View Full Version : IS There a Market for Neoprene Mermaid Tails?
Prince Calypso
10-22-2014, 10:41 PM
So i was reading through the Q&A section of Hannah Fraser's mermaiding page and i came to the section where she talked about how she made her tails
unbeknownst to me my boyfriend was reading over my shoulder and was like "Hmmph.we could make tails like that no problem."
I was like "no babe, did you not see how much Hannah said it cost her to make her tails?" he shakes his head and points at Hannah's classic blue tail and goes "krissybae, we could make tails just like that the exact way she says she made hers for under 300 dollars if we shop right. it would be hella a lot cheaper than your desire to make silicone tails. the most expensive things she mentioned are the monofin and the neoprene. i know a guy who sales that kind of paint and could get it for cheap."
so after discussing it a bit i told him i would pose the idea to Mernetwork and see what you guys though
is there a market for neoprene tails like the ones hannah fraser is known for?
I mean of course they would be simple tails, best used for starter tails and the like but they would be a bit more details then simple fabric tails made and designed to the costumer's specifications (within reason or course)
I'm really digging this idea though and my boyfriend seems way more confident in this idea then he was in making me an extended H2O/mako mermaids style tail
so do you guys think it would we possible to start a company selling neoprene tails? then maybe if the sales are good we could start making silicone tails after some test runs.
deepblue
10-22-2014, 10:58 PM
Forum member Morticia of Siren's Calling does neoprene tails, has for some time, and has made some beautiful ones with incredible paint jobs. She's branching out into silicone. Mermaid Octavia has one of her neoprene tails:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZswAuVyWCw
Check the 'Up and Coming Tailmakers' list here for others who do neoprene (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?9192-%E2%9A%AB-Up-and-coming-Tailmakers-%E2%9A%AB&p=149173#post149173). Then there is the established Tailmakers list (http://mernetwork.com/index/content.php?133-mermaid-tailmakers), which if you do a search for neoprene on the page, you can find more- Aquatails, and Mermaid Kat are all I see right now. If anyone knows of others, please do tell.
I believe the answer to your question is that yes, it's possible, but do your research to see if you want to/can compete with established tailmakers.
AniaR
10-22-2014, 11:03 PM
I think we for sure need more
Shimmer Mermaid
10-22-2014, 11:46 PM
I'd be interested. :) I agree though. Would you be beading them too or painting strictly or a combination? I know several mers who aren't ready for a silicone, but want a step up from a plain fabric one.
Starfrit
10-23-2014, 12:06 AM
I currently have a neoprene tail in the works from Morticia (almost done! ;w; The pictures I've gotten so far are amaaaazing) and seriously, I really do feel like there should be a larger market for neoprene tails, and I kinda think they're really underappreciated! They're a great alternative for someone who wants something more detailed and durable than a fabric/spandex tail, but aren't ready to commit to a full silicone tail (which was why I opted for neoprene in the first place!), and with things like vinyl and sequins like Hannah Fraser's tails, and the right paint, there are so many ways to make them look just as incredible as any silicone tail. I'd definitely love to see more neoprene designs!
deepblue
10-23-2014, 12:11 AM
I meant to mention in my response earlier that with so many beginners coming into mermaiding, more neoprene tailmakers might be a really good thing. More options and designs are always nice.
Mermaid Lorelei
10-23-2014, 12:49 AM
I think neoprene tails are a perfect middle-ground between fabric tails and silicone and there aren't nearly enough makers.
Prince Calypso
10-23-2014, 01:13 AM
I'd be interested. :) I agree though. Would you be beading them too or painting strictly or a combination? I know several mers who aren't ready for a silicone, but want a step up from a plain fabric one.
I think i would be painting them at first but once i got the hang of it i would happily make sequins tails if thats what you meant by beading
though i think the sequin or beaded tails would take a little bit longer to get out
Prince Calypso
10-23-2014, 01:21 AM
I currently have a neoprene tail in the works from Morticia (almost done! ;w; The pictures I've gotten so far are amaaaazing) and seriously, I really do feel like there should be a larger market for neoprene tails, and I kinda think they're really underappreciated! They're a great alternative for someone who wants something more detailed and durable than a fabric/spandex tail, but aren't ready to commit to a full silicone tail (which was why I opted for neoprene in the first place!), and with things like vinyl and sequins like Hannah Fraser's tails, and the right paint, there are so many ways to make them look just as incredible as any silicone tail. I'd definitely love to see more neoprene designs!
thats exactly what i'm counting on. I feel like there is kinda an niche market for neoprene tails because as you mentioned they serve as the perfect middle ground between a cheap fabric tail and a high priced silicone or latex tail. they're durable enough and thick enough and work just as well as a silicone tail.
I'm planning on doing a lot more research but i think i could really make this a thing without coming too much out of pocket. on Hannah's sight she says that making the tail could run you about 600$ I'm gonna try with my boyfriend's help to lower that by atleast 100 to 200 so i can offer tails at about 450-530
what i am planning on doing is making two tails for myself to see if i can actually do it. one as a test run and one as a final draft. then selling the second one and take one order for one more just to make sure ive gotten all the kinks out and get the tails out there and seen.
PhaylennMurúch
10-23-2014, 01:37 AM
I plan on owning at least one tail of each step. Neoprene is absolutely the next step for me
Tasha Mermaid
10-23-2014, 01:47 AM
I would be interested as well, i would love to look into a neoprene tail thought to make one would cost a lot over here so buying one would definitely be an option. I agree that there are not nearly enough neoprene tail makers :)
Mermaid Kassandra
10-23-2014, 03:15 AM
Me and my friend with our company Mer-tails make and sell tails like Hannah's (the body is completely covered with sequins like Hannah's tails) the only different thing is the fluke that we make in our fusion silicone upgrade, but we can also make a tail completely in neoprene if the costumer ask.
We already have one of this kind of tails in the work, we're just waiting for sequins to arrive and the tail will be completed :)
Also we do everything by hand even the seams! ;)
maressa
10-24-2014, 04:16 PM
I'm planning on doing a lot more research but i think i could really make this a thing without coming too much out of pocket. on Hannah's sight she says that making the tail could run you about 600$ I'm gonna try with my boyfriend's help to lower that by atleast 100 to 200 so i can offer tails at about 450-530
Sounds like you're already planning on doing research, but do be careful with budgeting and remember you have to include room in your budget for error in case something happens along the way and you need to start over or replace the materials. Also remember that Hannah says you can MAKE the tail for $600, and if you lower the material cost to $450 and also sell them for that price, you aren't actually going to make any money. Making tails with painting or sewing the scales is VERY time consuming, and you want to make sure the product is worth your time to make or your business will fold very quickly. Getting advice from a local entrepreneur or successful small business about budgeting and inventory might be a good idea.
All that said, absolutely more neoprene tails, and I hope your first two test tails come out well! Good on you for putting out feelers on a cool idea :)
I'd like to think so, I love love LOVE neoprene tails. I really want to sell them eventually (hopefully within a year or so if I feel confident enough about it). As of right now I've only made two (the ones below, the newest one on the left which is still not done) and I want to make a few more to work out all their issues and have more experience under my belt. At this point for me it's all a guessing game when it comes to figuring out measurments and making the tail fit right.
I've had a couple of people ask about them and if I sell them, so it does seem like there's a good chance people will want them.
And like everyone has said thus far, they really are the in-between fabric and silicone!
Holy Geez, Nyx, those are gorgeous!!! I really adore the shading on them!
I live near Morticia, so I get to see most of her orders before she sends them out (I even get to help on some of them!), and I can say that she really prides herself in making her customers happy. Neoprene is, however, a more finicky material than spandex or stretch velvet, especially once you start getting loads of sequins on there. It definitely requires more shaping than fabric tails, so I would recommend making a few tails from measurements only before starting to sell them - you don't always get to do fittings for your clients, and neoprene is one fabric that needs to be specifically tailored!
That being said, I really would love to see more neoprene tails on the market, especially with eco-friendly neoprene. There's a lot of really neat styles I've seen done with neoprene that really can't be achieved with other materials!
Vrindavana Starfish
10-29-2014, 02:40 PM
Wow, those are really impressive.
Echidna
10-29-2014, 03:05 PM
That being said, I really would love to see more neoprene tails on the market, especially with eco-friendly neoprene.
good point.
I haven't been able to find other eco-friendly tail materials.
While neoprene tails aren't that much more expensive to make than fabric tails, if you make a Sequin neoprene tail, that's another matter.
I wanted to sew sequins on my neo tail, but I couldn't find any that wouldn't cost a fortune on a tail of my needed length :(
Not to mention, sewing them all on will take months.
That's going to be expensive unless you don't charge your working time.
Holy Geez, Nyx, those are gorgeous!!! I really adore the shading on them!
Wow, those are really impressive.
Awww Thank y'all!
Neoprene is, however, a more finicky material than spandex or stretch velvet, especially once you start getting loads of sequins on there. It definitely requires more shaping than fabric tails, so I would recommend making a few tails from measurements only before starting to sell them - you don't always get to do fittings for your clients, and neoprene is one fabric that needs to be specifically tailored!
That being said, I really would love to see more neoprene tails on the market, especially with eco-friendly neoprene. There's a lot of really neat styles I've seen done with neoprene that really can't be achieved with other materials!
That's my biggest problem, getting the measurements rights. It's my own preference to have the tails be a tad bit tighter, but trying to figure out how much I have to cut off is a heck of a process. On my first tail I was so off that I had to try it on three times before it fit properly. In the end I just sowed it while wearing it (would not recommend. So not fun. Lots of poking.). If the fabric isn't stretched just right it ends up looking awkward and baggy.
And I agree! Silicone tails are absolutely stunning, but neoprene has a very different look and texture to it, I love it!
Seraphina Suds
10-29-2014, 09:08 PM
Nyx, your tails are phenomenal and I think you could definitely get a business going if you ever wanted to pursue it. I'd order from you! :p
maressa
10-30-2014, 12:12 AM
Nyx those tails are AMAZING. I hope you get the formula down, you're a great artist!
Prince Calypso
10-30-2014, 03:36 AM
I'd like to think so, I love love LOVE neoprene tails. I really want to sell them eventually (hopefully within a year or so if I feel confident enough about it). As of right now I've only made two (the ones below, the newest one on the left which is still not done) and I want to make a few more to work out all their issues and have more experience under my belt. At this point for me it's all a guessing game when it comes to figuring out measurments and making the tail fit right.
I've had a couple of people ask about them and if I sell them, so it does seem like there's a good chance people will want them.
And like everyone has said thus far, they really are the in-between fabric and silicone!
those are freaking beautifully done. did you just use regular paint? how does it hold up under water?
you did a great job sweet heart and i'm honestly hoping my first prototypes turn out nearly as amazing as these ones
Starfrit
10-30-2014, 04:26 AM
I'd like to think so, I love love LOVE neoprene tails. I really want to sell them eventually (hopefully within a year or so if I feel confident enough about it). As of right now I've only made two (the ones below, the newest one on the left which is still not done) and I want to make a few more to work out all their issues and have more experience under my belt. At this point for me it's all a guessing game when it comes to figuring out measurments and making the tail fit right.
I've had a couple of people ask about them and if I sell them, so it does seem like there's a good chance people will want them.
And like everyone has said thus far, they really are the in-between fabric and silicone!
... I think my jaw just left a dent in the floor from how hard it dropped. These are absolutely stunning!
I seriously thought they were silicone at first glance, the paint job is wicked!
Also I'm super excited to see more neoprene tails with fins! Before I ordered hip fins and a dorsal on my tail from Morticia I was having no luck finding pictures of any tails that had them!
And regarding another comment you made in response to Miyu, the look and texture of it is what I love too! Something about the smooth surface of wet neoprene really makes me feel like it's a great material for mertails that are based off smooth-skinned animals like whales, dolphins and sharks. :D
Incendium
10-30-2014, 09:48 AM
I'd definitely be interested! I love neoprene tails. :)
I've currently got one in the works from Morticia. I'm still waiting for her to email me with the design, though. :p
Maethor
10-30-2014, 11:15 AM
Ugh I want a neoprene so badly! (Especially a sequined one!) I would definitely be interested in seeing your products! Best of luck!
Heehee Tieri, I got to see the fins on your tail this week! I freaking love them, and so does my mertender (who may eventually have a tail).
I agree, I really love the texture of wet neoprene for mammal-based mers! I'd adore something like an Orca tail or similar some day. Of course, sequins rule as well!
Nyx, your tails are phenomenal and I think you could definitely get a business going if you ever wanted to pursue it. I'd order from you! :p
Nyx those tails are AMAZING. I hope you get the formula down, you're a great artist!
Y'all are way too sweet, than you so much! :blush:
those are freaking beautifully done. did you just use regular paint? how does it hold up under water?
you did a great job sweet heart and i'm honestly hoping my first prototypes turn out nearly as amazing as these ones
Thank you! Well for the first one I used jacquard paints, which are lovely but a bit more expensive, you also have to heat set them which personally I'm not so thrilled about. The paint holds up pretty well, only thing is that it can scrape off and flake quite a bit in places where it folds or rubs agains surfaces, and it doesn't hold too well on plastic.
The second tail uses Jones Tones, which are my favorite thus far. They are thicker, cheaper, and heck of a lot stronger. I've tried scraping it and stretching it and it takes anything you throw at it. It also holds on to plastic waaaayyy better. Only draw back is that it stays sort of sticky even after being dry, although it goes away after a long time, but I mean a loooong time. I still have to test it in the water, but so far so good!
I can't wait to see the lovely tails you'll create! I'm sure they'll be beautiful :)
... I think my jaw just left a dent in the floor from how hard it dropped. These are absolutely stunning!
I seriously thought they were silicone at first glance, the paint job is wicked!
Also I'm super excited to see more neoprene tails with fins! Before I ordered hip fins and a dorsal on my tail from Morticia I was having no luck finding pictures of any tails that had them!
And regarding another comment you made in response to Miyu, the look and texture of it is what I love too! Something about the smooth surface of wet neoprene really makes me feel like it's a great material for mertails that are based off smooth-skinned animals like whales, dolphins and sharks. :D
Aww shucks, thanks Tieri!
I have to agree, neoprene tails with fins are where it's at. I see quite a bit of lovely neoprene and fabric tail with no fins, but why not? Fins are the bomb! The more the merrier!
Oh gosh I DREAM of making a shark or an orca tail. It would be amazing, especially with neoprene!
Mermaid Jaffa
11-04-2014, 06:45 PM
If it makes you happy, my next tail will have flowy fins.
MermaidNadia
11-05-2014, 01:40 AM
Nyx, those paint jobs are truly art. I have tried to get that realistic look and it has not worked yet, but I am inspired by you to try again. As far as getting neoprene to fit snuggly, the best solution is to add a zipper along the length of the back and cover it up with a dorsal fin. Worked for my daughter's tail...
Nyx, those paint jobs are truly art. I have tried to get that realistic look and it has not worked yet, but I am inspired by you to try again. As far as getting neoprene to fit snuggly, the best solution is to add a zipper along the length of the back and cover it up with a dorsal fin. Worked for my daughter's tail...
Thank you! I'm glad I've inspired you to try again! :)
I've been experimenting with zippers recently! I added one to the side of my green tail, and if I manage to make good looking dorsal fins, I'll try putting them on the back.
Mermaid Kelda
11-06-2014, 06:41 PM
Nyx, I've always loved your blue tail! When you do start taking orders, count me in! ^_^
Joy&RaptorsUnrestrained!
01-10-2015, 01:44 PM
My tail by Lotus is neoprene, and I love it
Mermaid Caspiana
06-18-2016, 11:34 PM
I'd love to make a business of selling sequined neoprene tails, as I agree there aren't enough sellers. :) But I need to work out the kinks and issues before I'd do that. Haha
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Although, I do see tops being more of a near future thing possibly... Lol...
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Mermaid Caspiana
06-18-2016, 11:39 PM
I'd like to think so, I love love LOVE neoprene tails. I really want to sell them eventually (hopefully within a year or so if I feel confident enough about it). As of right now I've only made two (the ones below, the newest one on the left which is still not done) and I want to make a few more to work out all their issues and have more experience under my belt. At this point for me it's all a guessing game when it comes to figuring out measurments and making the tail fit right.
I've had a couple of people ask about them and if I sell them, so it does seem like there's a good chance people will want them.
And like everyone has said thus far, they really are the in-between fabric and silicone!
These are beautifully painted Nyx!!! <3 Especially that green one! It just catches my eye so much! So much love!
Imogen Finnly
06-19-2016, 12:39 AM
I love my silicone tail, but honestly, neoprene is so much lighter, i like how is snugs right up to you, and its so warm!
Props to the sequins mers! Takes patience!
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malinghi
06-19-2016, 12:58 AM
I love my silicone tail, but honestly, neoprene is so much lighter, i like how is snugs right up to you, and its so warm!
Props to the sequins mers! Takes patience!
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I totally agree. Many people are very focused on tails that look as realistic as possible, but the reality is that there's a trade-off in how it looks and how it feels to swim in it. A lot of people don't appreciate the appeal of a lighter, sleeker tail that feels more realistic.
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Imogen Finnly
06-19-2016, 01:13 AM
I totally agree. Many people are very focused on tails that look as realistic as possible, but the reality is that there's a trade-off in how it looks and how it feels to swim in it. A lot of people don't appreciate the appeal of a lighter, sleeker tail that feels more realistic.
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Yes! Its harder to maneuver with heavier tails! It is so much faster and stream lined in a neoprene tail! Even with latex the tail is still only 10 pounds or so!
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Mermaid Caspiana
06-19-2016, 01:35 AM
Yes! Its harder to maneuver with heavier tails! It is so much faster and stream lined in a neoprene tail! Even with latex the tail is still only 10 pounds or so!
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Agreed! Even with my sequins on top of the neoprene, I feel so... streamline. Haha...
Imogen Finnly
06-19-2016, 01:53 AM
And there are plenty of ways to make a neoprene tail look just as amazing as anything else!
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Prince Calypso
07-05-2016, 04:03 AM
So i haven't forgotten about this post but between school and moving and wedding planning, this had to take a seat on the back burner for abit
good news however is that my father in law finds the idea interesting and said he would be willing to help me get started once i draw up a business plan for him and show him the market for mermaid tails and stuff
so fingers and fins crossed
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