custom fabric mermaid tails

Courtney Mermaid appears here in her custom fabric mermaid tail "Helen" next to the Vancouver Mermaid statue in Stanley Park.

Hello My Fishes!

It has been my mission since 2006 to create the most unique, beautiful, and functional fabric mermaid tails for mermaid enthusiasts all over the world!

Every tail I bring to life features a completely custom design and a level of detail, quality, and comfort that can be seen from the professional design and thick luxurious fabric to the vibrant print.

Happy Swimming!
Courtney Mermaid
My Shop Vancouver Mermaid tail is my favorite tail, and the one I compare every other tail to. I love that Courtney incorporates feedback in the design process, but you are still purchasing a one of a kind piece of art!! Courtney’s artwork is amazing! The quality is fantastic! The construction is is done with such care! All the scales match up perfectly!! It has been a few years and the durability is great it has held up well with minimal pilling, stretching, scuffing, or fading. The colors are so vibrant and colorful! The fit is perfect. I have two tails now from Courtney, and both are my top favorite tails by far.
​- Justine
Zippers/closed fluke options are now available!
I came to Courtney with an extremely vague "something in the vein of your siren tail" idea and to say she fleshed it out into something so far beyond what I was thinking is a wild understatement. She plucked an idea I couldn't even form into a cohesive design in my head and made it a reality. She was a delight to work with and was always very communicative as to where she was in the process and never proceeded without contacting me first to make sure we were on the same page. I added at least three pieces (leggings, hip fins and top) to the order at random places during the process and she was always courteous and professional. Somehow during shipping, my bracers escaped the bag and she went to the trouble of making and shipping extras! So I give her customer service high marks for making things right. My favorite part is the certificate of authenticity with my tail's name on it! That just made it so special! 10/10, would recommend. The artwork is astounding, the attention to detail is very apparent, the quality is high and the artist/consumer interaction is fantastic. If you haven't "found the tail of your dreams" it's just because Courtney hasn't made it yet.
- Mermaid Neri

design price + Production Price = Full mermaid tail price*

*Excluding the cost of shipping.
Example: $165CAD (same front/back no addition details/fins) + $520CAD (basic mermaid tail) = $685CAD total

custom mermaid tail slots are now closed

Thank you so much for your interest in my work! Keep an eye here for updates!

    Mermaid Tail Design Price Guide

    Below is the application form for a mermaid tail design for one of my custom fabric mermaid tails.

    The prices indicated below are for the design of the tail itself, not the production. Please refer to the production price guide for more pricing information.

    Please refer to the FAQ at the bottom of this page for the answers to the most commonly asked questions about my tails and the design/production process.

    ​Thank you!

    Mermaid Tail Application Form

    Monofins are not included and must be purchased separately.
    SVM is not currently offering additional objects/items/decor like flowers, plants, armor, creatures etc. Thank you for your understanding.
    *The Open Bottom with Fringe has a raw fabric edge that may fray over time.

    ​**The expanded shape does have limitations as to whether or not it will be workable with/without a zipper depending on the design.

    If it is determined that the original design fee quote is inaccurate due to the request of additional details or fins, a follow-up quote will be calculated.
    The design fee includes 2 sets of revisions and any major changes beyond that will be subject to an additional design fee.
    This is just to give me an idea of where I will be shipping the tail to. I will not provide an estimate until after the tail has been completed.
    Please read the Terms of Service.
    By submitting this form, you agree to the Terms of Service set forth by SVM.
    Please note that we do not make children's tails at this time.
Please make sure you have the funds available before you submit and please be aware that mermaid tails and custom apparel are non-refundable given the nature of the work involved.
Please Note
I am very selective of the mermaid tails I accept and though I very carefully review each one, due to the volume of applications I receive, I am not able to respond unless you have been selected to move forward.

It may take a few weeks to hear back on pending applications and I very much appreciate your patience. ♥
​
My tails take time to produce and it is a back and forth immersive experience to make sure you get the tail of your dreams!

Safety Disclaimer

My mermaid tails are not intended for novice swimmers.
You are solely responsible for your health, safety, and wellbeing no matter how you choose to use my mermaid tails.

​Swimming with a monofin, mermaid tail, or other mermaid apparel/products can be dangerous and should never be done alone.

Production Price Guide

Below is the production price guide and does not include the design fee for your tail.

The Basic Mermaid Tail includes all fees associated with the physical production of your mermaid tail (excluding extra fins and matching apparel).
Basic Mermaid Tail ($520CAD)

Pectoral Fins ($65CAD) - 1 set
​Hip Fins ($65CAD) - 1 set
​Ankle Fins ($65CAD) - 1 set
​Short Dorsal ($65CAD) - single fin
​Long Dorsal ($130CAD) - single fin

Expanded Fluke Shape ($75CAD)

Matching Bracers - Basic Style* ($25CAD) - 1 set
Matching Deluxe Bracers with Fins** ($80CAD) - 1 set
Matching Top*** ($65CAD)
Matching Leggings*** ($100CAD)

Matching Necklace from Ripple's Relics
Contact for more information.

Monofin not included, shipping calculated separately.
*Basic Matching Bracers have a raw fabric edge that may fray over time.
**Deluxe Bracers with Fins must have a minimum length of 7" between the wrist and forearm to allow for the fin.
***Matching tops and leggings are limited to specific sizes provided by our manufacturer, see the chart below.
Matching Top Sizing Chart in Inches
Matching Leggings Sizing Chart in Inches
Sizes XS - XL feature a classic elastic style waistband.
Sizes 2XL - 6XL feature a yoga style waistband.

Mermaid Tail Gallery

Below are a few examples of the many mermaid tails I have brought to life for my amazing clients over the years. 

Tails in action

To see more of my tails in action, please visit me on YouTube!
Video footage from our first local SVM pod meet up! All tails (with the exception of the yellow and blue FinFun) are my creations, including all tops.
Mermaid Minnow's unboxing of her first SVM mermaid tail!
Check out her channel!
I was super impressed with the work Courtney did for my custom tail! I am so glad she agreed to create a custom scale for my tail and that she can now offer that to other mers! My tail is exactly what I asked for and more. It's like she got inside my head and knew exactly what to do. Courtney was super professional and awesome to work with to bring my dream tail to life. The colours are perfect, the fins, the scales, the patterns, everything! I also purchased arm bracers, a matching top, and leggings in addition to my tail. It fits me perfectly and I feel #somermaid whenever I put on my tail! It swims like a dream come true and I am so excited to get another tail from Courtney in the future. Courtney knows her craft well and communicates effectively and efficiently during the process of creating a tail that suits your needs and your ideas! I could not have picked a better mer to be a patron of the art she creates with her tail making. She was definitely the right choice for me to get my custom mermaid tail! For a more detailed review check out my Youtube video review :)
​- Widget The Mermaid

The Process

Mermaid tail production occurs only during the mermaiding "off-season" which is between October and April* and there is a waitlist system in place based on when your application is received.
*Production shuts down December 1st for the holidays and resumes the first week back in January.

1. submit the application form

The first thing you want to do is submit the above application form. Please try to be as accurate as possible when filling out.

2. Waitlist

After submitting your application, you will be placed on the waitlist.

3. design fee Payment

I will contact you to let you know I am about to submit your design fee invoice and you will have 48 hours to submit your payment before the next person in line is contacted and you will lose your slot. If you know you will need more time, please email vancouvermermaid@gmail.com and let me know and I will move you down the list.

If I do not receive a response after the 48 hours have passed, you will be removed from the waitlist.

4. measurements

I will require measurements from you to create your mermaid tail. I have a very specific method for collecting these measurements and you will be provided with the information on how to do it when we get to this stage.

5. mermaid tail design

The first thing I will create is a rough concept design and colour scheme for your tail which I will show you for approval before I create the final version for printing.

6. final tail design approval

Once I have completed your mermaid tail design I will require you to approve the tail for printing. At this point, no more changes can be made to the tail as the design must be prepared in a very specific way for printing.

7. Production Fee Payment

The production fee will include any matching apparel you wish to order so once I confirm the approval of your mermaid tail, I will send you a form to fill out with your add-ons order and sizing. Once I have received that form, I will send you the production invoice for your tail.

Similar to the design fee payment, you will have 48 hours to submit your payment before the next person in line is contacted and you will lose your production slot. If you know you will need more time, please email vancouvermermaid@gmail.com at that point at let me know and I will move you down the list.

8. add-ons

Now that your mermaid tail design is complete, I will create for you any add-ons (tops, leggings, bracers) and also prep those for printing.

9. printing & sewing

Once everything is approved, I will bring it into my printer for printing. It can take between 7-10 business days for printing. Once I get the call for pick up, I will begin the process of sewing the tail. I start with all the fins first and then sew up the body of the tail.

I will also send out orders for any tops or leggings (as I do outsource the production of these to a local company) and then I will complete any bracers.

10. shipping

Once the printing process has been completed I will sew your tail and prepare it for shipping along with any other custom items in your order. I will then notify you of the shipping fee. I will not ship your items until I receive the shipping fee payment which I will send to you via PayPal invoice.

frequently asked questions

If you have any other questions I have not answered here, please contact me and I will be happy to get back to you!
Q. How does the payment set up work?
A. The first thing you will pay for is the design. Once I have completed it and you have approved it, I will send you an invoice for the production of the tail (these are two different amounts based on the amounts in the above form and guide). Shipping is at the end so I can get the most accurate amount.
Q. How long will my tail last?
A. This is really going to vary from person to person. These tails are pieces of art and should be treated with respect. Do your best not to stand in your tail or rub it against harsh surfaces. Always rinse out your tail after every swim and let it dry completely before storing it. Never wring out your tail and hang it while it's soaking wet. Be gentle when you insert and remove your monofin. Following steps like these will ensure that you get the most out of your mermaid tail.
Q. I got my design can I take it to another tail maker for production or can I just sew it myself?
A. If you would like a design for another tail maker, please let me know ahead of time. I will not provide you with printed fabric to sew and I will not provide you with the printable pattern for another tail maker. This is a package deal and I would prefer to be able to control the quality of production in house. Thank you for your understanding!
Q. What fabric do you use for your mermaid tails?
A. My tails are made of a high quality thick Polyester, Spandex fabric. This material is often referred to as scuba knit which is essentially the fashion version of neoprene made of a double-knit Polyester mixed with Spandex.
Q. Can you copy [insert popular tail design]?
A. Inspiration can come from many sources, but I will not directly copy an existing tail design. If you would like a fabric version of your silicone tail, I can use your theme/colours as inspiration but I will not exactly copy another artist's work.
Q. I have paid for my order and wish to have a refund. Is this possible?
A. Tails are a final sale item. Please be 100% sure before making your purchase. If, after the design process is complete, you no longer wish to have the tail produced, please let me know and I will send you a high res (not full res) design via email.
Q. Do you include monofins with your tails?
A. No, you will need to purchase your monofin separately.
Q. How long will it all take?
A. It varies from weeks to months depending on how quickly we are able to work together, the availability of materials, the length of my wait-list etc. Unfortunately with recent world developments, things are a bit slower than normal and some delays are to be expected.
Q. Do you offer payment plans?
A. For returning clients I may consider a payment plan, but it is on a case by case basis.
I reserve the right to change any of the above information, pricing, and availability listed on this page at any time.