When Adam Brown founded Orlebar Brown, it wasn’t with a business plan, it was with a single, sharp idea: to create a pair of tailored swim shorts he actually wanted to wear. Since then, the brand has grown into a global symbol of refined resortwear, blending British tailoring with the spirit of holidays well spent.
Now, as the High Summer ’25 collection rolls out, Adam shares his thoughts on the mood behind the new pieces, how the brand continues to evolve without losing its core identity, and why places like Monaco and Marbella feel like home. From the influence of Chanel to the cult success of their leather slides, this is a look inside a brand that’s just as much about lifestyle as it is about fashion.
1. You’ve launched the High Summer ’25 collection. What’s the mood of the collection this year? What inspired it?
The mood of every collection we create, including High Summer ’25, is rooted in sunshine, travel, and happiness. That’s been our north star from day one. I didn’t start with a business plan, I started with a pair of tailored swim shorts I wanted to wear. From that one product, an entire lifestyle emerged. Our summer collection continues that spirit of optimism, adventure, and effortless summer living. It’s about capturing those moments that feel like pure joy.
2. Orlebar Brown has always blended resort wear with real tailoring. How do you keep that balance fresh while staying true to the brand’s DNA?
It’s something I think about constantly. As the brand has grown, we’ve made it a part of our culture to be our own harshest critics. We’re always asking ourselves if we’re doing our best, whether it’s in product design, in-store experience, events, or customer service. That inquisitive mindset is really part of our DNA. It’s what keeps us sharp, keeps things evolving, and ensures we never rest on our laurels while still staying true to who we are.
3. The brand has had a strong global presence for a while, but your European footprint is growing fast – new stores in Monaco and Marbella, for example. What do those locations mean to you?
I’m incredibly excited about our continued growth in Europe. We’ve just opened in Monte Carlo, and it’s such a natural home for Orlebar Brown – sun-drenched, stylish, and full of that joie de vivre we love. These places aren’t just about geography, they’re about energy, attitude, and lifestyle. Expanding into places like Monaco is a great opportunity for us to meet our customers in place where they can really holiday better and feel summer.
4. It’s been a few years since Chanel acquired Orlebar Brown. How has that relationship influenced the brand’s trajectory, creatively or strategically?
Chanel has been unbelievably supportive. What they’ve really given us is confidence – the confidence to write our next chapter boldly. That means improving quality, pushing our design boundaries, and growing our retail presence globally. Strategically, we’re thinking much bigger now. Creatively, we’re more ambitious than ever. Their belief in our vision has allowed us to expand thoughtfully, not just for the sake of growth, but in ways that really reflect who we are.
5. The idea of a ‘summer uniform’ seems more relevant than ever. What are your personal go-to pieces for a week in the Med?
For me, it’s always the classics: a great pair of tailored swim shorts, a polo, soft tees, and linen trousers. I also never travel without our leather slides, they’ve been a breakout success and are perfect for slipping on post-swim or heading to lunch by the sea. It’s about having a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and comfortable, no matter where the day takes you.
6. Looking ahead beyond High Summer ’25, what’s next for Orlebar Brown? Are there any destinations, collaborations, or creative ideas you’re particularly excited about?
This is such an exciting time for us. We’re turning 18, moving from adolescence into adulthood as a brand, and there are so many possibilities.
In terms of product development, we’re branching into accessories, we just launched a beautiful weekend bag and we are expanding our sunglasses range. We also launched our new Bulldog Silk swim shorts this season – a masterclass in tailoring, precision-cut for the man who moves through the world with quiet confidence and impeccable taste.
We’ve opened stores in Mexico and Thailand and have new ones launching in Monte Carlo and Bangkok. Looking ahead, it’s about continuing to grow with integrity, staying global but personal, and keeping that spirit of travel and joy alive in everything we do.
Shop the range here.
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