Oxbow Wetsuits S/S 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Oxbow
Interviewee: Thomas Chastol product manager

How was the 2024 market?
It seems that the global wetsuit market is growing but we still face a lot of high stock level on retailers side. The increasing popularity of water sport and innovation on fabrics and technology drive the market.

How are stock levels compared to a year ago?
Stock levels are still quite high, even if it’s getting clearer.

Is SS26 a continuation of your current line (with some updates) or did you revamp your collections?
We rebuilt our collection through a better segmentation. Of course our main point on the full range remains in producing wetsuit without neoprene but with natural rubber. Then we introduce new surf school wetsuit segmentation with a natural rubber foam.

Are pricepoints on the rise? If they are, how do you justify the raise to retailers?
We want a positive impact on the wetsuit market. We definitely think the whole market should switch to natural rubber foam as a basic. That’s why we did not raise our price, we even more decrease them.

Which neoprene options did you use for SS26?
As the market evolves, we are now able to offer natural rubber without being dependent on Yulex. We now can find natural rubber foam as good as Yulex, even with a better performance. Then, external fabrics and thermal lining are both in recycled fabrics.

What differentiates your steamer offer from the rest of the competition?
Our ratio price/quality with recycled fabrics.

Which silhouettes are trending within the pure summer short-leg/arm models?
We notice a rising interest in women springsuit with more graphism, and trendy fit, such as half front zip rather than classic chest zip springsuit.

While the winter wetsuit offers black on black (non)colorways, did you add a bit of fun in the spring-summer ranges?
We definitely should increase more colors in our range, as Oxbow is known for its graphism heritage.

Do you offer repair and/or recycle programs?
We do partner with TEARING WAVES, allowing a 24 months warranty to our customers. The idea is to deliver good products, sustainable with eco friendly fabrics in order to minimize our environmental impact.

Key Products:

3/2 natural rubber chest zip: