Primark has launched a range of surf and swimwear and bargain hunters are loving it. It comes as concerns have been raised over whether the products – which include wetsuits and changing robes – were bad for the environment and would end up in landfill.

The new range became a hot topic of conversation when a Cornish surf magazine criticized the products as “cheap”, “sad” and “high treason on the seas”. Real Surfing Magazine first hit the global fashion channel on social media, urging people to think twice before buying the items saying they would cause an “environmental disaster”.

The range includes a number of surfing and swimming staples including a £35 dry dressing gown, changing dresses and a range of wetsuits. The website’s advertisement reads: ‘Whether it’s paddleboarding, surfing waves or swimming in open water, our range of wetsuits will ensure everyone stays warm and protected from the elements throughout. of his adventure.

Read more: What Cornwall tourists should – and – shouldn’t do this summer

“Summer sun or not, the sea can get quite chilly, which is why our wetsuits are designed to feel like a second skin. At 3mm thick, our wetsuits are super stretchy so you can move with ease. freedom. Flatlock seams ensure you never get snagged and a rear zip entry with Velcro safety patch means you can hit the water with peace of mind.”

There are 72 items across the entire ‘swimwear and beachwear’ collection, ranging from bathing suits to ‘snuddies’ – brands take on dry dresses which can cost up to £160 usually. Prices for adult wetsuits are £38 for the full length and £32 for the short wetsuit. Beach hoodies are just £12.

Tiktok star Ellie Hinchliffe was recently invited by Primark to enjoy a surf trip to Cornwall for breakfasts and beach activities. While working with Primark around their summer beachwear collection, Ellie learned to surf and had brunch with the team learning what they had coming up for the summer.

Nearly 500 people joined the big debate over whether Primark products would become ‘cheap disposable’ items that ended up in landfill after Newquay-based Real Surfing Magazine made claims similar. But some argued the products meant surfing and outdoor clothing was now accessible to families who could work on a lower budget – with many praising the brand for the offering.

Shoppers praised Primark after the release of its surf and swim range

Helen Rose said: “I have a friend whose UK company makes clothes for Primark and they stop you in the blink of an eye if staff are treated unfairly or unethically like they have with them. They regularly visit all of their suppliers. We’ve had the so-called very expensive better quality wetsuits that have come loose!”

Jayne Ball added: “Having worked in the garment industry, all suits will be made in similar if not the same factories due to the machinery required to produce them. Primark quality suits will be no different to Asda or Sainsburys. All wetsuits are made from neoprene regardless of density.”

Pamela Lockley said: “Oh for God’s sake what’s the deal? Oh I know why, nothing to do with the environment, it’s all about how much money they lose, be realistic, everyone world can’t afford to pay for a designer name.”

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Chris Czora said: “It’s snobbery from the ‘Volkswagen T6 and dry dresses for the whole family’ brigade. Half the suits are made by the same factory in the Far East anyway, but according to different standards.

Judith Currah said: “So the privileged few who can afford silly money don’t want to share the surf with people who shop at Primark and say their wetsuits are rubbish. Which is weird because I buy quite a few things from Primark and find that everything washes well and lasts a year.”

Caroline Wilkinson said: “Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s have been selling cheap wetsuits for years. Enjoyment of the sea should be accessible to everyone. Shops selling accessible products are not at fault, it’s the people who buy them and eliminate them carelessly.

Natalie D’Rozarlo: “Think about the customer and not your own gain as a business. Everyone should be able to choose within their budget. Well done Primark for making affordable suits for those who otherwise couldn’t buy. “