Wetsuits are intended to create an insulating barrier between the diver and the water, keeping the diver warm even if a thin layer of water is trapped between the diver's skin and the suit. The thickness of the suit acts as an insulator, while the fit of the suit minimizes water circulation. Additionally, deep-sea divers use special diving suits to keep their bodies from being crushed by the great pressure of water imposed on all sides at the ocean's bottom. These suits are made of different materials such as rubber, neoprene, and PUR (polyurethane).
The European diving suit market is classified based on product type, price range, and sales channel. Based on product type, it is subdivided into dry suits, semi-dry suits, and wet suits. Based on price range, the market is subdivided into low-priced, moderately priced, and high-priced categories. Further, based on sales channel, it is subdivided into online and offline.
Industry Demand and Key Trends
According to OMR Research, the European diving suit market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period (2023–2029). The scuba diving sector is critical to the economies of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), providing a critical chance for them to realize their blue economy ambitions. This sector is essentially dependent on the marine environment's health as well as a competent and safe underwater labor force.
Europe is a major source market for scuba diving. Western European nations such as Germany, France, and the UK have particularly robust marketplaces. The Divers Alert Network (DAN), established in Europe, is the world's biggest diving safety association, providing divers with safety information, emergency aid, and medical research. European divers are looking for sites that are environmentally friendly and have high health and safety standards. They are increasingly looking for one-of-a-kind diving locations or experiences. As more elderly citizens discover diving, this rising demographic is becoming a viable target market. According to an article published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2017, European divers take many diving vacations each year. On long-distance diving expeditions, they spend around $430 per day on an average 10- to 14-day vacation. Divers from Germany, France, and the UK spend more money on vacation than Italian divers. German divers, in particular, spend a lot of money since they choose higher-quality accommodations. Due to all such reasons, the European diving market is growing, resulting in a high demand for diving suits.
Recent Developments
Companies such as AquaLung International, Beuchat, Billabong, Camaro GesmbH, Cressi S.p.A., Dive Rite, Johnson Outdoors Inc., MARES, Northern Diver, Ocean Rodeo, Quiksilver, Inc., SALVIMAR srl, Santi, Seac Sub S.p.a., SHEICO Group, Tabata Co., Ltd., Xcel Wetsuits, and others are assisting in the market’s growth through various mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, new product launches, and other activities. Some of the recent developments in the market include-
• In December 2022, Northern Diver, based in the UK, announced the release of their new Nautic wetsuit. The new neoprene suit is available in 3 mm and 5 mm thicknesses. The suit is made of high-quality Yamamoto neoprene and is ideal for scuba diving in warmer seas or other water activities such as surfing in colder waters.
• In November 2022, Beuchat, a France-based underwater equipment provider, debuted its new Primal spearfishing wetsuit at the DEMA Show in Orlando, Florida. The two-piece freediving and spearfishing suit contains a whistle for security for troubled divers, a cushioned chest area for loading the gun, extra reinforcements at the knees and shins, a big red stripe on the hood to promote surface safety, and is available in 3 mm and 5 mm thicknesses. The Primal wetsuit will replace the earlier Espadon suit, and the new features vastly improve on the previous model.
• In May 2022, ORCA, the world-renowned triathlon and swimming company from Europe, announced the addition of two new specialized freediving wetsuits to its lineup: the Zen and Mantra wetsuits. The Zen is ORCA's flagship freediving wetsuit, meant to fit like a second skin. The hydrodynamic suit uses sophisticated materials and a pattern creation approach that is extremely efficient. The ORCA Mantra, on the other hand, is intended to be more adaptable while being extremely durable. The suit has excellent elasticity and a very comfortable fit. It is intended to be warm and minimize water infiltration.
• In February 2022, Northern Diver debuted its newest wetsuit, the Semi-Tech. The three-piece Semi-Tech wetsuit is made of Yamamoto superstretch neoprene and consists of a 5.5mm semi-dry steamer, a 6.5mm shortie, and a 5mm supervent hood. The Semi-Tech system can be worn in combination with the steamer and shortie in cold circumstances or independently in warmer water. The steamer also includes the company's 3mm neoprene "Thermal Shield" vest, which is meant to give further protection for the chest and back.
• In April 2021, Aqualung announced the launch of its all-new XSCAPE collection. The product features a 100% neoprene-free wetsuit and a rash guard made from sustainable materials. The XSCAPE line is designed for a variety of water activities and reflects Aqualung’s commitment to innovation, ocean discovery, and sustainability.