BY JAY AQUINO

AUGUST 24, 2025

Santi Mesa has the kind of radiant summer smile that instantly draws you in. And if you scroll through his Instagram, you would see sun-drenched beaches, slow kisses with partner Oskar, and a lifestyle that feels like an eternal Euro summer. Somewhere between the soft linen shirts and turquoise waters, you’ll find Junio, the swimwear label that he co-founded with his cousin and his friend. And yes, it’s every bit as sexy, sunlit, and intentional as his life looks.

Junio’s strong sensual vibe was no doubt created by Mesa's Adonis-like physique. But underneath the aesthetic is something more: a brand that understands subtlety, precision, and the cultural moment we’re living in. “We launched Junio because there was a clear gap in men’s swimwear,” Mesa tells us. “Most briefs were either too loud, poorly made, or didn’t fit well.”  he added.

IMAGE SOURCE: JUNIO

Swim briefs have begun to lose their stigma, brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Bode are stepping into the lane with their own takes. Max Berlinger of New York Times reported that we are witnessing a broader shift: a collective embrace of the once-taboo style by designers, celebrities, and publications alike. In addition, Alyssa Vingan of GQ connects the dots to a larger evolution— the emergence of the so-called “modern man”, who are not afraid to wear womenswear, embracing long hair or even wearing feminine jewellery. Mesa pointed out that some men today have changed their attitude towards swimbriefs “Men are becoming less self-conscious about them. There’s more interest in good fit and clean design. The stigma is fading as minimal, tailored styles become more common. A well-made brief feels more sophisticated now.” 

That obsession with fit is what sets Junio apart. Mesa says the team tested countless prototypes before landing on their final silhouette. “We refined every detail to ensure the brief sits perfectly without digging in or sagging.” Function aside, Junio’s briefs are logo-free, discreet, and pared back—built more like everyday essentials than trend pieces. Throw one on with a vintage tank or an oversized linen shirt and you’re basically dressed for the entire beach day.

IMAGE SOURCE: JUNIO

His optimism towards the future of the swim briefs shows how masculinity is being redefined. A decade ago, this kind of confidence in something so minimal would’ve felt radical. “We see briefs becoming more of a staple. As men embrace minimalism, there’s a growing demand for well-made essentials that feel considered.” Lastly, when it comes to what is trending, clean, tailored fits, elevated materials, and a shift away from loud, graphic-heavy prints are what he is seeing.

Mesa’s goal for Junio is big and he aims to explore new categories in the future. Until then, a pair of these on a beach in Mykonos might give you the same radiant smile that he has. 

Noir - 4,627.04 PHP

IMAGE SOURCE: JUNIO

Clementine - 4,627.04 PHP

IMAGE SOURCE: JUNIO

Discover Junio here.

Important note: Some of the product prices in PHP were calculated based on the EURO to PHP conversion rate as of August 24, 2025. Please note that in-store prices may vary.