Why are Orlebar Brown swim shorts so expensive?+
The price reflects how the shorts are constructed. Each pair is based on the 17-piece pattern of a traditional men's suit trouser, with a four-part shaped waistband, a zip fly and side fasteners instead of a drawstring. The Italian zippers on the fly and back pocket are applied by hand, and the shorts are made in Portugal through a multi-stage process, so you are paying for tailoring rather than a simple elasticated short.
Are Orlebar Brown swim shorts actually worth it?+
If you value a tailored fit and clean leg line over pure swimming performance, many find them worth it. They are designed to be smart enough to wear straight from the beach to lunch, which is the whole point of the tailored-trouser approach. If you mainly want technical swimwear for laps, you can find more specialised options, so it really depends on whether you want a polished poolside short.
What is the Bulldog, Orlebar Brown's signature swim short?+
The Bulldog is the mid-length style most associated with the brand and the cut most people picture when they think Orlebar Brown. It carries the house signatures, the tailored four-part waistband and side fasteners, in the brand's defining silhouette. It is the natural first purchase if you want the original Orlebar Brown look.
Who founded Orlebar Brown, and when?+
Orlebar Brown was founded by photographer Adam Brown in March 2007, after he had the idea on holiday in India in 2006. He launched it with an old acquaintance, Julia Simpson-Orlebar, whose name lives on in the brand. The website went live in March 2007, available in 105 countries from the start.
Where does the name Orlebar Brown come from?+
It joins the surnames of the two people behind the launch: founder Adam Brown and his early partner Julia Simpson-Orlebar. Simpson-Orlebar left the business amicably in 2008 but remained a shareholder. So the name is a small piece of the brand's founding story stitched into the label.
Where are Orlebar Brown swim shorts made?+
The swim shorts are made in Portugal by the factory Petratex, where they pass through a minimum 12-stage manufacturing process. The hand-applied Italian zippers are part of what makes the construction more involved than a typical short. That European craft base is a large part of why the pieces are positioned as tailored swimwear.
Is Orlebar Brown only swimwear?+
No. While the brand is best known for swim shorts, around 55 percent of its sales come from other products, including rash guards, polo shirts, long and short sleeve shirts, jumpers, sweatshirts and even waterproof shoes. There has also been a Summer Sport capsule with technical fabrics. So you can build a fuller resort wardrobe, not just buy trunks.
Who owns Orlebar Brown now?+
Chanel acquired the company in September 2018, with founder Adam Brown retaining his role as creative director. Before that, in 2013, the private-equity firm Piper had taken a minority stake. So the brand today sits within a major luxury house while keeping its founder at the creative helm.
Is it true James Bond wore Orlebar Brown?+
Yes, and it is one of the brand's defining moments. Daniel Craig wore Orlebar Brown's sky blue Setter shorts as James Bond in the 2012 film Skyfall. The brand later partnered with EON Productions on an exclusive collection using iconic poster art from films including Dr. No and Thunderball. That Bond association is a big part of the label's smart, cinematic image.
Which celebrities are associated with Orlebar Brown?+
Beyond Daniel Craig's Bond appearance, the brand's swim shorts have been seen on a wide range of public figures, including Jay-Z, Hugh Jackman, Sir Paul McCartney, David Gandy and Cristiano Ronaldo. The brand has also done named collaborations, such as a limited-edition collection with Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo. It is a label that has long traded on a polished, well-travelled image.
Where can I buy Orlebar Brown?+
Orlebar Brown sells through its own shops, with its first opening on Ledbury Road in Notting Hill, London in 2011, plus locations in Mayfair, Harrods and resort spots like Cannes, St Tropez, Mykonos and Miami. It also has over 300 wholesale accounts, including Selfridges, Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys New York. Buying from the brand or an authorised stockist is the safest way to be sure of authenticity.
How should Orlebar Brown swim shorts fit?+
Because the cut is based on tailored trousers with a shaped waistband, the fit is meant to be neat and flattering through the seat with a clean leg, rather than loose like a board short. The side fasteners let you fine-tune the waist instead of cinching a drawstring. If you are between sizes, the tailored construction means it is worth choosing for a trim, intentional fit.
