Scuba: The New High Street Fashion Fabric

by Fcfabric Studio Fabric Studio has been developed from Fashion Ente

Scuba fabric is the rage now. Most fashion bands feature at least one design using scuba, especially the summer and spring line limited editions. It rose in fashion in early 2012, but recently, it has started catching the attention of most calculative and creative designers, if the number of scuba dresses, skirts and sportswear are to go by and why not? This is one fabric that fits all body shapes. That’s guaranteed to bring the female buyers at your doorstep!

The “what’s” and “whys” of scuba: Given its popularity, it’s a given that you might want to get your own scuba fabrics for use, whether you are a hobbyist who crafts clothes in her free time or the owner of a clothing line. But, for starters, what are scuba fabrics? The name may bring the image of a scuba diving wetsuit first, but the material is similar yet worlds apart from it. It is a fabric double knit using polyester with spandex or lycra, thinner than the neoprene actually used in wetsuits. It is finely sewed with one layer in a direction and the other layer in the opposite. This gives the fabric a certain amount of stretch, yet it can hold steady structurally. This contradiction has an amazing implication: this is the go-to material for plus size bodycon dresses, as they can follow curves to flatter any body type.

For crafters, scuba’s paradoxical property provides them with greater freedom. We all know how occasional clumsiness while sewing fabrics can end badly. But with scuba materials, there’s no fear of accidental stretch and pull because of the good structural sturdiness and elasticity. Scuba’s ability to sustain horizontal and some vertical stretch, along with its smooth surface, means that it’s great for dancewear, sports apparel, casual and party dresses, leggings, and so much more. For the tailors with the time crunch, it’s the ideal fabric, as it doesn’t fray at the edges and you can escape the consequences of no hemming. However, sewing dresses with scuba requires wider stitches and slightly different techniques because of the stretchy nature. There are great online tutorials and blogs available on sewing stretchy materials, give them a look before getting started on your first project with scuba!

Buying and caring for scuba: Some sewers like buying fabrics from garage sales or thrift shops to avoid big budgets. And we get it, fabric shops may be expensive. But scuba isn't available easily for crafting purposes and the best options are online stores. We too offer cheap fabric for sale and a variety of printed or plain scuba fabrics are available in our catalog at affordable rates, give them a look!

Caring for scuba fabrics is easy since they don't crease. A simple hand-wash in cold water is usually sufficient. Light-weighted, wrinkle-free and durable, they are your perfect travel partner.