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8 Best Realistic Mermaid Tails in 2021

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Young or old, everyone dreams of being a mermaid- and everyone can! Nowadays, you can find an assortment of lovely mermaid tails for all genders and age groups, so you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect mermaid tail for men, women, and children.

But, a glaringly fake mermaid tail can sometimes spoil the fun. While being a mermaid is just a fantasy, there is no reason not to try and make it look and feel as real as possible…

That’s why we are here to help! We want to share with you our top finds on the most realistic mermaid tails, as well as a couple of helpful buying tips, so you can have a full and wonderful mermaiding experience.

Our Favorite Realistic Mermaid Tails

mermaid on beach

Here are the 8 best realistic mermaid tails this 2021 that are sure to give you show-stopping looks as a true, real life mermaid:

Fin Fun Mermaid Tails and Monofin – New Celtic Green

realistic looking mermaid tail in green

Our top pick is one of the most popular and highest reviewed swimmable mermaid tails for kids and adults. This mermaid tail and monofin set by Fin Fun comes in a lovely, scaly, shimmery green that is perfect for a real-looking freshwater mermaid.

And, if green is not your thing, don’t fret just yet. They’ve got 8 more options for you to choose from, all of which are beautiful exclusive patterns that provide a comfortable and natural fit, and are safe and fun to swim in.

That’s because Fin Fun tails are made of premium, fade resistant swimsuit fabric that are designed with a four way stretch for the best fit and mobility. These mermaid tails are resistant to wear and tear caused by exposure to sunlight, saltwater, and pool chemicals.

  • 9 exclusive patterns and designs to choose from
  • 4-way stretch fade resistant swimsuit fabric
  • Reinforced tail tip technology
  • 90-day tail tip warranty guaranteed replacement
  • Can be purchased with matching swimwear, sarongs, and headwraps
View more by Fin Fun
Model and Accessory Specs:

Color: New celtic green (+8 more options)
Monofin: Fin Fun patented monofin with neoprene cover
Set includes: Mermaid tail and 1 monofin

Sun Tail Designer Mermaid Tail + Monofin – Ocean Deep

realistic looking mermaid tail in dark blue

Next on this list is an elegant dark blue tail featuring tiny scales that look like glittering light in the depths of the ocean. This designer mermaid tail by Sun Tail comes with a matching blue monofin, so it’s safe and perfect for swimming. Plus, it’s soft and realistic, and you can opt to get matching a mermaid swimsuit for a complete look!

The tail is made of premium swimsuit fabric, which is a blend of 80% polyester and 20% spandex fabric, providing you with a 4-way stretch for the best fit and mobility. The pretty, vibrant, and realistic designs are fade proof, so you know you’re in for a great deal with this one.

The best part is, the included patented monofin is newly designed for improved comfort, control, and durability. You’re getting superior quality, function, and design, and most importantly, an efficient underwater motion using the dolphin kick.

  • Polyester and spandex fabric in 17 design options
  • 1 year warranty with free replacement in case of tears, rips, and breaks
  • Machine washable with cool water (air dry)
  • Matching mermaid swimsuits made of the same premium fabric
View more by Sun Tails
Model and Accessory Specs:

Color: Ocean deep (+16 more options)
Monofin: Sun Tail newly designed patented monofin
Set includes: 1 mermaid tail, 1 monofin

Fin Fun Limited Edition Mermaid Tails and Monofin

realistic looking mermaid tail in pink

Ranking third is another amazing mermaid tail by Fin Fun. this time, it’s a magical blend of pink and blue with a touch of light and shine for the perfect realistic fantasy underwater princess. This limited edition tail features a unique design in shiny fish scale textures that simply look real.

The tail itself is a premium quality mermaidens collection made with swimsuit fabric that is resistant to the harsh effects of sun and pool chemicals. It comes in kids and adult sizes, as well as a variety of design options suitable for both women and children.

It’s also engineered with their revolutionary patented tail tip technology to provide protection from holes, tears, and more, even without a protector tape. Plus, it comes with a Fin Fun patented monofin, so you can swim faster with a natural mermaid motion.

  • Limited edition mermaid tails in realistic shiny fish scale textures
  • Comes with an unbreakable fin and neoprene cover
  • 60-day tail tip promise against holes, tears, and more
  • Matching swimwear and accessories for a complete mermaid transformation
View more by Fin Fun
Model and Accessory Specs:

Color: Fiji fantasy (+8 more options)
Monofin: Fin Fun patented monofin with neoprene cover
Set includes: 1 mermaid tail, 1 monofin

Fin Fun Reinforced Mermaid Tails – Blue Lagoon

realistic looking mermaid tail in blue and purple

Another great mermaid tail by Fin Fun is their blue lagoon reinforced mermaid tail, which showcases large beautiful scales of varying hues of blue with a hint of lavender, guaranteed to make you look like a classy and dreamy real life mermaid.

Made from a mermaidens swimwear fabric that stretches just the right way to fit you and your monofin perfectly, this tail is resistant to the effects of sunlight and pool chemicals, and is reinforced with Fin Fun’s patented tip reinforcement technology, so you don’t need to use protector tape to guard your tail against holes, tears, and shredding.

The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a monofin. But, if you want a lovely, high quality, and affordable costume, there’s none better than this one in giving you realistic scales on land, and magical mermaid scales in the water.

  • Swimwear fabric with reinforced tail tips
  • Realistic and magical mermaid scales
  • Monofin not included (purchase separately)
  • Comes in child, junior, and adult sizes
View more by Fin Fun
Model and Accessory Specs:

Color: Blue lagoon (+23 more options)
Monofin: not applicable (purchase separately)
Set includes: 1 mermaid tail

Sun Tail Designer Mermaid Tail + Monofin – Dragon Tail

realistic looking mermaid tail in green with mixed colors

Another designer mermaid tail and monofin set by Sun Tail is their dragon tail, which is a thick and luscious carpet of green and purple scales giving you a unique under-the-sea dragon appearance, and comes with a matching green monofin.

This is a great option for mermaid tails that you can swim in, since the fabric is a premium 4-way stretch polyester and spandex. It even comes with a 1 year warranty and free replacement guarantee as a testament to the product’s quality!

And, the patented monofin you’re getting gives you an assurance of comfort, maximized control for underwater swimming, and improved overall functionality. It’s made of superior quality materials, so you know it’s durable and will last you for a long time.

  • Fade and wear resistant swimsuit fabric in 17 design options
  • 1 year warranty with free replacement in case of tears, rips, and breaks
  • Machine washable with cool water (not suitable with bleach)
  • Can be purchased with matching swimsuits
View more by Sun Tails
Model and Accessory Specs:

Color: Dragon tail (+15 more options)
Monofin: Sun Tail newly designed patented monofin
Set includes: 1 mermaid tail, 1 monofin

Fin Fun Reinforced Mermaid Tails – Silver Lightning

realistic looking mermaid tail in silver

Here’s a special mention for men who want to live a day as mermaids. Fin Fun has a good selection of merman tails, such as this silver lightning tail, which is a steely light and cool silver from tails to fins, giving you an underwater warrior look. It seems hard and, well, steely, but it’s made of premium quality mermaid tail skin.

So, you’re getting a fade proof and wear resistant mermaid tail that is stretchable and form fitting, and is durable and machine washable. If you’re not yet convinced, well, this mermaid tail for men is one of Amazon’s best sellers and top rated products, which just means that customers love it. We are sure you will, too!

This tail is engineered with Fin Fun’s patented tip reinforcement technology, offering you superior protection from holes, tears, and shredding- no need to use protector tape! It also stretches around your monofin for a perfect fit. (Note: you’ll need to purchase a monofin separately.)

  • Stretchable swimsuit fabric with reinforced tail tips
  • Comes in child, junior, and adult sizes
  • Stretches around the monofin (not included, purchase separately)
  • Realistic scales on land, magical mermaid scales in the water
View more by Fin Fun
Model and Accessory Specs:

Color: Silver lightning (+23 more options)
Monofin: not applicable (purchase separately)
Set includes: 1 mermaid tail

Sun Tail Designer Mermaid Tail + Monofin – Aurora Borealis

realistic looking mermaid tail in purple with pink fin

For kids, teens, and for adults who are young at heart, this aurora borealis tail is sure to make you look like a youthful and fun loving mermaid, with a tail that is designed with trendy hues of pink and blue in tiny scales that will cling to you like a second skin.

Sun Tail’s vibrant designs ranging from the realistic to the fantastical are all superb quality, printed on premium fade proof swimsuit fabric that provides a comfortable and natural fit while giving you that much needed underwater mobility.

The matching pink monofin is also engineered with high quality materials, making it safe for swimming. It’s durable and long-lasting, it’s comfortable to wear and use in the water, and it gives you unparalleled control and underwater motion.

  • Trendy and realistic mermaid tails for swimming
  • 1 year warranty and free replacement guarantee
  • Machine washable with cool water (air dry)
  • Matching mermaid swimsuits made of the same premium fabric
View more by Sun Tails
Model and Accessory Specs:

Color: Aurora borealis (+15 more options)
Monofin: Sun Tail newly designed patented monofin
Set includes: 1 mermaid tail, 1 monofin

Fin Fun Mermaid Tails and Monofin – Arctic Blue

realistic looking mermaid tail in ocean blue

Last but definitely not the least on this list of mermaid tails that look real is Fin Fun’s arctic blue mermaid tail for kids and adults. It’s a cool and shimmery blue featuring tiny scales that resemble the rippling of serene waters. Trust us- if mermaids exist in the north and south poles, this is what their tails will look like.

This tail is made of premium fade resistant fabric, and comes in a variety of kids’ sizes, up to extra large for adults. It’s comfortable to wear on land and in the water, and if you want a complete mermaid look, you can also get matching swimsuits and accessories from Fin Fun. Talk about fun!

The best part is it comes with reinforced tail tips and a patented monofin for maximum comfort, swimming power, speed, and safety, not to mention durability.

  • Fade resistant swimsuit fabric in a variety of designs
  • Reinforced tail tip technology with a 90-day warranty
  • Can be purchased with matching swimwear, sarongs, and headwraps
  • Wide size range for both kids and adults
View more by Fin Fun
Model and Accessory Specs:

Color: Arctic blue (+ 8 more options)
Monofin: Fin Fun patented monofin with neoprene cover
Set includes: 1 mermaid tail, 1 monofin

Types of mermaids

Now, let’s talk about the many different types of mermaids. Did you know that there are lots of folklore and mythology all around the world talking a great deal about mermaids in one way or another?

In fact, what a mermaid looks like, where they live, and what they can do varies on where you look! So if you want your transformation to be as realistic as possible, it’s good to know the basics of the mermaid world, since this affects the appearance, color, and scales of your mermaid tail, as well as the shape and size of your fin.

Deep sea mermaid

Also called oceanids, deep sea mermaids are some of the most vicious mermaids deigned as protectors of the deep oceans, making them fierce warriors. What we are sure of is that deep sea mermaids are often bioluminescent, and all have eyes that are well-adjusted to see without sunlight. Their tails are in dark shades of blue, purple, and black, complemented by large flukes to help them swim against rough currents.

Arctic mermaid

Since arctic mermaids live near the polar ice caps, they are understandably secluded creatures, residing mostly in partially underwater caves. The cold temperatures and lack of sunlight gives them a pale overall appearance, including light blond to white hair, transparent skin, and a white or grayish white tail with a medium sized fluke. Moreover, since there aren’t any plants in the arctic regions, these mermaids have sharp claws and teeth which enable them to hunt and eat land and sea animals.

Siren

Sirens mainly come from Greek mythology, and are seen as powerful, evil, and solitary sea creatures causing sea storms, shipwrecks, and general havoc, as well as luring men with their beautiful voices. Some claim that they are actually half human and half bird. If they do have a tail, it’s most likely earth colored and with a small fluke.

Naiad

Also called naiades, naiads are special mermaids who serve as protectors of springs, wells, and fountains. They are the most nurturing and gentle out of all mermaids, and have magical healing powers. They typically have tails in elegant and soothing colors, as well as beautiful, long, flowing hair.

Freshwater mermaid

Similar to naiads in that they live in freshwaters, freshwater mermaids are friendly and sociable creatures who love to sing and play music. They mostly live in lakes, with a few residing in ponds, rivers, and streams. These mermaids have greenish skin, and tails in shades of seaweed green, blue, earthy brown, and gold.

Tropical mermaid

Touted as the most fun loving and easy going mermaids, tropical mermaids live near coral reefs, and have bright red, pink, and orange tails with small flukes, as well as a tanned skin and wavy hair. These are the flashiest mermaids you’ll find, but ironically, they can camouflage well using their fins and decorative accessories.

Murgas

Finally, we have murgas, which are mermaids specific to Ireland and Wales. Also called merrow mermaids or wee folk, these mermaids swim with the aid of a magic red cap, have an enchanting voice, and long green hair. They live and procreate with humans, and travel a lot either alone or with a pod, so their tails and flukes vary in appearance.

Realistic mermaid tails buying guide

Once you know what kind of mermaid you’d like to be, it’s easy to narrow down your options. But, even then, there are quite a few mermaid tails out there, all promising realistic designs and high quality materials.

So, how do you pick?

Durability

One of the most important factors you need to consider if you really want the best value for your money is whether or not the tail is durable, a.k.a whether it will last you for many years to come. This mostly means they need to be made with a good quality material.

But, what are mermaid tails made of?

The most durable mermaid tails are made of silicone, but they are also the most expensive. If you are willing to invest on silicone tails, you won’t regret it. Otherwise, there are plenty of great mermaid tails made of a variety of fabrics such as polyester, spandex, and latex. As for the monofins, the best ones are made of neoprene and rubber.

Colors

When it comes to color, there are a few things you need to take into account:

  • Your favorite colors, or what best fits your personality- as a mermaid, your tail is half of you, so you want it to represent who you are, right?
  • The type of mermaid you want to be- as you’ve read earlier, different types of mermaids have tails in varying colors and shades, so if you want to be realistic, try to follow their color scheme.
  • The color palette of most of your swimwear- making the most out of your mermaid tail means you can use it a lot. If you don’t want to purchase matching tail sets with tops and accessories, opt for a tail that looks well with your existing swimwear so you’re always put together.

Of course, the most versatile tails are in the shades of black and blue, although they don’t offer much in terms of flashiness, so you may still want to opt for something with a splash of color.

Mermaid tails materials

We’ve mentioned the best and most common mermaid tail materials already, but why are they important? Well, aside from factoring in on the tail’s durability, the material has an effect how the tail looks and feels like, how it fits and how easy it is to wear and use for swimming (or whether you can even use it in the water), its overall quality, and its price, among other things.

We’ll cover a mermaid tail’s uses and cost down below.

Is it swimmable?

You probably already know this, but some mermaid tails are swimmable, while some are not, meaning, some tails are made for water, and some for land. For example, cheap costume options and mermaid tails for toddlers are typically made solely for dressing up purposes. They are made with typical cloth fabrics which sag and get heavy and loose when soaked in water.

Mermaid tails you can swim in are made of swimsuit fabrics, so they’re stretchable and do not hinder or limit your range of motion. However, an important note for swimmable mermaid tails is that you need a monofin to use them, otherwise, you risk not being able to move properly, endangering you of drowning.

How much do mermaid tails cost?

In terms of how much a mermaid tail goes for, that really depends on the material, as well as the brand and manufacturer, a.k.a mertailors. Different tailmakers offer a wide range of prices for their mermaid tails, from cheap costume tails to swimsuit fabric tails that are all less than a hundred bucks.

With that said, custom made tails used by professional mermaids are more expensive than most options. Although you can find some under 200 dollars, most of these tails belong in a higher price range.

Learn to swim like a mermaid

Finally, if you want to swim with your mermaid tail, it’s important that you learn how to swim like a mermaid. This is because mermaid tails and monofins somewhat limit your underwater range and motion, especially since your feet are stuck together. It’s best to practice using your tail in shallow pool waters first, or better yet, take mermaid swimming lessons.

Take care of your mermaid tail

Remember, no matter how great the quality of your mermaid tail is and how much you paid for it, it can only last long if you take good care of it. Here are a few proper mermaid tail care tips that you should follow:

  • Don’t buy and use a mermaid tail that is too small
  • Don’t insert a monofin that is too big for the tail tip
  • Avoid sitting and walking on rough surfaces
  • Handwash the tail or machine wash it with cool water
  • Always air dry the tail after use and washing
  • Don’t use bleach and other harsh chemicals

Overview

Becoming a mermaid is a wonderful dream, but when it comes to turning that dream into a reality, the best way is to go all out with realistic mermaid tails. Fin Fun and Sun Tail are the most trusted brands when it comes to swimmable tails made with high quality materials and featuring fun and realistic color and design options.

Remember, choose your tail wisely, and take care of it. Happy swimming!