Manera Wetsuits F/W 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits F/W 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Manera
Interviewee: Julien Salles (general manager), Bud Freitas (sales rep), Lucie Denjean (marketing manager)

After a few seasons of (mostly) carryovers, fresh pieces were introduced in FW25. How did things pan out saleswise?
Yes. After a long run with the same product line, we finally introduced the new Seafarer, and it’s been a hit. It’s a premium suit at a accessible price, which is exactly what customers and retailers have been asking for. We’re delivering on that and seeing real momentum behind it. We also have strong new products landing for 2026. In the meantime, the updated Seafarer collection continues to perform and drive solid results.

The Fall/Winter collection is where innovations and new models come to life: which are the key additions to your range for FW26?
We’ve got new product deliveries lined up for 2026, and one of the standouts is our Classic. It’s going to take that entry-level price point and elevate it into a more premium space, which fits perfectly with our brand story. We build premium product, and we’re staying true to that. We’re also expanding our rubber range with the OCENA® material for the 2026 season. It’ll land first in our Xtend, in April, one of our top premium suits, and we’re introducing the new Magma in September as well. Xtend is designed to hit that competitive market sweet spot, putting us head-to-head with Xcel, O’Neill, and Rip Curl. We’re genuinely proud of this wetsuit and what it brings to the 2026 line.

Most wetsuit brands contained the rise of prices so far. Will FW26 remain stable regarding pricepoints?
Yes, our prices are staying right where they are. We feel confident about our positioning and the value of our suits. We cover all the key price points in the wetsuit category from good, better, to best, which gives us a wider customer reach. This approach sets us up for a stronger presence across every category in the wetsuit department.

Do you notice a discrepancy between the sales ratio of premium wetsuits and entry-level ones?
Yes, we do. That’s exactly why we’ve invested the effort to make sure we’re positioned to own every category. As mentioned earlier, we’re setting ourselves up to cover the full range: entry level, premium, and everything in the good, better, best structure. We have every tier covered, and we feel confident in the lineup.

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’re working with multiple suppliers because we don’t want to get boxed into any one position. Yes, we’re developing new products with the long-term goal of owning the technologies ourselves. A lot of this comes through strong partnerships with our manufacturers, and we’re keeping our options open as new technologies develop and start to take shape.

Any innovations in the linings for 2026?
For 2026, we are introducing OCENA®, a neoprene-free, bio-based foam, to our MAGMA , XTEND and brand-new TODDLER range. Made with natural rubber sourced from FSC-certified forests close to our factory in South-East Asia and enriched with oyster shell powder and plant-based oil, OCENA® sets a new standard for sustainability without compromising performance. More informations Natural rubber is free from harmful chemicals and additives commonly found in synthetic rubber. Up to 99% of impurities that cause latex allergies have been removed during production, ensuring a hypoallergenic product that provides superior safety and comfort for users

Do you notice any difference in the consumer habits of women? (wetsuit thickness, entry/closure systems, colors…)
We do, and it really comes down to fit and the habits of female surfers. It’s an interesting market because it’s not just about thickness, it’s about the cut of the wetsuit and how it’s shaped. We’re seeing strong momentum with our women’s line because our designs are built to complement the female form. It’s always a work in progress and we’ll keep evolving the range, but we feel confident that the women choosing our suits are genuinely happy with what they’re wearing.

Please briefly mention the repair/recycle programs offered by your brand.
At MANERA, we believe the best way to be eco-friendly is to create durable products. We want our gear to last for years, and to guarantee quality and performance overtime. GEORGI MARINOV, the founder of Circular Flow, wanted to find a way to provide a solution to recycle neoprene residuals, and then to recycle them again and again. Over the past six years, the Circular Flow initiative has developed new technology and manufacturing processes that bonds the particles from shredded wetsuits without removing the textile laminate. In turn, it produces a neoprene sheet, a stable and durable recycled material capable of being used to manufacture a wide range of new products. Circular Flow’s technology and manufacturing processes mean that they can:

Process 100% of the returned neoprene items, which includes zips and plastic elements.
Create recycled neoprene sheets 100% fit for manufacturing new neoprene items Manufacture items.
Add unique batch numbers to each item and a QR code that will be able to track the new product.
Accept the recycled product back for recycling up to seven times, which can extend the life of an item from on average 2 to over 20 years.
This is a full-scale recycling process with zero waste and zero use of water – another first for the industry.
This partnership hopes to address the neoprene waste problem by collecting wetsuits and neoprene items at local shops to then turn them into new and useful neoprene products. As a first step, we are launching this recycling program in select shops around France. Down the road, our main objective is to achieve neutrality and recycle as many wetsuits as we produce. Circular Flow will process the returned neoprene items and create new water sport items for retail. These can then be used and at the end of their life, returned again for recycling – a world first. At this time, it is complicated to make wetsuits from wetsuits as recycled neoprene loses its stretch. However, we will manufacture actual MANERA goods that do not require that, like car seat covers.

How are you helping retailers to sell more suits?
We’re helping retailers by staying committed to not selling direct to consumer. Our entire business model is built around supporting the core, which means investing in shops and strengthening our retail partnerships instead of competing with them. Our goal is to set retailers up to succeed with our products by keeping all sales flowing through wholesale channels. And we plan to stay on that path long term. This brand was built through wholesale and we’re committed to keeping it that way while backing the retailers who back us.

Key Products:

MAGMA 5.4.3 Wetsuit:
The MAGMA range evolves and features OCENA®, a neoprene-free, bio-based foam. Made with natural rubber sourced from FSC-certified forests close to our factory in South-East Asia and enriched with oyster shell powder and plant-based oil, OCENA® sets a new standard for sustainability without compromising performance. Paired with the new, ultra-stretch Squareflex Jersey around the shoulders and arms, this wetsuit is designed to follow your every move. MADE TO HAVE YOUR BACK IN THE STORM

New – MAGMA – 543 – Men

XTEND 4.3 Wetsuit:
The XTEND range has been updated and features OCENA®, a neoprene-free, bio-based foam. Made with natural rubber sourced from FSC-certified forests close to our factory in South-East Asia and enriched with oyster shell powder and plantbased oil, OCENA® sets a new standard for sustainability without compromising performance. Inside, the XTEND fleece offers a perfect balance of flexibility and lightness, keeping you warm without weighing you down. Paired with the new, ultra-stretch Squareflex Jersey around the shoulders and arms, this suit is designed to follow your every move with ease. DESIGNED TO BE FORGOTTEN

New – XTEND – 43 – Men

CLASSIC 4.3 wetsuit:
The new CLASSIC wetsuit is your gateway into the MANERA experience. It delivers everything you need to enjoy your sessions to the fullest: warmth, stretch, and comfort, with the perfect 3D-fit and attention to detail MANERA is known for. Light and flexible, the CLASSIC features a reliable C-FOAM neoprene, soft XTEND fleece, and SD2 taping only where they’re truly needed. A no-nonsense wetsuit for riders seeking trusted yet accessible performance, the CLASSIC is built right to keep you out there, session after session JERSEY BUILD RIGHT

New – CLASSIC – 43 – Men