Wallien S/S 2024 WETSUITS Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits S/S 2024 Retail Buyer‘s Guide
Brand: Wallien
Interviewee: Olivier Wallien CEO

After the delivery delays and poor sell-in of last summer, was 2022 a bad year for spring-summer wetsuits? And how is 2023 doing so far?

We only launched in 2019 and therefore our sales are only increasing, we also produce in Europe so deliveries for us were not affected. Our mission to allow women to feel comfortable and empowered in their waterwear whilst at the same time knowing they are helping preserve and restore our blue planet is really resonating with our customers globally.

What are the biggest trends in buying habits nowadays? Buy less often but high end, go for cheap options, wait for sales period…

Our customer’sour united by their love for the water, who pursue any and all watersports from pro athletes, to marine biologists, to those stepping on a surf board for the first time. Quality, the fit of a second skin and the brands integrity rank high in their buying choice. We experience no price resistance.

The women category has energized summer wetsuit designs with the outbreak of multiple silhouettes (long jane, short john, wetsuit pants, etc.). Is this just a Insta fad or groundswell trend?

Let’s hope not as we are building a global brand on this! Our goal is to create beautiful and effective waterwear that is advanced technically and in style. Our ambassadors and collaborators include Nikki Van Dijk, Australian world class surfer with Dutch heritage (the brand is Dutch)

Which style are the customer favorites nowadays: fullsuit, short sleeve, springsuit, fancy styles?

Spring suits are our best sellers year round as we have a strong international market

Which are your key innovations in materials& constructions for SS24?

In addition to Japanese limestone form Yamamoto Japan –the most cleanest and premium neoprene andin the market which we have used since launching, we transitioned to Yulex this season which is more in line with our sustainability mission, this is a more responsible alternative to neoprene with less impact on our blue planet.

Quick colors/graphics focus: will wetsuits mimick the surf apparel for SS24 with a comeback of bold colors?

Rather than follow trends, we our proud of our own handwriting and drive to bring sophistication and a closeness to nature within our palettes;

Apart from the material sourcing and production addressed in question #5, do you implement complementary durability campaigns? (partnerships, give-back actions, recycling…)

Wallien has partnered with non profit Blue Marine Foundation to release a new line of sustainable wetsuits for women; Horizonia. These wetsuits are made from Yulex foam (80% fewer c02 emissions), 20% of profits will go to their foundation. Further efforts include applying lost lasting materials across the whole collection, designing evergreen prodcuts, corn based bio degradable bags, recycled shipment boxes, carbon neutral deliveries.

Key Products

HORIZONIA SPRINGSUIT BMF EDITION
1.5 mm Front Zip – YULEX High Performance
• Made with YULEX Y85-550 High Performance natural rubber foam
• Topped with ProFlex jersey: super stretchy, super soft and light for optimal comfort and unbelievable hand feel
• High quality GBS seams reinforced with split neoprene take on stress points
• Durable corrosion resistant zipper with reinforcement webbing
• Strategically cut panels from maximum movement
• Super feminine bikini cut with unique retro-inspired designs
• Rash free collar and leg openings
• LIMITED EDITION OF 300 PIECES
• 20% of profits will go towards Blue Marine Foundation

SPRINGSUIT
1.0 mm Front Zip – High Performance
• Top-of-the-line surf performance: co-designed with and water tested by pro surfer Nikki van Dijk
• Premium YAMAMOTO Limestone Neoprene: buttery smooth, long lasting, light and warm
• Topped with ProFlex jersey: super stretchy, super soft and light for optimal comfort and unbelievable hand feel
• High quality GBS seams reinforced with split neoprene take on stress points
• Durable corrosion resistant zipper with reinforcement webbing
• Strategically cut panels from maximum movement
• Super feminine bikini cut with unique retro-inspired
• designs
• Rash free collar and leg openings

SPRINGSUIT
2.0 mm Back Zip – High Performance
• Top-of-the-line surf performance: co-designed with and water tested by pro surfer Nikki van Dijk
• Premium YAMAMOTO Limestone Neoprene: buttery smooth, long lasting, eco-friendly, light and warm
• Topped with ProFlex jersey: super stretchy, super soft and light for optimal comfort and unbelievable hand feel
• High quality GBS seams reinforced with split neoprene take on stress points
• Durable corrosion resistant zipper with reinforcement webbing
• Strategically cut panels from maximum movement
• Comfortable boyleg cut that offers a bit more coverage
• Rash free collar and leg openings