The idea for Orlebar Brown came on holiday. Adam Brown was at a friend’s birthday party in Rajasthan in 2005. When it was time for lunch, he arrived at the restaurant wearing wet swimming trunks. Not looking smart enough, he was turned away. And in that moment the idea for O.B was born, what he needed was not a better swim short - but a short that you can swim in.

OB launched in 2007 with one style in 4 lengths and 5 colours. OB Classic swim shorts are still our best-selling product, a swim short based on the pattern of a traditional man’s suit trouser. They have a perfect fit and are instantly recognisable thanks to their signature side-fasteners. With over sixty elements in each pair, OB Classic swim shorts are made from 100% recycled plastic and we are so confident in their quality that they are guaranteed for 5 years.

In 2007 Orlebar Brown only made swim shorts. In 2010 we moved out of the pool, off the beach and into the resort in with our first polos and t-shirts. We have since expanded into shirts, trousers, jackets, shorts, knitwear, footwear and outerwear, everything you could possibly need to Holiday Better.

96% our products are made in Europe and they feature premium fabrics including cashmere, merino, cotton silk, linen and silk. They featured thoughtful tailored touches, classic colours and rich prints. And all of them are vibrant, tailored and brave.

Since 2018 Orlebar Brown has been part of Chanel. We are a global brand with more than 40 direct stores, and over 250 additional locations in great cities and gorgeous resorts around the world including London, Paris, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Sydney, Dubai, St. Tropez, Marbella, Ibiza, Mykonos, St. Barths and East Hampton.