The Coolest Men’s Swimwear Brands You Haven’t Heard Of (Yet)

There’s nothing wrong with Orlebar Brown or Vilebrequin. In fact, they’ve earned their poolside ubiquity. But if you’d rather not show up to the beach looking like everyone else in Mykonos, it’s worth casting your net a little wider.

These are the cooler, lesser-known men’s swimwear brands making waves right now—off-radar names that nail the sweet spot between style, function and exclusivity. Get in early, before everyone else does.

SAXX

Yes, they started with underwear—but SAXX’s swimwear takes the same comfort-first approach and applies it to board shorts and trunks. Expect technical fabrics, internal liners that feel like a second skin, and bold but wearable patterns.

These are pieces engineered with movement and comfort in mind, utilising moisture-wicking materials, ergonomic cuts and patented BallPark Pouch technology (yes, really) to ensure zero chafing and all-day comfort.

Whether you’re paddleboarding, lounging or chasing kids across a sandy beach, SAXX shorts are made to move with you.

Shop now at SAXX

The Resort Co.

Stockholm minimalism meets Italian craftsmanship. The Resort Co. is for men who appreciate a timeless and tailored summer wardrobe.

The brand’s swim shorts are cut from fast-drying fabric with a tailored fit that nods to a smart pair of chino shorts. Every pair is handmade in Portugal using recycled polyester, and details like real horn buttons, zipped back pockets and muted colour palettes elevate the aesthetic into smart-casual territory.

Pair them with a linen shirt and loafers and you could comfortably walk into a beachside restaurant without raising an eyebrow.

Shop now at The Resort Co.

David Gandy Wellwear

Gandy’s label might be known for loungewear, but don’t sleep on its foray into the water. The swim shorts carry the same DNA: refined, comfortable and quietly luxurious. Think elevated basics with a model’s eye for detail.

Expect clean silhouettes, sophisticated colours and just enough tailoring to suggest you know your way around a blazer—but prefer not to wear one in 30-degree heat.

There’s also a focus on wellbeing, with breathable, soft-touch materials that are kind to skin and designed to feel good on and off the beach.

Shop now at David Gandy Wellwear

LESTRANGE

Not your typical swimwear brand—LESTRANGE does modular menswear, pared-back and endlessly wearable. Its swim collection is low-key in the best way possible: subtle tones, no flashy branding, and quality that feels designed for the long haul.

Constructed from recycled nylon and cut with the same minimalist sensibility that defines its core range, these are trunks for the man who favours subtlety over logos.

Their slightly shorter cut and no-nonsense approach make them easy to wear with a tee or overshirt, no matter how far you are from a coastline.

Shop now at LESTRANGE

WAHTS

Part sportswear, part modern tailoring, WAHTS is an Amsterdam label that’s all about refined leisure.

Their swim shorts echo the brand’s hybrid aesthetic—designed for movement, but with a polished silhouette. Think of it as athletic wear for grown-ups: performance fabrics with a clean, European edge, often in monochrome or earthy tones.

These are trunks that look equally at home on a yacht deck or beside a Scandinavian fjord. Not that you’ll be testing them in either, necessarily—but nice to know you could.

Shop now at WAHTS

ONIA

A New York brand with an eye for elevated simplicity, ONIA’s swimwear collection focuses on clean lines, great fabrics and versatility.

There’s a touch of luxe resort about it—imagine sipping something icy at a rooftop pool, not cannonballing at your local lido.

The brand’s Calder swim shorts are the standout: crisp, clean-cut and made from quick-drying woven fabric with plenty of stretch. These are the kind of trunks you pack for a city break where the hotel has a pool and you’ve only got room for one pair.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Commas

If you want your swimwear to double as an art piece, Commas is for you. Hailing from Australia, the brand make painterly prints and architectural silhouettes feel wearable, not overdone. It’s luxury with a creative streak—and plenty of fashion insider approval.

Each piece is handmade in Sydney using European fabrics, and the prints are often drawn from founder Richard Jarman’s travels or collaborations with visual artists.

The vibe? Gallery curator on sabbatical in Sicily.

Shop now at SSENSE

Aurelien

Mediterranean elegance, bottled. Aurelien’s approach to swimwear is all about understated glamour—classic cuts, muted tones, and buttery fabrics. It’s the sort of thing you’d pack for a yacht week, even if your plans involve nothing more than a sunlounger and an Aperol spritz.

Made in Europe and cut with subtle sophistication, their swim shorts lean into the Riviera aesthetic—fitted but not tight, with thoughtful detailing and timeless colours like sand, navy and terracotta.

Shop now at Aurelien

Bather

Toronto-born but globally cool, Bather specialises in modern swimwear with bold prints and a streetwear sensibility.

Its trunks are cut a little shorter and a little sharper, designed for guys who know their way around a pattern. Don’t let the laid-back vibe fool you, though: these are well-made pieces with mesh linings, drawstring waists and high-quality polyester that can take a beating.

Whether you prefer florals, abstracts or monochrome, there’s something in the Bather lineup that’ll upgrade your poolside look.

Shop now at SSENSE

Nikben

This Swedish label doesn’t do boring. Nikben’s trunks are playful, cheeky and packed with character, featuring pineapples, cocktails and dogs in sunglasses. Yet somehow they still feel wearable, not novelty. Great for the guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously but still likes to look good.

Behind the fun lies premium production: quick-drying polyester, secure zip pockets and just the right amount of tailoring to keep the silhouette looking smart, not slapstick.

Shop now at Nikben

OAS Company

Another Stockholm gem, OAS blends retro charm with laid-back style. Its swimwear is bright, breezy and very ‘Scandi on holiday’.

The brand began with espadrilles but now offers a comprehensive resortwear lineup, featuring swim shorts that strike a balance between boldness and wearability. You’ll find vintage-inspired prints, contrast trims, and breathable materials that dry in no time.

It’s beachwear for the man who wants to look like he’s been summering on the Med for years—even if he’s only popped down to Brighton.

Shop now at Farfetch