Mermaid tails, costume, and cosplay ideas

For those skilled at sewing, there are several commercial mermaid tail patterns available. This makes it easy to sew your own mermaid costume in the exact colours and fabrics you choose.

If you can't sew a seam for anything, choose from the many commercial pre-made mermaid costumes. These are far more limited in sizes and colour choices.

If your desire is to swim in a mermaid tail, use a swimming monofin to emulate the experience of having a tail. It's also highly recommended to have a swimming tail professionally made if you plan to swim in it. Swimming tails are usually made of latex or silicone, which takes some time and skill to work with.

Once you have a basic mermaid costume assembled, it's time to choose just the right accessories to complete the look! If your costume is just the tail, you'll need a top to go with it. Either wear a bikini or tank top, or the more daring might choose a sea shell bikini top to appear more authentic. You can also add shell leis for necklaces and bracelets, or some inexpensive freshwater pearls would work just as well. Those would-be mermaids with short hair would benefit from a long-haired wig, perhaps in a fantasy colour.

The look of your perfect mermaid costume can be best completed with skillfully applied mermaid makeup. It is important to choose makeup colours that compliment your costume. Traditional mermaid colours are greens and blues, but if you have chosen a mermaid costume in shocking pink or gold, select cosmetics that match. Enhance your makeup with stick-on crystals and jewels.

Those going for a less-human mermaid appearance will want to paint on scales and include latex prosthetics such as webbing for ears and fingers. You are limited only by your creativity!

If you feel your mermaid costume needs something more, you can also carry props while wearing it. A mermaid might be guarding an undersea treasure chest full of jewels. She might also be caught up in a fishing net with seashells and little plush fish friends. Of course, there is always the traditional mermaid image of her carrying a comb and mirror.

Finally, if you really can't make your own mermaid tail or find a pre-made mermaid tail to buy, there's always the option of having a custom mermaid tail made just for you.

This is the most expensive option, but you will get a mermaid tail designed to fit your body. There are several price points on this from a simple fabric mermaid tail to a high-end silicone or latex mermaid tail. It solely depends on how much money you wish to spend.

Check out the links to the following tail-makers if you would like to have a tail made. Note that being linked below is not an endorsement of their work; I haven't dealt with everyone here.