The Best Board Shorts

If active water sports are your MO, then a pair of board shorts is all but necessary. The warm-water staple provides coverage and protection without adding unnecessary warmth or bulk. Plus, many pairs we recommend work for lounging on land as they are for riding waves.

How Board Shorts Differ from Swim Trunks

Board shorts (often written as boardshorts) are designed traditionally for water sports like surfing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, etc. As a result, board shorts are typically longer to protect your legs (surf wax is sticky), and their waistbands normally swap elastic for a double fail-safe system of velcro and laces. Plus, most board shorts come without mesh liners and other extraneous add-ons.

Swim trunks usually emphasize style and put performance features on the back burner. They’re for leisurely laps in a pool or lounging in a hot tub. That’s why we don’t recommend swim trunks for more active water sports.

Best Overall Board Shorts

Birdwell

Best Overall Board Shorts

Birdwell 311 Nylon Boardshorts

Specs

Length	17-21 inch outseam
Material	SurfNyl™️
Care	Machine wash cold. No Bleach. Hang dry only.
Colors	Navy (Shown) + 3 other options

• $85.00 at Amazon
• $100 at Birdwell

These iconic board shorts are made in the USA and feature Birdwell’s tough double-layered SurfNyl nylon fabric. They come with a button fly, adjustable nylon drawstring waist, snap back pocket with a key loop and top-notch triple-stitch construction throughout. After wearing for many seasons, these only get better.

Best Upgrade Board Shorts

Outerknown

Best Upgrade Board Shorts

Outerknown Apex Trunks By Kelly Slater

Specs

Length	19" outseam
Material	4-way stretch recycled polyester
Care	Machine wash cold. Do not bleach. Lay flat to dry. Cool iron if necessary. Do not dry clean.
Colors	Phantom Block (Shown) + 11 other options

Read our full review of the Outerknown Apex Trunks By Kelly Slater

• $145.00 at Outerknown

“The Apex Trunk from Outerknown is Kelly Slater’s signature board short. While the price — the solid black colorway costs $125 — is far greater than traditional trunks, the features and performance follow suit. These aren’t your traditional trunks, and that’s a good thing.

These board shorts are lightweight, flexible and breathable. Because they feature bonded, stitch-free seams, they eliminate chances of seam-chafing, something bound to happen while living in your trunks on a surf trip or long weekend. The slimmed-down construction also allows these to be packed into their back pocket for travel, an efficient way to bring your trunks anywhere. On top of the well-thought-out design, the Apex Trunks fit into Outerknown’s sustainable ethos of ethical manufacturing and responsible materials.” — John Zientek, former managing editor.

Best Affordable Board Shorts

Zappos

Best Affordable Board Shorts

O’Neill Santa Cruz Solid 2.0 Boardshorts

Specs

Length	19" (outseam)
Material	Ultrasuede fabric with Hyperdry DWR finish
Care	Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low.
Colors	Anthracite (shown) + 21 other options

• $30.00 at Zappos
  $35.00 (14% off)

For just about $30 bucks, you can’t the classic O’Neill Santa Cruz 2.0 Board shorts sold exclusively at Zappos. They’re basic, yes, but you don’t need much more than what these offer. They come in 19 colors, have a surf-tie front, a sueded, soft exterior and a stretchy fit. Plus, they’re finished with a water-repellent DWR treatment.

Best Low-Profile Waistband Board Shorts

Rhone

Best Low Profile Waistband

Rhone 7″ Point Break Board Short

Specs

Length	7" (inseam)
Materials	4-way stretch woven fabric
Care	Do not bleach, tumble dry, iron, dry clean or use fabric softener.
Colors	Endless Sky Blue (shown) + 6 other options

• $98 at Rhone

These board shorts look like more traditional swimwear thanks to a flat-low profile waistband. It’s still designed to stay on however through rough water thanks to an interior drawcore, velcro closure and snap fly. Other features include a boxer brief style liner, integrated locker loop for hang drying and GOLDFUSION odor fighting technology.

Best Compression Board Shorts

Ripcurl

Best Compression Board Short

Ripcurl Mirage Activate Compression Liner Ultimate 19″ Board Short

Specs

Length	19" (outseam)
Materials	ecycled Mirage Pro Fabric
Care	Machine wash cold. Hang dry.
Colors	Dark Olive (shown), Black

• $149.95 at Ripcurl

Ripcurl is known as preeminent outfitter of pro surfers. This premium board short was design in collaboration with World Champ Mick Fanning Dr. Tim Brown, Chiropractic Sports Medicine Specialist & Co-Medical director for the World Surfing League. It features a compression liner with silicon grip that supports posture, joint alignment, power and balance. The compression liner also decreases lactic acid build-up, reducing fatigue and aiding faster recovery. 

Best Multi-Length Board Shorts

prAna

Best Multi-Length Board Shorts

Prana Fenton Boardshort

Specs

Length	7" & 9" (inseam)
Material	92% Recycled Polyester, 8% Elastane
Care	Machine wash cold. Hang dry.
Colors	Juniper Green Fronds (shown) + 4 other options

• $65.00 at Prana

Available in four colors and two inseams (7 or 9 inches), Prana’s Fenton Boardshorts are an easy option for whatever it is you do in the water. They have a faux fly with a gusset, velcro closure and drawstring, plus a zipper pocket for carrying smaller items on shore.

Best Throwback Board Shorts

Quiksilver

Best Throwback Option

Quiksilver Original Arch Boardshorts

Specs

Length	18" (outseam)
Materials	46% Recycled Polyester, 40% Polyester, 8% Elastane, 6% Organic Cotton
Care	Machine wash cold. Hang to dry.
Colors	Black (shown) + 4 other options

• $65 at Quiksilver

Quik re-released their heritage style board short this week with some decidedly modern upgrades: new two-button closures, and fabric made of hemp and recycled plastic bottles. Hempstretch fabric is ultra-strong, with four-way stretch built-in for maximum mobility in the water (and out). The DryFlight water-repellent coating keeps things lighter and less water-logged, and the classic 18-inch length is great for anyone looking for a little more coverage.

Best Eco-Conscious Board Shorts

Patagonia

Best Eco-Conscious Board Shorts

Patagonia Wavefarer Boardshorts

Specs

Length	19" (outseam)
Material	NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon faille
Care	Machine wash cold. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low, Do not iron.
Colors	Superior Blue (shown) + 7 other options

• $75.00 at Patagonia

These nylon boardshorts are made from 100% postconsumer recycled nylon faille made from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution. They have a quick-drying DWR finish made without perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS), a contoured waistband and a self-draining back pocket. For ease of packing, these shorts pack into a zippered hip pocket.

Best Stretchy Board Shorts

Billabong

Best Stretchy Board Shorts

Billabong Sundays Pro Performance 19″ Boardshorts

Specs

Length	19" (outseam)
Material	88% Recycled Polyester, 12% Elastane
Care	Machine wash cold. Hang to dry.
Colors	Asphalt (shown) + 6 other options

• $60.00 at Billabong

There are few names more synonymous with surfing than Billabong — OK, maybe Quiksilver and Rip Curl — but the brand hasn’t become stale or stagnant. This option from Billabong is made using a recycled four-way stretch fabric and a micro repel water repellent coating. With added paneling, these shorts allow your body to stretch more and endure longer (and the colorful pattern is a nice added touch).

Best Board Shorts for Support

Under Armour

Best Board Shorts for Support

Under Armour Storm Shorebreak 2-in-1 Board Shorts

Specs

Length	19" (outseam)
Materials	88% Polyester/12% Elastane
Care	Machine wash cold with like colors. Tumble dry low. Do not iron. Do not dry clean.
Colors	Mod Gray Fade Heather / Black (shown) + 5 other options

• $65.00 at Under Armour

As we all know, Under Armour specializes in creating a portion of the sports world’s athletic attire. So, swimming or surfing is no exception. The Shorebreak 2-in-1 board shorts come in a lightweight yet stretchy, durable fabric that uses UA Storm technology to repel water. Also, underneath, the shorts have a set of 6″ Boxerjock shorts for added coverage.

Best Soft Board Shorts

Vuori

Best Soft Board Shorts

Vuori Infinity Boardshort

Specs

Length	8.5" (inseam)
Material	53% Recycled Polyester, 36% Polyester, 11% Elastane
Care	Machine wash cold with like colors. Non-chlorine bleach when needed. Remove promptly. Tumble dry low.
Colors	Kashmir (shown) + 2 other options

• $89.00 at Vuori

Vuori’s claim to fame is using soft fabrics in their day-to-day clothing options, and the brand’s board shorts don’t disappoint. The Infinity boardshorts have a relaxed fit and use a four-way stretchy woven fabric to enhance breathability and make moving about easy. They’re quick-drying and have a drawcord closure.

Best Laidback Board Shorts

Fair Harbor

Best Laidback Boardshorts

Fair Harbor The Nautilus Boardshort

Specs

Length	8" (inseam)
Material	80% Recycled Polyester, 12% Cotton, 8% Spandex
Care	Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Do not wring. Do not bleach.
Colors	Red Waves (shown) + 6 other options

• $68.00 at Fair Harbor

Fair Harbor makes its board shorts from recycled water bottles. But they balanced that recycled polyester with spandex so that these stretch, giving you full mobility in and out of the water. At the waist, there’s a drawstring, and the shorts themselves are DWR-coated for quick drying after a dip.

Best Short Board Shorts

Saturdays

Best Short Boardshorts

Saturdays NYC Ennis Boardshort

Specs

Length	5.5" (inseam)
Material	100% Nylon
Care	Machine was cold with like colors. Tumble dry low. Iron on reverse side or dryclean
Colors	Ocean (shown) or Mayfly

• $135 at Saturdays NYC

Manhattan surf shop Saturdays makes high-quality apparel and accessories for wave-loving city folk. Their color-blocked Ennis Boardshort is proof: It’ll look good in or out of the water, features a double welted nylon construction, boasts a snap pocket on the back and comes equipped with a non-stretch drawstring cord waist.

Best Board Shorts Collaboration

Faherty

Best Collab Boardshort

Faherty x Steven Paul Judd Good Medicine Sunwashed Boardshort

Specs

Length	7" (inseam)
Materials	100% SeaWool® Recycled Polyester;
Care	Close all fastening before wash, turn inside out, machine wash cold with like colors
Colors	Bethesda Blue + other non-collaboration colors including Malibu Honey shown at the top of the page.

• $118 at Faherty

These shorts are a collaboration between Faherty and Native artist, Steven Paul Judd (Kiowa-Choctaw). Made from 100% recycled SeaWool, an upcycled fabric made of discarded oyster shells and recycled plastic bottles, they also feature plenty of practical details including a hidden zipper pocket, patch pocket and button fly closure.

Best Durable Board Shorts

Florence Marine

Florence Marine X F1 Burgee Cordura Boardshort

Specs

Length	17.5" (outseam)
Materials	64% Cordura®, 26% Nylon 66, 10% Spandex
Care	Machine wash cold. Hang dry.
Colors	Racing Red (shown) + 8 other options

• $80.00 at Florence Marine X

John John Florence’s eponymous brand is known for making comfortable, functional board shorts that you just can’t take off. The Burgee Cordura board shorts don’t veer from this reputation. Featuring four-way stretch, super soft quick-dry fabric treated with DWR and durable, triple-needle construction, the Burgee Corduras can handle anything.

Reader Recommended Board Shorts

Backcountry

Vissla Solid Sets Boardshort

Specs

Length	18.5" (outseam)
Material	36% coconut, 34% recycled polyester, 20% cotton, 10% spandex
Care	Machine was cold. Hang dry.
Colors	Mustard (shown) + 3 other options

• $60.00 at Backcountry

These shorts came on the recommendation of a reader, who commented on this story as Surfchatter. We trust our audience has good taste, so we checked them out. And they’re quite nice. Vissla makes a number of styles in a wide range of colors, each of which employs four-way stretch and sustainable fabrics. This pair, dubbed The Solid Sets Boardshort, is made from coconut, cotton, spandex and recycled polyester fibers. There’s a scalloped hem, an integrated key rope and a back pocket.

How to Pick the Right Board Shorts Length

When buying a pair of board shorts, the most significant difference in fit you’ll relate to length. What’s the difference between a 5-inch, 7-inch and 10-inch inseam? Five-inch shorts are the most ambitious of the bunch. This length is typically reserved for swim trunks because you don’t need protection from waxy boards or rough waves. This short will sit smack dab in the center of your hip and knee for most men. High enough to be breezy yet low enough to ensure you aren’t revealing too much. A 7-inch short will hang further down, essentially just above the knee. There will still be a little thigh showing on most bodies, but this is short for men who don’t like short shorts.

prAna

Most board shorts, though, are between 9 inches and 11 inches. Nine will be right at or slightly above the knee bend, meaning little to no real thigh exposure. This length will rarely, if ever, hit beyond the knee on anybody, even if you’re all torso. Anything beyond 9 inches, though, is long. You’ll find 10-inch board shorts aplenty, and that’s the point because they’re designed to protect your legs.

Simply put:

• 5-inch shorts are too short for board shorts.
• 7-inch shorts are the sweet spot for landside wear.
• 9-inch shorts are the sweet spot.
• 10-inch shorts (and beyond) are a more classic fit.

Board shorts are primarily measured via their outseam, though. Regarding the difference between an inseam and an outseam, think of it this way: The inseam accounts for the length between the crotch and bottom hem. The outseam measures from the top edge of the waistband to the bottom hem. An average board short outseam is 18 inches. An average inseam is 7-9 inches.

Other Board Shorts Features to Consider

Today, classic nylon designs are still popular, but many of today’s brands also offer more performance-oriented options as well. If you’re looking for options to surf in or handle other active water sports, focus on pairs made from quick-drying fabrics with four-way stretch, laser-cut details and stitch-free seams. Pairs with intricate detailing or a dozen pockets might be practical for towing gear or showing off before you get in the water, but you want simplicity above all else.

It’s also important to pick a pair with a sturdy waistband. There’s nothing worse than losing your bottoms because of a particularly rough wave. Look for velcro and laces.

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