ALDER WETSUITS F/W 2025 PREVIEW
Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits F/W 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Alder
Interviewee: John Westlake / Rubber man
In anticipation of Fall-Winter 2025, were the pre-orders/orders for FW24 up to your expectations? Did the retailers eventually clear their hangers from the 2022/23 collections?
We have seen just a few green shoots and some positive reactions especially when the cold weather came around.
And what about the summer sales of your SS24 ranges?
The junior & toddler ranges sold well and didn’t need to be discounted which is always a good story to tell.
What is your strategy for FW25? What is the ratio between carryovers and new SKUs? Prices are on the rise?
I’m pleased to say we will be introducing 3 new styles which introduce MX which is a next generation stretch fabric and Amica our greenest suit to date.
Fall-winter wetsuits used to target the core surfers, with a priority on performance over price. Is that still true or the increased participation [of newbies] lead to new purchase habits, may be more price oriented?
Alder has performed well in the mid-market with the Pyro FX and Torch FX, these two styles offer good value with high spec. For core surfers the Luxe MX and Evo Fire MX will top the bill.
Yulex, classic limestone, oyster shell foam or good ol’ neoprene: which one(s) did you implement for FW25?
We are loving the mix of Limestone & Oyster shell used in the Alder Luxe MX & Evo fire MX, the blend offers excellent stretch and good memory.
Linings make a huge difference in cold water. Any innovation in that field for 2025?
Yes, these linings really do make a difference as they trap still air next to the body, you will find many of the torso linings will incorporate recycled material now which is a big plus.
A good after sales service is sought-after nowadays, with the capacity to warranty, repair and/or recycle wetsuits. What do you have to offer on that matter?
We are proud that we repair virtually all our wetsuits in house and I get to see almost every fault or damage, this helps me quicky understand possible issues in manufacture.
How are you helping retailers to sell more suits? (ordering terms, demos, product training, instore and online assets, etc.)
We try and visit shops a lot, especially in S.W. England– this face to face interaction helps both Alder and the retailer.
Key Products:
REVO WOMEN 5.4:
The 5.4 Revo is a super flexible, great fitting suit with an easy access chest zip, making those cold winter car park changes that little bit quicker. It is double lined throughout, made from 5mm Floflex neoprene on the body and 4mm Floflex on the arms, to keep all that heat in but not limit your paddle power. Great suit for any surfer wanting to keep going this winter and it also looks rather nice!
Material: Floflex neoprene throughout, Fireline torso interior.
Construction: Glued and blindstitched seams, Contour taped inside critical areas, Aqua-alpha water-based glue.
Features: Double lined neoprene throughout, Duratch knee pads.
ALDER-REVO WOMEN 5.4
LUXE MX 5.4:
The Luxe MX utilises innovative features and materials to create our warmest and most advanced wetsuit to date. MX (max stretch) nylon on the arms and shoulders provides unrestricted paddling motion, while a durable single lined neoprene has been added to the chest and back, meaning less wind chill in the core areas. To further enhance warmth, you will find a 100% FDL interior to trap air against the skin and maintain body temperature. Also inside, all seams are contour taped for a durable watertight seal and updated Waterlock-PLUS cuffs help to prevent water entry through the wrists. To top it off on a green note, the whole suit is constructed using a blend of oyster shell & limestone foam plus Aqua-alpha water-based glue. Material: MX neoprene arms/shoulders, Oyster shell / Limestone foam throughout, Single lined torso and back, Fast Dry Lining (FDL) throughout.
Construction: Glued and blindstitched seams, Contour taped throughout, Aqua-alpha water-based glue
Features: Waterlock-PLUS cuffs, back knee flex channels, Ergoflex kneepads, hidden key loop
ALDER-LUXE MX 5.4
TORCH FX 5.4:
Simplicity is the “watchword” for the Torch FX. Tried and tested FX neoprene on the arms and shoulders, along with a Surflex neoprene lower body, is combined with fully taped interior seams to create the perfect balance of durability and stretch. To add to this, we use Fireline plush lining on the torso and back keeping the core warm. The addition of Waterlock cuffs help to prevent water entry through the wrists and ankles and as with all GBS Alder wetsuits, we use Aqua-alpha water-based glue.
Material: FX neoprene arms/shoulders, Surflex neoprene lower body, Fireline torso and back interior.
Construction: Glued and blindstitched seams, Contour taped throughout (Standard is only taped in critical areas), Aqua-alpha water-based glue.
Features: Waterlock cuffs and ankles, Double lined neoprene throughout, Hidden key loop.
Also available Torch FX 5.4 and Torch FX junior 5.4.
ALDER-TORCH-FX-HOODED-5.4
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