Top 5 Mermaid Tail Makers for Beginners

CapCali Tail

Ready to sprout some flukes? FinTastic! Now, there is a lot to know when it comes to choosing a first mermaid* fabric tail. One that is right for you. No worries, we'll guide you through the currents. Whether mermaiding is a hobby or a lifelong goal, here’s a selection of 5 major, reliable, safe (to consider before you try doing fancy tricks), and beginner-friendly - yet professional - fabric tail brands for aspiring merfolks, which we have tried and recommend according to affordability, quality of products and services.**

~ CapeCali

We appreciate CapeCali's Eco-Mermaid Tails collection, made with recycled polyester. Even if that is also a marketing argument, they are comfortable and durable for long hours spent in chlorine or salt water. The tails are light, dry fast, flow nicely and are suitable for every mermaid enthusiast. The main advantage are the flukes. In addition, Cape Cali donates 10% of its profits to ocean conservation.

Price starts at $109US (for kids) and $205US (for adults).

~ FinFolk

Another well-known name throughout the mermaid community. FinFolk innovates in terms of original and in-house tail craftsmanship; with realisticness, deTails, hand-painted vibrant patterns and huge flukes that include a removable inner vinyl flipper in which you insert a monofin. This gives a nice flop with the stiffness of the monofin. However, important to note: because of this you will need to be a very good swimmer as the vinyl will friction with water and drag you. Every season they launch a giveaway for their new collection and sales for their previous one. But FinFolk tails are in high demand. You can join the Finfolk Pod Squad which is a membership that gives you priority access to tails releases.

Price starts at $215US (for adults).

~ MerTailor

"I won’t stop until my tails look as real as the fish swimming in our ocean reefs. I want to make my tails available to every aspiring mermaid and merman who dream of life in the sea just as I do", says the controversial founder Eric Durcharme, who has dreamt of being a merman since he first saw a mermaid swim at Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida. He’s been making tails ever since. They also have an Eco Tail collection and offer the option to customize your tail if you know what you need and what you're going for.

Price starts at $64.99US (for infants), $67.50US (for kids) and $69.95US (for adults).

~ Fin Fun

If you're looking for a fun basic tail to start your mermaid journey, Fin Fun is well worth the money. They are easy to swim in and look naturalistic even with a visible opening at the end of it (for water flow/inserting the monofin). Some models hold up better than others but they are flexible. You can also upload a personal design to their ''custom tail creator'' if you are ready to develop your merSona and stand out.

Price starts at $29.95US (for toddlers) and $39.95US (for youth and adults).

~ Nereid Studios

A new comer in the game, their tails are quite original. The name originates from Greek methology where they are a pod of 50 sea nymphs who lated migrated to Roman mythology like most Greek figures. The beautiful and chanting Nereids were seen as the protectors of sailors and fisherman in time of need, although they terrorized Ulysses in Odyssey on their way home from Troy. The Nereids appear as a secondary character in many prominent stories of classical mythology. They also briefly feature in Argonautica as fish-tailed maidens, helping the Argonauts in distress. They would also be shown riding the back of sea creatures, protégés of Hermes.

Price are around $298US (for adults).

TLC 101

You are now a proud owner of a mermaid tail. Make it last! There are no particular care tips for these. The fabrics are similar to a swimming suit, therefore easy to maintain and long-lasting if you follow some basic care and usage instructions:

~ Don't leave it exposed to hot or freezing temperatures, direct sunlight (the colours will fade) or thrown in sand. These are the general rules for every mermaid tail, no matter what it's made of.

~ After your swim, take out the monofin (and vinyl if any). Rinse them and the accessories with fresh water (outdoors with a water hose or in a shower/bathtub).

~ If dirty, or before storing it for a long time, you can machine wash it on gentle or hand wash it. Soap is fine, but you can also let it soak in water mixed with baking soda which neutralizes chlorine for increased longevity. You may want to use a weight to keep the tail fully submerged. Then rinse off. In case of a stain, you can either use a stain remover or use the fabric on itself. While the tail is wet, grab a dark part of your tail and scrub it against the spot.

~ Let it completely dry inside out before storing it in a cool, dry and ventilated space. Avoid moisture. If you live in a tropical climate, a dehumidifier would be useful to avoid mould. To dry faster you can prop it open using pool noodles for example, or blow a fan.

~ Drying machines damage clothes (do not risk using a laundry bag either). In the shade, lay it flat to dry or hang it down for the water to dip out. You can use clothes/drying/tail racks, a bike hanger, a chair, a showerhead... Just be careful not to stretch, twist (rather squeeze), stretch or pull on it too much to retain its shape. Wet fabric is heavier and more fragile. Overall, be nice to your second skin!

~ All of these retailers are supposed to have care instructions on their websites. If you don't find them, ask for it.

Furthermore, to extend the life of your fish skin, remember:

~ Take your time to put it on. Don't pull the fins.

~ Avoid sitting on hard surfaces and change only on soft surfaces (transat chair, towel, yoga mat or similar).

~ Avoid hopping standing up or scooping around on the floor when dragging yourself to the water (push up with your arms instead).

~ Don't let anyone step on your mermaid tail (would you let people step on your toes?)

Last words of advice

~ Mermaid tails WILL tear over time but you will hopefully benefit from your investment with these tips even if you're a reckless mermaid! If you are on a tight budget, you can also check out this Facebook group for second-hand tails.

~ But before you make a choice, if you are part of a local pod, ask other mermaids about their experiences. They will probably let you try their tails, which is common practice as there is no physical store for mermaid gear. To each their own! Try and make your own opinion.

~ If not, read reviews, join online groups (such as this one in Montreal, this one in Toronto, or this in Ottawa), and ask for advice.

~ Also check out those tail makers on social media to get a look and feel on their style.

~ By doing your research, you will avoid scam artists that unfortunately float around such as AquaMermaid, who actually do NOT make tails but only advertise other creators' work (without their accord) as their own to charge extra commission, while not offering any guidance in the process.

~ Test new tails first by practising in shallow water with a diving buddy.

~ If hesitating between two sizes, get a tail in the closest smaller size to you. Check out their online guide.

Hoping you will find the right fit!

Let us know if you have any questions or other tips to share.

Best fishes 🐠

*Mermaid or merman. The feminine form is used to lighten the text.

**Please note that at the time of writing this article, we were not affiliated to any of those mer-makers.