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Becoming a Mercreature: Designing the Human Half

 Now talking about what to wear on your torso. There are so many options to consider because this will be completely about what kind of character you're trying to create and the kind of effect you're going for. You don't have to go with the sea shell bra. Technically, you can wear any kind of swimwear or t-shirt or some such. But we can have some fun looking at clever nautical themed outfits to try.

Bikini Tops

I've seen a lot of very creative solutions for a mermaid bikini top from silicone scales to sea creatures to "found objects". Commonly, sea shells such as lion paw clams, starfish, big leafy kelp or fishing net. 

Here are a f ew tutorials on how to make a mermaid top out of old bras or how to sew one of your own.


 

Starfish crochet Pattern 

Seashell Pattern

Silicone Scale Tutorial (video)

Seaweed Top (video)

Floating Sea Shell Pattern

Scale Tops

Creating an illusion of scales over your chest can be quite the challenge. You can get swimsuit tops make out of a scale patterned fabric. 

You can also get an illusion top one piece to with skin tone and scales printed on it. 

Using the same idea as the Floating Sea Shell, you can use nylon and attach silicon scales in strategic locations. 

Arm Décor

Arms are essential for swimming so you don't want to load them down too much. You can make some pretty frilly fins or some solid shark/dolphin. 



Silicone Scale Gauntlets - similar to the top or use individual scales 

Shark Fin - The idea here would be to cover plastic, EVA foam, or a wire frame with spandex then attach it to a sleeve or gauntlet.

Armored Gauntlet - these you can make like any gauntlet with EVA and cover with thermoplastic or vinyl. 

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