So what's the story behind the futuristic spongy material neoprene, made from synthetic rubber, that we've been seeing a lot of in recent times? No longer just the stuff of swimwear and scuba wetsuits, neoprene has fast become a fashion favourite and is kind of like the leather of summer. Neoprene—the
soft, flexible material once relegated to scuba gear and laptop
sleeves—has found a fashionable place as a summer staple,
with top designers taking the fabric out of the water and putting it on
the runways. With its strong and defined lines, spongy neoprene creates
architectural shapes with a futuristic finish. Further
distancing neoprene from its typical sporty use, designers are
fashioning bonded versions by fusing it with brushed felt, wool, and
velvet.
When styling neoprene, there are two ways to go. It should either fit like a glove or have a slightly architectural feel to it. This way, you can make the most of this unique fabric without it looking awkward. The unique fabric allows for a wrinkle-free, bold structure that is Perfect in a skater skirt, oversized coat, thick jumper, or structural crop. No matter how you choose to wear it, neoprene will earn you major fashion cred points! One thing to keep in mind is that neoprene was designed to absorb water and keep you warm. Just make sure to get it dry cleaned if you sweat in it.
