cons:
- Not very realistic. Legs can easily be seen in this fabric.
- Very thin so it's easy to tear
- More susceptible to chlorine damage than neoprene
- Not as warm as neoprene in cold water

I bought 2 yards for both fabrics and it ended up costing me $20 for the polyester (with a coupon) and $45 for the neoprene.