Tailored for the Sun: The Story of Orlebar Brown
Origins and Founding
Orlebar Brown was founded in 2007 by Adam Brown in London. While on vacation, Brown noticed a gap in the menswear market: there were no refined swim shorts that could easily transition from the beach to a bar. Drawing inspiration from Savile Row tailoring and his background in photography, he launched a line of swimwear that married form and function. From the beginning, Orlebar Brown stood apart by approaching swim shorts as a fashion item rather than a utilitarian piece, combining crisp cuts, premium fabrics, and a bespoke sensibility.
Ownership and Leadership
In 2018, luxury powerhouse Chanel acquired Orlebar Brown, signaling the brand’s arrival as a key player in the luxury leisurewear category. Adam Brown has remained closely involved, guiding the brand’s creative evolution and overseeing capsule collections that align with its tailored-yet-effortless vision.
Aesthetic and Design Language
Orlebar Brown is known for its refined, jet-set aesthetic that balances British tailoring with coastal ease. The brand’s designs reflect a love for travel, photography, and sun-soaked escapes. From clean silhouettes in solid colors to shorts printed with vintage beachscapes and architectural details, each piece captures a worldly elegance. Think Bond-era confidence, Mediterranean cool, and timeless, tailored leisurewear that looks at home from Ibiza to Amalfi.
Notable Pieces
- The Bulldog Swim Shorts – The brand’s hero product: tailored, mid-length swim trunks with side adjusters, quick-drying fabric, and a button fly closure.
- Setter Shorts – A shorter, sportier variation worn by Daniel Craig in Skyfall, combining sharp tailoring with bold prints.
- Towelling Polo Shirt – A retro-inspired staple made from soft cotton terry, bridging the gap between poolside and street.
- Haston Linen Shirt – A lightweight classic featuring relaxed tailoring and breathable European linen.
- OB Editions – Special collaborations and print capsules, including photo-real landscapes and pop art-inspired graphics.
Legacy and Influence
Orlebar Brown helped redefine the men’s swimwear category by introducing the concept of “resort tailoring.” Its Bulldog shorts remain a benchmark for luxury swimwear, and its ability to balance elegance with functionality has made it a go-to for discerning travelers. With its expansion into resortwear, footwear, and outerwear, the brand has carved out a niche in the world of upscale, aspirational menswear.
Famous Fans
- Daniel Craig
- David Gandy
- LeBron James
- Ryan Reynolds
- Jay-Z
The Future
Under Chanel’s ownership, Orlebar Brown continues to expand globally with standalone boutiques in Miami, Dubai, London, and St. Tropez. The brand has introduced new fabric technologies and grown its apparel offerings to include travel-ready trousers, soft-shouldered blazers, and lightweight technical layers. Capsule collections and print-led collaborations remain a key part of its seasonal drops, pushing the brand forward while staying true to its roots in refined leisurewear.
