WIP Wetsuits S/S 2026 Preview

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

How was the 2024 market?
2024 was a very interesting year for us with the Olympics where most of the top riders where wearing WIP equipments, and on the other side the development of Wing and Down Wind Stand up paddle

How are stock levels compared to a year ago?
With new products this year, especially on the Surf Range, we are in the same dynamic as the previous year

The new rubber innovations display the picture of a segment full of vitality. Was the sell-in on the same page for Spring-Summer 2025?
Our range is designed for WING/WING/KITE foil practice, and the design must incorporate friction and shock absorption reinforcements. This is key to avoiding destroying your wetsuit in one season. If you use a surf wetsuit for “Wind driven board sport,” the damage is immediate, and the wetsuit won’t last the season… Furthermore, our collections utilize sustainable technologies and innovations to reduce our environmental impact:

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.

Is SS26 a continuation of your current line (with some updates) or did you revamp your collections?
One more 3.2 long sleeves wetsuit is now the 2026 range the STEAM LS 3.2 , to answer to the feed backs of our team riders and our customers.

Are pricepoints on the rise? If they are, how do you justify the raise to retailers?
We believe in a team work, sharing the power of every actors : riders, retailers, events…
Communication is a key and we include retailers not only for sales but also in the development, the strategy and our communication on social medias and events.

What differentiates your steamer offer from the rest of the competition?
The protection is our DNA, protection from cold is the first objectif of a wetsuit but we put a lot of energy to add the sun protection and also the protection from shocks and abrasions.
Maximum protections with perfect freedom is our main focus.

Which silhouettes are trending within the pure summer short-leg/arm models?
Long sleeves and long legs to protect from the sun in priority, our Steam 1.5 answer perfectly to what the riders want and need in summer.

While the winter wetsuit offer black on black (non)colorways, did you add a bit of fun in the spring-summer ranges?
Two versions for our new STEAMY LS 3.2 : Red Pro and Camo to add some style !

Key Products:

The STEAM 1.5mm:
The summer solution, perfect for every BOARD SPORTS and especially for the WING and DOWN WIND riders. Super-stretch 1.5 neoprene with unique Lycra sleeves end design for greater comfort and excellent freedom of movement. WIP INSIDE technology integrated in key areas various panels with thermoplastic plates and high-density foams for improved comfort when falling into the water. Slim rear zip thin zipped back opening for super comfort. WIP 3DS fit mapped body and snug fit mean you get the best possible comfort

The STEAM 1.5mm

The STEAMY LS 3.2mm:
Inter season solution Spring / Autumn – Perfect for Surfers, every boardsports and sailing super-stretch neoprene, long legs / long arms arms for greater comfort and excellent freedom of movement. WIP INSIDE technology integrated in key areas various panels with thermoplastic plates and high-density foams for improved comfort when falling into the water Smart neck zippered chest opening for super comfort and complete waterproofness , can be used with chest opening on the back, for more ventilation. WIP 3DS fit mapped body and snug fit mean you get the best possible comfort.

The STEAMY LS 3.2mm

BIG WAVE SHORT JOHN:
No deal with impact protection Developed with the Best Big waves surfers, it can be used alone or under a wetsuit for a real armor High-stretch 1.5mm neoprene shorty for ultimate comfort Designed to be worn under a wetsuit (low profile fit) or alone Wip Inside 3 layers padding for effective impact absorption 50N buoyancy (not a lifejacket) Slick front belly pannel for maximum board contact Removable pads for customized protection.

BIG WAVE SHORT JOHN