For most Indian men, swimwear has long been the clothing equivalent of a shrug—an afterthought that lives somewhere between an old gym tee and those fraying basketball shorts you’ve had since the 10th grade. If fashion is about intention, our swimwear history is one of pure apathy. But that might be changing, one tailored wave at a time.
In their first-ever dive into the world of aquatic apparel, luxury menswear label Sarah & Sandeep have partnered with House of Malabaar to launch a custom swimwear line that refuses to compromise on fit, function, or flair. It’s a category that’s often too tight, too loose, or too loud—with little room for nuance. But this collection aims to do what most Indian wardrobes haven't yet considered: treat swimwear with the same seriousness we do a tuxedo or a three-piece sherwani. Because yes, even your beach shorts can be bespoke.
Why did you decide to get into swimwear, and why make it bespoke?
Sarah: Swimwear was a natural progression for us. We’ve always focused on elevating menswear and redefining how men dress for different settings. The beach and the pool were perhaps the last frontiers—spaces where style often took a backseat to function.
Sandeep: Bespoke felt essential. Everyone’s body is different, and fit is everything, especially when you're in something as minimal as swimwear. Customization allows us to offer not just style, but confidence.
What makes a good fit in swimwear, and how does your custom process help different body types feel more confident?
Sandeep: A good fit should feel like a second skin—supportive without being restrictive and flattering but never forced.
Sarah: Our custom process includes body profiling and design tweaks that align with an individual's proportions. Whether it’s adjusting the rise, tapering the leg, or tailoring the waistband, we make sure the shorts accentuate the best features and fit just right.
Most Indian men don’t think too much about swimwear. What do you think they’re missing or getting wrong?
Sandeep: A lot of Indian men see swimwear as purely utilitarian—something you grab last minute for a holiday. But just like a well-cut blazer or tailored shirt, the right pair of swim shorts can transform your whole energy.
Sarah: They’re missing the opportunity to feel stylish and confident in a social setting where comfort and visual presence go hand in hand.
What was it like working with House of Malabaar? How did both brands bring something different to the table?
Sarah: House of Malabaar brought this incredible tropical romance—an understanding of texture, boldness, and laid-back luxury.
Sandeep: We paired that with precision tailoring and a deep focus on fit. The collaboration became a dialogue between structure and spontaneity, which reflects beautifully in the final product.
Your designs mix clean tailoring with fun, tropical prints. How did you come up with that mix?
Sandeep: The idea was to make swimwear feel intentional. We didn’t want to do something loud just for the sake of standing out.
Sarah: So we used prints that evoke travel and nature, but we grounded them with tailored silhouettes and premium finishing. It’s playful, but still polished.
These shorts are made to go from beach to dinner. How did you make them both stylish and practical?
Sarah: We designed them to behave like a tailored staple, not just a swim short. The fabric choices were key—lightweight, structured, and fast-drying, with a matte finish that doesn’t scream ‘poolwear’.
Sandeep: And every detail had to earn its place. From the side adjusters for a refined fit to pocket placements that work whether you're lounging or walking into a restaurant, it’s a hybrid garment that adapts to your day.
