All About Neoprene Fabrics

Neoprene or polychloroprene is a family of synthetic rubber that is produced by polymerization of chloroprene. It exhibits good chemical stability and maintains flexibility over a wide temperature range. Neoprene is sold either as solid rubber or in latex form and is used in a wide variety of applications, such as laptop sleeves, orthopedic braces (wrist, knee, etc.), electrical insulation, automotive fan belts and let’s not forget, fashion too!

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that’s often used to make wetsuits, hence its alternative name “scuba knit”. Neoprene has become increasingly popular as a material to wear on the street (not just in the sea) because many of the qualities like stain resistance and general durability.

 1) Neoprene in Fashion and Outerwear

Designers already named neoprene as a summer essential and it’s truly an ultimate fabric for year ’round usage. Though typically reminiscent of material used for a scuba suit, designers are doing so many awesome things with the material this season. It’s sporty and cool, but that doesn’t mean your look can’t be chic. When purchasing neoprene for sportswear and activewear applications, it is important to know what thicknesses are good for which applications. A thickness of 2 to 2.5mm will be best geared towards scuba suits/wet suits, cozies, and laptop cases. Any neoprene that is 1.5mm in thickness will be best suitable for fashion applications. Anything thinner than that (such as 1mm ) are actually consistent of just the knit top that typically covers the rubber backing or central glue and would be best suited for swimwear and apparel such as form-fitting skirts and dresses. You’ll never run the risk that your bodycon skirt or tight leggings are accidentally a little bit see-through with a neoprene or scuba knit fabric.

Tango Red/Alpine Green Double-Faced Neoprene/Scuba Fabric

Black Stretch Mesh Topped Neoprene

For those looking for a less bulky fabric, not to worry – fashion weight neoprene is just for you. As stated earlier, these thinner fabrics are essentially just the neoprene knit you see on wetsuits without the insulating foam in between. You’ll find thicknesses of about 1-1.5mm often being made into swim suits and skater skirts. Neoprene can be digitally printed to hold photo-realistic prints well, so it’s not uncommon to see huge floral or intricate patterns splattered all over a dress or a sweatshirt.

Multi-Colored Abstract Digitally Printed Stretch Neoprene/Scuba Knit

Topiary Garden Digitally Printed Stretch Neoprene/Scuba Knit

2) Swimwear

You can’t complete a slide share of Neoprene clothing without featuring at least one swimsuit. Even if you don’t plan on going in the water at all, you can still rock sporty, surfer-y neoprene at the beach this summer. The fabric once used almost exclusively by hardcore surfers and deep sea divers is now being used in swimsuits designed for us expert Kindle readers and tanners, too—which we’re thrilled about. Because whether it’s a sleek, low-cut black maillot or a technicolor bikini, neoprene makes a swimsuit stand out from the pack in a fun, sporty, unexpected way. For swim wear the best thickness to work with is 1-2mm depending on how intricate your design is.

Prismatic Digitally Printed Stretch Neoprene

Purple/Teal Geometic Hydrangea Digitally Printed Stretch Neoprene

3) Laptop Sleeves

Neoprene laptop sleeves have become increasingly popular, as they are lightweight and stylish. Buyers should consider their everyday lifestyle, as well as their usual laptop usage habits, when choosing the material for a laptop sleeve. Preferred thickness for making the sleeves would be around 1.5-2mm, if we go beyond that then the sleeves will be slightly heavier and once you add in the laptop, it won’t look sleek and skinny.

Coral Rose Stretch Polyester Neoprene

4) Halloween Costume Face Masks

Neoprene fabrics are even used to make face masks. It can also be used for any snow sports to keep you away from harmful elements of the cold weather. Normally, maskes made from neoprene are up to 1.5mm thick.

5) Neoprene seat covers

Ride the wild surf in complete comfort with Neoprene Seat Covers. Crafted from the same material as surfing wetsuits, neoprene boasts excellent water resistance, a cushiony feel and hard-core durability. Designed exclusively to meet the demands of your wet and wooly lifestyle, Neoprene covers are easy to clean and easy to install. Whether you’re working to keep your new seats new, to boost your interior style, or to revive a set of tired old seats, neoprene has you and your seats covered. Since seat covers tend to receive a lot of wear and tear, they are typically made with heavy duty neoprene with at least 2mm thick.

Black Polyester Neoprene

Neoprene braced tend to stabilize collateral ligaments, protect the meniscus and relieve symptoms of mild ostheoarthritis. This open patella, slip-on brace measures 12” (30cm) and features removable metal hinges with an extension stop at 0˚ to help protect knee from hyperextension. High quality neoprene retains natural body heat to help increase circulation and warmth. Suggested thickess would be 1-1.5mm, because you wouldn’t want the fabric to be too thick and uncomfortable.

7) Mobile Cases

Mobile phone cases come in quite a large range of materials. Some are more popular than others, but one material that is forging ahead in the popularity stakes is neoprene. It has long been used in many industrial applications, but has only made any impression in the phone case manufacturing industry comparatively recently. Within a fairly short time, however, neoprene has proved its worth as well as its popularity among mobile phone owners who want a phone case that not only looks good and feels good, but also provides superior protection for their phone.

8) Shoe Covers ( Especially for Cycling)

Neoprene features beneficial for shoe covers include:

• Water-resistance – Surface is hydrophobic, keeping the wearer dry by allowing perspiration to evaporate. (This does not apply to certain 1 -1.5mm neoprenes)
• Wind-resistance – Barrier reduces wind to keep you warm, yet not clammy because it is breathable.
• Breathable – Wicking fibers pull perspiration into the surface for evaporation. Dries quickly.
• Durable – Fabric is rugged yet delivers soft feeling comfort and warmth.

9) Camera Covers

This camera cover is  made from soft shock-absorbing neoprene, protecting your camera from nicks, dings and scratches due to accidental impact. It also adds protection from the elements and keeps your camera free from dust and dirt. Typical thicknesses for these types of covers is about 2mm.

Any designer or customer considering using neoprene will be pleased to know that it is an easy fabric to work with mainly because it doesn’t fray or slip and also doesn’t need a lining. Creating structure and form are made easier by the fabrics innate properties, a kind of soft firmness. Looking at the number of end uses, don’t be late to add neoprene fabrics into your wardrobe. We have distinct varieties of neoprene, from fashion to conversational prints, which not only been a large component in water sports but it has a huge impact in fashion industry, from gorgeous dresses to fashion skirts . Our neoprene are mostly made of polyester and spandex, that gives a fantastic 2/4-way stretch and are mostly completely opaque. Now it’s your turn to take a step forward in fashion and sport, and there is no fabric better to do that with than a conversational printed neoprene/scuba knit. Come here, get your favorite neoprene and make the best of it!