Hurricane Wetsuits S/S 2026 Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Hurricane
Interviewee: CRAIG BUTCHER : MANAGING DIRECTOR
How was the 2024 market?
The big wetsuit brands are still recovering from post covid overstock which flooded the market a fair bit but at the same time allowed for more niche products to emerge as customers seek out alternative brands.
How are stock levels compared to a year ago?
Being a fairly new category for the brand, our stock levels are good as we have never really been affected by the post covid overstocks which other brands have faced.
The new rubber innovations display the picture of a segment full of vitality. Was the sell-in on the same page for Spring-Summer 2025?
Sell in for SS25 was good considering the amount of competition.
Is SS26 a continuation of your current line (with some updates) or did you revamp your collections?
We are constantly improving and updating where needed but we went through a major re-vamp for 2025 and response has been amazing so we will go into SS26 with a solid base.
Are pricepoints on the rise? If they are, how do you justify the raise to retailers?
We haven’t been hit with many price increases from our suppliers so we won’t have any shocking increases to announce. We feel that it is easier for us, being a smaller brand to have stability in our pricing as we don’t get mandates from head offices trying to balance global sales due to tariff hikes etc. going on in other countries and continents.
Which neoprene options did you use for SS26?
We have a complete offer from our entry level Buffalo wetsuits made of flexible CR foams and recycled laminates to the delux Yamamoto neoprene Zambezi series.
What differentiates your steamer offer from the rest of the competition?
Our Mamba 2.0 wetsuits probably offer the biggest point of difference because we have managed to offer a high end super stretch steamer, with recycled laminates at an extremely competitive price.
Which silhouettes are trending within the pure summer short-leg/arm models?
We have seent the long arm shorty fading in popularity and quickly being replaced by a full 2mm short arm steamer.
While the winter wetsuit offer black on black (non)colorways, did you add a bit of fun in the spring-summer ranges?
Although we kept to the best selling black base in adult wetsuits, we added some flashy contrast colour pop in the branding. With regards to the kid’s wetsuits it is all about the colour however and black just doesn’t work here.
Do you offer repair and/or recycle programs?
We work with external repair centers and also have our own internal one for minor repairs.
Key Products:
Hurricane Mamba 2.0 series:
With GBS ‘Mambaprene’ , strategically placed reinforcement seam tapes and original non corrosive YKK zippers, Mamba series wetsuits offer exceptional performance and durability. All Mamba 2.0 wetsuits use eco-friendly 100% recycled laminates to compliment the performance offered, with sustainability.
MAMBA 2 43 FULL SUIT (chest zip) MENS BLACK front
Hurricane Buffalo series:
The flatlock stitched Buffalo series wetsuits are built using the most durable nylon lined CR foams with super stretch arm and shoulder linings. Sold as the entry level series, reinforcement plates built in behind non-corrosive original YKK zippers shows however that the Buffalo series is built to last.
BUFFALO 32 FULL SUIT WOMENS black front 2-2
Hurricane kids wetsuits:
An adaption of the Buffalo series but using double stretch neoprene all over to ensure easy access for the little ones as well as bright colourways, the Hurricane kids wetsuits tick all the right boxes. Available from size 2yrs to 14yrs. Full suits offer easy entry zips on ankle cuffs.
Wetsuit BUFFALOMAMBA 3.2 Kids FULL SUIT Color
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