Should I use foam or neoprene can coolers?

The answer depends on a few factors. Here is a table showing their differences to help you decide what's best for your next project.

The differences:

Foam (Polyfoam)

Neoprene
  • Softer (think of a soft sponge)
  • Less expensive
  • The seams are sewn using a blind stitch, hiding the thread from the outside of the can cooler
  • Easier HTV adhesion
  • Firmer & more durable wetsuit material
  • More expensive
  • More elastic than foam
  • Sewn with an abutted seam, which shows the thread on the outside
  • Best for higher temperature transfers such as sublimation

 

foam vs neoprene can cooler sleeves

What they have in common:

Scuba knit polyester stretch fabric is laminated to the outside of both the foam and neoprene can coolers. This means that both types of coolers will accept Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), sublimation, infusible ink and screen printing. However, when applying higher temperatures, such as those with sublimation, many prefer neoprene due to its greater durability.

TahoeBay polyfoam:

TahoeBay foam can coolers are designed with polyfoam that makes HTV application smooth and hassle-free, giving creators consistent, reliable results. HTV is easier to apply on our foam than on neoprene.