Impact Vests 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Performance-driven innovation is turning the impact vest into a multi-functional essential for a broader and more discerning rider base. By Rocio Enriquez.
2025 was a good year for the impact vest category, with brands reporting steady sales and growth driven by increasing participation in wake, foil, and emerging disciplines. Purchases are performance-led, so retailers are cautious with inventory, favouring proven, safety-focused products. Foiling is the fastest growing segment, with rapid adoption across wing, kite, and wake driving demand. “More and more hydrofoil sailors are recognising the dangers of falling onto foils”, says WIP Marketing and Team Manager, Benjamin Tillier. Cable wakeboarding remains a consistent, core growth driver. More women in these sports are driving female-specific products, while ageing riders are also seeking protection. The primary purchase driver is long-term performance. Fit, comfort, mobility and durability outweigh aesthetics. “Design and colour still grab attention, but it’s all about comfort, flexibility, and fit on the body”, says Jet Pilot Brand Manager, Kolyn Howard. Impact vests are moving towards low-profile designs and lightweight constructions, with added functional and safety features gaining traction. Sustainability considerations are also rising.
2026 Impact Vests
This year’s designs offer advanced panel segmentation and tailored fits. Jet Pilot pushes their Highlight range with a segmented neoprene flex panel that allows the vest to rotate naturally with the body. Ronix collaborated with expert tailors from NYC to develop their own engineered fit system. “The Manhattan Tailor Fit contours to the body for unrestricted movement, and it’s engineered for real bodies”, describes Ronix International Sales Manager, Jack Youngquist. They combine it with flexible foam panels and 4-way stretch. There are increased body-specific shapes, including women-specific. Ronix applies their Manhattan Tailored Fit to their women’s styles too.
Follow launches the Cleo women’s vest with centre-focused panel lines. “Ladies expect a design that reflects the true female body shape, rather than adapted patterns”, says Follow Marketing and Team Manager, Rich Jonas. For men, their Affix vest is built in a relaxed fit, with chest and armhole scale adjusted carefully across a wide size range. Multi-functional vests are growing, offering added features.
Soöruz’s Strato model includes safety accessories, adjustable straps, and a hydration pocket. Their Wing model has an integrated hook. WIP’s New Kompact for windsurfers and kitefoilers comes with a pocket too.
Construction is focused on impact absorption systems, with multi-layer foams and advanced linings. WIP has developed an advanced impact absorption system. “The WIP Inside Technology system uses three special layers: a high-density foam, an anti-puncture shield one, and a soft dampening one”, announces Benjamin Tillier. They will also launch a new version of their 50N Wing impact vest with an integrated carbon plate for better transfer of energy. Follow keep their TrueFitTM liner central across the range. It bonds the foam and the neoprene to follow the natural curve of the body. Their Quad-STM neoprene enhances stretch and softness without sacrificing structure. We see an expansion of eco-conscious product lines. Follow continues their Project One program with the P1 Traction, a vest made of GRS-certified recycled polyester. Jetpilot uses their own neoprene alternative made with recycled polyester jersey. We also find water-repellent and hydrophobic textiles. Ronix’s One is a lightweight men’s impact vest built with an engineered mesh that is fully hydrophobic. Their super smooth Slik Skin lining is also exceptionally water-repellent.
Retailer Support
Marketing relies heavily on athlete-led storytelling. Content creation focuses on authentic and community-driven narratives that emphasise education over pure branding. Product education involves staff training to enhance product knowledge, and ready-to-use marketing assets like videos, POS, and digital content to educate the final consumer. Follow has produced a video series that dives deep into the brand’s ethos and the key technical features they provide. Ronix uses the product tags and displays to communicate specs and material benefits. Athletes are an important endorsement for this product category, both in the water and on social media. JetPilot uses their team of top athletes to showcase real performance, fit, and functionality. Ronix is rolling out rider-driven stories featuring pro athletes that spread the joy and community of wake sports. Sooruz showcases their athletes and their achievements.
WIP invests heavily on a top roster of worldwide athletes. They are now working closely with Big Wave surfers to develop specific vests for them and their rescue teams. In addition, they offer flexible ordering options and customised solutions for specific needs of their partners.
The impact vest category is consolidating around the values of technical performance and functional versatility. Brands are responding with sophisticated construction and tailored fits. Retailers will benefit from the strong product curation, staff education, and credible, athlete-led storytelling.
Brand Previews
