Bold patterns, bright colors, and unique designs has made Vilebrequin our new go-to choice for swimsuits, coverups and other summer clothing essentials.
Summer is almost here and that can only mean one thing; beach days, vacations, family barbeques, and of course -- agonizing all day trips to the mall where I seemingly scour the ends of the earth looking for the perfect bathing suit. Oh yes, my favorite time of the year! Getting the right combination of fit, style, and design often mean countless trips to the store, and more often than not a few “maybe-i-just-won’t-go-to-the-beach-this-year” moments.
Well this year, we wanted to try something different. Both Chris and I were in need of updating our bathing suits, and getting a few other light summer shirts that we could use while traveling through Southern Asia. Rather than just doing what we normally do (which is to head to whatever random mall happens to be closest and praying the gods take mercy on us) we decided to check out Vilebrequin.
Vilebrequin is a brand we’ve seen countless times before (mostly while in Europe), and it’s bold patterns, bright colors, and unique designs always caught our eye. So, rather than sift through countless racks in the mall, we popped into the Vilebrequin boutique in Singapore and checked out their latest offerings. We were, in a word - delighted. Vilebrequin stocks a range of cuts and styles that you can try on in order to find the right look, and then select the pattern you’d like to have it in. No more happening upon the perfect color and realizing that it only comes in a triangle top, when you need a Bandeau top (take that tan lines!). Once i found the fit i liked, I selected the pattern I wanted. Easy. And for Chris is was essentially the same, except even easier — don’t men always have it easier!?
Aside from bathing suits, Vilebrequin also carries a range of great beach accessories, from shirts and coverups to sandals and towels. Basically, we were able to find most of what we needed for a beach vacation, and we loved how it all felt really coordinated.
Now the one thing about Vilebrequin that you will immediately notice (aside from the amazing designs) is the price. These items are not cheap. Bathing suits for women start at around $120 USD for women and go up to $1000 USD for men. Yes, a one thousand dollar bathing suit. Ok, but with that being said, these are not your standard “wear for a summer, beat it up, and throw it away” type disposable clothing. These items are crafted. They are built to last. And they are insanely comfortable — I basically lived in my boyfriend shirt coverup for the better part of a month, both on the beach and off! Anyway.
Bottom line. We love the different items we got from Vilebrequin. They’re unique, comfortable and really well made — basically they are everything a luxury item should be. And of course, they have the type of price tag that is associated with a luxury item. But don’t let the price scare you away. Don't think of this as spending several hundred dollars on a swimsuit you’re going to wear for a summer — this is an item you will own for several years. So, if you are looking for some really fun swimsuits and pieces perfect for days on (and off) the beach Vilebrequin is worth a few looks.
“These are not your standard “wear for a summer, beat it up, and throw it away” type disposable clothing. These items are crafted. They are built to last. And they are insanely comfortable.”
Womens Beach Cover Up
SOLID LONG CUT BOYFRIEND SHIRT: ($250)
I love the idea of a coverup that can take me from the beach, straight to a restaurant or walking around town without looking completely disheveled and windblown. So often, coverups tend to be bulky, baggy and just look unflattering especially after a day in the sun, or over a wet swimsuit. Since this is a “boyfriend” style shirt and I was looking for something more fitting, I went down and size and that did the trick. Even fully buttoned, there is no unflattering pulling or embarrassing bulges, everything just lays nicely.
When we’re in tropical weather, I am all about light fabrics, comfortable styles and items that are just easy. This boy shirt is made of linen, has a structured collar for a polished look and simply put, is comfy. Linen is a natural fiber which means it breathes and keeps you cool in really hot weather and although it does get wrinkled quickly, for me that just adds to the look. It’s been my go-to coverup since we first stepped foot on the beach!
The more I travel, the more I realize how important quality is. Buying fewer, higher quality itesm keeps my luggage lighter and my options easier. Since we travel full time, having items that are multi-functional is essential. I often wear this as a coverup, but a lacy bar underneath or colored tank makes it a cute dress and perfect for lunch or dinner beachside.
Womens String Bikini
Bikini: (From $120)
Finding a bikini that actually fits, is not a task I look forward to. So many times I “settle” and just get something that kinda fits and looks okay. I have a larger bust and smaller bottom, so being able to mix and match sizes is necessary. With Vilebrequin I can choose the size for top and bottom and with such a fun selection of patterns and colors, the process is actually enjoyable.
Great fit and fun patterns aside, these swimsuits are built to last, withstand constant use and look great for years to come. Much of Vilebrequin standards involve hand cutting pieces (to assure patterns match up properly) and using finishing techniques that guarantee a polished look from the inside and the outside, all of which are noticeable on my bathing suit.
I do wish that the bottoms came in a smaller cut, something to look a bit more flattering on my very small and flat butt. A nice Brazilian cut, or something a bit more sexy would be perfect! The fit of the top is awesome! It holds the girls in, tucks where it should and doesn't nip where it’s not supposed to. Plus the pattern is a sonar map, pretty fitting for my personality :)
“Vilebrequin hand cuts pieces (to assure patterns match up properly) and using finishing techniques that guarantee a polished look from the inside and the outside, all of which are noticeable on my bathing suit. ”
Mens Embroidered Swimwear
Omar the lobster: $360
The first thing you notice when you see a pair of Vilebrequin swim trunks is the style. Striking patterns and bright colors are guaranteed to make you stand out from anyone else on the beach. I mean how many other men do you think you'll see in a poppy red swimsuit with a custom embroidered Lobster?
Chris’s biggest gripe with mens bathing suits is that they are usually long and baggy. Not so with Vilebrequin. Being made in France and Italy, Vilebrequin bathing suits have a very European style; so you can expect them to have a much slimmer fit, and a range of options in the length, mostly all above the knee.
The quality of the trunks are really second to none. Made from specially treated Italian yarn, this fabric is incredibly soft against your skin, is tear-resistant, and dries very quickly. Most importantly, the inside lining of the swimsuit is very soft -- which as any guy will tell you -- is incredibly important. Cheaper quality bathing suits can rub and scratch down there as you move, which is quite literally “no day at the beach!” However, Vilebrequin's special mesh lining is very comfortable against your skin, is hypoallergenic, and durable. What's more, if the lining ever tears or gets damaged Vilebrequin will repair it for free.
“Being made in France and Italy, Vilebrequin bathing suits have a very European style; so you can expect them to have a much slimmer fit, and a range of options in the length, mostly all above the knee.”
Mens Collared Shirt
ANCHOR COTTON VOILE SHIRT: $225
When Chris has to dress up, he heads straight for a lightweight collared shirt. During the winter he goes for very neutral colors, and for summer he likes to keep things casual with bright colors and bold patterns. Needless to say, when he saw the Anchor Cotton Voile Shirt from Vilebrequin with a fun anchor pattern -- it was love at first sight!
The shirt is 100% cotton, and is exceptionally light and comfortable. The pattern is fun and works great with a variety of colored shorts (think navy, tan, and grey). It looks great with shorts, or a swimwear but it may be a bit too casual to wear with a pair of pants. The only complaint he has about this shirt is the sizing. Even though it comes in standard sizes, the length does not seem to change much, so if you buy and Extra Small, you are basically getting the same length as a Extra Large. While the shirt fit great in the chest and arms, Chris would have preferred for it to be a bit longer.
For more information about Vilebrequin or to visit their online store follow the link below