Why Selkie Wetsuits are Made in Europe
From entry-level to premium brands, most wetsuits today are made in Asia. Producing in this region means lower costs, and the major players here have acquired extensive expertise and established excellent supply chains. They can handle high-volume production and technically complex designs. However, shifting manufacturing to a different continent can hinder effective oversight and negatively impact product quality. Selkie is not like other wetsuit brands. We’ve selected a factory in Bulgaria. Read on to find out why.
Why manufacture wetsuits in Europe?
The most obvious arguments in favour of producing in Europe are shorter lead times and lower transport costs. Shipping from a factory in Europe takes days rather than weeks, whereas shipping from Asia often means container shipping, with long transit times and the potential for delays on route. Generally speaking, the shorter the transport route, the lower the shipping charges. Fuel and handling costs can be kept at a minimum, and smaller, more frequent shipments can be made to reduce risks for the brand. Working in similar time zones also simplifies communication – approvals are signed off and decisions are made far more quickly this way. And when the manufacturer and brand are both within the EU, there are no customs or tariffs to pay, and everyone is on the same page regarding safety and compliance regulations. Speaking of regulations, quality control also becomes much easier. Having a factory in Europe means Selkie can conduct more site visits, identify and correct issues during the prototyping phase, and collaborate directly with the factory team. In short: higher quality, better communication, and a better experience for all – including the women purchasing and using the wetsuits.
Why did we choose the wetsuit factory in Bulgaria?
From day one, factory owner Georgi took us seriously and treated the project with the utmost care. Given that we are a small brand in the prototyping phase, this really impressed us. He has also provided invaluable input and guidance every step of the way, including during our fitting marathon, where he advised us on where to focus our efforts and how to navigate the process. As a result, Selkie now has detailed sketches, and founder Paulina is about to spend time at the factory iterating the wetsuit pattern with the on-site construction and design team. Our plan is to produce two or three prototypes to test details such as seam placements, panel structure, neoprene types, seals, lining, and zips. Because what looks effective on paper doesn’t necessarily perform well in the water. Our aim is to produce a design that works for women’s bodies. Not just in theory, but in practice.
A trade-off worth making
At Selkie, we know that manufacturing in Europe and analysing all these elements will result in a higher retail price. Although our wetsuits will cost more, they will also deliver more: We have been heavily involved in the process to ensure the women who wear Selkie benefit from a better fit – because our wetsuits are actually tested on women’s bodies rather than shrinking men’s sizing and adding pink. Why have we done all this? Because we want women to enjoy being under the water and not feel restricted by their equipment. We think this is a trade-off worth making. Don’t you?
If you want to see where we’re at on our journey, you can follow us on TikTok and Instagram.