
Paul Smith
Zebra Crest Swim Trunks
The Zebra Crest Swim Trunks are men's swim trunks from British label Paul Smith, suitable for beach and pool activities as well as warm-weather travel. They are made from lightweight recycled polyester with a peach-skin finish and feature a built-in mesh lining, adjustable elastic drawstring waist, slant pockets, and a 4-inch (10 cm) inseam, plus a waterproof storage pouch. Reddit discussions indicate a flattering fit and appealing color, with users noting the premium price.
- Material
- Recycled Polyester
- Gender
- male
- Style
- minimalist, classic, resortwear
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Swimwear
Color
Size
Specifications
Paul Smith minimalist swim trunks with zebra patch, made from recycled polyester, includes built-in mesh lining and waterproof travel pouch.
Crisp, lightweight recycled polyester fabric with peach-skin finish, built-in mesh lining, adjustable elastic drawstring waist, slant pockets, signature storage pouch, 4-inch inseam, waterproof travel bag.
- Material
- Recycled Polyester
- Style
- minimalist, classic, resortwear
- Occasion
- vacation, beach-day, travel
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Swimwear
Additional Attributes
- crisp lightweight recycled polyester fabric with peach-skin finish
- built-in mesh lining
- adjustable elastic drawstring waist
- slant pockets
- signature storage pouch included
- inseam length 4 inches (10 cm)
- waterproof travel bag
- iconic colourful zebra patch
- minimalist design
Product Insights
Paul Smith's Zebra Crest Swim Trunks present a heritage-driven alternative to generic swimwear, anchored by a trademarked embroidered zebra patch that endures washing. Crafted from recycled polyester with a crisp, matte peach-skin finish, they offer a Sun Logo-certified lower-impact choice. Key tradeoffs include a 4-inch inseam that flatters but sits shorter than standard compared to conventional trunks, and adjustable elastic waistband for fit flexibility. The pair includes a waterproof pouch for wet storage and resists chlorine/saltwater, with the caveat that rinsing after use preserves the patch. At $79.95 CAD, they undercut competitors while carrying 43 years of British design pedigree.
Verified claims
- Zebra logo story
- The zebra motif was conceived in 2007 by outside artists and first appeared on a T-shirt around 2008.
- Trademark status
- Zebra logo EU trademarked since 2009; appears on brand's highest-end pieces.
- Logo construction
- Embroidered zebra crest is a sewn-on patch that withstands normal washing.
- Inseam
- The 4-inch inseam sits about 1.5 inches shorter than Bather's 5.5-inch signature trunk, while wearers describe the length as well-proportioned.
- Waist adjustability
- Adjustable elastic waist fits different sizes; size guide if between.
- Material
- Recycled polyester with peach-skin finish; Sun Logo certified
- Branding
- Embroidered multicolor zebra crest; brand icon since 2008
- Travel convenience
- Includes a waterproof storage pouch for wet trunks
- Fabric feel
- Crisp, matte hand from peach-skin finish, unlike typical swishy nylon.
- Durability
- Resists chlorine and saltwater; patch won't crack or peel; rinse after use preserves finish.
- Sun Logo
- Sun Logo requires at least 50% lower-impact materials and covered 62.2% of Paul Smith's SS25 production.
- Price comparison
- At $79.95 CAD, these trunks undercut Bather's $100 USD and carry 43 years of British heritage.
- Fit
- 4 inseam matches the tailored short silhouette users praise.
- Included pouch
- Waterproof storage pouch included with the trunks.
- Brand heritage
- Paul Smith was founded in 1970 and its zebra logo has been trademarked since 2009, giving these trunks a heritage story direct-to-consumer swim brands cannot replicate.
- Design details
- 4-inch inseam and waterproof pouch distinguish from DTC trunks.
- Brand emblem
- Embroidered zebra patch is a trademarked Paul Smith signature, used for over a decade.
- Waterproof pouch
- Pouch stores wet trunks and small items, rare among premium swim brands.
- Patch care
- Embroidered patch won't crack or peel with gentle wash and inside-out care.
- Storage pouch
- The included waterproof pouch keeps wet trunks or small items separate from the rest of your luggage.
- Mesh lining
- The swim trunks include a built-in mesh lining inside.
- Sun Logo qualification
- The trunks' recycled polyester shell aligns with Paul Smith's Sun Logo lower-impact criteria, even if the logo is not displayed on this listing.
- Peach-skin finish wear
- The peach-skin finish may show signs of wear with heavy use, and there is no specific data on fading or pilling; rinsing after use helps extend the finish.
Product record
- Title
- Zebra Crest Swim Trunks
- Brand
- Paul Smith
- Price
- 125 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Image Analysis
3 images- 01

Product
Mid-rise men's swim trunks shown on a model from the front; elastic waistband with a tied drawstring, short inseam, side pockets, and a small embroidered patch at the lower hem.
- SilhouetteShort swim trunks with a straight leg opening, mid-rise elastic waistband and a relaxed fit on the model.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.55 · w 0.64 · h 0.36 (high) - WaistbandGathered elastic waistband with visible stitch lines and a center front drawstring exit.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.52 · w 0.44 · h 0.10 (high) - DrawstringFlat braided drawstring tied in a bow at center front; cords extend down over the front of the trunks.
1 region
x 0.43 · y 0.56 · w 0.14 · h 0.18 (high) - Side pocketSlight pocket opening visible at right-side seam (viewer left) indicated by a subtle seam and fabric fold.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.66 · w 0.14 · h 0.18 (medium) - Lower-hem patchSmall embroidered crest or patch sewn near the lower left hem (viewer right) consisting of a light background with colored details.
1 region
x 0.78 · y 0.80 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (high) - Fabric appearancePlain woven synthetic fabric with a matte to slight sheen finish and visible light creasing where the fabric folds.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.55 · w 0.64 · h 0.30 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a torso-up model against a plain light gray background with soft shadowing to the right; cropped above the knees and below the chin.
- Model and cropMale model shown from upper thighs to just below the chin; hands clasped in front of the abdomen partially covering the waistband.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.06 · w 0.96 · h 0.86 (high) - BackgroundEven light gray studio background with a soft shadow cast to the right of the model.
- LightingSoft, diffuse lighting from the left-front producing gentle highlights on the torso and minimal harsh shadows.
- Image qualityHigh resolution, sharp focus on trunks and model; no visible noise or blur.
Colors
mustard yellow· main fabric#C69A3Bnavy· drawstring - dark strandwhite· drawstring - light strandbright red· drawstring - accent strand#9B6B53off-white· lower-hem patch#D4D3DA- SilhouetteShort swim trunks with a straight leg opening, mid-rise elastic waistband and a relaxed fit on the model.
- 02

Product
Front-right view of mustard yellow swim trunks on a model showing elastic waistband, multicolored drawstring, side pocket, and a small embroidered multicolor zebra patch near the right hem.
- Main fabricSmooth matte woven swim fabric in a mustard yellow color covering the front and sides of the trunks with mild surface creasing.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.33 · w 0.70 · h 0.52 (high) - WaistbandElastic waistband with multiple rows of stitching; waistband sits at natural waist and has gathered elastic texture.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.13 · w 0.68 · h 0.14 (high) - DrawstringRound braided drawstring tied in a small bow at center front with visible blue, green and pink multicolor stripes and metal aglets.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.20 · w 0.22 · h 0.18 (high) - Side pocketRight side inset pocket with visible seam and opening along the side, positioned at hip level.
1 region
x 0.64 · y 0.28 · w 0.22 · h 0.34 (high) - Embroidered zebra patchSmall embroidered zebra motif sewn near the lower right front hem; zebra has white fill with multicolor striped detailing and a dark outline.
1 region
x 0.73 · y 0.70 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Hem finishStraight stitched hem at leg opening with visible single-line topstitching.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.79 · w 0.72 · h 0.09 (high)
Other
Cropped studio shot showing model torso and upper thighs against a plain light gray background; right hand adjusts waistband and left hand is partially visible. Soft, even lighting with subtle shadows.
- Model croppingImage cropped from mid-chest to mid-thigh, showing a bare torso and upper legs of the model wearing the trunks.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.00 · w 0.90 · h 1.00 (high) - Hand poseModel right hand is pulling slightly on the waistband at the side; left hand is relaxed and partially visible at lower left edge.
2 regions
x 0.73 · y 0.08 · w 0.22 · h 0.26 (high); x 0.03 · y 0.80 · w 0.14 · h 0.17 (high) - Background and lightingPlain light gray seamless background with soft studio lighting that produces gentle shadows under the waistband and along inner thigh.
Colors
mustard yellow· main fabric#CBA13Emulticolor blue-green-pink· drawstring#9E7159white with multicolor stripes· zebra patch- Main fabricSmooth matte woven swim fabric in a mustard yellow color covering the front and sides of the trunks with mild surface creasing.
- 03

Product
Rear view of short mustard-yellow swim trunks with elastic waistband, central back seam, and side pocket openings visible on a model from lower back to upper thighs.
- Silhouette and viewRear-facing short swim trunks visible from just below the model's waist to upper thighs; waistband sits at natural waistline.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.60 · w 0.68 · h 0.30 (high) - WaistbandElastic gathered waistband in the same fabric and color as the trunks with a narrow stitched waistband channel and a small vertical stitch at the center back.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.60 · w 0.44 · h 0.05 (high) - Center back seamSingle vertical center back seam runs from the waistband down the middle of the seat.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.62 · w 0.04 · h 0.20 (high) - Side pocketsSlanted side pocket openings visible on both hips with pocket shadowing inside the openings; pockets set into the side seams.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.70 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (medium); x 0.74 · y 0.70 · w 0.14 · h 0.18 (medium) - Hem and stitchStraight stitched hem at leg openings with visible topstitching around the bottom edge.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.82 · w 0.64 · h 0.06 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth woven fabric with a matte finish and subtle fold and tension lines near seams and pocket openings.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.64 · w 0.60 · h 0.30 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing the model from mid-back to mid-thigh against a plain light background with soft directional lighting and a faint cast shadow.
- Model and poseMale model photographed from the rear standing with arms relaxed at sides; head turned slightly to the left so partial profile appears.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.02 · w 0.88 · h 0.96 (medium) - Background and lightingUniform light neutral background with soft, even studio lighting and a faint shadow cast to the right of the model.
- Crop and framingImage framed to show the model from just below the shoulders down to mid-thigh; trunks are centered horizontally.
- Image qualityHigh resolution photograph with sharp focus on garment details and natural skin texture visible.
Colors
mustard yellow· main fabric#D1A43E- Silhouette and viewRear-facing short swim trunks visible from just below the model's waist to upper thighs; waistband sits at natural waistline.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Paul Smith
Navy Zebra Logo Swim Shorts
Variants
2 SKUsDocuments & Data
Reddit Insights
2 threads · r/malefashionadviceReddit users discussing Paul Smith swim shorts find them to be a stylish, flattering option despite a higher price point.
Overall positive lean: users praise the colour and fit, with some noting the price as high but still liking the product.
Themes
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Pini Parma, Bather, Frescobal Caricoa
Mentioned alongside other premium swim short brands as potential choices.
Source Threads
Pricey but liked color of Paul Smith swim shorts
Thanks! They were a bit pricey but I really like the colour!!
u/petecass22View thread →