Scuba Fabric and Diving Shirts: The Top Fashion Alternative

Scuba is a fashion variety of the infamous Neoprene material (also called Chloroprene rubber). Being a double-knit fabric, it is basically a poly which has been blended with Lycra or Spandex. The two qualities of scuba fabric include – a smooth texture and a fine gauge thread. Scuba is stretchy. Another variant, named Scuba Crepe, is like Scuba fabric but much more lightweight. It is more like Lycra with a crepe texture.

Scuba fabric was originally produced in the US and still remains one of the largest producers of the material, along with China.

Scuba A Fashion Fabric Of Choice

Scuba fabric has an array of end uses but is almost exclusively used for fashion, because this was why it was created. It is favored for specific costumes. Form-fitting dresses, and swaying skirts, including sports clothing like diving shirts, are popular choices assembled from Scuba fabric. Due to the composition of the fabric, it comes up well with bright neon clothing as well. There are also some very special medical gloves that are designed with Scuba fabric.

Desirable Properties Of Scuba Fabric

• Scuba fabric is a variety of double-knit fabric; thus, it is made by merging two layers of fabric.

• The two layers of fabric are basically assembled from a fusion of 2 synthetic fibers, like polyester and spandex.

• The synthetic fibers used to make scuba fabric are selected because of their properties of stretching and holding their shape; plus, their durability and resistance to wrinkles and creases.

• The two layers of fabric are blended in with the help of a special type of knit stitch called a double-knit stitch. It forms a thick, dense fabric with a smooth, uniform surface.

• The scuba fabric thus produced has various desirable properties, like a smooth and silky feel, excellent stretch and recovery, and resistance to wrinkles and creases.

• Scuba fabric is famous for its properties to hold vibrant colors and prints, making it a favorite choice for fashion and activewear including scuba sweatshirts and hoodies.

Scuba and Neoprene Fabric: A Comparison

Scuba and neoprene both are distinct textiles, but most people are confused about these two. So, here, let’s compare scuba and neoprene fabric.

Neoprene Fabric

It’s a rubbery and spongy material that is jammed between two distinct fabrics. Neoprene is basically composed of nylon or polyester. In certain cases, elastane or spandex is blended to improve the flexibility of this fabric. When used to make a wetsuit, this stretchable quality allows the diver to move easily. Therefore, swimsuits are assembled from neoprene fabric that provides effortless swimming ability.

There is a large variety offered in neoprene fabric. Some are nylon coated neoprene while others are polyester coated neoprene.

Scuba Fabric

Scuba is variant of neoprene fabric but is not like neoprene. Scuba fabric is a polyester fabric spun with Lycra or Spandex for double knit. Double knit involves two fabrics being carefully knitted together to produce a great effect. Although double knit, scuba is thin enough to be flexible, while having a smooth surface, with a springy feel. Apart from the Scuba fabric offers outstanding drape ability.

Like Neoprene fabric, Scuba is not breathable and due to that, it makes a person feel warm while wearing dresses designed from scuba material. Thus, Scuba fabric is never recommended for use in making summer attire. Since this material holds its actual shape, it is found to be a great feature to use for making mens scuba hoodie, jacket, women top, winter dress, skirt, and swimwear.

Today, printed scuba fabric is also available that is premium quality and looks fashionable. Often, the body-hugging dresses are assembled from scuba fabric that are a favorite choice for men and women alike. Moreover, for the floaty effect, Scuba fabric is the ideal choice to assemble plus-size dresses.

When it comes to embroidery, both Neoprene and Scuba do a good job. However, you are required to follow the proper sewing guide as neoprene and scuba are not the same.

Printing on Scuba Fabric

Printing on Scuba fabric is effortless. All you want to do is upload your pattern to an online design interface and place it in the position you like. Anyways, if you’re apprehensive regarding how it will come out, you can order test prints first.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for a lightweight, and warm zip-up sweatshirt for wearing in fall and winter then of course, the Scuba diving hoodie is the top recommendation. It's thick enough to be worn singly on a brisk autumn or early spring day. However, it's also thin enough so when it’s cold outside, it can be easily layered under a heavier jacket. You can buy these fashionable scuba hoodies in different colors for wearing on different days. Another incentive of the scuba sweatshirt is that it's fitted and stylish, so it feels a bit more put-together than the ordinary shapeless hoodie.