Manera S/S 2024 WETSUITS Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits S/S 2024 Retail Buyer‘s Guide
Brand: Manera
Interviewee: Julien Salles, BRAND MANAGER

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?

Last summer was actually quite good for us, but since last fall the sell-in has decreased. 2023 is quite steady though, sell out for MANERA is apparently doing good so we see some re-orders coming.

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

We’re only selling B2B and not D2C (in order to protect the surf shops that we all love), so I can only talk about the retailers’buying habits. Looks like everyone focuses on healthy brands with good sell-out and reduces a lot their brand portfolio. For the end customer, I believe that with all the discounts out there, not a lot of people buy full price anymore, and it might last for a few seasons!

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?

Can’t really say as we do not offer that type of product.

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

Definitely fullsuits on our side, we have a technical, cold water image so shorties are not really our start products.

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

We’re coming with an improved version of our SEAFARER wetsuits. Basically keep the “only the essential” design approach of this range, but adding some technologies that really improves the warm effect of these wetsuits.

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

Now that the CE regulation on surface wetsuit is out, I don’t think we will see much colors on the future collections.

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

We believe in real actions, then we have hired professionals to run a thorough carbon footprint audit of our company. With the results in our hands, we created an action plan to reduce our carbon emissions. For us, that’s the only way a company can efficiently understand and reduce its impact. We will share everything this fall, and will be the first neoprene company to openly share such an environmental audit.

Key Products

If you are looking for a high-quality wetsuit with the best value for money, the SEAFARER + is made for you. Nothing more, nothing less: warmth, comfort, durability. In contrast to the classic SEAFARER, the SEAFARER+ features SD2 TAPE in the most critical areas. This tape is applied inside the wetsuit over the seams to make sure these are waterproof and durable.

The Meteor X10D is the ultimate performance wetsuit. In addition to excellent thermal protection, the X10D fleece interior gives flexibility and lightness while providing great confort. It is perfectly adapted to any discipline where you need maximum flex because of its ability to follow the body’s movements. If you are looking for lightness and freedom of movement, this is the wetsuit you need.

Make no mistake, the Bikisuit is not a swimsuit!
It’s frustrating to get cold in the summer, therefore the Bikisuit only uses high-quality 2mm neoprene and blind stitched seams. Paired with the renown MANERA fit, the Bikisuit keeps you warm during chilly summer days.

We have made no compromises so our GROMS wetsuits. The SEAFARER brings us back to the essentials of what makes a good wetsuit: warmth, stretch, durability. It’s a no-bullshit wetsuit with Manera’s renowned fit and construction. It is important to us that our youngsters are comfortable to tackle the elements so they can grow their passion for our favorite sports.