Billabong Wetsuits F/W 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits F/W 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Billabong
Interviewee: Alain Riou – Wetsuit Product manager & Valentin Bourgeon – Marketing Director

After a few seasons of (mostly) carryovers, fresh pieces were introduced in FW25. How did things pan out saleswise?
It hasn’t been the strongest season for Billabong wetsuits, as the market continues to absorb the post-Covid inventory overhang. High stock levels across the industry have created a competitive environment where consumers can easily find discounted products. The bankruptcy of Liberated in the U.S. also had a ripple effect, with Boardriders stepping in to purchase part of their inventory from suppliers, which temporarily limited our ability to introduce new products. At the same time, the acquisition of the Boardriders EU licence by the Beaumanoir Group brought structural changes aimed at making our operations more efficient for the long term. One of the major transitions — shifting to a new warehouse — did create short-term disruption in our delivery flow. However, this change is already proving beneficial, laying the foundations for a more reliable, streamlined, and scalable logistics system moving forward. Despite these headwinds, the outlook is positive. Inventory levels are normalising, operational processes have been reinforced, and the integration with Beaumanoir opens new opportunities in retail expertise, infrastructure, and consumer reach. With a stronger supply chain and renewed focus on product innovation, Billabong is well positioned to regain momentum and deliver a much improved season ahead.

The Fall/Winter collection is where innovations and new models come to life: which are the key additions to your range for FW26?
FW26 marks a complete refresh of the Billabong wetsuit range — driven by the same north star that guides everything we do: build the best wetsuits in the world, and do right by the ocean. Billabong has long been an industry leader in sustainability, and this new range pushes that commitment even further. For FW26, 80% of the range is made from Natural Rubber, now enhanced with our new Ocean+ platform. Even our top-tier suits are now built with natural rubber — and we’ve taken the material to the next level: 10% lighter and 15% stretchier than before. The collection focuses on the three pillars that matter most to surfers:
Comfort & Flex: Thanks to our Upcycler 4D and Ocean+ technologies, the suits offer exceptional freedom of movement without compromising on performance.
Warmth: The introduction of Graphene Ultra delivers a significant upgrade, providing a 26.6% increase in thermal retentionand keeping heat 20% longer.
Durability: Our Airlite 2 construction and stitchless welded seam technology ensure long-lasting performance, even in the harshest conditions. FW26 also introduces two new entry systems designed to improve the experience for every surfer:
The Gullwing, offering the largest, easiest entry and exit on the market with zero flushing.
The S-Wing, a redesigned chest-zip system that dramatically improves accessibility.
To make the range even clearer and more consumer-friendly, we’ve streamlined the lineup into two key pillars: Furnace and Absolute, each delivering high performance at different price points. With these innovations, Billabong reaffirms its position as a leader in both wetsuit performance and sustainable design — and sets the tone for a strong comeback in the seasons ahead.

Most wetsuit brands contained the rise of prices so far. Will FW26 remain stable regarding pricepoints?
Innovation doesn’t have to come at a premium — and for FW26, our entry-level wetsuits are actually more affordable than before, without compromising on performance. We’re also introducing a standout value proposition in the Absolute Ultra. Packed with high-end features and elevated construction, it delivers exceptional performance at a highly competitive price point. It’s designed to be the best value wetsuit in our lineup, offering consumers premium benefits at an accessible cost.

Do you notice a discrepancy between the sales ratio of premium wetsuits and entry-level ones?
Not really, Billabnong has a strong brand image and resonate with core surfers. Also has a more core distribution channel so Furnace is our best selling franchise.

The shift to non-petroleum based foam is close to the take over. Are you relying on established suppliers or developing your own proprietary technologies, as seen among some brands for a couple years?
We work very closely with our supplier, continuously challenging them to push further in eco-responsibility — a commitment that is equally important to them. They are true visionaries in this space. One of their most ambitious projects is the development of recycling facilities capable of taking back used wetsuits and converting them into energy and new raw materials, closing the loop in a meaningful way. Our supplier is also extremely proactive in developing new materials and next-generation foams, always aiming to reduce environmental impact while elevating performance. Their pace of innovation stands in sharp contrast to other suppliers who have offered essentially the same product for decades. This partnership allows us to continually bring the market cleaner, smarter, more sustainable wetsuit solutions.

Any innovations in the linings for 2026?
Graphene Ultra, the warmest inside thermal jersey to date Airlite 4D, benchmark for confort and flexibility made from 100% post consumer recycled textiles and engeneered with 4 way stretch. Our most flexible outside jersey to date

Do you notice any difference in the consumer habits of women? (wetsuit thickness, entry/closure systems, colors…)
Women are mor style driven and our capsules are always really well received. We do sell more Thick wetsuits nowadays as more women surf year long. But our technology is the same in men and women suits.

Please briefly mention the repair/recycle programs offered by your brand.
After-sales service is an area we are actively strengthening. We recognise that it hasn’t been at the level we expect for our consumers and retail partners, and improving this experience is a top priority for us moving forward. On the sustainability front, we continue to expand our recycling initiatives. Boardriders stores now operate a collection program for used wetsuits, which are then recycled through various specialised channels. This allows us to reduce waste, support circularity, and offer consumers a responsible end-of-life solution for their gear.

How are you helping retailers to sell more suits?
We’ve streamlined the range architecture to offer a clearer, more accessible overview of our wetsuit lineup. From a truly competitive entry-level suit, to the feature-packed Absolute Ultra offering exceptional value, all the way to the high-performance Furnace Ultra, the range is designed to meet every surfer’s needs. In addition, the range has been planned with a two-year life cycle, allowing sufficient time for new technologies to gain traction, for marketing initiatives to make an impact, and for improved inventory management across our retail and distribution network.

Key Products:

Furnace Ultra:
Our warmest most advanced wetsuit. We threw everything we had in this one

FURNACE ULTRA

Absolute Ultra:
Has a new S zip entry, Airlite 4D, Graphene Ultra, welded seams and natural rubber. All that for 299 only!!!

ABSOLUTE ULTRA

Furnace Revolution:
Our N1 selling suit everything you need and nothing you don’t. a great wetsuit at a good price. It’s passed the test of time and customers keep asking for it.

ABSOLUTE CORE