THE 5 BEST BOARDSHORTS IN 2023

There are several popular boardshort brands that are well-regarded by surfers for their quality and performance. Some of the top brands include:

• Quiksilver: Known for their durability and innovative designs.
• Billabong: Offers a wide range of styles and materials to suit different preferences.
• Rip Curl: Famous for their high-performance boardshorts with features like 4-way stretch.
• Hurley: Known for blending style and functionality in their boardshorts.
• Volcom: Offers a variety of lengths and designs to cater to different surfers’ needs.
• O’Neill: A long-established brand with a reputation for quality and comfort.

Although commonly used as swim trunks, boardshorts are geared more toward surfing and beach sports as opposed to swimming trunks. The biggest difference between boardshorts and swim trunks is that boardshorts are longer (going from your mid-thigh, just above the knee, or just below depending on style & preference) while trunks are shorter.

Although there is no consistent answer, it depends on your needs, but generally speaking, several pairs of boardshorts are essential if you frequently wear boardshorts.

This includes a pair that you wear daily, whether it be around the home or at work. A favorite pair that you can wear out to summer events or casual occasions. Finally, another pair that is your go-to for in the waves surfing, swimming, or whatever it is you to do in the water.

At a minimum, three pairs of boardshorts should be your staple and what you’ll find yourself packing at the very least when traveling for a holiday or surf trip!

The length of board shorts you should choose largely depends on your personal preference, style, and the type of surfing you’ll be doing. Here’s a general guideline:

• Shorter Length (around 18 inches or above the knee): These are often preferred for more casual, recreational surfing and beach activities. They offer greater freedom of movement and are comfortable for swimming and lounging.
• Mid-Length (around 19-21 inches): These boardshorts provide a balance between style and functionality. They offer decent coverage while still allowing good mobility for surfing.
• Longer Length (around 21 inches or below the knee): Longer boardshorts were more common in previous eras of surfing. You’ll still find some of the older generation kicking around in below-the-knee pairs of boardies. They do provide more coverage and protection from the sun, but can also cause more chaffing as well.

Ultimately, the choice of length should align with your comfort and surfing style. Experiment with different lengths to find what suits you best.

Most (almost all) boardshorts have no liner or mesh fabric underneath.

Why don’t board shorts have liners? Because they are designed to dry quickly after you get out of the water after surfing or swimming.

Men’s boardshorts are different than swim trunks in several ways, including the fact that they do not have a built-in liner.

Depending on your personal preference you can choose to wear underwear underneath your boardshorts or a short boardshorts liner for something specialized. Although most surfers wear nothing at all underneath, particularly in hotter climates.

One great tip is to choose boardshorts with a pattern or darker color that hides any odd wet patches.

Most boardshorts are designed with a relaxed fit that caters to many sizes, yet stays tight around the waist and hips to ensure they stay on in the surf.

Prioritize your waist and hip measurements when looking for board shorts, as the waist typically requires a more refined fit. It is important that you find a perfect waist size that does not make you have to readjust the board shorts continuously while you are in or out of the water.

You will find the waist on your boardshorts makes or breaks a proper fit. If you are wearing a proper fit, but your shorts are feeling too tight, you may want to size up at the waist for a bit of extra room elsewhere.

Since boardshorts are not offered in a variety of lengths (other than choosing a different style of boardies), the only other variable that you can change is your waist size.

The only surefire way to figure out what length of inseam will fit best for your size is to try on different styles depending on the length you are looking for. i.e. mid thigh, above the knee, or in an old school fashion just below the knee.

If you find boardshorts tend to be tighter on your hips, bigger, longer-cut shorts will provide a better, flattering fit.

Yes, boardshorts are suitable for swimming. In fact, they are designed with water sports in mind, including surfing and swimming. Boardshorts are typically made from quick-drying materials, which make them comfortable for activities in and around the water. They offer good mobility and are a popular choice for recreational swimming, as well as water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.

However, if you plan to do competitive or intensive swimming, you might prefer specialized swim trunks or briefs, as they are designed to reduce drag in the water. But for most casual swimmers and surfers, boardshorts are a versatile and comfortable choice.