Let’s get one thing clear: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the usual suspects—Orlebar Brown, Vilebrequin, and the like. Their dominance poolside is well-earned. Their fit, fabrics, and style are on point. But if you’ve ever stepped onto a yacht in Ibiza or checked into a luxury resort in Mykonos, you’ve probably noticed you’re not the only one in those signature tailored trunks or turtle-print shorts.
So, what do you wear when you want to make a splash without blending in?
It’s time to swim against the tide.
Whether you’re sunning in Saint-Tropez or planning a summer escape somewhere off the grid, these lesser-known men’s swimwear brands strike the perfect balance between laid-back cool and polished sophistication. They offer that hard-to-find mix of standout style, function-first design, and just enough exclusivity to keep you a step ahead of the crowd.
Here are the independent labels and off-radar names making serious waves in men’s swimwear—before everyone else catches on.
1. CDLP — Scandinavian Precision Meets Swimwear Simplicity
Born in Sweden, CDLP is all about intentional design and minimalism done right. While they started in men’s underwear, their swim shorts have become a quiet cult favorite. Think crisp tailoring, monochromatic tones, and quick-dry fabrics that feel expensive but don’t shout about it.
The silhouettes are trim without being tight, and their commitment to eco-conscious materials (like Econyl®, a regenerated nylon) adds points for sustainability. CDLP is for the guy who knows that less is more—and knows it first.
2. Timo Trunks — Laid-Back Luxury from Thailand
Inspired by island life and vintage beach aesthetics, Timo Trunks brings a splash of Southeast Asian soul to the swimwear scene. Designed in Bangkok and handmade in small batches, their prints are nostalgic without being kitschy—think hand-drawn palms, bold florals, and retro geometric patterns.
Each pair is lined with ultra-soft mesh, and the craftsmanship is refreshingly boutique. If you’re the kind of guy who keeps a Polaroid camera in your beach bag, Timo Trunks is your vibe.
3. Hartford — French Riviera Cool Since the ’70s
French label Hartford is technically not “new,” but still flies under the radar outside Europe. Their approach to swimwear blends preppy East Coast energy with Mediterranean ease. Expect vintage-inspired patterns, tailored cuts, and soft, sun-faded colors that look like they’ve already been on holiday.
Ideal for long lunches in linen shirts and espresso martinis at sunset, Hartford trunks are for men who like their style subtle—but sophisticated.
4. OAS — Stockholm by Way of São Paulo
OAS hails from Sweden, but the energy is pure tropical. These aren’t your quiet classics. Bold stripes, wild textures, and unorthodox patterns (think: bananas, checkerboards, and even piña coladas) are the name of the game here.
Despite the playful prints, the fits are surprisingly refined. Their signature mid-thigh length works on most body types, and the swim shorts double as regular shorts thanks to their sturdy construction and soft cotton-blend fabrics. Think party-ready, vacation-approved.
5. Naeco — Luxury Swimwear with a Purpose
Naeco (that’s “ocean” spelled backward) merges high fashion with high function—and a conscience. Made in the UK using recycled ocean plastic, these trunks are a favorite among eco-minded dressers who still want to look sharp.
Naeco’s tailored cuts and matte-finish fabrics bring serious luxury energy, but what really sets them apart is their commitment to sustainability. Bonus: the shorts dry ridiculously fast and feature a four-way stretch that moves with you—whether you’re beach-lounging or wakeboarding.
6. Bather — Urban Streetwear Meets Surf Culture
Toronto-based Bather is a perfect hybrid of downtown cool and boardwalk casual. Their silhouettes lean sportier—elastic waists, breezy mesh linings, and shorter inseams—but it’s their prints that steal the show.
From abstract color blocks to art-inspired motifs, Bather has become a go-to for creatives, surfers, and anyone who wants their swimwear to feel like an extension of their personality. These aren’t just trunks; they’re conversation starters.
7. Frescobol Carioca — The Spirit of Rio, in a Pair of Shorts
Rooted in Brazilian beach culture, Frescobol Carioca oozes effortless elegance. Their trunks are impeccably tailored with side fasteners, inspired by classic European swim styles. The prints range from architectural motifs to sleek stripes—perfectly evoking Rio’s modernist buildings and sun-drenched sidewalks.
These are shorts you wear straight from Ipanema beach to a rooftop caipirinha without skipping a beat.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Own Waves
In a sea of overplayed logos and predictable patterns, these under-the-radar brands offer a refreshing alternative—swimwear with identity, craftsmanship, and just enough offbeat flair to make people ask, “Where’d you get those?”
So this summer, skip the obvious choices and cast your net a little wider. Whether you lean minimal or maximal, refined or rebellious, there’s a world of cool men’s swimwear out there just waiting to be discovered.
Get in early. Make your mark. And let everyone else play catch-up.
