Wildsuits SS20 Wetsuits Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits SS20
Brand: Wildsuits
Interviewee: Olivier Boileau, co-founder
According to you, what has been the most noticeable evolution during the last few years in the wetsuit market?
Most noticeably for me, it’s the use of eco-friendly materials and, in particular, that the overall quality of these eco-friendly materials is improving. Alongside Wildsuits, it’s great to see a number of other wetsuit brands also caring about reducing their carbon footprint and using alternatives to reduce their negative impact on the environment. It’s really important to me to see more and more surf brands using eco-friendly alternatives. We are all in the same boat, and we should all be working to head in the same direction!
How did you build up your range in between styles, constructions and pricepoints?
We are offering three different ranges of wetsuits: 3/2mm, 4/3mm and 5/4mm.
When designing and constructing our suits, we always consider and research the environmental impact of each material. Once we have selected the first few options for the material, we then refine the list by testing the durability of those materials. Once we have obtained all of the information, we need we then test the sample suits through our professional team riders.
Which are your key innovations for 2020? (materials, constructions, styles…)
2020 is marked with the releasing of our 2/2mm wetsuit. There won’t be a key innovation as such, we just made certain these new suits are as high in quality, durability and elasticity as our other suits; which resulted in the success of our previous ranges.
Colors & graphics are crucial on Summer wetties: what do you bring on the table?
Our wetsuits have a clean and refined look. However, we bring a bit of Wildness to the 2/2mm. I won’t say any more, keep an eye on our Instagram..
Women wetsuits rely on a wider range of silhouettes: apart from the classic springsuit/fullsuit, which styles do you offer?
At the moment we do not have a women’s range. We are however working on developing prototypes for our women riders and we are in the process of finding the perfect cut. Women’s wetsuits are too often of a lower quality than men’s wetsuits, but this won’t be the case with us. Premium quality is essential for all the products that we launch.
How do make your wetsuits more sustainable?
We take it really seriously. More than just focusing on making eco-friendly and durable wetsuits, we spread the word of environmental respect to not only our customers but also amongst the Wildsuits team. All the people involved with Wildsuits must care for and respect Mother Earth. We live by the principle that if you don’t care, there is no need to send us your CV…
Moreover, we have an eco-discount program. Don’t throw your old wetsuit away, it’s a waste! If you bring us your old wetsuits, we will give them a second life. We work with Surfer Solidaires, who donate surf equipment to people in need or, if your wetsuit is totally destroyed, we will send it over to Neocombine, who make upcycled neoprene products such as Wildsuits bracelet or Wildsuits key chains…
“On the wave, be wild” & “Out of the wave, behave”.
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