Scuba Fabric: Double Knit Poly-Spandex Fabric for Fashion

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The term ‘Scuba’ lets us dive into the world of fashion with a double knit feature. Wrinkle resistance, lightweight, sleek texture all these denote to the Scuba. But there lies a dilemma about the material of Scuba.

Neoprene is the material that makes the fabric less breathable. Also, Scuba is one of the fabrics that is non-biodegradable. Synthetic materials make the fabric limited in some aspects. Yet, Scuba marks its footprints as a fashion-friendly fabric in various applications.

Scuba Fabric Definition

Scuba fabric refers to the neoprene material (Chloroprene rubber) made of double-knit jersey fabric. Double knit here means the fabric is thick and heavy in terms of single knit. To create this double-knit texture, there has been the use of two sets of needles and yarns. It is made of polyester and spandex. In the case of adaptability, Scuba is extremely suitable. This feature helps the fabric to be used in different clothing.

Scuba knit tends to be heavyweight. It is also a weft-knitted fabric with spun yarn making. Applications of Scuba are apparel, sportswear, fashionwear, home decor, etc.

Scuba Fabric Origin

The initial curation of scuba traces back to the decade of 1930s. Rubber usage was experiencing a downfall in the global supply. So, in the alternative to Rubber, DuPont Corporation prompted the idea of Scuba and found a fabric solution.

In the beginning years, Scuba was used to reign in military applications. After the Second World War, Scuba offered versatile applications and went beyond the military. Scuba material started to become popular among surfers and scuba drivers mainly since then.

Besides, the issue of scuba diving in the beginning years was about water permeability. Neoprene makes a barrier between the skin and the environment around it. That is why the fabric is ideal for making scuba diving gear. But neoprene brings a disadvantage as well. As a fabric, neoprene is not a breathable one. The fabric holds moisture and does not wick away easily. Moisture wicks away when you take off the Neoprene cloth.

What is Scuba Fabric made of?

The main fibers of Scuba fabric are Polyester and Spandex. Polyester-made Scuba has a two-way stretch. Many suggest the fabric composition to the synthetic polymerization of the material- chloroprene.

Also, there is the use of Neoprene, the fabric’s other name. Neoprene denotes the synthetic textile type. This fabric, consisting of 92% polyester and 8% elastane blend, helps to make a thick fabric with a smooth and spongy feel. Besides, this fabric is well-constructed using the double-knit method.

Manufacturing Process

Here are the steps of the manufacturing process of Scuba:

Step 1: Chloroprene Production: Chloroprene is a substance. It is easy to make this substance in two ways. One of the ways is the reaction of base compounds with butadiene. Another way is the limestone derivative.
Step 2: Polymer Polychloroprene Making: The chloroprene gets exposed to the process of the polymerization process. The process is known as free radical emulsion.
Step 3: Delivery to Factories: The substance remains in a liquid state. In this form, they get delivered to textile factories. In the factories, manufacturers add additional additives. These additives produce a certain range of desired products. Then, the additives-filled substance goes through the huge mixer.
Step 4: Baking: The mixer goes through the industrial oven. There, the substance is baked.
Step 5: Slicing: The baked rubber gets cool in the slicing process. The rubber then runs through the slicing machine.
Step 6: Placing on Conveyor Belt: Each of the sheets gets placed in the conveyor belt. Then sheers are sprayed using a special epoxy. Lamination is done with a modifier nylon form.
Step 7: The finishing process: The process involves synthetic rubber sorting. The sorting process focuses on thickness. It is loaded onto the pallets and shipped to manufacturers of apparel.

How does Scuba Fabric feel like?

Scuba is a stretchy fabric. As a fabric, it is a little springy. The fabric feels smooth and soft. Also, it has a nice drape. Scuba can be available in different ranges and floral prints. Scuba is both thick and resilient. The fabric is stretchy because of the 4-way stretch. It is thick and spongy textured. The drape goes well with the fabric. The fabric has a good grasp on the original shape holding.

Variants of Scuba Fabric

Scuba has two major variants. For instance:

Petroleum-based Polychloroprene: Chloroprene rubber is the original form of Scuba. This type has been introduced by DuPont Corporation. Butadiene is used in its chloroprene. It is a fossil-fuel derivative. This variant is not sustainable for the environment. Also, it is not a superior type of Scuba in terms of benefits and usage.
Limestone-Based Polychloroprene: This type of Scuba has recently come onto the market. The type has the use of chemicals, origin from limestone. This type makes limestone fabric sustainable compared to Neoprene.

Another type of Scuba Fabric is:

Scuba Crepe Fabric: Scuba Crepe is a double knit fabric. It is a blend of polyester and spandex. It has a smooth texture and stretchy feel. This fabric has two sides. One side is lightweight, stretchy, soft, grainy, and crinkled.

The other side is smooth, soft, and woven texture. The only feature that makes a difference between Crepe and Scuba Crepe is the mixture of Spandex in polyester during the making of Scuba Crepe.

Properties of Scuba Fabric

Fabric Name	Scuba; Neoprene Scuba
Fabric Composition	Synthetic fibers
Fabric Breathability	Zero (Neoprene materialed)
Fabric Moisture Wicking Ability	Absent
Fabric Heat Retention Ability	High
Fabric Stretch Ability	High
Prone to Pilling	Medium
Washing temperature	Low Setting; cold
Fabric Print Type	Digital and Rotational
Fabric GSM	110
Used in	Apparel, Home Decor, Digital Accessories

Scuba Fabric Characteristics

Elastic: Scuba works as an alternative to rubber. It is stretchable. The elasticity is good and it makes the fabric ideal for sportswear. In sportswear, scuba fabric serves as the tight-fitting wear.
Fluid Drape: This fabric has a fluid drape ability. The fabric has a good amount of stretch. The fabric is stiff. But it holds its shape very well.
Insulating Properties: This fabric is an insulating one. Because of the fiber materials. Either polyester, spandex, or the blend of polyester, spandex, and neoprene make it an insulating fabric.
Holds Color/Dye well: Scuba is available in a different range of color patterns. It is common to see this fabric in embossed designs. Sometimes, vibrant patterns also go with the fabric.
Loose-Fitting Clothing: Neoprene-made scuba is not for tight-fitting clothes. Neoprene suggests the loose-fitting cloth. The cloth does not cover an entire portion of the body. Stretchiness makes the fabric an ideal material for clothes for tight-fitting wear. But the breathability does not match the benefit.
Cost: The expense of scuba is pretty high. But if the fabric is available in bulk, the cost will decrease. Chloroprene or Polyester-Chloroprene or polychloroprene fabric has different ranges of amounts. But polychloroprene made scuba is expensive. For glue, sewing, and consumer use, the fabric may seem an expensive one with a high margin.
Stretchability: Scuba knit has exceptional stretch. It is because of the spandex content. The stretch provides comfort, ease of movement, and popular choice for clothing.
Wrinkle Resistance: Scuba fabric is wrinkle-resistant. It is a practical choice for travel. The fabric maintains its original shape throughout the day.
Opaque: Scuba knit is opaque. It is one of the features of its being versatile. The fabric has a thick structure and spongy feel.

Scuba Fabric Applications

For fashionable, accessories, or stylish decor purposes, Scuba fabric stands tall. It has also uses in figure-hugging fashion and sportswear.

Apparel: Wetsuits, dresses, swimsuits, and tops, dancewear, leggings, and scuba suits, skirts and pants, jackets and outerwear.
Accessories: Gloves, Power transformers, covers of hose, laptop cases, beverage holders.
Medical use: Neoprene Gloves.
Military: Noise insulators, Shock Absorber.
Home Decor: Crafting curtains. Cushions, throw pillows, tablecloths, placemats, upholstery
Sportswear: Compression gear, swimwear, yoga pants, leggings

Scuba Fabric Care

Scuba only requires a few caring instructions. For instance:

It is preferable to wash scuba at 30-40 degrees of temperature. It is also suggested to wash scuba with cold water. So, there is a debate.
Tumble dry does not go well with the fabric.
In the case of ironing, it is suggested to keep the setting low.

Concerns:

Scuba (Polyester-Spandex) made are sensitive to heat.
The fabric may melt if it is brought near to the high temperature during the ironing or washing process.
High heat may turn the fabric to gain marks.
Light iron is all right. Hand washing in cold water is preferable.
In the case of the washing machine, keep the cycle general.

Scuba Fabric Sewing Tips

Scuba fabric does not fray. It is the most positive thing about the fabric. The fabric, if hemmed, tends to have a finished look. The use of binding refers to the fabric being non-fray in nature.

Scuba hardly requires a lining. Because the fabric is already thick. Pre-washing can be practiced in the case of this fabric. The smooth surfaced Scuba tends to be prone to snags. Using a ballpoint and a stretch needle use are suggestions if snagging happens.

Scuba Knit in Fashion

Scuba knit fabric has had a significant impact on the fashion industry in recent years. The reasoning is broad. For instance:

Scuba is Contemporary Aesthetic: Scuba fabric appears as modern, and sleek. This appearance provides apparel with a polished look with a sophisticated nature. The nature of scuba knit is structured and tailored in designs. Scuba is sleek in design and soft to the touch.
Comfort: The scuba knit provides comfort. There is the perfect stretch and form-fitting quality. The fit is comfortable. The fabric ensures a flattering fit indeed.
Easy to Care for Scuba is wrinkle-resistant. So, it ultimately makes it easier for the fabric to go through minimal maintenance. In the busy lifestyle and fast fashion, the fabric indeed works best for many.
Seasonal Adaptability: Scuba knit may seem heavy. But it is versatile based on the season. The fabric has warmth in colder months. It is also breathable in hot and humid climates.

FAQs

Which country produces Scuba Fabric?

In the entire world, scuba is produced in large quantities by India, the United States, China, and Japan. Among these 4 countries, The USA is the only Neoprene producer.

China is the source of Chloroprene rubber. China is currently the biggest producer. Also, there are companies in the Netherlands, Japan, and India that largely produce this fabric.

What is Neoprene?

Neoprene is a petroleum-based polychloroprene. It has a trade name. The trade name is chloroprene rubber. The usual rubber was not available during the Second World War. So, corporations initiated this chloroprene rubber as an alternative to the general one.

Is Scuba a Sustainable Fabric?

Scuba fabric has impacts on the environment. It is only then that the material is Neoprene. Petroleum-based chloroprene rubber requires limited resources but produces a huge amount of non-disposed waste.

Limestone chloroprene rubber is another type that is better for the environment comparatively. Polychloroprene types are not biodegradable at all. Chloroprene rubber can take millions of years to be disposed of in the environment. So, overall, the sustainability depends on the material used in the Scuba.

Why is there a confusion between Scuba Fabric and Neoprene?

Some manufacturers have fully focused on polyester and spandex-made scuba with fine gauge thread. The blend makes the fabric smooth in texture. But there is a confusion or a dilemma between Scuba fabric material and Neoprene.

Neoprene is just a synthetic rubber in a hybrid form. It is durable, flexible, and perfect for use in wetsuit making. Scuba no longer serves the alternative purpose of synthetic rubber. So, Neoprene Scuba is hard to find.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of Scuba as a fabric?

Almost every fabric has benefits and drawbacks. Scuba is not different here. So, the benefits of Scuba are

Heat Retention
Highly Stretch Ability
Scuba provides extra support.
Water-resistant
It holds pleats well.
Super smooth.

Drawbacks of Scuba Fabric are:

Non biodegradable
Non Sustainable
Not Breathable

Conclusion

Scuba or Neoprene, no matter how anyone recalls the fabric, it provides extreme comfort, stretch, and insulating properties. The concern lies with the fabric not being moisture-wicking, biodegradable, sustainable, and breathable. These features shall too pass if the fabric continues to catch the trends in the fast fashion world.