LUXURY SWIMWEAR
- William Garfield
- Jun 26
- 2 min read

Is Luxury Men’s Swimwear Worth It? My Honest Take
Let’s talk about swimwear—specifically men’s luxury swimwear. If you’ve ever browsed through pieces from brands like Orlebar Brown, Vilebrequin, or Missoni, you’ve probably asked yourself: is it really worth paying $200+ for something I’m going to swim in?
As someone who’s now fully converted, my answer is: yes—but smartly.
The Experience of Buying Luxury Swimwear
There’s something undeniably different about slipping into a well-made pair of swim shorts. The cut, the fabric, the lining—it all just feels elevated. With luxury swimwear, the design process often mirrors that of tailored trousers. Brands, like my favorite, Orlebar Brown have perfected the art of making swimwear that transitions seamlessly from pool to patio, especially their classic setter fit with side adjusters and crisp tailoring.
You’re not just buying swim trunks; you’re buying into an experience—versatility, quality, and a certain confidence. It’s like wearing a good cologne or a beautifully made watch: subtle, but it changes your energy.
Orlebar Brown’s 5-Year Guarantee: A Game-Changer
One of the biggest reasons I believe luxury swimwear can be worth it is Orlebar Brown’s 5-year repair guarantee. They’ll fix any damage to your swim shorts within five years of purchase—for free. That’s unheard of in fashion, let alone swimwear. It shows the brand stands behind their product quality, which is rare in today’s fast-paced, disposable fashion world.
In that sense, you’re not just paying for the brand—you’re paying for longevity. A pair of OB trunks becomes a summer staple that holds its shape, color, and comfort year after year.

The Secret: Buy It Secondhand
Now, here’s where it gets even better: you don’t need to pay full price.
I’ve found insane steals on sites like Poshmark, eBay, Vestiaire Collective, and The RealReal. We’re talking Orlebar Brown, Vilebrequin, and even designer collabs in like-new condition for a fraction of the original retail. Many people list swimwear they wore once on vacation and never touched again—and you can tell when it's barely been used.
Some of my best finds came from Poshmark—luxury trunks in pristine shape, still with that crisp fabric feel, for under $60. That’s less than a fast fashion swimsuit at this point.

Why It’s Worth It (If You Shop Smart)
If you're buying for the label alone, it might not be worth it. But if you're buying for quality, fit, long-term wear, and that feel-good factor of knowing you look put-together even by the water—luxury swimwear is absolutely worth it.
Pair that with the secondhand market, and suddenly, you're not just stylish—you’re savvy.
Final Word
Luxury swimwear isn’t just for the Hamptons set. It’s for anyone who values craftsmanship, detail, and the kind of wardrobe that’s built to last. And thanks to resale platforms, it’s more accessible than ever. Buy once, buy smart—and swim in style.