Vissla SS21 Boardshorts Preview

Brand: VISSLA
Interviewee: Adrien Waller, Marketing Manager & Arsene Vellard, Product Manager

Saleswise, how are the technical boardshorts doing compared to the walkshorts and beachshorts?
Boardshorts is our most important product category at Vissla, and they always sell very well and it is what we are known for. 100% of our boardshorts are made from eco friendly fabrics and our coconut fabric line has been very strong since we launched the brand 6 years ago. Our hybrid walkshort category has been a strong seller too, we offer less styles than in boardshorts but the market reaction is always strong and we always run out. We have some beachshorts in the line, it’s a smaller category in terms of the number of styles and volume but we can see some demand in the market.

How has Covid affected your SS21 sell in plans ? (delays/range cancellations/carry over…)
Due to Covid and travel restrictions we’ve had our first ever European digital sales meeting early July. Sample lines for the reps have been delayed by a couple weeks but all our reps are now on the road selling the SS21 range. Most styles are sampled, but we have expanded our digital presentations to support the whole line.

We have a couple of carry overs from SP20 in the SP21 range that represent around 7% of the new offer but less than we were originally thinking. In the end the current demand mid-season for the brand meant we have less carry over and more new styles.

Sizing: boardshorts lengths are going up and down. Do you offer several outseam lengths?
Some brands get “known” for a particular fit and we wanted to avoid that from the start.

We have multiple lengths and they all work well:

16.5” and 17.5” for Retro fit

18.5” for Modern Fit

20” for Progressive Fit

What is the sweetspot for boardshorts as far as pricepoints are concerned?
For a great technical /stretch boardshort using eco blended upcycled fabric, we feel that 69€ is the right price point.

What colours/patterns will drive the SS21 season?
Jade is our trademark colorway and is usually a top seller. Dusty Lilac is something new and fresh for SS21. Deep rich colours. While our prints do very well, our solids business is crazy right now.

Polyblends or natural fabrics: what’s your take for SS21?
100% of our boardshort line is made of eco friendly materials either from natural or upcycled fabrics.

We are using Cocotex, Repreve, Hemp, Organic Cotton, 100% PFC and Fluorocarbon-free DWR water repellant coating.

Best Sellers
Please name and describe your 3 highlight pieces and items that retailers should definitely order.

Solid Sets 18.5

4-Way stretch boardshort made with coconut and recycled poly Repreve fibers. Camo printed fabric with caliper scalloped hem back pocket and integrated key rope. Novelty Vissla embroidered patch at side. 18.5″ outseam.

36% POLYESTER FROM COCONUT, 34% RECYCLED POLYESTER, 20% COTTON, 10% SPANDEX

Sun Garden 18.5

4-Way stretch boardshort made with coconut and recycled poly Repreve fibers. Printed fabric with solid contrast waistband back pocket and integrated key rope. 18.5″ outseam.

36% POLYESTER FROM COCONUT, 34% RECYCLED POLYESTER, 20% COTTON, 10% SPANDEX

More Mate Less Hate 17.5

4-Way stretch boardshort made with coconut and recycled poly Repreve fibers. Allover print with solid waistband back pocket and integrated key rope. 17.5″ outseam.

36% POLYESTER FROM COCONUT, 34% RECYCLED POLYESTER, 20% COTTON, 10% SPANDEX