Find Your Perfect Mermaid Bra Top: Styles, Materials & Must-Knows

Mermaiding is more than just slipping into a tail and flipping your fins—it's about embodying the magic of the ocean with a look that’s as stunning as it is functional. While tails steal most of the spotlight, your mermaid top is just as important. Whether you're performing, swimming, or simply basking in your mer-person glory, the right top can make all the difference in comfort, mobility, and, of course, style.

As the CEO of MerMapp, I’ve seen mers struggle to find the perfect top—one that balances form and function while fitting their personal aesthetic. So, let’s dive deep into the best mermaid tops out there, their pros and cons, and what to consider before making a choice.

🐚 The Iconic Seashell Bra: Dreamy or Difficult?

When it comes to actual swimming, swimsuit tops are the MVPs. Made of stretchy, water-friendly materials like spandex, lycra, or recycled polyamide, they offer full mobility while still bringing the mermaid magic.

✅ Pros:

✔️ Built for movement – No chafing, no slipping, just smooth swimming.
✔️ Lasts longer in water – Unlike shell tops, these won’t break down in chlorine or salt.

❌ Cons:

✖ Can lack intricate mermaid details – Many swimsuit tops are plain, unless customized with scale prints, sequins, or added embellishments.
✖ Finding the perfect fit – Not all swim brands cater to all body types, though some mermaid-specific ones do!

For mermaids who want to blend beauty with function, a swimsuit top with a scaly design is the way to go!

Top picture: The Mertailor (get 5% OFF with "MerMapp5"); bottom picture: Sereia Guardia (get 5% OFF with "MerMapp5")

👙 Swimsuit Tops: The Best of Both Worlds

🧜‍♀️ Silicone & Neoprene: The Ultimate Luxe Look

Mermaiding is an art, and DIY fabric tops let you express yourself in the most creative way possible. Think hand-sewn corsets, tank tops with printed scales, or appliqué designs that make you feel like you swam straight out of a fantasy novel.

✅ Pros:

✔️ Fully customizable – Choose colors, fabrics, textures, and go wild with designs.
✔️ More budget-friendly – You control the cost depending on materials.

❌ Cons:

✖ Not always waterproof – Some prints fade with time, and delicate fabrics can snag.
✖ Limited support – If it’s not built like a swim top, it might not hold up in the water.

A DIY fabric top is perfect for casual mermaiding or dry-land events. Just make sure to consider functionality if you plan on taking it for a deep dive!

Top image: Vancouver Mermaid; bottom image: Etsy

Nothing screams "mermaid" more than a classic seashell bra. It's a symbol of merfolk everywhere—graceful, mythical, and totally Little Mermaid-approved. The one to the right is the first one I created for myself, spending only $30 (but a few hours of my time). But is it the best choice for real-life mermaiding?

✅ Pros:

✔️ Undeniably Aesthetic – The go-to look for photoshoots, performances, and embracing that classic siren vibe.
✔️ Customizable – Paint them, bead them, add pearls—the ocean’s the limit!

❌ Cons:

✖ Not the most practical for swimming – Real shells can crack, adhesives weaken, and those rigid edges? Not exactly the comfiest when you’re gliding through water.
✖ High-maintenance – Constant repairs might be needed, especially if your top takes a beating in salt or chlorinated water.

Seashell tops are stunning, but they work best for staged moments rather than long swim sessions. If you're planning a full-on mermaid adventure, you might want to consider something more durable.

🎭 Fabric & Printed Tops: DIY Creativity at Its Finest

If you're looking for something next-level realistic, silicone or neoprene tops are where it's at. Silicone mimics real skin, scales, and even seaweed textures, making it an amazing choice for professional performers. Neoprene, often used in wetsuits, offers insulation and durability—perfect for mermaiding in cold waters.

✅ Pros:

✔️ Unreal realism – Silicone creates the most lifelike mermaid texture.
✔️ Warm & durable – Neoprene helps you swim comfortably in cooler waters.

❌ Cons:

✖ Expensive – Silicone tops start at $200+ and take time to make.
✖ Restricts movement – Silicone can be heavy, and neoprene is less flexible than spandex.

If you’re investing in professional mermaiding, these tops are worth it. But for casual mers, a swimsuit top might be a better option.

Known brands where you can get silicone tops by themselves are Mermaid Kariel and Cyntault Creations (picture to the right; also - get 10% OFF of your silicone bra with "MerMappCyn2025")

🌊 Inclusive Mermaiding: Options for All Sizes

One of the biggest challenges in mermaiding? Finding size-inclusive tops. Many brands still cater to limited sizing, but thankfully, things are changing!

• Look for reinforced seams to keep things secure.

• Broad straps help distribute weight evenly.

• Stretchy, adjustable fabrics allow for the best fit.

Brands like Lucia Mermaid and some custom tailmakers are finally recognizing the need for more size diversity—and we love to see it! You can check out their "Clearance" section and find some awesome silicone bras for some of the cheapest prices out there!

Male mermaids—aka Tritons—have their own style game! While some mers go shirtless, others prefer to enhance their ocean aesthetic with themed tops.

Popular Triton top choices:
1️⃣ Jersey T-Shirts – Casual and comfortable, perfect for land events or conventions. The best material? Cotton blends if you're on land (breathable, but heavy when wet). Otherwise, stick to recycled polyamide - they're quick-drying and chlorine-resistent which makes them ideal for swimming. (Mermaid Security Shirt Link)
2️⃣ Silicone Shoulder Plates & Belts – These are the deluxe version and make you look like king neptune himself! But they do come with the same pros and cons like the silicone mermaid tops as well. Known designers for those are KatMermaid (2nd picture - get 5% OFF with this link) and @merman.icarus

🧜‍♂️ What About Triton Tops?

The perfect mermaid top depends on what you need it for:
✔ Seashell bras – Stunning for photoshoots, but fragile for swimming.
✔ Swimsuit tops – Functional, flexible, best for actual mermaiding.
✔ Fabric & DIY tops – Artistic, affordable, and customizable.
✔ Silicone & neoprene tops – Pro-level realism, great for performances.

Whatever you choose, make sure it lets you move, shine, and feel your most magical self!

🌊 Making the Right Choice

💙 Join the MerMapp Community!

Looking for recommendations, reviews, or mermaid shopping tips? Join MerMapp—the ultimate mermaid network! Connect with fellow mers, discover fin-friendly locations, and share your mermaid journey with a community that gets it.

🐚 Download the app & dive in! www.mermapp.com

👉 What’s your go-to mermaid top? Tell us in the comments! 🧜‍♀️✨