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Neoprene fabric guide

Neoprene Tank Top Design with AI

A neoprene tank top is a specialist order: ask for scuba knit at 280 to 350 g/m², and expect fewer mills to take it on.

It is the heaviest of the 10 cloths this guide lists for this cut, ahead of stretch velvet.

Next to stretch velvet, it is heavier, firmer and stretchier.

Tank top in scuba knit, on a model in a studio
Rendered in the studio for this page

Neoprene Tank Top at a glance

Cloth to ask your mill for
Scuba knit
Typical weight
280 to 350 g/m²
Drape
Structured, holds its own shape
Stretch
Moderate
Breathability
Low
Warmth
Warm
Care
Hand wash cold, dry flat
How common
Niche, usually a specialist order
Typical cloth price
$15-35/yard

Typical trade ranges, not one mill's figures: confirm them with your mill.

The tank top, in numbers

Typical length
60 to 70 cm, from the high point of the shoulder
Defining details
Racerback or straight back, scoop or square neck, bound or ribbed edges
Cloth needed
about 0.6 to 1.0 m of 150 cm cloth, roughly $10 to $38 of cloth at typical prices

Typical figures for an adult size M. The pattern tier is set from the real piece count when you order.

How neoprene behaves on a tank top

On a tank top it holds its own shape, which suits a cropped, boxy or sculpted top more than a fitted one.

At this length a structured cloth holds the shape of the pattern from top to hem.

It wears warm, which places it in autumn and winter collections.

It wants a cold hand wash and drying flat, so say so on the care label.

It holds its shape and resists water, but it is warm, does not breathe and creases if folded under heat.

About neoprene

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber foam, usually laminated with a knit on each face. In fashion it has largely given way to scuba knit, a thick double knit that looks alike and breathes better.

Neoprene foam is made by a handful of chemical producers and laminated by specialist mills; scuba knit comes from many knit mills.

It needs no lining, and its edges can be left raw or bonded.

Cutting, sewing and color

Its edges do not fray, so raw or bonded edges are an option; use a stretch needle and keep the iron cool.

Prints are usually applied by sublimation on the knit face, so a print sits on the surface.

It has a soft sheen that shows the folds without glare.

A description to start from

A tank top in scuba knit, 280 to 350 g/m², with a structured drape and a soft sheen surface, for autumn and winter.

If neoprene is not quite right

Also: how the studio works, prices and questions and answers.

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