OXBOW WETSUITS F/W 2025 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits F/W 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Oxbow
Interviewee: Aurelien SILVESTRE – Product Manager

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?
The stock levels are returning to normal, positioning us well for the upcoming season. With growing confidence, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. Additionally, we are seeing an increased appeal for our wetsuits, which bodes well for strong performance in the coming months.

And what about the summer sales of your SS24 ranges?
Our SS24 summer range has seen strong sales, and we’re pleased with the response from our customers. With the positive momentum from the summer sales, we’re looking forward to building on this success as we move into the next phase.

What is your strategy for FW25? What is the ratio between carryovers and new SKUs? Prices are on the rise?
For FW25, we’re carrying over a large part of our range to support market recovery and sell through stock across multiple seasons. Prices will remain stable to ensure consistency for our customers.

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?
We remain committed to offering durable, high-quality products and will not engage in a price war that compromises quality. While increased participation from beginners may influence some purchasing habits, our focus will always be on delivering performance-driven wetsuits that meet the needs of all surfers, without sacrificing the quality our brand is known for.

Yulex, classic limestone, oyster shell foam or good ol’ neoprene: which one(s) did you implement for FW25?
Oxbow made the choice to implement Yulex across the entire wetsuits range over four years ago, as it is the most eco-responsible option available on the market today. We remain committed to sustainability, and Yulex aligns perfectly with our values of offering high-performance products while minimizing our environmental impact. Better performance, better for the planet !

Linings make a huge difference in cold water. Any innovation in that field for 2025?
No innovation for FW25.

Beyond the gender specific fit, is your women wetsuit collection any different from the men’s?
Our women’s wetsuit collection features a hip reinforcement pad that has been specifically developed to adapt to the female body shape. This thoughtful design provides enhanced comfort and support, ensuring a better fit and improved performance for women surfers

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?
Our sustainable approach extends the life of your wetsuit: if it needs fixing, we offer local and efficient repair solutions. When it’s time to part ways, bring your wetsuit to an Oxbow store, where we’ll upcycle it into leashes through our partnership with Nomads. This full life cycle reduces environmental impact, aligning with our commitment to both performance and sustainability.

How are you helping retailers to sell more suits? (ordering terms, demos, product training, instore and online assets, etc.)
We offer dedicated products for wetsuit maintenance. These products not only enhance the customer experience but also drive additional sales by encouraging proper care and extending the life of the wetsuits.

Key Products:

WULEXMEN54:
Get ready for the cold winter sessions with our 5/4 hooded wetsuit. Recycled materials, Yulex foam, non-flush sealed wrist and ankles, now you don’t have to choose between performance and planet !

WULEXMEN43:
Yulex is Flex !! That time of the year when you complain about your heavy 4/3 wetsuit is over. Our combo of superstretch fabrics and the new Yulex foam will make you love again the winter sessions.

WULEXWOMEN43:
Yulex is Flex! Say goodbye to the days of complaining about your heavy 4/3 wetsuit. With our combination of superstretch fabrics, the new Yulex foam, and the specially designed hip pad for added comfort and support, winter sessions just got a whole lot more enjoyable.