“Around the pool, women tend to look great, but men do not,” explains Adam Brown, founder stylish swimwear brand Orlebar Brown. ”Well, that’s what I noticed when I went on holiday to celebrate a friends 40th birthday in Rajasthan in 2005.”
“The men were all wearing brightly patterned, baggy boxer short styles, briefs or board shorts – and looked rather style-less.” Nearly ten years later and Orlebar Brown, has changed the face of swimwear for dapper gents all over the world. So, if you are hitting a pool party this month, it’d be wise to read this words of advice from the founder himself:
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ESQ: Can you give us three style tips for men looking dapper at a pool party?
Adam Brown: I would say this (but do genuinely believe) that the secret to looking dapper at any pool party has to revolve around your shorts. OB Classic shorts are the original tailored ‘shorts you can swim in’ so ideal for any pool party. Perfect in the water and also smart enough for socialising and sipping cocktails when out of it. When choosing your shorts think about height, skin tone and your personality. Don’t choose really short shorts if very tall – or vice versa. A mid-length (OB Classic Bulldog) short is always a good starting point if in doubt. Colour and print should reflect and compliment skin tone and personality. They should be something you are comfortable with. If you are naturally pale and/or conservative in character then perhaps steer clear of neons or zany prints – but if extrovert then celebrate colour and pattern. Classic navy, black or mid-tones of red, blue or green are super smart and a great, safe bet. As to what to wear with your shorts, I love ‘well cut’ T’s or tailored polos. If at something smarter, then a lightweight linen shirt can be the ideal companion. Whatever you choose the chances are you will look far more dapper if you have the right attitude – be happy, enjoy yourself. You are at a pool party.
ESQ: What are the fashion faux pas men make when it comes to swimwear?
Adam Brown: Fit is essential to everything we do at Orlebar Brown. Baggy and/or elasticated waistbands are just a huge ‘NO’. I don’t understand why a man regardless of shape or size thinks shapeless, baggy shorts with an elasticated waistband digging in to their stomach look better. In our everyday lives whether fat, thin or average shape a well-cut suit is always more flattering – this principle follows through to your swim shorts.
ESQ: What makes OB shorts different from other swim shorts?
Adam Brown: Orlebar Brown launched as ‘the more tailored approach to swim shorts’. They are based on the traditional pattern of a man’s suit trouser and have many features that make them very special. These include a four-part shaped waistband so they sit on your hips properly, double fusing in the waistband to make them extra robust, side fasteners to adjust, zip fly, two front pockets and zip back pocket. Everything is European sourced and manufactured, all come with a net lining inside, the hardware is heat resistant zamak which is nickel free, (for those that are allergic to nickel), and our fabrics are all tested to 50mg of chlorine, (the average pool should only have about 14mg). Success and quality is in the detail.
ESQ: What’s the best pool party you’ve ever been to?
Adam Brown: Cape Town, overlooking Clifton Bay, New Years Eve about eight years ago. Amazing.
ESQ: What’s your pool-side go-to outfit?
Adam Brown: Navy OB Classic Setter shorts, white Sebastian Polo shirt and Beaumont Sunglasses.
- Dhs920, Orlebar Brown at Boutique 1
- Dhs920, Orlebar Brown at Boutique 1
- Dhs920, Orlebar Brown at Boutique 1
- Dhs750, Orlebar Brown at Boutique 1
- Dhs920, Orlebar Brown at Boutique 1
- Dhs550, Orlebar Brown at Boutique 1
- Dhs550, Orlebar Brown at Boutique 1
- Dhs435, Orlebar Brown at Boutique 1
Orlebar Brown is available at Boutique 1