Best Swimsuit
Bulldog from Orlebar Brown
The Orlebar Brown Bulldog is cut as a proper pair of shorts rather than an elasticized tube. The tailored waistband, clean front, and moderate length look composed at lunch without becoming formal on the beach. It solves the familiar problem of moving between swimming and the rest of a summer day without carrying a change of clothes.
The quick-drying woven fabric is shaped with side adjusters instead of a gathered waist, allowing a precise fit and an uncluttered silhouette. A snap and zip fly, mesh lining, side pockets, and a secure rear pocket provide the functions expected of ordinary shorts. The six-inch inseam sits between abbreviated swim briefs and long board shorts, while reinforced stress points support repeated saltwater use.
Tailored swim shorts require closer sizing than drawstring trunks, and the fixed waistband leaves less room for seasonal fluctuation. Rinse after salt or chlorine, dry away from direct heat, and do not leave the damp suit rolled in a bag. The pockets are useful ashore but should be emptied before swimming. In the water, the fabric remains light and the side adjusters avoid a loose cord.
The Bulldog costs more than basic trunks, but its value lies in reducing the specialized wardrobe surrounding a holiday. It can be worn from hotel to beach to café without looking misplaced, and its design has remained stable while novelty prints pass. Choose a solid navy or restrained color, fit the waist carefully, and let one competent pair carry the trip.