How much does a mermaid tail cost?

The cost of a fabric mermaid tail for beginners ranges between $60 to $200. More advanced mermaids who are looking for silicone mermaid tails can expect a price from $1300 to $5000. Mermaid tails vary in cost depending on five main factors: the material, monofin, manufacturing, size, and tail maker.

#1 The Material it is Made From.

Different tail makers use different materials to make a mermaid tail. There are fabric tails, silicone tails and hybrid tails (mix of the 2 materials).

Fabric tails are the cheapest as they are made of relatively inexpensive waterproof material such as polyester, spandex, nylon, neoprene, or scuba knit. Most will cost between USD$50 to USD$200, with the more expensive options costing up to USD$500. For example, Aquamermaid fabric tails cost $100.

Silicone tails are much more expensive due to the cost of the materials and labor involved. It is also more difficult to work with silicone than fabric because molds must be used and there are several components of the silicone to mix together, followed by a lengthy curing process.

Silicone tail prices usually start at around USD$1300 and go up to $5000. The price differences usually boil down to:

• The brand/tail maker’s skills and reputation
• Number of colors on the tail
• Customization (e.g. a striped tail will cost more)
• Addition of fins on the hips, ankles, or back

For example, Aquamermaid silicone tails cost around $1400. Some silicone tails are cheaper because the silicone is applied to a layer of neoprene fabric and is not only silicone material. This technique offers the same high-quality finishing, but neoprene tends to be really buoyant and makes it more difficult to dive deeper. Also, neoprene takes a while to dry with a coating of silicone. 

Note: If you are a beginner (wannabe) mermaid, don’t buy silicone mermaid tails. You are better off with fabric mermaid tails and then you can work your way up to silicone mermaid tails. If you are a professional mermaid though, you can use a silicone mermaid tail. It requires a little more skill to swim in a silicone mermaid tail.

Hybrid mermaid tail mid-range pricing. Great compromise with a realistic look and more affordable pricing than silicone. The price can range from $500 to $1500. For example Aquamermaid. For example, Aquamermaid hybrid tail (scuba knit, reversible sequins body & silicone fluke) cost about $700

#2 Monofin 

An important part of a mermaid tail is the swimming fin, also called a monofin. For most fabric tails the fin can be removed. That makes it easier to dry and wash. For silicone tails the monofin is glued inside the material and cannot be removed. There are many kinds of monofins ranging from $30 to $150. Very cheap fabric tails come with a plastic monofin insert that tends to crack and break. A better option would be a more resistant material like rubber and semi-flexible plastic, like Aquamermaid's monofin for $60. There are more expensive options if you are looking for bigger and more rigid fins designed for freediving and swimming in the ocean. Something important to remember is that not all fins can fit all fabric tails; many manufacturers make their tail to only fit one specific type of fin. For some guidance check out our 10 best monofins article. 

#3 How it is Made.

#4 The Size.

According to the manufacturer, some companies charge a lower price for kids and junior sizes compared to adults. As the size increases the price increases… There is often an extra fee for size extra large and bigger, due to more material being required. The size refers to your waist size.  

#5 The Tail Makers.

The mermaid tail industry is flooding with tail makers due to the growing trend of this fun and fantastical activity. There are well-organized tail makers, but some that are scams.

Some mermaid tail makers provide you with cheap mermaid tails made of low-quality fabrics that tear apart in the first use, so don’t just spare your money because their tails look alluring. Pictures can be edited to make tails look better.

More expensive tails are usually made with better quality materials, or are just a more popular or trustworthy brand.

If you want to find out about the pros and cons of each tail, do your research first to learn about the best tail makers and avoid being scammed. Check out our other article Top 10 Silicone Tail Makers. 

What to watch for: 

3D printed tails are brand new on the market and still pretty rare, but they combine a really intricate and realistic design with a chain manufacturing process that significantly drives prices lower. Gripmore currently offers some for about $1200. 

Knock-off tails:Thanks to our free-market economy, there are companies selling very cheap fabric and silicone mermaid tails. However, you generally get what you pay for.  Very cheap fabric tails come with frayed fabric edges and will quickly overstretch or lose their color. Companies that sell knock-off tails of popular brands for much cheaper are usually low-quality. Very cheap silicone tails are of poor quality materials, poor finishing, and do not look as realistic.