Picture F/W22 Wetsuit Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits F/W 2022 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Picture Organic Clothing
Interviewee: Marion Bertrand, Product Manager
As far as the European market is concerned, which categories among winter wetsuits are on the rise, which ones are fading? (top end vs entry level, supple 4/3 vs hooded armor, backzip vs chest zips…)
In Europe, the popular winter suit categories are 5/4 hood and 4/3 front zip with super stretch materials and warm lining
After a couple years spent coping with the storm, will 2022 be the year of progression with innovations aplenty?
For 2022 we offer new warm, moisture-wicking DRY NOW lining in our DOME series, we also develop the new generation of Flexskin with an equally stretchy and more durable fabric.
Is there a sweetspot as far as winter wetty prices? On that matter, is an increase of the retail price to be expected due to the costs of materials/shipping?
An increase of the retail price is expected due to the costs of materials/shipping on certain products, and often to accompany changes and improvements to our wetsuits. Our average increase is 3%.
Please sum up your key innovations in FW22? (rubber, lining, seams, constructions, entry system…)
DRY NOW lining, more environmentally friendly in terms of the microfibres that end up in the oceans, and just as warm. New tape detail with our campaign message “Fight Climate Change”Flexskin, our new super stretch Eicoprene which has been improved for greater durability
As sustainability is key, can you estimate the lifespan of your winter models? (considering a proper use, rinsing and drying)
Our winter wetsuits have an excellent lifespan, thanks to the choice of quality technical materials and especially if they are well maintained and preserved once summer arrives. We will provide our customers with usage and storage guides in our “Picture pizza boxes” to accompany to make their wetsuits last.
More environmentally-friendly options exist out there regarding materials, yet they don’t account for the bulk of business. Is the consumer to blame?
As far as we know, we believe it is not the consumers who are to blame.. Of course we all have to do our “fair share” in the fight against climate change but radical changes must be driven by our politicians and businesses. According to the report “Doing your fair share for the climate”, for the average French citizen, the likely impact of changing individual behavior could stagnate at a 5 to 10% drop in the carbon footprint. It is not negligible, but it’s highly insufficient. The report says: In order to win this battle, we need to look beyond the individual level and reach a new level of collective action. Alongside the efforts made in our private lives, which should already be taking place, the system should also support its citizens or employees by triggering a change which is much more radical and profound than what is happening at the moment. The remaining effort consists of investments and collective rules for which the State and companies are responsible.
We, at Picture, are totally in line with this report. We always thought that our role as a company was to bring onboard our community and shareholders.
Key Products:
Men’s DOME 4/3 FZ
Our Dome range of premium wetsuits combines flexible materials with our best draining technologies to provide you with unparalleled freedom of movement and minimal drying time between two sessions. We make them with Eicoprene, a non-petroleum based synthetic foam derived from a mix of limestone and recycled tires (30%). To laminate the recycled polyester lining we use Aqua-A™, a solvent-free water-based glue with no harmful chemicals. Designed for 52°F -63°F water, our flexible and heavy-duty power seams make the 4/3 Front Zip stand out, and the Dry Now lining wicks moisture away for fast drying and increased insulation. The hyper-stretch knit under the arms offers total freedom of movement. These amazing wetsuits also include a WPF lining (Warmth Performance), our warmest lining available. The 3D-Knit construction and the WPF lining provide warmth by trapping air between each loop. Our Dome range also features glued, blind-stitched, fully-taped seams (GBS) for both maximum protection and comfort zones to protect your ribs when paddling.
Women’s EQUATION W 5/4 FZ
The Equation range features our most advanced insulating technologies to keep you warm and ready to ride the biggest waves in any conditions. Equation wetsuits are made with Eicoprene, a non-petroleum-based synthetic foam derived from a mix of limestone and recycled tires (30%). To laminate the recycled polyester lining we use Aqua-A™, a solvent-free water-based glue with no harmful chemicals. The 5/4 Front Zip wetsuit is perfect for cold water (44°F-55°F). The WPF lining (Warmth Performance), our warmest lining available, makes this wetsuit stand out. The glued, blind-stitched, fully-taped seams (GBS) offer maximum freedom of movement and minimum water entry. It also has drain holes
Men’s EQUATION 4/3 FLEX SKIN FZ
Featuring our brand new FlexSkin technology, the Equation 4/3 FlexSkin FZ is an ultra-stretch, heavy-duty wetsuit for chilly water in the spring and summer! Equation wetsuits are made with Eicoprene, a non-petroleum-based synthetic foam derived from a mix of limestone and recycled tires (30%). To laminate the recycled polyester lining we use Aqua-A™, a solvent-free water-based glue with no harmful chemicals. The equation 4/3 Front Zip version is designed for 52°F-63°F water. The WPF lining (Warmth Performance), our warmest lining available, makes this wetsuit stand out. The 3D-Knit construction and the WPF lining provide warmth by trapping air between each loop. The denser fabric offers extra comfort. Its front zip and watertight seals minimize water entry. Comfort zones protect your ribs when paddling. It also features glued, blind-stitched, fully taped seams (GBS), which provide protection, stretch, and water resistance.