Vilebrequin: Iconic Swimshorts originating from Saint Tropez

The story behind the brand Vilebrequin swim shorts is as much a story about passion as it is about creativity.

In 1971, the first Vilebrequin swim shorts were sketched (on a checked tablecloth) by a young man  on a terrace in the back of the port of Saint Tropez.

Inspired by surfer’s trunks, the design takes shape, very different from the traditional “swim briefs” of the time. Colourful and original, a new style is set!

The designer was quite satisfied with the shape he created, but not with the fabric. Therefore, he started to search for new soft, yet durable materials.

His search led him to durable spinnaker canvas (sailing is, after all, the king of sports in the gulf of Saint-Tropez), resulting in a new swimsuit that dries more quickly in the sun and wind.
Being a passionate automobile-lover he named the brand 'Vilebrequin', which is the French word for “crankshaft”.
Vilebrequin started selling his innovative swim shorts in Saint Tropez, where both celebrities as well as ordinary men started to wear and love them. On the beaches of Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez, these new swim trunks are an overnight success. Practical and comfortable, colourful and très chic, a trend is launched, a new brand is born.

Within a few years years, Vilebrequin started to produce shorts and trunks in all styles, shapes and materials (long, short, classic, trendy, mono colour, patterned, laced and so on…) and in 1996 they opened their own flagship store. .
Even though this brand is continuously expanding its boundaries, opening new stores in the major capitals of the world, its products are still sold in the original store in Saint Tropez, where this whole fantastic adventure started.

How the brand gained popularity:


It is one of the few brands specialized in men's swimwear only.
France is very influential when it comes to fashion.
The original model designed in the 70s in Saint-Tropez, the 'Vilebrequin Moorea' is constantly updated and remains a Vilebrequin classic. Revolutionary yesterday, stylish today, a fashion icon forever.

In 1995, Vilebrequin widens its collection with the “Like father, like son” concept, proposing the entire adult range also for children age 2 to 12. It became an instant success! A new bond is created between father and son, family ties are strengthened and values are passed down from one generation to the next, impervious to passing fashion trends.
Being a French label with a remarkable history, Vilebrequin has obviously given men’s swimwear the dignity of high fashion status.
Vilebrequin has turned this common belief into its strength, creating original and colourful swim shorts, that are designed with the fashion conscious man in mind.Whether you wish to look classic or trendy, at Vilebrequin you will find shorts in all motifs and patterns, including flowers, stripes, geometrical designs, starfishes and many others, that will surely meet your taste.

Casual Luxury:

Vilebrequin naturally found its place in the world of luxury where it has become the ultimate reference in men’s swimwear. Throughout its exceptional history, the brand has remained true to its original spirit and values, combining freedom and elegance. Saint-Tropez forever… Today this spirit is exported around the world, from New York to Beverly Hills, from Paris to Saint-Barthélemy, from Porto Cervo to Rome. It symbolises the values shared by elegant and demanding men, men who wish to combine casual elegance with humour, originality with impeccable taste and quality. They are naturally at home in this colourful world, reminiscent of fine sandy beaches, sunsets and dreams.

What makes them special:

The rear eyelets that evacuate air while you're underwater, avoiding clumsy and unsightly bulges.

1 - Back pocket with soft edges, handlaced to make the imprinted pattern fit perfectly.

2 - Eyelet to evacuate water trapped in the pocket.

3 - Interior pocket lining designed to evacuate water.

4 - Pocket inserted the «tailleur» way.

5 - Special stitching that can hold up to 4 tonnes, which results in perfect and clean stitches. 

6 - Double stitching.

7 - Reinforced edges and ends.

8 - Grey chiné cord in polyester. This exclusive product will keep it's shape forever. It has a soul, meaning there is another cord inside.

9 - Zamac cord-ends: this is a mixture of zinc, aluminum and magnésium, rust-free, with logo engraved.

10 - Elastic belt of 5 cm height. Engineered especially to resist water.

11 - Double seams, reinforced.

12 - Eyelets on the back making air evacuate as to avoid ballooning bulges.

13 - Interior-pants in 100% pure coton. Exclusive fit, fine cnstruction without stitching.
14 - Woven label n the back with Vilebrequin logo.

15 -Length of legs in size medium:  39,5 cm.

more info on these iconic swim shorts on www.vilebrequin.com

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