LIGHTNING BOLT SURF ROBES AND PONCHOS 2025 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Surf Robes and Ponchos 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Lightning Bolt
Interviewee: BRIANNA MORE, BRAND MANAGER

From a niche market to a popular must-have, Changing Robes and Surf Ponchos keep on growing.. What is your strategy for 2025: keep on expanding full tilt or has the time came to consolidate your offer?
Our 2025 strategy focuses on wise expansion. We’re reinforcing Lightning Bolt as a leading premium lifestyle brand by consolidating our value in key segments — without massifying. Rather than chasing volume, we’re building on authenticity, quality, and timeless design to expand thoughtfully into outdoor and fashion-forward markets.

The Robe/Poncho appeal is so mainstream nowadays: have you considered reaching out beyond the boardsport distribution channels before the fashion big names take over the demand?
Yes. We’ve already expanded Lightning Bolt into premium fashion and outdoor lifestyle segments. Our ponchos go beyond surf — essentials for après-surf, travel, urban leisure, and resort wear. We’re strategically positioning ourselves in lifestyle and concept stores to solidify brand relevance before mainstream players enter.

Recently, lighter and quicker drying options using micro-fiber cloth, rather than the thick terry Surf Poncho have gained traction, Do you offer both?
Yes. We offer premium cotton terry ponchos — for comfort, absorption, and heritage value — and lightweight, high-performance microfiber versions for quick drying and portability. We also introduced an innovative nylon robe with water-repellent protection for all-weather use.

The (Changing) Robes are worn in very different situations: Après-surf, dog walking, camping, as an indoor plaid and as a fashion statement in the big cities! Do you offer specific models for those various activities or the all-in-one product is the go-to choice?
We design versatile pieces for outdoor, beach, and urban use — but also offer specific variants:

Classic Surf Poncho for beach/pool/sauna
All-Weather Changing Robe for rainy or cold conditions
Urban Lifestyle Poncho with refined aesthetics for city or resort wear
This mix ensures functionality without compromising Lightning Bolt’s identity.

What are the key materials in your Robe range?
We focus on comfort, performance, and sustainability:

Premium terry cotton – absorbs moisture, regulates temperature, and offers a natural feel
High-performance microfiber – lightweight, fast-drying, ideal for travel
Water-repellent nylon – for rain protection and year-round use
All fabrics are selected for durability, quality, and responsible sourcing in Portugal.

Style: As there is pretty much a single silhouette for Ponchos & Robes, the only way to stand out is via colors/prints/patterns. What do you have in store for 2025?
Our 2025 collection is inspired by surf culture and Lightning Bolt’s DNA:

Earthy tones and ocean-inspired colorways
Signature surfboard colors like deep reds, sand yellows, and ocean blues
Subtle 70s-style graphic accents and surfboard-inspired line art
Premium finishes: embroidered logos, tailored silhouettes, and bold yet timeless aesthetics

How are you helping retailers to sell more of your product?
We invest in meaningful retail partnerships by offering:

Premium merchandising kits for immersive brand experiences
Influencer and artist collaborations to generate authentic content
Limited editions and exclusive drops create scarcity and desire
Strong price-to-value ratio (€60 retail, made in Europe with premium materials)
High-end visual assets (photos/videos) to support digital and in-store storytelling

Key Products:

Classic Surf Poncho:
This poncho is made with premium cotton terry and combines post-surf functionality with ultimate comfort. Quick-drying, salt/sun-resistant, and oversized to double as a towel, it’s a timeless beach essential rooted in Lightning Bolt heritage.

Classic Surf Poncho

All-Weather Changing Robe:
Built with water-repellent nylon, this robe offers hands-free protection for year-round use. It is ideal for surf trips and outdoor adventures and merges technical performance with style and warmth — the perfect travel-ready essential.

All-Weather Changing Robe

Urban Lifestyle Poncho:
Refined, versatile, and fashion-forward. Designed with luxurious fabrics and tailored details, this poncho fits into both city and resort settings. It’s a contemporary take on an icon — for those who value comfort with attitude.

Urban Lifestyle Poncho