Neoprene: what is it? Neoprene fabric

If you ever held neoprene in your hands, what is it, immediately remember. Very elastic, silky, soft and lightweight material. It stretches effortlessly and takes the necessary shape, while perfectly supporting and modeling the silhouette better than any corset.

Neoprene material features

Designed in 1930 by the American scientist Wallace Carothers, it is still unique in its kind. Initially, its name was "Dupren", and only then it was renamed neoprene. Almost everyone knows that this is some material. In fact, this is a real work of art: light and porous, absolutely waterproof, extremely wear-resistant - this determines the wide scope of its application. Today it is available in many different shades.

Application in the industry of weight loss

Clothing made of thick fabric performs three functions at once:

  • Supports the spine and prevents injuries and sprains.
  • Using a porous structure performs micromassage during sports.
  • “Sauna effect” - the skin is heated under neoprene, which improves blood circulation, metabolism and accelerates the breakdown of fat cells.
    Neoprene what is it




We must immediately make a reservation that the key to a slim figure here is sport, and not neoprene clothing. It can be shorts, breeches, trousers, tops and even tracksuits made entirely of this amazing fabric. The most common products are belts that are used for the waist problem area, especially after pregnancy.





Despite the fact that it is undesirable to wear such things for more than two hours a day, this time is quite enough, especially since neoprene significantly enhances the effect of physical exercises, this saves you time. Ten minutes of intense training in a neoprene suit will replace half an hour without it.

Neoprene fabric




Wearing such clothes helps to restore the elasticity and firmness of the skin. If it is a quality neoprene, it will not cause allergic reactions.

Clothing for tourism and outdoor activities

Neoprene inserts are successfully used to make the top waterproof layer of camping clothes, tents, backpacks. No other fabric has such properties; it will not be as light and durable as neoprene. That this is synthetics, we have already repeatedly mentioned.

Neoprene swimwear




It is for this reason that clothes in which a tourist will walk many kilometers cannot be made entirely from neoprene, inserts are usually made at the bottom of trousers and other places.





Use neoprene in the manufacture of suits for scuba diving. Moreover, there is a material of different thicknesses, therefore, based on the depth of immersion and season, different options are selected. The surface of the neoprene can be coated with a special cloth or metal spray, so that the heat shields back to the body. For lovers of thrills - rafting, kayaking - such clothes will be protected from moisture.

Beach fashion

Neoprene today is not only faceless black material.

The richest color palette allows you to create fashion collections, and designers used this opportunity. First of all, these are neoprene swimwear. The properties of the material are simply amazing for a beach holiday. Such a bathing suit does not get wet and does not stretch in the water. The amazing strength of neoprene makes it possible to use it for several seasons. The fabric will emphasize the advantages of the figure and tighten all the flaws.

Skirts and tops made of bright neoprene will also serve well. They will not get wet and will not remember, having kept a beautiful view throughout the day.

Neoprene shoes

This is most often sports and hiking shoes. Every tourist who has made a several-week hike through the forests and mountains knows how important whole and dry shoes are. Ordinary sneakers in conditions of passing wet grassy streams, streams and small rivers fall apart in a matter of days.

Neoprene Boots




Shoes with a high top made of neoprene will return safe and sound from the trip.

The second category is hunters. Neoprene boots are needed here. Lightweight and durable, waterproof, they will keep your feet warm during long hikes in the swamps. A special insulating layer makes it possible to withstand temperatures up to -40 degrees. Without an extra insole and warm toe, they can be used from spring to autumn.

Advantages and disadvantages

The unique characteristics of neoprene have long been studied. It does not change its properties under the influence of water, wind, the sun, even strong temperature fluctuations from -50 to +50 do not harm it (you need to add about neoprene that this is still synthetic, so drying on the battery and ironing are not allowed).

It can come into contact with oils and many chemicals without harm. A practically non-combustible, very flexible and flexible neoprene fabric does not allow air and water to pass through. These characteristics make the material indispensable in the manufacture of wetsuits. Special inserts are made from it, allowing clothes to fit snugly on the wrists or lower legs. The equipment of athletes is not complete without this material: gloves, elbow pieces, knee pads, covers, backpacks - this is just a small list of things in the manufacture of which neoprene is used.

Neoprene price




In general, all the advantages of the material can be viewed in a negative light. Dense tissue delays the release of heat, which is especially noticeable during severe physical exertion. Overheating of the body can negatively affect the work of the heart and kidneys. Intense sweating contributes to irritation and diaper rash. Although harm to the body is unlikely, everyone makes their own decisions.

Care for neoprene products

Without proper care, no product will last long.

Neoprene clothing




This fabric is unusually strong, but basic rules must also be observed with it. Since the fabric is in direct contact with the body, it needs frequent washing, but it can only be done manually using warm water (30-40 degrees) and soap. It should be dried naturally, usually it only takes a few hours - and your things are ready to use again.

Where to buy

A standard fabric store is usually not for sale. In workshops for the tailoring of specialized clothes you can be offered several analogues (polyester, eclon, gore tex) and, in fact, neoprene. The price is often high - about 400 rubles per meter. Add to this the cutting and tailoring services, and it will become clear what the cost of the finished products is made up of.

Brief conclusions

Neoprene is a unique material that has not lost its relevance since the invention, and this is almost 90 years old. The main application is, of course, goods for tourists and athletes, clothing and other paraphernalia, the reliability of which is subject to special requirements. A passing fashion trend brought to life skirts, swimwear and dresses made of neoprene, but this trend did not gain much popularity.




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