Andrew Christian and 2(X)IST Swimwear Alternatives: Where to Buy Swim Briefs Now
Updated October 2026
The short version
- Andrew Christian closed in December 2025 after 25 years. Its website has been taken down.
- 2(X)IST's own online store is paused. As of October 2026, 2xist.com shows a message that it's "taking a brief break" and points shoppers to its Amazon store.
- If you're looking for a replacement swim brief, the table below compares brands that are still selling, by cut and list price. We make one of them, the Mandate Swim Brief, and we say so wherever it appears.
What happened to Andrew Christian?
The designer announced in June 2025 that his Fall/Winter 2025 collection would be his last. The brand's website closed in early December 2025, as reported by Out.com and QNews. For two decades it was one of the best-known names in men's swimwear and underwear, especially in the gay community. That's why so many people are still searching for it.
What's going on with 2(X)IST?
When we checked on October 21, 2026, 2xist.com showed only a holding page: "We're taking a brief break. Please visit us on Amazon to shop your favorite 2(X)IST products." Some styles are still listed on Amazon, but we haven't seen an official announcement either way. If you're a 2(X)IST loyalist, check the brand's Amazon store first.
Swim brief brands to shop instead (October 2026)
| Brand | Example swim style | List price on the brand's own site (Oct 21, 2026) | Cut notes, from each brand's own product names |
|---|---|---|---|
| N2N Bodywear | Slik Bikini | $26 | Bikini, swim thong and micro cuts |
| aussieBum | 1.5 Original Classic | Varies by region; see brand site | Classic and low-rise briefs, many prints |
| JJ Malibu | Wet-N-Wild Swim Briefs | $30 | Swim briefs and low-cut swim bikini briefs |
| Mandate (ours) | Mandate Swim Brief | $39.99 | Low-rise brief, contoured pouch, red or black |
| Modus Vivendi | Gelato Low Cut Brief | €50.80 | Low cut, super low rise and ultra low rise briefs |
| Seaman Swim | The Essential / The Statement | $79.95 | Two low-rise cuts |
| Charlie by Matthew Zink | Body Brief | $85 | Lifeguard, body and square-cut briefs |
We compared list prices and the cut names each brand uses. We haven't rated anyone's quality, including our own. Prices change, so check each brand's site before you buy.
How to choose a replacement
- Start from the cut you liked. If you wore Andrew Christian's smaller swim styles, look at bikini cuts (narrow sides). If you wore classic briefs, look for a low-rise brief with a wider side. Our bikini vs swim brief guide explains the difference.
- Check the side seam and rise on the size chart. These two numbers tell you more than the photos do. Ours are in the size guide.
- Set your budget. List prices in the table run from $26 to $85. Decide whether you want a simple solid color or a designer print, then compare within your range. Here's our under-$40 guide.
- Buy two. If you're replacing a favorite, a second color gives you a choice every day of your trip.
Where Mandate fits (our product)
The Mandate Swim Brief is one cut, done simply:
- A low rise, a contoured pouch and a flat waistband with MANDATE on it
- Red or black, sizes S–L, $39.99
- The Duo is 2 for $69.98 and the Trio is 3 for $99.97, which ships free at full price
- Without a discount code, orders over $99 ship free (over $60 in Israel)
It doesn't replace everything those brands made. There are no prints and no thongs. But if you want a clean, low-rise brief in a strong color, start here.
Looking more broadly? See Best Men's Swim Briefs in 2026: An Honest Comparison and Speedo Alternatives.
Shop the brief
Mandate Swim Brief
$39.99
A low-rise brief with a contoured pouch and a flat logo waistband, in red or black, sizes S to L.
Shop the swim brief
Swim Brief Duo
$69.98 for 2
$10 less than two singles. Red and black, or two of one color, in one size.
Shop the Duo
Swim Brief Trio
$99.97 for 3
$20 less than three singles, and over $99, so it ships free without a discount code.
Shop the TrioShips from California. Without a discount code, orders over $99 ship free, and orders to Israel ship free over $60.
FAQ
Is Andrew Christian still in business?
No. Andrew Christian announced its closure in June 2025 and closed its website in December 2025, according to Out.com and QNews.
Where can I buy Andrew Christian swimwear now?
The brand no longer sells directly. You may find remaining pieces through resellers. For new swim briefs in a similar spirit, see the comparison table above.
Is 2(X)IST going out of business?
We haven't seen an official announcement. As of October 2026, 2xist.com says it's "taking a brief break" and directs shoppers to its Amazon store.
What brands are similar to Andrew Christian for swimwear?
Shoppers often compare N2N Bodywear, aussieBum, JJ Malibu, Seaman Swim, Charlie by Matthew Zink, Modus Vivendi and Mandate. Pick by the cut you prefer and your budget.
What is a good swim brief under $40?
The Mandate Swim Brief is $39.99 and comes in red or black. See our full under-$40 guide for other options.