Mermagica sells mermaid tails for children and adults in bright colors such as pink, gold and blue. The company also sells bikinis for kids, juniors and adults. Users can swim in their tails as if they are wearing fins. As of March 2011, children's tails range in prices from $80 to $110 while adult tails range in price from $100 to $140.
Monofins work like traditional swim fins except that both feet slide into one fin instead of each foot getting its own fin. To create the look of a mermaid tail, use a monofin on its own or in conjunction with a wet suit, swimsuit or some other kind of mermaid costume. These fins are typically used for swimming rather than for costumes and allow you to propel great amounts of water. You will not be able to walk while wearing a monofin.
The Mertailor sells spandex, latex and silicone mermaid tails in both simple and complex models. These tails range in price from $130 to several hundred dollars with silicone tails costing $1,500. These tails come in child and adult sizes and include a monofin. Each tale is made to order so that it fits the person who ordered it.
Creating a mermaid tail you can swim in can be difficult but it is possible. You can create a tail from nylon or lycra fabric. You must take your measurements while your knees and ankles are pressed together. Measurements include the length from your waist to ankle, the length from your waist to knees, your hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles. Create a pattern according the the measurement and sew it together using a sewing machine. Add a monofin or a pair or regular fins to complete the look.
Since mermaid costumes require a different swimming technique than most people are used to, you should not swim in your mermaid costume alone. Only swim in shallower water and make sure a lifeguard keeps watch. To improve your costume swimming abilities, practice kicking while your knees and feet are pressed together. Wear a pair or regular fins or a monofin while you kick to help get used to the feeling of the costume.