They say the world is full of possibilities and if there is one place that swears by this adage, it has to be the ever-experimental world of fashion. Since we as fashion designers are entrusted with the responsibility to consistently push the envelope, let us introduce you to one of the unconventional fabrics that has been quite the talk of the town these days — ‘Neoprene’, the spongy, synthetic rubber, which for a long time was relegated to the technical and functional side of fashion. With more and more designers and fashionistas embracing it, neoprene has clearly become the fabric du jour for this season.
As history tells us, the material first made headway into a wearable garment in the 1950s, when twin brothers, Bob and Bill Meistrell, both surfing enthusiasts, discovered that neoprene could keep them warm under water. This was followed by the developments in the early ’90s, when a couple of ace designers and brands started tweaking the fabric into sleek minis and shoe uppers, thus heralding a period where neoprene started having its fashion moments.
Now what is it that makes us adore this wonder fabric in this present age? While its insulating properties make it ideal for the Fall/Winter, the “waterproof” neoprene is a perfect and safe bet for the summer and monsoon. And if you are looking for a cool alternative to leather, then neoprene is your go-to fabric. The seamless fit and structure of the fabric allows architectural shapes and futuristic styling in garments that lends fresh, sassy and versatile attiring options.
It can hence be easily sculpted and contoured to sharp clean lines as well as voluminous silhouettes. And yes, neoprene also works amazingly for plus-size, as the material doesn’t stretch out or fray, allows no risk of any accidental see-through and is of course, immensely comfortable.Thus, with so many brownie points to its name, it is definitely high time to upgrade one’s closet with neoprene and let the world go bug-eyed over your style.
For all your beachy pleasures, choose a colour block neoprene bikini top or take it beyond the beach by pairing with a high-waist skirt and blazer. Take on two hot trends simultaneously, by opting for floral print or striped neoprene trousers, jackets, skirts and tops. Work out a form-fitting neoprene pencil skirt or body-con skirt/dress in solid colour with nude pumps for office. Go for a polished look in a minty blue/pastel neoprene skater skirt, a breezy blouse and flat sandals or heels, for a whimsical daytime affair.
While neoprene rompers, shorts, peplum tops and jumpsuits are other cool summer duds to sport, a neoprene LBD is an absolute eye-catcher. An interesting way to carry the neoprene trend is to look for lace and fishnet details in your neoprene piece. While an embroidered neoprene crop top can turn heads, asymmetric drapes and innovative panelling in your neoprene dress would grab many eyeballs.
Also, one rule of thumb while wearing the neoprene trend attractively is to strike a balance between boxy and body-hugging silhouettes and offset fancy with casual. Thus, with dapper outfits and snazzy footwear, options are a plenty in neoprene. Someone rightly remarked that “you don’t wear neoprene, neoprene wears you.” From catering especially to the androgynous, sporty, tech-driven fashion-forward world to contemporising our traditional indigenous silhouettes, the magical fabric has done it all and won many hearts. So, is neoprene the next big thing in fashion?
The writers are fashion designers
