RIP CURL WETSUITS F/W 2025 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits F/W 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Rip Curl
Interviewee: Bastien Grandy - Rip Curl Europe Wetsuit product manager associate

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?
FW24 preorders aligned with our expectations as customers prioritized managing existing inventory. Moderate preorder activity is getting offset by encouraging reorder trends, providing positive momentum.

And what about the summer sales of your SS24 ranges?
Summer sales performed steadily, with excellent sell-through of springsuits and successful clearance of steamer inventory.

What is your strategy for FW25? What is the ratio between carryovers and new SKUs? Prices are on the rise?
Fall25 marks an exciting new chapter for Rip Curl wetsuits, featuring 70% new steamer designs. Highlights include upgraded products in the Ultimate segment including expanded Fusion technology into the range, a fully revamped Core segment, and the introduction of innovative neoprene-free foam—all while maintaining a consistent price structure. Better products, better materials, same price.

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?
As the ultimate surfing company, we’ve made significant efforts in enhancing our Ultimate and Core segments, where we lead the market. Highlights include the new Flashbomb Hybrid featuring Fusion Tech on the lower body and GBS on the upper, the fully taped E-Bomb crafted with plant-based, neoprene-free foam from natural rubber and bio-based content, and an improved chest zip system. Additionally, Dawn Patrol key shapes have been upgraded with better specs and bio-based foam, neoprene-free.

Yulex, classic limestone, oyster shell foam or good ol’ neoprene: which one(s) did you implement for FW25?
The Fall ’25 range showcases advanced sustainability with Ocean Foam, a 100% neoprene-free, plant-based foam made from FSC-certified natural rubber and bio-based content. Key eco-friendly features include recycled oyster shell waste, ECO Carbon Black, 100% water-based glue, AQUA α ® lamination, and dope-dyed yarn for reduced water usage.

Linings make a huge difference in cold water. Any innovation in that field for 2025?
Our lining performance has always been top-tier across all segments. The Ultimate E7 & E6 Flashlining, with dual-engineered layers, rapidly expel water when hung, giving us the world’s fastest-drying wetsuits. E7 & E6 Thermolining offers exceptional stretch and performance, surpassing industry standards. For the Core segment, E5 Flashlining & E4 Thermolining continue to deliver outstanding comfort, warmth, and drying performance.

Beyond the gender specific fit, is your women wetsuit collection any different from the men’s?
Rip Curl has repeatably set the industry standards of wetsuit design, function and performance. With 50 years of expertise in crafting wetsuits, we’ve perfected women’s patterns over the years to ensure the best fit and performance.

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?
Rip Curl offers the longest warranty in the market—three years on stitching and one year on all other materials—reflecting our commitment to quality and innovation. As global leaders in wetsuit R&D, manufacturing, and service, we control every step of the process. Our dedicated R&D centers drive cutting-edge innovation and rigorous testing to perfect our surf wetsuits. Owning our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities ensures unparalleled craftsmanship, while our global service network, including three centers in Europe, provides exceptional support to our customers. These three pillars—innovation, manufacturing, and service—empower us to offer the most comprehensive warranty in the industry with confidence, ensuring that our customers receive unmatched quality, durability, and support.

How are you helping retailers to sell more suits? (ordering terms, demos, product training, instore and online assets, etc.)
Over the years, Rip Curl has supported retailers with exceptional order terms, sell-in kits, product training, and social media packages to drive efficient sell-through and boost sales.

Key Products:

Flashbomb Chest Zip. (17DMFS – 2375 Deep Cactus ):
Our world’s fastest-drying wetsuits are now upgraded with Fusion Dry Seam Technology. Featuring E6 Flashlining with a unique bonding technique that eliminates stitching on the body, combined with maximum stretch from E7 Flashlining and GBS construction on the arms, this innovation offers unparalleled performance, comfort, flexibility and durability for the ultimate surfing experience.

Flashbomb chest zip interior

Ebomb Zip Free (17OMFS – 120 Iron ):
Our ultimate superstretch wetsuits are now crafted from renewable materials based foam, including FSC-certified natural rubber, oyster shell powder, and other bio based contents, making them neoprene-free. Featuring E7 thermolining on top and E6 on the bottom, Ebombs wetsuits are upgraded with 100% internal seam taping for maximum stretch, durability, and comfort throughout, enhancing both performance and sustainability.

Ebomb zip free interior

Dawn Patrol CZ (16RMFS – 90 Black ):
Our volume-driving keyshape has been completely redesigned, with a streamlined look and enhanced specs. The removal of mesh panels improves durability while allowing for an upgraded interior Flashlining, extending from the chest to the knees for increased comfort, warmth, and drying performance. Plus, the wetsuits are now made from renewable, neoprene-free materials, including FSC-certified natural rubber, oyster shell powder, and other bio-based content.

Dawn Patrol CZ exterior