What is Scuba Fabric And Why Is It Popular?

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What Is Scuba Fabric?

Scuba is a lofty double knit fabric made of polyester fibre that has two-way stretch. It has a low lustre sheen and a full body drape on both sides. This fabric is very popular among fashion brands due to its versatility and the body it provides to a garment. Because of its lofty hand feel, it is frequently compared to neoprene, but neoprene is technically foam and not "fabric," and it is not as malleable as scuba.

I'm sure you've heard of scuba as it's all over the place. If you go to Myer or David Jones and look around the ladies' section, you can find tops, pants, skirts and dresses made from this fabric. You'll love it even if it doesn't feel like jersey or french terry because of how it looks when you wear it.

This fabric has a horizontal stretch of 30 to 50% and is made of 95% polyester and 5% spandex. This fabric is extremely adaptable. Consider shorts, skirts, and dresses sewing patterns which require only horizontal stretch for best results.

Brooke from Idle Sunshine Design modelling her gorgeous handmade dress.

Please note I no longer stock scuba fabric in my online store, after many years of self education I've decided it no aligns with my sustainability ethos and therefore prefer to curate fabrics that is gentler on our environment (this may change as technology changes in the future).