Neoprene vs. Fabric

[Carolina Mermaid]

I'm sure this gets asked a lot, but I'm making my first tail and I cannot decide wether I want it to be neoprene or fabric. And whether neoprene would be easier to paint and more durable, please help I need to figure it out before Saturday.

[Mermaid Marissa]

I highly recommend neoprene over lycra fabric. It's a lot harder to see your legs through neoprene, it much more durable, and is easily painted. Neoprene also gives you freedom to add anything else you'd like (i.e. sequins). Good luck!

[Carolina Mermaid]

Thank you that really helps a lot! Oh and how much would I need? I'm about 5'6.

[MerAnthony]

Thank you that really helps a lot! Oh and how much would I need? I'm about 5'6.
You would need no less than 2 yards Min. There will be stuff left over so you might find a use for it.

[Carolina Mermaid]

Any idea where I can get it (local fabric stores are out of the question)?

[MerAnthony]

Try Ebay. they might have something.

[Mermaid Momo]

I bought mine from foamorder.com I got one sheet of 2mm neoprene

[Carolina Mermaid]

Would having backing matter?

[Carolina Mermaid]

Hey draggersprez, did you get the full sheet one? The 51"x83"?

[MerAnthony]

Carolina Mermaid when you buy your Neoprene be sure that you get Neoprene that is lined inside an out. This way you won't have to worry about a liner inside.

[Carolina Mermaid]

Okay. Thank you!

[Taniira]

Carolina, I'm making a Spandex one to start with at the moment. It's going to be significantly easier to work with for my first tailmaking experience, I think. I ordered a bunch of fabric samples and my correct monofin should be in next week (they sent the wrong one and I had to return it).

[Carolina Mermaid]

Bummer, hope it works out!

[Mermaid Momo]

Hey draggersprez, did you get the full sheet one? The 51"x83"?
Yep! also, i know that usually people get the kind that's lined in nylon (that's what i ordered) but since foamorder didn't have much lined neoprene in stock (they called me during to school to see if i wanted to wait a month for a new shipment to come in) i chose one without the lining and the salesman told me that people usually order neoprene for mermaid tails and like the unlined neoprene because paint and silicone stick better to it. I'll tell you how mine holds up to my paint when it arrives. :)