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Orlebar Brown brings a tailored mindset to resort dressing, from precise swim shorts to easy clothing and lightweight footwear, supported by travel-ready bags and accessories. The brand’s signature side-adjuster swim shorts are cut like trousers, then complemented by breathable shirts, polos, tees, and day shorts that slip into city life as easily as they do the beach. Footwear—think slides, espadrilles, and pared-back leather sandals—keeps the look streamlined, while compact pouches and totes round out the pack-light approach. Designed in London and worn from the Balearics to Miami, these are clothes built for sun, salt, and the in-between moments.
Silhouette & Construction
Orlebar Brown’s swim shorts are constructed on a tailored block, which creates clean lines through the waist and seat and a straight, leg-lengthening profile. Fixed waistbands with side adjusters replace elastic bulk, so the shorts sit flat under knit polos or camp-collar shirts. You’ll see attention to proportion across the collection: mid-rise trousers and day shorts that balance a relaxed top; shirts with measured collar height and a gentle shoulder line; knitwear that skims instead of clings. Movement matters here—the shorts open up with subtle side vents; shirts use airy weaves for drape; and the brand’s terry pieces carry just enough weight to fall smoothly without losing shape.
Materials & Finish
Fabrics are chosen for performance in heat and humidity without sacrificing hand feel. Core swim uses quick-dry recycled polyamide or polyester with a soft, peached face; many photographic and printed styles are woven in Europe for crisp color and definition. Linen appears prominently for warm-weather shirts and trousers—European flax with a natural slub and a cool, dry touch. Cotton piqué polos strike that sweet spot between structure and breathability, while towelling (terry) adds a touch of 1960s pool-club ease. Hardware is part of the appeal: robust zips, secure snaps, and signature metal side adjusters engineered to withstand splashes and sun. Finishes favor longevity—colorfast dyes, secure bartacks at stress points, and mesh linings designed to support without irritation.
Signatures & Icons
Two true signatures define the brand. First, the tailored swim shorts with side adjusters—offered in four core lengths—read like smart shorts you can swim in. Second, the photographic-print program, often featuring Slim Aarons images and travel motifs, turns the Bulldog silhouette into a statement piece. Seasonal capsules—such as 007 collaborations—and occasional co-branded prints add collectability while staying within the house template of tidy, functional design.
How to Wear It Now
Weekday city heat: Pair mid-length Bulldog swim shorts in a muted solid with a linen camp-collar shirt and low-profile leather sandals. Add a slim crossbody or small pouch to keep essentials close on a commute or river walk. The tailored waistband means the look reads like sharp casualwear, even far from the water.
Evening by the coast: Choose the shorter Setter in a dark tone and wear it with a fine-gauge knit polo or lightweight merino crew. A suede espadrille keeps things relaxed but polished for dinner on a terrace. If the breeze picks up, layer a cotton-linen chore jacket in navy or stone.
Weekend pool day: Let a photographic Bulldog carry the outfit. Ground the print with a white terry resort shirt and simple slides; a canvas tote holds towel, book, and sunscreen. For variety, swap in drawcord “Standard” swim shorts when you want a sportier mood without losing clean lines.
Travel circuit (London → Mediterranean): Start the journey in tailored day shorts and a breathable tee, then switch to swim at the hotel. A packable linen shirt handles both beach clubs and old-town strolls; add sunglasses and a compact belt bag. In the shoulder season, a light knit or unlined blazer keeps the evening smart without weight.
Fit & Sizing Notes
Coats & jackets: Light resort outerwear tends toward a regular fit with clean shoulders. If layering over a terry shirt or fine knit, take your usual size; if pairing with heavier mid-layers, consider sizing up for ease.
Shirts & polos: Camp-collars and linen button-throughs fit true to size with room to move. Piqué polos are slightly neater across the chest; those between sizes who prefer a relaxed drape may size up, especially in humid climates.
Trousers/shorts (daywear): Cut with a mid-rise and straight leg. The hem typically hits just above the knee on 180–185 cm / 5'11"–6'1" frames; taller wearers may find the line slightly shorter. If between sizes, a size up gives a more relaxed waist; belts or side tabs refine the fit.
Knitwear: Fine-gauge styles are close without clinging; terry towelling pieces are intentionally easy. Stick to your regular size unless you want an oversized, off-duty look.
Shoes: Slides and espadrilles are standard length with a comfortable width; half-sizes should consider the next size up for warm-weather swelling. Leather sandals soften with wear; begin snug.
Bags: Crossbodies and belt bags are compact with adjustable straps; totes have structured bottoms and short handles that sit neatly at the side. Capacity suits pool days and carry-on travel.
Swim shorts: Four core lengths help dial in proportion—Springer (shortest), Setter (short), Bulldog (mid-length), and Dane (long). The Bulldog’s 15 cm / 6" inseam suits most heights; the Setter’s 11 cm / 4.5" reads sportier; the Dane’s 23 cm / 9" flatters taller frames; the Springer’s 7 cm / 3" is the most minimal. Fixed waistbands with side adjusters allow about 2 cm / 0.8" of refinement without a belt. Mesh linings are supportive but soft; if sensitive, consider a drawcord style with a roomier seat.
Care & Longevity
Rinse swim immediately after salt or chlorinated water, then machine-wash cool (30 °C / 86 °F) with mild detergent; close side adjusters and turn inside out to protect hardware. Avoid bleach and harsh spot-treaters, which can strip color and compromise coatings. Air-dry flat or on a hanger out of direct sun to preserve fabric strength and trims; skip the tumble dryer to prevent heat stress and hardware wear. For linen and cotton pieces, a cool iron or steamer restores drape; store knits folded to prevent shoulder bumps. With regular rinsing and mindful washing, color and structure remain sharp season after season.
Heritage & Today
Founded in London in 2007 by photographer Adam Brown, Orlebar Brown set out to make swim shorts one could also wear to lunch—neat, tailored, and practical. The approach resonated and the brand expanded into resort-to-city clothing and considered accessories. In 2018, the company joined the Chanel family, strengthening resources while maintaining a focused product vision. Brown continues to lead creative direction, ensuring the original tailored premise anchors each season. Rather than staging runway shows, the brand presents through lookbooks, destination shoots, and collaborations that speak to travel culture. Notable lines include ongoing James Bond capsules and recurring photographic programs that pay homage to mid-century leisure—references that feel at home from Ibiza and the Côte d’Azur to Miami and Los Angeles.
Responsibility
Most products are made within Europe, with long-standing partners in Portugal and Italy and selective sourcing elsewhere where appropriate. Preferred materials increasingly include recycled polyamides and polyesters in swim, European flax linen for shirting and trousers, and organic cotton where available. Packaging has moved toward recycled and recyclable formats, and single-use plastics have been reduced across the supply chain. The brand’s durability mindset—robust hardware, secure stitching, and repair-friendly construction—supports longer wear and fewer replacements. As with any performance fabric, microfibre shedding is an industry-wide challenge; laundering in cool cycles and air-drying helps minimize impact.