Neopreenistas

Neopreenistas is a term used in fictional and speculative contexts to describe a community or subculture devoted to neoprene, a family of synthetic rubbers known for elasticity, durability, and waterproofing. The form blends neoprene with the -ista suffix, following patterns like fashionistas or technistas. In these contexts, neopreenistas explore and celebrate neoprene across disciplines including apparel, sports equipment, industrial seals, and art.

The term is not standardized in real-world vocabulary; it emerges primarily in world-building, online role-playing, and speculative fiction to convey a group identity around a material rather than a formal organization.

Members typically value hands-on experimentation with neoprene, share tutorials on cutting and sewing, discuss material sourcing and sustainability, and critique products for comfort, fit, and performance. They may organize informal meetups, design challenges, and online showcases of neoprene-based projects. In fictional depictions, neopreenistas may be portrayed as designers, engineers, or hobbyists who champion neoprene's versatility.

There is no widely recognized real-world neopreenista community. As a narrative concept, neopreenistas illustrate how a material can catalyze identities and creative practice at the intersection of fashion, design, and engineering.

See also: Neoprene, Polymer science, Fashion subcultures.