Follow Impact Vests 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Impact Vests 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Follow
Interviewee: Rich Jonas – Global Digital Marketing & Team Manager

How was the 2025 market for impact vests?
The 2025 impact vest market was steady but positive, with performance driven product outperforming new colourway’s and graphic refreshes. Cable heavy regions in Europe remained consistent, while North America continued to grow with purchasing focused on quality and performance. Retailers have been cautious with inventory, favouring proven fits and established styles over experimental pieces. Overall, the market rewarded brands that could demonstrate durability, fit confidence, and long term value rather than short term trend appeal.

Which market segments are you noticing the most growth in and why?
Cable remains a consistent growth segment due to repetition and progression. High usage exposes poor construction quickly, so riders are investing in better quality. We are also seeing continued growth in women’s specific product, the ladies expect a design that reflects a true female body shape and monility rather than adapted patterns scaled up/down.

What are the main trends in the market for impact vests in 2026 and how are you addressing them?
The key trends we are seeing are refined fit, reduced bulk, and long term comfort. Riders want mobility without the vest riding up, gaping around the neck and shoulders and move with them, not against them. There is also growing appreciation for understated design and materials that hold their shape after repeated use. People use our product day in day out and they want the same look and fit from day 1 to day 100. Our focus remains on patterning, materials, and testing to ensure consistent performance wet and dry.

Tells us about your new vests styles & designs?
Episode 05 refines the range with a focus on controlled segmentation, reduced bulk and cleaner articulation, led this season by the Affix vest. The Affix is crafted for riders who appreciate exceptional quality and considered construction. Built in our Relaxed Fit, it delivers consistent comfort from top to bottom, with a chest and armhole scale adjusted uniquely across the size range from 2XS to 6XL. Quad-S Neoprene provides serious stretch and softness, while a durable nylon textile chest panel and pocket add structure and a fine dose of style. Alongside it the P1 Traction continues within our Project One program as a more eco conscious technical expression of the range. Featuring GRS-certified Recycled Chevron Polyester and refined internal panelling, it combines durability and environmental consideration without compromising performance. Each vest uses 81 recycled bottles and we offer both men’s and womens P1 vests. On the women’s side, the Cleo stands out. Strong, centre-focused panel lines create a bold silhouette that feels deliberate on the body. It’s built with a full neoprene outer for durability and comfort when wet. Underneath the visual impact it usees our Duo Tailored Fit, Dual Layer Construction and TrueFit™ Liner to ensure it performs as well as it presents. Across the range, the design direction remains understated and intentional, allowing fit and construction to lead.

What (new) technology or materials are using in your crash jackets?
TrueFit™ Liner continues to be central across the range. It bonds foam and neoprene to help the vest follow the natural curve of the body and maintain position through a full session with out moving. On the materials side, Quad-S™ Neoprene delivers serious stretch and softness without sacrificing structure. In Project One, the P1 Traction uses GRS-certified Recycled Chevron Polyester for abrasion resistance and reduced environmental impact, while maintaining performance standards.

Any exciting marketing campaigns coming up for your product line?
Watch this space!

How are you helping shops and parks to sell your product?
We have been really busy building the Follow content for our, dealers, distributors, agents, reps and shop staff with clear, well thought out product education. This video series dives deep into what makes follow what is, gives our tech easy to remember points and all in easy to consume videos. Product education for the whole chain is important, everyone from director to shop staff should know this info to provide the consumer with the best ves which is right for them. The goal is simple: reduce uncertainty, increase fit confidence, and support long-term sell-through with product that holds up.

Key Products:

Mens P1 Traction:
The P1 Traction represents our most considered construction within Project One. Built with GRS-certified Recycled Chevron Polyester, it delivers durability and structure with reduced environmental impact. Refined internal segmentation maintains consistent fit and comfort over time. Technical in build and understated in appearance, it reflects our commitment to performance and long-term quality.

CE-P1-Traction-F-Emerlad

Mens Affix:
The Affix is crafted for those who value exceptional quality. Quad-S™ Neoprene provides serious stretch and comfort, while a durable nylon textile chest panel adds structure and abrasion resistance. Internal stitched segmentation enhances mobility without distraction. Built in our Relaxed Fit, it delivers clean lines and consistent comfort across the size range.

CE-Affix-F-Grey

Womens Cleo:
The Cleo is a statement vest defined by strong centre-focused panel lines that shape the silhouette with intent. A full neoprene outer delivers durability and comfort in the water, while the Duo Tailored Fit wraps the body with balanced support. Visually confident and technically grounded, it performs as well as it presents.

CE-Cleo-F-Peach