WIP Wetsuits F/W 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits F/W 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: wip
Interviewee: Benjamin TILLIER – Marketing manager

After a few seasons of (mostly) carryovers, fresh pieces were introduced in FW25. How did things pan out saleswise?
After 10 years of experience in Sailing and Boardsport as the guardian angel on the water, 2025 was a new challenge for us to enter in the Surfing World where more and more riders share the waves and are always pushing more the limits. We introduced a first version of our Carbon Helmet that many Big wave riders were already very happy about the technology. We worked with the best riders of the word to develop a specific range for surfing.

The Fall/Winter collection is where innovations and new models come to life: which are the key additions to your range for FW26?
In response to growing demand of protections in surfing, we designed new wetsuits with high technology of protection with 4 wetsuits: 5/4/3mm, 3/2mm, innovative 1.5mm and a specific Protec Short John that can be also worn under or over a wetsuit.

Most wetsuit brands contained the rise of prices so far. Will FW26 remain stable regarding pricepoints?
We are in the middle range of all the best brands prices

Do you notice a discrepancy between the sales ratio of premium wetsuits and entry-level ones?
In our point of view there is a big gap of quality between the entry level wetsuits and the premium. Mostly in kind of durability that s why we had to use our protection experience in our surfing products

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 are already working this way with our emblematic items as the helmets where we work on sustainability with Cork for exemple. We made the choice for the wetsuit to use glue without solvent on all our neoprenes including the other equipment and we still look for more solution thanks to our factory experience to continue progressing on this major point Solvent-Free Glue: We use water-based glue, eliminating harmful and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Dope-Dyed Yarn: This yarn coloring process saves significant amounts of water while reducing energy consumption and water pollution. Recycled Polyester Fabric: Made from PET bottles. Oyster Shell and Limestone Loaded Neoprene.

Any innovations in the linings for 2026?
Thanks to our experience and to our Top Big Wave riders, we are proud to propose a real alternative to every surfer with optimised wetsuits including protections.

Do you notice any difference in the consumer habits of women? (wetsuit thickness, entry/closure systems, colors…)
Of course on some items there is a big difference first on the shape, for example we made specific ranges of long john wetsuits for wome. Thanks to the ultra flex of our new neoprene the full suits are more unisex, the major difference is the colors: men prefer something sober when girls like sometimes more color. On our 3/2 Full suit, we decided to propose a Black/Camo version and a Full Red edition that our top riders, boys and girls who tried it, appreciated a lot!

Please briefly mention the repair/recycle programs offered by your brand.
We organized with some shops in Europe a recycling program to harvest our old version. This is also a great value for the development to get the used equipements and see where we can still progress on the durability.

How are you helping retailers to sell more suits?
Our main argument is about the protections integrated in all our wetsuits. There is more and more request on this topic and we now propose a real solution to the riders

Key Products:

BIG WAVE SHORT JOHN – Ultimate Protection Short John Wetsuit:
• High-stretch 1.5 mm neoprene shorty
• Protection “WIP inside technology” 3 layers padding for maximum impact protection
• Removable protection pads for customized comfort and preference
• Removable buoyancy chest Pad
• Slick front belly pannel for maximum board contact.
• 50N equivalent but not considered as a life jacket
• Can be used over or under the wetsuit
Developped with the Best Big Waves Surfers in the most Extrem conditions, to offer protection and freedom of movement

1. BIG WAVE SHORT JOHN

STEAMY LS – 3/2 mm Ultra Flexible Full wetsuit with Chest Zip for a Maximum Mobility:
• 3/2 mm Super Stretch Neoprene Fullsuit
• Fully Waterproof – One-piece neck with chest Zip
• Perfect Fit – WIP 3DS body-mapped design for maximum comfort
• Thermo-lined inner fabric, quick-drying and moisture-wicking
• “WIP inside technology” Next-level Protections to absorb water impact
• Reinforced layers with high density foams under the knees and on the ribs for Water Impact Protection
• Impact and cut resistant thermoplastic plates along the shins
• Anti-abrasion & durable panels on knees and elbows
• Innovative Abdominal area with added Grip for more grip on a Surf Board
• Velcro ankle closure to keep water out
• Phone or key inner flat pocket on the chest with security rope
• Hight Viz color available with the Pro Model to be seen as far as possible
• 2 colors : Balck / Camo & Red Pro Model

STEAMY LS RED

STEAM 1.5 – 1.5 mm neoprene and Lycra innovative fullsuit, UV and shocks protection:
• 1.5 mm Super Stretch Neoprene with Lycra on Forearms and Arms
• Back Zip for ultra lightness
• Perfect Fit – WIP 3DS body-mapped design for maximum comfort
• “WIP inside technology” Next-level Protections to absorb water impact
• Reinforced layers with high density foams under the knees for greater comfort on contact
• Impact and cut resistant thermoplastic plates along the shins
• Anti-abrasion & durable panels on knees for more grip
• Velcro ankle closure to keep water out
• Waterproof Seal – One-piece neck with zippered chest opening for total protection.
• Stay Warm & Dry – Thermo-lined inner fabric, quick-drying and moisture-wicking.

STEAM