Dakine SS21 Wetsuits Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits SS21
Brand: Dakine
Interviewee: Phil Bridges, Designer

Surfboards hardgoods have largely benefited from the freedom craze after the lockdowns. How was it for the wetsuit market?
2021 will be our first wetsuit range but we are definitely feeling a lot of positivity going into pre-book, combined with a high level of interest in what we’ll bring to the wetsuit market.

Can you please give an overview of your different ranges (performance, constructions, prices for s/s 2021)?
We have 3 wetsuit lines:

The CYCLONE combines our durable design approach with next-level performance. Our brief was clear – the best performing wetsuit for fit, feel, warmth and stretch – incorporating a level of durability to challenge the expected lifespan of high-end wetsuits.

Dakine Men’s Cyclone Full Suit

The MISSION is our most balanced re-think of wetsuit design; performance, warmth, and durability as equal factors. We wanted to set a new benchmark for wetsuits; unreal stretch, fit and comfort, outstanding warmth, and drying times plus unmatched durability.

The QUANTUM will change your expectation of what an affordable wetsuit can be; performance and warmth combined with next-level durability at an affordable price. The build quality on Quantum matches our standards set throughout the range with the same pattern and many of the features from our top-end suits.

Which are your key innovations for s/s 2021? (materials, constructions, styles…)
When building a Dakine product, our first priority is durability. The market’s current wetsuit designs focus on performance and warmth at a cost to durability. We set out to re-calibrate the balance.

From developing our Apex Fit pattern with strategic Resist panels to creating our own custom linings, we set out to design a range that matches or exceeds all standards of performance and warmth but sets a new standard for durability.

S/S wetsuits rely more on colors & graphics than winter pieces: what are the styling options in your range?
We’ve kept the styling pretty pared back with a function-first aesthetic. In our Men’s wetsuit, our Hex external lining has a very distinctive Hexagonal embossed pattern. Logo colours and accents are used to distinguish between ranges.
In our Women’s pieces, we have a monochrome floral sublimation print derived from our equipment line.

Sustainability is key in the wetsuit category: which materials/process do you implement in s/s 2021?
One of our core beliefs through the Dakine range is No Unnecessary Harm.

By building wetsuits with greater durability we not only create better value and product experience for the customer but a longer product lifespan, reducing the overall environmental impact.

To further minimise our impact we have built-in a number of eco driven factors in our material choice and design, featured in every Dakine wetsuits product:

· Reduced PAHs – Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons produced in the creation of neoprene.

· Limestone neoprene – derived from nonpetrochemicals with a reduced CO2 output of 24%.

· Carbon Black® neoprene. Cuts CO2 emissions by 200g per wetsuit

· AquaA® solvent-free lamination eliminates 600g of harmful VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) per wetsuit.

· Dope Dyed yarn – save 104L of water and 26% reduced Carbon Footprint per kg of Fabric

· Manufactured at Sheico Thailand – a Fairtrade certified factory equipped with the solar energy system.

Please name and describe your 3 highlight pieces and items that retailers should definitely order.
CYCLONE ZIP FREE FULL SUIT

Available in thicknesses from 5/4mm to 2/2

Men’s and Women’s

The CYCLONE combines our durable design approach with next-level performance. Our brief was clear – the best performing wetsuit for fit, feel, warmth, and stretch – incorporating a level of durability to challenge the expected lifespan of high-end wetsuits.

From creating an all-new wetsuit pattern; our Apex Fit – engineered for extreme freedom of movement, tailored fit and no stress points – to developing our own thermal linings and industry-first innovation, the Cyclone was our skunkworks of ideas.

Featuring all of our best materials for optimum performance: DK_ Lite limestone-based neoprene, Hexo_Therm lining, and Triple lock seams. With innovation including industry-first Curv Lock and details as Hex embossed stretch woven lining and anti-fray cuffs, low impact processes like Dope Dyed yarn and solvent-free lamination, the Cyclone is the pinnacle of our wetsuit program’s development.

MISSION CHEST ZIP FULL SUIT

Available in thicknesses from 5/4/3mm to 3/2

Men’s and Women’s

Dakine Women’s Mission Full Suit

The Mission is our vision for re-balancing wetsuit design; performance, warmth, and durability as equal factors.

We built this suit from the ground up, developing our Apex Fit pattern for extreme freedom of movement and perfect fit with no stress points. For high stretch areas, we developed a stretch woven lining with reinforced elastane for next-level strength in stretch fabrics. Internally we match stretch with high loop insulation. Specially developed high loft, the quick-dry lining is featured in core areas to ensure absolute warmth and comfort.

Seams are triple-locked, ankle and cuff seals are reinforced from overstretch, plus oversized kneepads, anti-fray compression cut cuffs, soft feel collar, YKK zips, and more.

The Mission sets a new benchmark for wetsuits; unreal stretch, fit and comfort, outstanding warmth and drying times, and unmatched durability.

QUANTUM CHEST ZIP FULL SUIT

Available in 5/4/3mm and 3/2

Men’s and Women’s

The Quantum is not entry-level, budget, or cheap. This range embodies our game-changing approach to performance wetsuits; performance and warmth combined with next-level durability at an affordable price.

The build quality on Quantum matches our standards set throughout the range – all seams are 3D stitched and taped or critically taped for maximum security. All panels use DK limestone neoprene and our specially developed linings. Internally THERMO lining is used in all upper body panels where wind chill is a factor. The body makes use of our high flex lining with very high surface resistance and our high modulus neoprene. Using our super high-end Apex Fit pattern for perfect fit and extreme freedom of movement and available in our ‘Easy In’ chest zip entry.

The Quantum will change your expectation of what an affordable wetsuit can be.