House of Malabar
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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 codeDelhi’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.
