People have been fascinated by mermaids throughout history. The classic look of a human with a single tail is very beautiful, not to mention a mermaid’s ability to swim fast through the water. Mermaiding combines the two, and all you need to transform yourself into a beautiful mermaid is a good mermaid tail.
The best mermaid tails for adults not only look fantastic, but are also very functional when it comes to swimming. This is why you should consider various factors when purchasing, from materials to the monofin design.
To make your choice easier, we have compiled a list of 5 awesome mermaid tails for swimming like a mermaid in no time. And, if you want to learn more about what makes a great tail, make sure to check out our buying guide below.
OUR TOP PICK
Fin Fun Swimming Mermaid Tails
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Polypropylene tip guarantees durability
- Excellent tip rigidity for easier swimming
- High-quality fabric easily follows your movement
- Quick-release feature on the monofin
- Limited edition print looks great
Sizes: XS to XL
Material: Elastic fabric
Monofin insert: Yes
Monofin material: Dive-grade neoprene, polypropylene
Warranty: 60 days (Tip)
EDITORS CHOICE
Fin Fun Reinforced Mermaid Tails
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Fade-resistant fabrics withstand sun, salt, and chlorine
- Reinforced polypropylene tip for greater durability
- Neoprene monofin cover improves monofin comfort
- Quick-release monofin feature to easily get the tail off
- Matching swimsuits and accessories available
Sizes: XS to XL
Material: 4-way stretch fabric
Monofin insert: Yes
Monofin material: Dive-grade neoprene, polypropylene
Warranty: 90 days (Tip)
BEST VALUE
Sun Tail Designer Mermaid Tails
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- High spandex percentage for greater elasticity
- Strong monofins improve swimming propulsion
- Suitable for machine washing
- Sixteen color schemes to choose from
- Matching bikinis available (separately)
Sizes: S to L
Material: 80% Polyester, 20% Spandex
Monofin insert: Yes
Monofin material: Neoprene, silicone
Warranty: 1 year
Play Tailor Swimmable Mermaid Tails
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Velcro bottom opens for walking
- Elastic and comfortable to wear
- Four unique colorful prints
- No monofin insert included
- Fits monofins up to 23 inches
Sizes: 6 to 14
Material: Polyester Lycra (80% polyester and 20% spandex)
Tip insert: No
Fin Fun Sparkle Mermaid Tails
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Sparkly fabric reflects sunshine in the water
- Open bottom allows walking
- Neoprene cover for greater comfort
- Unbreakable polypropylene tip for effective swimming
- Matching sparkle swimwear available (separately)
Sizes: S, M
Material: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
Monofin insert: Yes
Monofin material: Neoprene, polypropylene
How To Choose The Best Mermaid Tail For Adults – Buying Guide
Material
Spandex, nylon, and polyester are the most popular materials used for making mermaid tails. Fabric tails are light and are easy to move around in, making them comfortable for swimming too. They are easy to get in and out of, which is a big deal if you want to get them on at the beach quickly.
These fabrics are also relatively inexpensive, making high quality mermaid tails accessible for most people. Another benefit of fabric tails is that they are easy to wash. The only potential problem you’ll encounter with fabric mermaid tails is that they are not as durable as silicone tails.
Silicone is the best when it comes to mermaid tails. Not only are silicone mermaid tails more durable than fabric tails, but they look better too. If you want a tail that looks exactly like an adult mermaid tail would look, look no further than a silicone tail.
These tails offer the highest quality, and they are usually made to custom fit the user. Since they are custom made, you can choose exactly the color and shape you want. Most fabric tails are pre-made, so you can only choose from a limited selection of colors. With a silicone tail, you can get exactly what you want.
Of course, this customization means that you’ll have to pay more for it. Silicone tails cost a lot more than fabric tails. On the downside, silicone is heavier than fabric, meaning that it will be harder to swim with and won’t offer the same level of flexibility.
Monofin
A monofin is an essential part of a mermaid tail. This is the part which does the hard work for you and helps to propel you through the water. The fluke is the part that covers your legs to make them look like a tail and add color, while the monofin fits on your feet.
The monofin should fit perfectly inside the fluke to give a one-piece look for your tail. Some tails do not come with a monofin (you have to buy one separately), but most come as a package.
When a monofin is on your feet, you should get the same feel as you do when you are wearing flippers. It may feel weird at first, as both of your feet will be joined together, but you will soon get used to it. Some swimmable mermaid tails with monofin also come with straps to hold the fin on your feet as you are swimming through the water.
Size
Just like shoes, tails and monofins come in various sizes, including those designed for children and adults. When choosing the tail size, you should also consider the size of your legs (length and with), in addition to your feet. The monofin should fit your feet, but the tail must fit your legs too. When you are looking for the correct fit, it’s about a lot more than just measuring your feet.
So, before buying a tail, you should measure your feet (shoe size), your waist and your hips too. When ordering a silicone tail, the manufacturer may ask for a lot more measurements to ensure that you get a tail that fits.
You want your fabric tail to fit properly, so the measurements are important. You don’t want a tail that will slip off in the water, but you also don’t want a tail that feels constrictive. Wearing a water proof mermaid tail should be fun and, if it doesn’t fit you well, you are not going to enjoy it.
Weight
The weight of your tail is important because it influences how freely you can move in the water. Of course, if you buy a silicone tail, you can count on it to be heavier. Most tail fabrics weigh only a couple of pounds, but well-made monofins can noticeably add to this weight.
When considering the weight of a tail, think about your muscle structure and how competent a swimmer you are. If you’re an avid swimmer, you can probably handle a heavier tail which greatly expands your choice.
Silicone tails can come in anywhere between 15 and 60 pounds. Under the water, the natural buoyancy of silicone will make them feel lighter, but you should be a competent swimmer to use them. You should also think about how they feel on land, especially if you need to go a long way between putting on the tail and getting in the water.
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Color
Since mermaid tails should always be stylish, the color is one of the most important things when choosing a tail. If you look at underwater creatures, you will see a plethora of awesome colors and use that as inspiration. This being said, some tails are better than others, and you will get what you pay for.
A cheaper tail may have flat colors, while the more expensive ones come with more detail and a better color scheme. We would recommend something above the cheapest options. The flat colors are fine, but for a few dollars more, you can get a great-looking tall that is going to catch looks.
Price
Good fabric tails usually cost between 70 and 150 dollars. Of course, you could find cheaper tails, but they are probably not going to last very long. While not exclusively the case, paying more will get you higher-quality materials and more attention to detail. If you want a better deal, shopping online will usually get you a better price.
On the other hand, a silicone tail can cost anywhere between 1500 and 3000 dollars. While a silicon tail is not for the average person, there are big advantages to getting one. If you can afford it, you will be getting a tail which will last for a very long time and look as realistic as it can get.
FAQs
Q: What Is Mermaiding?
Mermaiding presents wearing a custom-made mermaid tail as a costume or for swimming. It’s a fun activity for both kids and adults, allowing you to enjoy the water in a completely new way. By purchasing a mermaid tail, you can learn to swim as a mermaid would. While it would not be exactly the same, you can replicate the motion of swimming with a single fin.
Q: How Do You Swim In A Mermaid Tail?
Mermaid tails use a monofin to replicate the feel of swimming with one fin instead of two legs. First, you have to put both legs through the tail to join them together in the monofin. When you get into the water, you need to try and replicate the motion of a mermaid to achieve the correct kick.
You are trying to copy the motion of a dolphin, with the up and down kick of both legs. As you perform the motion, the monofin propels you through the water.
Q: How Do I Wash My Mermaid Tail After Use?
If you have a fabric tail, you will be able to wash it in your machine (or handwash it). Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing your tail, but most tails can be washed on a cold cycle. If machine washing is not recommended, hand-washing in cold water is what you should do.
You should clean the fabric tail after every use (especially if you’ve been in salt water or chlorinated water). Silicone tails also need to be cleaned after every use. These will have special washing instructions which will come with the tail when you buy it.
Q: Can I Get Lessons In Mermaid Swimming?
The popularity of mermaid tails is increasing, and you can get swimming lessons in most big cities. It takes a little practice to get used to swimming with a mermaid tail. If you’re not a strong swimmer, it can be worth getting some lessons before you jump into the water with your tail on.
Q: Where Can I Use My Mermaid Tail?
You should check with your local pool if mermaid tails are allowed. Some pools have banned them, so you should make sure you can use your tail before you go there. A pool is a perfect place to start as the water is still and there are lifeguards on duty. It may take a little getting used to, so you should practice in a pool first, before going to a larger body of water. Once you feel confident with the tail, you can move to lakes, ponds, and even the ocean.
Q: Are Mermaid Tails Dangerous?
Yes, they can be dangerous. Since the swimming mechanics are significantly changed, wearing a mermaid tail can increase the risk of drowning if you’re a weak swimmer. This is especially important for children, and you should never leave your little ones unsupervised while wearing a tail. But, since we’re talking about adult mermaid tails here, take the time to learn how to swim in them so you avoid risky situations.
Q: What Are Mermaid Tails Made Of?
Mermaid tails are either made of fabric (nylon, polyester, spandex) or from silicone. Fabric tails are cheaper, lighter, and easier to swim with. On the other hand, some of the best adult mermaid tails are made of silicone because it guarantees durability and a fantastic look.
Q: Do You Need A Monofin To Swim In A Mermaid Tail?
Yes, you do. Without the monofin, you would only have a flappy piece of fabric that won’t really propel you through the water. Luckily, mermaid tails with monofins in the package are a standard today. If you don’t get it by any chance, you can always buy a monofin for adults separately.
Globo Surf Overview
With a tail from our list, not only will glide through the water, but you will look like a real mermaid too. The high-quality designs and comfortable fit will have you wearing your tail all day. Whether you want to propel yourself through the water or just sit on the beach and relax with other mermaids, we have you covered.
Hopefully, our buying guide has helped you find the perfect tail for your needs. With all of the information at your disposal, you can make an informed choice and have your mermaid dreams really come to life.