TCSS Mens Surf Apparel S/S 2026 Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Mens Surf Apparel S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: TCSS
Interviewee: Sam Coombes, Founder & Head of Creative
Which segments did fine in the 2025 Men’s Surf Apparel market so far? Which didn’t? Any clue why? (good & bad)
T-shirts continue to do well for us. We offer a slightly heavier weight at 230gsm. We’ve offered some really great prints, art from both our inhouse team as well some great contributions from external artists. Definitely seeing the market shift to more fixed waist options away from traditional easy wearing volley style boardshorts. Our pant program has actually seen some growth especially in our cord beach pant styles. These have been doing really well for us, if you go to our online, we’re pretty much sold out! There’s no category that has fallen off a cliff, all have been performing well for us.
How did you plan the SS26 offer accordingly? (carrying-overs vs new SKUs, quantities)
We definitely increased the volume of t-shirt SKUs and offering more depth of colour. Also mixed up the volume of elastic to fixed waist boardshorts also. Pulled back slightly on printed shirts, although still continue to be a big part of our business, but not just seeing the growth, has more so flattened out.
Styles: Heritage influence has been key during the past years. Is SS26 a continuation of that trend?
Yes, but not necessarily 00s. We’ve dipped out toe into the early 00s, but in all honesty, it sits a little outside of our wheelhouse. We look towards 50s through to 80s as our key surf reference period.
Which stories are driving your SS26 collection in Men’ Surf Apparel?
The Portals story which is a 00s inspired graphic and styling story. Mello Magic which is our outdoor inspired story and then into our Sun Cured which sits within more tradtional surf / 1950s vibes. These are 3 strong stories within ss26, all held together by the Critical Slide handwriting.
Customers pay way more attention to the fabrics than they used to: alternative natural fibers, organic, fair-trade issued, techy synthetic blends… Do you have exciting propositions for SS26?
We brought in a raw 150gsm ‘tropical weight’ jersey into our Spring offering. A nice lightweight fabric for the Summer period. We’ve really tried to stay very true to our stable of fabrics..if it aint broke..
Which color/prints/patterns will trend in SS26?
As always we have different spins on florals for the season, as per every Critical Slide collection. We have a fun Magpie bird print, which had a good response, a bit of Australian heritage fun, and then some more organic prints.
How will you be helping retailers to sell your brand?
Windows, POP and really strong Lifestyle image assets.
How are you expecting Trumps Tariffs to impact the European surf Apparel market?
Shouldn’t effect the EU, but who knows..this industry never fails to offer you a surprise or two.
Key Products:
The Wingnut Short Sleeve Shirt:
Cropped and boxy for a modern, easy wear kind of vibe. Built from a woven cotton check and an oversized contrast patch pocket and a hit of embroidery on the front right. Clean lines, roomy fit, all style.
WINGNUT-SS-SHIRT-WBL-MOCK
Warp 20” Boardshort:
Crafted from a 4-way stretch poly/cotton blend, the Warp Boardshort features a 20” outseam, piped side seams, and a contrast woven drawcord. Details include a Critical Slide Warp patch on the front leg, cut-and-sew leg panels, contrast stitching, and a vintage wash finish for a lived-in feel.
WARP-20-BOARDSHORT-BLU-MOCK
ETHER TEE ASH:
Cooked up by our in-house department, this one’s cut from a heavy 320gsm cotton singles and run through a vintage wash for that lived-in feel. Built in our Jumbo fit, longer sleeves, boxy, wide and topped off with a punchy back print and breast hit, straight out of our 00s story.
ETHER-TEE-ASH
Portals Jumbo Tee Story:
PORTALS-JUMBO-TEE-MOCK
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