Vilebrequin

From Saint-Tropez to the World: The Story of the Brand

Summer, sun, Saint-Tropez – by the early 1970s, this small coastal town on the Côte d’Azur had already become the hotspot for the rich, the beautiful, and the style-conscious. While men sported tight, short swimwear on the beach, French motorsport journalist and photographer Fred Prysquel, originally from Nîmes, observed the scene with a critical eye. He felt the need for a more relaxed and comfortable pair of swim shorts – so he took matters into his own hands and redefined swimwear.

Inspired by the Californian surfing culture and his travels across Africa, he designed loose-fitting, brightly striped long swim shorts made from spinnaker fabric – a fast-drying material typically used for sailboats. The style was casual, sporty, and far more comfortable than the tight-fitting swim trunks that were common at the time. His girlfriend Yvette, a fashion designer, was just as impressed as the beachgoers, and together with Fred, she founded Vilebrequin in 1971. The brand name itself has an amusing backstory tied to Fred Prysquel’s love of motorsports: the wrought-iron spiral staircase in their first boutique in Saint-Tropez reminded him of a crankshaft (French: Vilebrequin) in a car engine – and so the name was born.
By the late 1970s, the couple had registered their brand in the United States, setting their sights on international expansion. Less than a decade later, in the 1990s, they withdrew from the company – but that was far from the end. In 2000, the iconic tortoise (tortues) print made its first appearance, now a signature element featured in prints and embroidery on Vilebrequin swim shorts. After Loïc Berthet had led the company for 20 years, G-III Apparel took over in 2012, with Roland Herlory, former Managing Director at Hermès, assuming the role of CEO.

Moorea: The Swim Shorts Making Waves

Every major fashion brand has an iconic piece – for Vilebrequin, it’s the Moorea swim shorts, named after the renowned beach club at Pampelonne Beach near Saint-Tropez and the French Polynesian island. When Loïc Berthet acquired the brand, the long-length model was launched in 1992. As the heart of the collection, it has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. The perfect fit, premium fabric, a 14 cm (approx.) inseam, and unique patterns make it synonymous with exclusive swimwear. Under Berthet’s leadership, the stretch swim shorts were enhanced with a Velcro back pocket and a cotton lining.

What makes the Moorea shorts special:

• Timeless fit: Not too long, not too short – the perfect balance for a stylish look at the beach or pool.
• Quick-drying fabric: No uncomfortable dampness after swimming.
• Wide variety: Choose from numerous patterns and colours.

Note: Vilebrequin swim shorts for men with "Micro" in the model name have a shorter inseam and a sportier fit.

The Top 6: What Sets Vilebrequin Swim Shorts Apart?

Vilebrequin is more than just a luxury swimwear brand – it’s a way of life. Wearing a pair of Vilebrequin men’s swim shorts signals a keen sense of style, an appreciation for quality, and an eye for the exceptional.

1. Craftsmanship & Attention to Detail

Every Vilebrequin swim short undergoes 32 production steps to ensure the highest quality. From precision cutting to the signature embroidery – every aspect is meticulously designed. The fabrics are ultra-light and feel exceptionally soft against the skin, with polyamide being the primary material, uniquely woven for a luxurious texture. All back pockets are hand-cut and attached, while the seams are reinforced with cord thread for the durability of the designer swim shorts for men. The Mistral collection, known for its intricate embroidery, is a testament to couture-level craftsmanship.

2. Exclusivity & Tradition

While many brands follow trends, Vilebrequin stays true to itself. Luxury that is understated yet sophisticated – that’s the secret to its success. The brand embodies the French Riviera lifestyle: relaxed, luxurious, and slightly unconventional. A particular hallmark is the exclusive prints, ranging from tropical and maritime motifs to playful designs, including the renowned tortoise prints.

3. Design Elements

Small details remain consistent: each pair of swim shorts features a woven label with the brand name on the back of the elastic waistband. Side pockets, a Velcro-flap back pocket, a colourful drawstring with engraved, rustproof zamak tips, and metal eyelets define the signature look. Particularly practical: packable stretch swim shorts that fold neatly into their own back pocket – a must-have for any beach holiday.

4. Sustainability & Commitment

Vilebrequin prioritises eco-friendly production. Since 2019, many styles have been made from recycled materials. The swim shorts collection exclusively uses 100% recycled polyester yarn sourced from plastic waste collected from the Mediterranean. Additionally, the brand adheres to OEKO-TEX 100 standards in the printing process and actively supports ocean conservation initiatives. With Vilebrequin, you can swim in style while making a positive impact on the environment.

5. Production

The brand’s ultra-light swim shorts are dyed, printed, and embroidered in France, Italy, and Portugal. Final assembly takes place with selected partners across Europe and Morocco. Vilebrequin sources its OEKO-TEX®-certified fabrics from the Mediterranean region.

6. Care

Rinse your Vilebrequin men’s swim shorts with cold water after each use. Wash on a gentle wash cycle at 30°C with mild detergent. Always air-dry and shake out the shorts after washing to avoid the need for ironing.

Father & Son – The Iconic Matching Concept

In 1995, Vilebrequin introduced a concept that remains unique today: matching swim shorts for fathers and sons. These mini-me versions of the iconic models have become a brand signature and make the perfect gift for stylish families.

From Head to Toe in Vilebrequin

Beyond the iconic Vilebrequin men’s swim shorts, the French brand offers a complete range of clothing and accessories for men. In our BRAUN Hamburg shop, you’ll find not only swimwear but also:

• Vilebrequin T-shirts: Made from organic cotton or pre-washed linen jersey, ideal for summer and relaxed casualwear. Particularly innovative: T-shirts with UV protection and an SPF of 50+, which can be worn both in and out of the water. The outfit is perfect with airy trousers such as designer bermudas and shorts for men and a pair of sunglasses.
• Vilebrequin Polo Shirts: Classic styles crafted from pre-washed cotton piqué or, for trendsetters, ultra-absorbent, soft, and wrinkle-free terry cloth – elegance meets comfort.
• Vilebrequin Shirts: Perfect for hot days, crafted from cotton voile – a lighter alternative to natural linen. Available in a variety of colours, they pair seamlessly with designer slippers and sandals for men, or a light jumpers for cooler evenings.

Luxury for Beach & Pool

Yes, Vilebrequin men’s swim shorts are an investment – but one that pays off. Their exceptional durability, exclusive designs, and unparalleled comfort make each pair a timeless luxury. Once you’ve worn a pair of Vilebrequin’s ultra-light men’s swim shorts, you’ll never want anything else. Pair them with a Vilebrequin polo shirt and the right accessories for the ultimate beach look. The brand also collaborates with artists and designers like Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Off-White’s Virgil Abloh to create exclusive collections.

Vilebrequin: The Iconic Brand at BRAUN Hamburg

Whether on the beaches of Saint-Tropez, at a luxury resort pool, or on a Mediterranean yacht – Vilebrequin men’s swim shorts and their stylish collection make a clear statement: style, quality, and an eye for detail. This brand isn’t just about premium beachwear – it embodies a lifestyle and true commitment. So, what are you waiting for? Pack the styles and accessories in your beach bag and immerse yourself in the world of Vilebrequin with our BRAUN Hamburg online shop, where you can discover stowable swim trunks, breezy linen shirts and summery T-shirts. Or take a look at our other categories to shop for luxury menswear!