Vilebrequin’s Mistral Swimwear Has Hand-Embroidered Oceanic Motifs

For most guys, turning up poolside in the same trunks as someone else isn’t that big of a deal—certainly not a faux pas on the same level as, say, the lady in your life’s arriving on the red carpet in the same gown as another woman. But why risk it? Thankfully, Vilebrequin—the 55-year-old clothier founded in Saint-Tropez—offers its Mistral line, limited to editions of 99, 199, or 299 per design and color. Other than rarity, the shorts are special for their careful embroidery in an array of oceanic motifs, each selected to stand out from the merely printed trunks you’ll find elsewhere. To underline their appeal, the aglets—the tips of the drawstrings—are forged from solid silver. “You cannot make super sophisticated embroidery without having sophisticated tips,” says Roland Herlory, the former Hermès executive who became Vilebrequin’s C.E.O. in 2012.

Still, these wearable artworks are crafted to withstand sun, salt, chlorine, and all the other elements a memorable summer might splash on them. And the company takes its commitment to their longevity far further than any other marine outfitter. Register your trunks within six months of buying them, and the company will repair them—gratis—the first time something goes awry. For any subsequent mishaps, it will charge a nominal fee for fixes such as replacing the lining, the pockets, or a worn-out elastic waistband. “That’s something I learned at Hermès,” Herlory says. “The definition of a quality product is a product you can repair.” Here is a closer look at what else will keep them in your rotation for years. $750

1. The Material The Mistral is crafted from 100 percent recycled polyamide, a quick-drying, water-resistant material chosen for its durability and sharp looks in and out of the water

2. The Hidden Signature “Vilebrequin” means “crankshaft” in French (founder Fred Prysquel loved cars), but it’s the mascot, an easygoing sea turtle, that is stamped onto the buttons securing the trunks’ back pocket.

3. The Embroidery Vilebrequin works with embroiderers in Italy, Switzerland, and (of course), France. This seaweed design is sewn to resemble what the plant looks like under an X-Ray.

4. The Lining The mesh lining, also made from recycled polyamide, can be replaced for about $40. But the process can take over two months, so make sure to send them back well in advance of your departure date.