Once an afterthought relegated to beach bags, men’s swimwear is now being recast as a wardrobe essential, thanks to a rising cohort of homegrown designers reimagining what it means to dress for the water.

Estimates vary widely depending on how the category is defined, but while some niche reports peg India’s sports and swimwear segment at under $2 billion, around ₹200 crore (as per insights company Introspective Market Research), broader industry data suggests the sportswear market alone runs into tens of billions, reflecting the explosive growth of athleisure and fitness-led consumption in the country, according to research firm Euromonitor International. There is also a noticeable shift towards performance-oriented swimwear, featuring quick-drying and moisture-wicking fabrics. Styles like trunks, board shorts, and jammers are gaining popularity due to their versatility and comfort.

This shift is driven, in part, by increased travel. In 2025 alone, Indians clocked over 32 million trips abroad, continuing a steady upward climb, according to the Ministry of Tourism. More travel means more time spent by pools, beaches, and resort bars. And with that, a growing demand for swimwear that can keep up.

“If you wear a product, you want to feel confident,” says Sanket Shingare, founder of Mumbai-based men’s innerwear brand, Erobold. “Traditionally, swimwear for men has been one-size-fits-all. We wanted to challenge that.” His Half Swim Band line, constructed from high-grade nylon and finished with metal accents, is designed for men who want a swim trunk that does more than perform. He adds that the brand’s most consistent feedback is that their trunks help men feel “sexy but not exposed” and, in some cases, even accommodate medical conditions like hernia, an unexpected layer of functionality.

Over at House of Malabaar, a Mumbai-based resort wear brand, co-founder Krishna Kilachand sees swimwear as a gateway to a larger emotional shift. “Post-Covid, people want to enjoy the little moments like taking a swim, lounging, and feeling present. Swimwear is no longer just about the poolside, it is about a state of mind,” he says. With fabrics sourced from South Korea, the brand prides itself on high-quality finishes, comfort-first mesh lining, and silhouettes that are as travel-ready as they are tailored. Krishna notes that his pieces are worn for everything from resort brunches to beach weddings.

The design language here is unmistakably international: subtle prints, buttery-soft mesh, side adjusters and drawstring options tailored to different body types and levels of modesty. It is a marked departure from mass-market pieces that have long catered to an idealised, athletic male body. “We offer plus-two length on any size,” says Krishna. “So if you’re 6’3” and want more knee coverage, we make that happen.”

Summer dress code

Delhi’s Shivan & Narresh, are seeing an uptick in demand for men’s swimwear that is fashion-forward yet practical. “In the past, their (men) choices were largely driven by utility, often leaning towards performance-focussed sportswear brands. Today, there is a growing openness to fashion-forward swimwear — men are increasingly turning to style-centric brands to make a statement, especially on holiday. In those shared universal spaces where everyone, regardless of background or culture, is dressed down to just a great pair of swim trunks or swim shorts, men want to ensure their choices reflect both the vibe of the getaway and a sense of personal style,” says co-founder Narresh Kukreja.

“There’s definitely a growing demand for prints,” he continues, “but more importantly, men are now seeking ready-to-wear options specifically for holidays. Co-ord sets are particularly popular, but resort shirts continue to see consistent demand throughout the year — their versatility makes them perfect not just for vacations, but also for weekends or relaxed poolside days.”

Hyderabad, interestingly, leads the pack in menswear sales, says Narresh, signalling a wider regional shift in fashion appetite. “The men there are not just well-travelled, but also increasingly style-conscious and open to experimenting with fashion, whether it’s bold prints, modern cuts, or elevated resortwear. Their approach is refreshingly progressive, and that reflects in the way they shop,” Narresh adds.

The brand has also seen a noticeable spike in demand linked to destination travel. “As more people plan getaways, there’s a natural uptick in purchases related to holiday dressing — from statement shirts to stylish co-ord sets. But beyond travel, gifting plays a significant role too. Our shirts and polos have become go-to gifts, especially from women buying for the men.”

With the rise in global travel, Narresh notes that men today are far more exposed to international fashion trends and influences. “Travel offers a unique opportunity to observe what people are wearing around the world and how trends are evolving, and that inevitably shapes their personal style.”

While utility-driven pieces will always have their place, it is the tailored, premium swim shorts that are now seen as must-haves, believes Narresh, much like luxury watches or statement sneakers.

Looking ahead, Narresh sees the men’s holiday wear category evolving rapidly. “We’re seeing the barriers of niche appeal and limited consumption break down, as men across various regions of the country become more open to experimenting and view vacation dressing as an essential part of their wardrobe. It’s no longer just about basic denim and T-shirts — it’s about how they want to present themselves while travelling.”

According to Mumbai-based entrepreneur and host of The Plush Podcast, Rahul Jagtiani, who has been swimming at the city’s Cricket Club of India since he was in Class III and still makes time for a weekly swim, his approach to swimwear has evolved to prioritise ease over excess. “I own a few pairs, but functionality and comfort matter the most,” he says, adding, “I don’t worry too much about aesthetics. I believe a fit body can carry off most styles effortlessly.” While he keeps things practical, he does play with variety through “different prints, cuts, and lengths.”

A homegrown label that recently stood out to him is Rey&I, founded by Delhi-based Nishant Singhal. “They sent me a beautiful printed pair that was hand-painted by an Afghan refugee artist, along with her photograph. The storytelling was powerful and really stayed with me; it’s a pair I wear often,” says Rahul.

The collection he is referring to is called Plaj, launched in November last year and created with Afghan artist Fatima Farhad. It translates her intricate watercolour works — rooted in traditional Afghan motifs and miniature art — into contemporary swimwear, while the brand collaborates with artists and artisans to create “wearable narratives.”

Their Kala collection, launched a month before Plaj, draws from Indian craft traditions, including Gond art (Madhya Pradhesh), Warli art (a 5,000-year-old indigenous folk art from Maharashtra) and pichwai (Rajasthan), reinterpreting hand-drawn and hand-painted motifs into contemporary prints. The brand has positioned swimwear as a canvas for cultural expression rather than just function.

Where does swimwear fall short for Indian men? In Rahul’s view, it comes down to awareness. “There’s a lack of understanding of what suits your body type,” he says, adding, “If you’re not confident in your body, avoid tiny briefs like Speedos; instead, opt for slightly longer lengths.”

Mumbai-based bespoke tailoring brand Sarah & Sandeep’s swimwear collaboration with House of Malabaar last year (with pieces still available on their respective websites) exemplified this shift.

The collection, priced from ₹12,000 for off-the-rack styles and ₹20,000 for bespoke creations, is lightweight, fast-drying, and made to move with you. Meant to double up as versatile shorts, the trunks suit everything from a drink at a beach shack to an impromptu dinner or a spontaneous swim.

Design-wise, the swimwear integrates Sarah & Sandeep’s signature tailoring codes with House of Malabaar’s tropical eccentricity. Pintuck accents inspired by palm leaf shadows and seashell motifs give way to sleek silhouettes that mimic the rhythm of the sea.

“A good pair of swim shorts with side adjusters can work with a shirt in. Throw on a blazer, and you’re ready for dinner,” says Sandeep.

It’s safe to say new-age swimwear is doubling up as a style statement too.