The Med, Refined
Bas Bains is a sustainable resort wear brand for men. Our swimsuits, clothing, and accessories are designed for those idyllic, sun-drenched afternoons on the beach, the light glistening off the azure sea. But for us, the Med is more than just fun and sun. It’s also the humble fisherman’s knot, a handsome bowl of tomatoes, and the work of Matisse. It’s why our pieces capture the character and craft of this Elysian place, so you can immerse yourself in the life of a local, even if it’s only for a few days.
Summer 2023,
According to Sebastiaan
Here, Sebastiaan Groenen, our founder and creative director, offers his top tips for this summer, a few must-sees, hidden gems, and guilty pleasures that he’s accumulated over his past six years living and working on the Med.
What to do:
"Paddleboarding at sunrise, there’s nothing better than being on the water during those first rays."
What to drink:
"It has to be homemade sangria with a good cava. I make mine with Juvé & Camps."
What to eat:
"I love pistachio ice cream, and the best I’ve had so far was in Aegina, a Greek island off the coast of Athens where they produce the pistachios locally."
Where to spend the day:
"The Costa Brava has some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Start the day sunbathing and end it strolling around the centre of Tossa de Mar."
Where to spend a weekend:
"Live out your White Lotus fantasies in Palermo! Or, visit Menorca, the most sustainable of the Balearic islands."
A duty of care
The Mediterranean acts as both home and muse for Bas Bains. It is essential, therefore, that its charm and beauty are protected. Our garments are made in regulated workshops along the Med using sustainable fabrics, like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and ECONYL® regenerated nylon. But fabrics and fabrications are only part of the picture. To be effective, environmental consciousness must be embedded at every stage of the process. With each season, we will improve our sustainability by exploring new ways of producing our pieces—such as fabric waste and dead stock—of how those pieces get to you (e.g. dissolvable packaging, carbon offsetting, etc.), and of repurposing them after they’ve been well used.