It all started poolside. In 2005, Brown was on holiday with friends when he noticed a sharp contrast in how men and women dressed for the beach. While the women looked effortlessly stylish in swimwear they could take from lounger to lunch, the men—including Brown—were stuck in baggy board shorts that belonged strictly in the water.
That moment sparked a thought: “What if there were shorts you could swim in—and then go out in?” Brown reflects.
The tailored approach to swim shorts laid the foundation for Orlebar Brown’s success. And within three years, the line expanded beyond swimwear to include resort-ready staples: polos, tees, shirts, and the cult-favourite towel polos.
Nearly two decades later, he’s kept the brand’s spirit fun, fresh, and rooted in the pursuit of sunshine and happiness. What began as a modest idea has evolved into one of the most distinct voices in men’s resortwear.
“At the point of launch, I didn’t have a big strategy or game plan,” he says. “I didn’t set out to create a global brand—I just wanted a better pair of shorts that other men might wear. It was never just about beachwear—it was about how men holiday.”
In September 2018, Orlebar Brown became part of the CHANEL family—a partnership Brown describes as nothing short of flattering and empowering. “This allowed us to continue innovating while staying true to our heritage. They’ve given us the confidence to write the next chapter—improving our quality, expanding our creativity, and growing our retail footprint.”
That footprint now spans the globe—including a particularly meaningful destination: Dubai. “On a personal level, the Middle East has a special place in the Orlebar Brown brand journey. I remember testing one of the very early samples here in Dubai. Some of our first sellers were in Dubai, and very early on, we could see customers ordering from here. When we think of places full of sunshine and happiness, where else is better than Dubai? It seems to be a very natural fit.”
The global luxury swimwear brand has also made a name for itself through iconic collaborations—from James Bond and WHAM!’s Club Tropicana to the sleek lines of Lamborghini. “The best collabs happen when two brands share values but bring different energy,” Brown explains. “Bond is all about adventure and romance. Club Tropicana brought music and light. Lamborghini added velocity and style. They’re different, but they all connect to our spirit.”
In the Middle East, that spirit has led to exclusive regional drops—like special-edition Bulldog shorts for Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Atlantis The Royal and more are on the way. “We look for hotels that feel right for O.B—places we love, places that represent the dream.”
Travel remains Brown’s biggest source of inspiration—new places, new cultures, local markets and shops. “We’re not just a British brand. Our shorts go everywhere,” he adds.
Over the years, O.B has built a loyal global following, brought together through the Instagram hashtag #OBSAroundTheWorld. “It’s not just a hashtag—it’s a philosophy,” Brown says. “One centered on connection, communication, and the emotional thrill of travel. It means a lot when someone takes the time to tag O.B on their holiday.”
For Brown, customer connection remains a priority. “That feeling—that you’re part of something—it matters,” he says. “I personally email 50 to 100 customers each month. People who’ve shopped in-store. I ask for feedback, hear their thoughts.”
From bold photographic-print swim shorts to cinematic screen time—James Bond famously wore O.B’s Sky Setter shorts poolside in Skyfall—Orlebar Brown has become the uniform of stylish holidays. And not just for the beach.
Today, O.B’s signature tailored shorts and polos are spotted everywhere from luxury hotels and seaside brunches to the silver screen—most recently in The White Lotus Season 3, worn by actor Sam Nivola. Even off-screen, the brand continues to make high-profile appearances—Tom Cruise was recently seen wearing a burgundy OB knit polo at the Cannes Film Festival.
And the best is yet to come.