Outerknown Apex Trunks By Kelly Slater
Sizes: 28 to 40 | Colors: 12 | Outseam (outside length of the shorts from waist to hem): 19 inches | Pockets: Back zipper pocket | Materials: 89% recycled polyester, 5% spandex, 6% recycled spandex
Designed by World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, Outerknown’s Apex Trunks have been tested in real-life conditions to hold up well to constant pounding. They’re made with four-way stretch and recycled polyester so you can bend and move easily in this pair, and they’re built to last with double-bonded seams. Style-wise, they’re great for everything for a quick jog to a round of beach volleyball. Other thoughtful details include its smooth, anti-chafing finish, zippered back pocket and bungee key loop.
Best Affordable Boardshorts For Men
A Classic For Less Than $40
Hurley One And Only Boardshorts
Sizes: 28 to 44 | Colors: 29 | Outseam: 23 inches | Pockets: Side flap pocke t| Materials: 100% polyester
Hurley boardshorts are a surfer classic that’s been updated to include inclusive sizing, many colorways and an affordable price. The One And Only pair is cut from super soft suede-like fabric and, with a 22 inch inseam, they’re great for those on the taller side or anyone who wants like a bit more coverage. Some reviewers did say the waist can be tight, so consider sizing up.
Best Comfortable Boardshorts For Men
Stretch Fabric And The Perfect Fit
Fair Harbor The Nautilus Boardshort
Sizes: 30 to 38 | Colors: 7 | Inseam: 8 inches | Pockets: Side pockets, back zipper pocket | Materials: 80% recycled polyester, 12% cotton, 8% spandex
Fair Harbor’s boardshorts put a modern spin on the styles of yesteryear with an ultra-comfortable fit. They’re a classic silhouette cut from quick-drying, naturally odor resistant, water-repellant fabric. They’ve got a hidden zipper back pocket for stashing beach day essentials, two side pockets with built-in water drainage and four-way stretch, so you can hang out in this pair all day.
Best Performance Boardshorts For Men
Stay-Put Waistband And Anti-Chafe Side Seams
Patagonia Hydrolock Boardshorts
Sizes: 28 to 40 | Colors: 5 | Outseam: 19 inches | Pockets: Side zip pocket | Materials: 87% recycled polyester, 13% spandex
On active days, you want a secure boardshort that won’t ride down on your waist or require constant adjustment. Patagonia’s Hydrolock boardshorts are designed to avoid that pitfall with a snug-fitting, contoured waistband and locking system that keeps this pair firmly in place yet still allows for movement. The bonded side seams also prevent chaffing and the textured drawcord keeps the waist knot secure for an extra layer of security in rougher conditions. FYI: The brand recommends sizing up if you like a more relaxed fit.
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Classic Trunks With Room To Move
PAID PLACEMENT
lululemon Lined Pool Shorts
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 14 | Inseam: 5 or 7 inches | Pockets: Side pockets, back zipper pocket | Materials: 89% recycled polyester, 11% elastane
These lined swim shorts from lululemon are versatile enough for you to wear both in and out of the water. The fabric is designed to repel water and resist abrasions, while a streamlined fit allows for mobility throughout the glutes and thighs. Thoughtful details include a silicone-lined drawstring for extra grip, as well as two side pockets and a zippered rear pocket to store essentials wherever your day takes you. Choose from 14 colorways, including vibrant florals and solid tones, and either 5- or 7-inch inseams.
Best Classic Boardshorts For Men
Technology Packed Shorts From An Iconic Brand
O’Neill Superfreak 21-Inch Boardshorts
Sizes: 28 to 44 | Colors: 6 | Outseam: 21 inches | Pockets: Side zip pocket | Materials: 90% polyester, 10% elastane
O’Neill has been making surf gear since 1952 and the Superfreak boardshorts are a consistent top-seller, largely due to the brand’s patented Hyperfreak side paneling that lends structure and flexibility. Other modern updates include a Hyperthread technology that utilizes soft thread to prevent abrasion and chafing, and a water repellant treatment that reduces drying time for maximum comfort.
Best Lined Boardshorts For Men
Barely-There Mesh Boxer Liner And Anti-Odor Tech
Rhone 7-Inch Point Break Boardshort
Sizes: 28 to 40 | Colors: 8 | Inseam: 7 inches | Pockets: Front pockets, back zipper pocket | Materials: Recycled polyester and elastane
Boardshorts are typically unlined to reduce bulk. But if you like the security of a liner or want to work out in your shorts, Rhone’s Point Break boardshorts feature a fine mesh boxer liner along with flat-lay waistband, snap fly and interior drawstring for a streamlined silhouette. This pick is also great to pack on vacation since Rhone’s fabric has anti-odor technology in it, which allows for more wears before washes.
Best Long Boardshorts For Men
Extra Length Means Extra Coverage
Maui Rippers Very Long 4-Way Stretch Boardshorts
Sizes: 28 to 46 | Colors: 8 | Outseam: 24 inches | Pockets: Side pocket | Materials: Polyester and spandex
Whether you’re tall or like extra coverage, these Maui Rippers are the longest boardshorts on our list with an impressive 24-inch outseam (the outside length of the shorts, measured from the waistband to the hem). Falling below the knee, they’ll keep most of your legs protected from the water and the sun while paddling or hanging out. They comes in a range of waist sizes and the outseam increases to 25 inches in the larger sizes.
Best Stylish Boardshorts For Men
Unique Prints For The Style Minded
Roark Shorey Boardshorts
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 11 | Outseam: 16 inches | Pockets: Sideseam pocket, back patch pocket | Materials: 49% recycled polyester, 35% polyester, 8% hemp, 8% spandexFor a combo of style and performance, the Roark Shorey boardshorts are a bit more interesting than your average pair. The patterns range from a classic tropical floral to an Amalfi Coast-inspired design. Besides looks, the shorts are outfitted with four-way stretch and a water-repellant finish. Unlike the other options on the list, this pair has an elastic waist (rather than a fixed one) so it’s best suited to more casual pursuits than intense surfing and wave-riding.
Best Versatile Boardshorts For Men
For The Beach And Beyond
Vuori Cruise Boardshorts
Sizes: 28 to 38 | Colors: 8 | Inseam: 7.5 inches | Pockets: Front pockets, back flap pocket | Materials: 45% recycled polyester, 45% polyester, 10% elastane
Vuori’s Cruise boardshorts are stylish cut like a regular pair of shorts but are fully waterproof to seamlessly take you from the beach to a workout to lunch and more. The shorts hit just above the knee and have a scalloped leg for improved comfort and they come in solids and subtle patterns for all-day wear.
Best Active Boardshorts For Men
What The Pros Wear
Florence F1 Burgee Cordura Boardshorts
Sizes: 24 to 38 | Colors: 9 | Outseam: 18.5 inches | Pockets: Side zip pocket | Materials: 64% Cordura, 26% nylon 66, 10% spandex
Made from highly durable Cordura yarns with a triple-needle construction, the Burgee Boardshorts from Florence are designed to withstand serious abuse from the ocean. Tested by founder and surfer John Florence on the North Shore of Oahu, the shorts are built for durability but also manage to have enough softness and stretch to keep you chafe-free. The brand recommends spot-cleaning and hand-drying the shorts to conserve water, reduce microfiber shedding and extend their longevity.
How We Chose The Best Boardshorts For Men
To narrow down the options and help you find the best boardshorts, we researched bestselling boardshorts from both established and up-and-coming surf and swimwear brands. We paid attention to specific features that matter most for boardshorts, including comfort, durability, length and style. To better determine the potential pros and cons of each pick, we also carefully read reviews from real-life users who have firsthand experience with all of the boardshorts on this list.
What To Consider When Shopping For Boardshorts
There are a few key factors to consider to ensure your boardshorts hold up well over time, fit your body and keep you comfortable all day.
Boardshorts typically have a tighter, fixed waist that’s often further secured with a lace-up tie, to ensure they stay on in the event you get tossed around by a wave. However, fixed waistbands tend to be less forgiving and offer less room to accommodate fluctuating weights and rounder midsections. If you opt for a pair with an elastic waistband (like the Roark Shorey Boardshorts) keep in mind that they may not be as equipped to handle rougher conditions.
Polyester is a common material for boardshorts, thanks to its lightweight, quick-drying capabilities and overall comfort. All the boardshorts on this list are made with spandex or elastane, for improved range of movement in and out of the water. Most boardshorts are DWR (durable water-repellent) treated for faster drying, and have anti-odor properties for frequent wear.
While shorter swim trunks are increasingly popular, boardshorts tend to err on the longer side. The extra length helps to keep legs protected, whether it be from wax on the board (you don’t want to rip your leg hair out) or the sun’s harmful rays. Boardshorts usually fall just above the knee to keep the thighs (which have the most contact with a surfboard) covered.
Most boardshorts have at the very least two front pockets, and it’s not uncommon for many to have a back pocket, too. Some boardshorts even have internal key loops or keyrings (like the Outerknown Apex and Fair Harbor Nautilus) to keep keys safe and close. If you plan on bringing anything with you into the water, like surf wax, be sure to look for a zippered or flap pocket with a closure to securely stash your belongings. Storing things in a back pocket, though, might not prove the most comfortable when surfing, especially when sitting on your board.
