In addition to being longer, board shorts are also narrower. They don’t have any mesh lining, which can constrict surfers maneuvering complex movements. Board shorts are often made from polyester/Spandex blends to offer more stretch. From Need Essentials’ dark navy offerings to Banks Journal’s jaundice-coloured swag, muted colours are to 2022 what three-quarter-leg length monstrosities were to the early 2000’s. Popular with chain-smoking undergrads and intrepid adventurers alike. Dual Tone Consider the occasion where you will wear the swimwear. Some activities are more suited for board shorts, while swim trunks are better for others. What are swim trunks? DWR repellency means that the boardshorts' outer layer is treated to repel water—obviously a feature that’s not terribly vital if you’re swimming or engaging in activities that have you fully submerged in water. But DWR does make a difference when surfing, fishing, paddleboarding, and enjoying other aquatic activities, keeping the boardshorts dry and light. DWR also allows boardshorts to function well as a non-aquatic casual option akin to regular shorts. Better for activities like surfing and wakeboarding because board shorts allow for better range of motion and won't ride up.

Board Shorts in 2023, Tested by Style Experts 20 Best Board Shorts in 2023, Tested by Style Experts

A lightweight and durable board short that won’t stretch out over use. Popular for its long length, these shorts hit the knee on men over 6’ tall. If you like Alex Knost, Costa Rica and slow-moving point breaks have a squiz at RVCA’s top models. Anti Chafe Quiksilver was founded in Australia in 1969 but has since moved its headquarters to Huntington Beach, California. The company is regarded as one of the largest surfwear and board-related sports companies in the world, with it being a prominent favourite of snowboarders, too.Bonobos was born because founders, Andy Dunn & Brian Spaly, couldn’t find men’s pants that fit (they were either too tight or too boxy) and wanted to fix this common problem men face while shopping. Board shorts were originally designed for surfers. The longer length was intended to keep surf wax from ripping out a surfer’s leg hair, as well as reduce irritation from rubbing. Unisex style. Many can wear board shorts over other swimsuit bottoms as fashionable beachwear or shorts. Saturdays NYC was founded in 2009 in SoHo, NYC by three friends and is one of those ‘cool’ brands. It produces all the usual menswear essentials, but ones of high-quality, with manufacturing split between countries such as Portugal and the US. The company has physical stores in the US, Japan and Australia and actually used to be called Saturdays Surf NYC, as boardshorts were one of its first major product lines. Some boardshorts come without an inner lining, which frees things up and provides a more streamlined overall fit. But those trunks can also lead to chafing, a real possibility when you factor in higher-energy sports and saltwater. Others use a variety of stretchy synthetic lining, typically made of tightly woven mesh or another breathable fabric that protects your boys without overheating. More advanced boardshorts also add more structured liners, using fabrics similar to wet suits to add compressional support and warmth.

Board shorts vs. swim trunks: What’s the difference? Board shorts vs. swim trunks: What’s the difference?

Mission Workshop is a San Francisco-based company committed to designing and developing a complete range of durable, waterproof apparel and accessories. It started life producing bags, with its original model still going strong today, and all products are designed and manufactured in the US. This slim-fitting pair of swim trunks has a soft feel and athletic appearance. They can double as basketball or running shorts in a pinch. While the likes of Hurley have previously been owned by sportswear giant Nike and took incredible advantage of the company’s fabric technologies in the process, most pairs of boardshorts these days will offer levels of performance unrivalled by other sports shorts. Flashy High Performance Lira could be a brand you’ve not come across before. Being relatively young, having only been founded in 2007, the Southern Californian label has made it its mission to “bridge the gap between streetwear and action sports”. By this, the company means it wants to take the conventional action sports apparel and inject it with a bit of creative flair, taking inspiration from a community of athletes, musicians, photographers, artists and designers. Howler Brothers was founded by two friends, not brothers, in Austin, Texas. They practically became brothers, however, after meeting and realising they shared much of the same interests, thus becoming inseparable. The company’s products are created with “soul and passion”, with products that only provide purpose rolling off the production line.Board shorts also have a tighter, more secure waistband with a Velcro fly and drawstring closure — no elastic involved. This helps keep the shorts on while engaged in intense activities like surfing. Men’s board shorts range from a 17-inch to 22-inch outseam. If you’re in the market for new swimwear, you may find yourself choosing between board shorts and swim trunks. While they’re not the same, they both can be worn in the water and for activities at the beach. While Patagonia may be associated with outdoor hiking gear, it also has its fingers in the surf apparel pie. Like with its outdoor gear, surf clothing also utilises recycled materials and other sustainable, eco-friendly production methods which only boost its B-Corporation credentials. We could go into Swiss Army Knife comparisons and boring technical details, but let’s be honest. It’s pretty simple what makes the best boardshorts. Stylish and can be worn off the beach as casual streetwear. Also popular with skaters and MMA fighters.

Boardshorts and swim shorts for Men - Lyst Quiksilver Boardshorts and swim shorts for Men - Lyst

Vissla was founded by Paul Naude, former head of US Operations at Billabong, in 2013. The company puts a heavy focus on producing products by sustainable means and promises to be one that “represents creative freedom, a forward-thinking philosophy, and a generation of creators and innovators”.

Due to the popularity of board shorts, you can also find select swim trunks at board-short lengths that come with a liner. All in all, you can find the perfect pair for both your needs and your look. They fixed it with their not-so-secret secret: all Bonobos’ pants have a curved waistband that conforms to the natural shape of men’s waists. Bonobos then expanded into producing awesome shirts, suits, swimwear; you name a piece of men’s clothing, they do it! If you are a man of creature comfort (and 8-hour shred sessions), you would do well to make sure your boardshort of choice has anti-chafe technology.