So, neoprene - whose done it/doing it?

[MrsCampbellBlack]

And if you are, what do you recommend?

I saw a nice 3.1 Philip Lim neoprene frock in Harvey Nichols last autumn but decided that it was a bit undignified for somebody over 40!

That's what I wonder too. But then I think it might give a great shape but would it be sweaty?

I thought so. Also, neoprene has a bit of a saucy edge, if you know what I mean, so opportunities for wearing it might be limited!

I'm a surfer... when I wear neoprene it's to keep me warm in the sea. Can't say I've ever thought of it for everyday wear, and definitely not saucy when you've seen a few middle-aged beer bellies confined in a wetsuit.

I love neoprene and have a few things in it. I don't find it sweaty in winter (in fact it feels quite cosy!) and yep it gives great shape especially if it's quite thick. Wouldn't wear it once it gets warm!

I have an asos pencil dress which is about 2-3 years old, which I wish they would do again. It's really thick and stiff (7% elastane) and a lovely shape, but it's black and I've since had my colours done so don't wear it as much.

Last year I got another scuba dress from Zara, it's thinner material but still holds everything in, but has bobbled a little on the stomach. It has 11% elastane which is a nice figure hugging amount.

Most recent purchase is J brand neoprene jeans, which were more expensive than the other 2 but the material is a lot nicer. These have 15% elastane and really hold their shape!

So in my limited experience I'd say:

• designer neoprene will be nicer feeling
• go for less elastane for items that need to be stiff (A-line skirts?) and more for figure hugging things like dresses and trousers.

It seems this season neoprene is becoming more of a "thing" which makes me happy

Will take your word for it Blair.

It's one of those materials that has a 'practical' use for me, so I suppose I don't see past that.

But yes, it will probably be a bit sweaty in warmer weather.

I love the sound of neoprene j brands - off to google.

thanks all!

I have a neoprene hoodie from miss selfridge that is about 10 years old

might have to resurrect it

We do it for lunch bags, it's flexible, washes easily, keeps food cool and looks good 2 years on - I can't recommend it enough!

COS had a lovely jacket made from scuba fabric a few years ago that I didn't buy mostly because I couldn't find my size. As a fabric, I rather like it but it's rare that I find something I like that's made out of it.

I did buy this skirt last summer and wore it all the time. It didn't get sweaty at all (and it was pretty hot last summer)!

I think river island has a skirt that looks like it is made of neoprane in the sale.

I have two Zara neoprene dresses, Zara neoprene trousers and two neoprene Cos tops. I worry about sweating in them so they get less wear than they should. The neoprene trousers are a lovely pattern and fit but tbh they feel cheap. The Cos tops are better quality.

MrsCB - have you found those jbrands yet?

These are mine but they also have them in black (new season) on NAP. :)

The jeans look nice but they also look like they would give you a very sweaty crotch.

i thought this was about expensive wellies.