“Mermaiding” is a growing hobby that combines athletics, role playing, and fashion. It’s exactly what it sounds like: merfolk dress-up complete with swimming!
If you’re interested in getting into mermaiding and make sure you are safe before wearing a tail in the water! Swim in only a monofin before adding a tail skin, make sure that your first swim is part of a mermaid class or at the very least that there is an experienced mermaid present, and never swim alone.
Perhaps the most famous silicone tail maker in the industry, artist Raven is known for beautifully detailed sculpts and paint jobs. There’s a reason Merbella’s waiting list for custom tails is two years long! Raven also create truly exceptional tops and swimmable crowns that are almost as hard to come by as their tails, and evoke rococo palaces and art-nouveau jewelry.
This was the first tail maker I came across, before I even got into mermaiding, and still one of my favorites! Founded by twin sisters Abby and Bryn, Finfolk create a limited number of silicone tails but they are best known for their (relatively) affordable fabric tails, which are designed in a unique way: the artists first sculpt and paint the designs in silicone, then print high-quality photographs directly on the fabric! They also have a huge selection of print-on-demand fashion items including swimwear and leggings featuring their tail designs and more.
– If you are a fan of Disney’s 1989 classic “The Little Mermaid,” this is the designer for you. Wes creates screen-accurate tails and accessories from silicone, even including Ariel’s ‘waist fin’ from the movies. He’s also created a tail based on the pokemon Milotic and, most famously a tail with the tentacles of a blue-ringed octopus! I can also confirm that he was super nice when I briefly met him at MerMagic Con 2023. One day, I don’t know when, but one day, a Jurassic Merman octopus tail will be mine!
This Louisiana based top designer is quickly gaining popularity. Her tops are all silicone without a bra base, making them fully adjustable for the perfect fit (strapless bra bases are available in set sizes, too). But what really makes Madison’s work stand out are the unique and beautiful sculpts that can be customized with creative paint jobs to match your tail. My favorite sculpt is the stunning “Voyager” top with its gracefully flowing lines that resemble crashing waves and flowing fins. Bayou Mermaid tops are reasonably priced, fully custom, and much easier to get a hold of than tops from other top creators. I can personally attest to their high quality and the maker’s excellent customer service.
I only discovered this Mermaid Chrissi recently but wow is her work beautiful! This German artist makes beautiful silicone tails in shimmering, iridescent colorways, but her accessories are truly special. Iridescent silicone tops come in scale, shell, and abstract styles, including one that looks like dripping oil. She also offers neck pieces sculpted to look like gills as well as wide, sculpted silicone belts that can be worn like corsets. Furthermore, MerChrissi creates unique, chic dresses strewn with silicone scales.
Glimmerwood is the only “dry” fashion label on this list, but I think she belongs here. An institution in the fantasy fashion community, designer Cassie Wanda is best known for her elaborate gowns, but also produces a growing line of ready-to-wear apparel. Her custom gowns express a variety of themes from cosplay to nature, to pure fantasy; many are inspired by mermaids and other marine life, and some even feature Finfolk’s iridescent resin scales. In addition to fully custom gowns slots, you can order a partially custom “Jellyfish Gown.” But the most important reason Glimmerwood is on the list is because of her super-comfy cardigans that I basically live in, which include three mermaid-inspired designs! It is important to stay warm and stylish on your way to, and especially from, swims.
These are just a few of the many creative and talented designers working in the mer-community. While writing this article I kept wanting to add designers to the list but had to stop myself because I I did this article would be way too long and never get published. Do you have a favorite who wasn’t on the list? Let us know in the comments!
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