Red Equipment Surf Robes and Ponchos 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Surf Robes and Ponchos 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: RED EQUIPMENT
Interviewee: Catherine Morris, Commercial Director

From a broader distance, Changing Robes seem to be (still) all over the place in 2026, shadowing Surf Ponchos. Does this feeling translate into sales (Robes vs Ponchos)?
Yes, there is very much a place for both. Whilst there continues to be lots of cheap or low quality entrants to the change robe market, for shoppers looking for quality kit to enhance their time outdoors, they are still finding and valuing the quality of a Red robe. Where we are seeing biggest growth is where we are innovating. Our EVO Pro Slimline Parka – a more fitted interpretation of our award winning EVO change robe has been a phenomenal success. This isn’t a space where cheap imitators can play, as consumers essentially want a nice coat – they won’t compromise on performance or appearance.

The Robes are no longer a core piece of apparel for watersports, worn by very different consumer profiles. How do you handle the core vs mainstream positioning as a brand?
Red Equipment’s guiding principle is that life is better by the water, and we want to equip our consumers to be able to do that all year round. Based in Devon at our global HQ, our design team focus on the development of durable, high-performance equipment engineered for longevity, reliability, and intuitive usability in tough maritime environments. Regardless of how our products are used, that is what we focus on. Due to our broad appeal and highly functional performance, it is only natural that our consumers use our products throughout their lives.

Are Robes and Ponchos a gendered garment? More women seem to adopt the style than lads. Plus they are a big hit among kids, right?
For our waterproof robes, it’s about 60/40 women to men, as our robes are so soft and comfortable it is understandable we particularly appeal to women who value that. That said, we’ve supplied our robes to groups as diverse as professional rugby clubs to Royal Marines Commandos, so there is nothing to say they don’t work for men too and Red’s styling is deliberately unisex and understated. And yes, they’re great for active kids who often have to be out in the cold or rain when adults might choose to shelter indoors. We find Ponchos are a more equal split.

What’s new in your ‘26 Surf Poncho collection? (materials, silhouettes, colors/prints/patterns)
Red have an entirely new poncho range in 2026. Both in classic super-soft cotton towelling, and what we are predicting to be big for us in 2026 – the Quick Dry Microfibre. Our styling is understated and unfussy, Red’s gear always looks the part, inviting you to focus on the things that matter – having the best possible time in nature’s playground. We have colour options for everyone – from soft summery shades to the main colour trends of the year – Orange and Teal. We’ll also be launching a bright limited edition print for a fun, summer vibe.

What’s new in your ‘26 Changing Robes collection? (materials, silhouettes, colors/prints/patterns)
On trend colour drops continue to drive demand & we’ll be launching some contemporary new shades this year. Our extremely popular SLimline Parka will continue to be a focus ; also look out for some major innovation coming from us this Fall/ Winter in the changing robe space.

Which pieces of advice do you have for retailers? Keep it core with dedicated watersports products or mix it up (core and casual)?
At Red we always try to understand who our consumer is and what they are using our products for to keep improving. To be super relevant, the more you can understand your current or target consumer and what they want, the better. Unquestionably though consumers are increasingly looking to buy less things that work for them across more elements of their life – so we think the sweet spot is fantastic gear, born from watersports, that works hard for you on the shoreline but that is so good, you’ll want to use it all the time. That is why our consumers tell us they love Red so much.

Key Products:

Red Equipment’s Quick Dry Poncho Change Robes:
Possibly the most practical piece of kit you’ll ever own. They pack down small and dry in record time ready for re-use, so you can always have a robe with you – ready for any adventure, no changing rooms required. these will take some serious use.

quickdry-robe-RED-026

Red Equipment’s EVO Pro Changing Robe:
The robe of choice for those in the know. Stylish, ridiculously comfortable, and a super high spec of features. It’s not surprising the EVO is winning awards in 2026.

Alpine-Blue

Red Equipment’s EVO Pro Slimline Parka:
Getting rave reviews and still unique in market, every retailer should have this available to grow their ‘changing category’ sales.

caramel