Wetsuits are commonly worn by individuals participating in water and wind-related sports because of their abrasion resistance, thermal insulation, and buoyancy. Positive market growth is projected due to rising interest in water sports, expanding inland surfing regions, and artificial wave generation technologies.
Scuba diving has seen a dramatic transition recently despite being a sport historically dominated by men. According to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PAI), female divers have increased significantly in recent years. Due to the rise in the percentage of women actively participating in watersports, wetsuit demand grew globally. The simplicity of use and lightweight contemporary diving equipment has enhanced women's interest in various sport.
Growing brand competition forces suppliers to concentrate on customer requirements and learn how to equip them with water sports equipment better. Neoprene is being replaced with wetsuits made of eco-friendly materials like natural rubber and water-based glue due to stringent regional government guidelines for producing eco-friendly goods. In addition, wetsuits made from recycled plastic and water bottles are also projected to become more popular during the forecast period.
North America is the most significant shareholder in the global wetsuit market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. New wave parks and manufactured waves are expected to boost the surfing industry and its supporting sectors. Sales of windsurfing gear are expected to rise across the board due to the Columbia River Gorge and the Maui Islands being recognized as the world's two premier windsurfing locations. Due to increased childhood obesity rates, wetsuit sales in North America are anticipated to increase, forcing schools and other educational institutions to include outdoor activities in their curricula. The popularity of indoor water-wave parks and inland surfing spots, which encourage people, especially millennials, to participate in water-based activities, is driving up demand for wetsuits.
Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.00%, generating USD 690.5 million during the forecast period. The technology behind wetsuits in the UK improves every year. To counteract the detrimental health effects of increasingly sedentary and stressful lifestyles, a rising number of individuals are taking up sports like swimming and working out in the open air. As surfing and other watersports have gained popularity throughout Europe, so have wetsuits. Wetsuits are becoming more widely available in the United Kingdom, contributing to a rise in commodity prices. In addition, wetsuits made from trash in the ocean, such as plastic bottles and fishing nets, have become increasingly popular due to legislation limiting pollution.
The global wetsuits market’s major key players are Arena Spa, Aqua Lung, Billabong, Buell Wetsuits & Surf, C-Skins, Glidz Japan, Hyperflex Wetsuits, Surf Isurus, Jmj Wetsuits, and O’Neill.