Veronike Burney

Written by Veronike Burney

Published: 05 Feb 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

9-best-board-shorts
Source: Gq.com

Board shorts are an essential item for anyone who loves spending time at the beach or by the pool. 9 Best Board Shorts are not only comfortable to wear, but they also come in a variety of styles and colors. Whether you're a surfer or just looking for a stylish pair of shorts to wear during the summer, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top board shorts on the market, so you can find the perfect pair for your next water adventure.

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 7/10

The Quiksilver Men's Standard Manic 22 Inch Length Cargo Pocket Boardshort Swim Trunk is a versatile and durable swim trunk suitable for water sports and beach activities. It features 22-inch length and double side patch pockets with pocket flaps. The trunks are available in black and come in size 36. Customers have given it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising its length, lightweight, and quick-drying material. However, some have noted that there is no lining, and the material feels thin and less durable. Despite these drawbacks, the trunks provide a great fit, comfort, and value for money.

Key Features

  • 22 inch
  • Double side patch pockets with pocket flaps

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 24.00Lx15.00Wx2.00H
  • Size: 36

Pros

  • Great fit and comfort
  • Quick-drying material
  • Lightweight and durable

Cons

  • No lining
  • Thin material

The Quiksilver Men’s Boardshort Swim Trunk is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile and comfortable swim trunk. While it may have some minor drawbacks, its overall quality and performance make it a reliable option for water sports and beach activities.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Hurley One & Only Boardshort 22" in Hyper Jade 34 is a modern and classic swim short made from polyester supersuede material that dries quickly and provides a superb wear. It features a regular fit, front tie closure with EZ Fly, and a hook-and-loop flap cargo pocket. These swim shorts are available in the color Hyper Jade and size 34.

Key Features

  • Hurley Size Chart
  • Polyester supersuede material dries quickly
  • Regular fit
  • Front tie closure with EZ Fly
  • Hook-and-loop flap cargo pocket

Specifications

  • Color: Hyper Jade
  • Size: 34

Pros

  • Quick-drying material
  • Comfortable regular fit
  • Convenient cargo pocket
  • Available in various sizes

Cons

  • Sizing may be inaccurate

The Hurley One & Only Boardshort 22″ is a stylish and practical swim short suitable for various sizes, featuring quick-drying material and a cargo pocket. However, customers may need to be cautious about sizing to ensure the perfect fit.

Overall Score: 8/10

Get ready for the beach with the Volcom Men's Standard Mod Tech 20" Boardshort. These 4-way stretch boardshorts feature a side flap pocket, signature double labels, and cinch fly technology. Available in black – new, size 34.

Key Features

  • 20” outseam 4 – way stretch boardshort
  • Side flap pocket
  • Signature double labels
  • Cinch fly technology

Specifications

  • Color: Black – New
  • Dimension: 0.00Lx0.00Wx0.00H
  • Size: 34

Pros

  • Great fit and material
  • True to size
  • Comfortable and perfect length
  • Quality product

Cons

  • Snug fit for bigger butt or legs
  • Slightly sheer when wet
  • Tight crotch area

The Volcom Men’s Standard Mod Tech 20″ Boardshort is a great choice for anyone looking for comfortable, high-quality boardshorts. The 4-way stretch, side flap pocket, and cinch fly technology make them practical for any beach or water activity. Although some users mentioned a snug fit for larger body types, the overall rating and positive feedback make this a solid option for your next beach outing.

Overall Score: 8/10

The TACVASEN Men's Swim Trunks are perfect for all your beach and water-based activities, including swimming, surfing, boating, and more. Made of lightweight, quick-dry polyester with a soft and comfortable inner mesh lining, these boardshorts also feature an elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring and a convenient side cargo pocket. Available in a stylish Black Green color, these shorts are suitable for both water and land-based activities, making them a versatile addition to your summer wardrobe.

Key Features

  • Quick Dry, Lightweight, Durable, Breathable
  • Soft and comfortable inner mesh lining
  • Elastic waistband with adjustable drawstring
  • Side cargo pocket for carrying small items
  • Suitable for various water and land-based activities

Specifications

  • Color: Black Green
  • Size: Medium

Pros

  • Quick-dry material
  • Comfortable and great fit
  • Convenient side cargo pocket
  • Stylish Black Green color

Cons

  • Bright yellow drawstring color

The TACVASEN Men’s Swim Trunks are a great choice for anyone looking for versatile and comfortable beach shorts. With their quick-dry material, adjustable waistband, and convenient side pocket, they are perfect for a day at the beach or engaging in various water and land-based activities. While the bright yellow drawstring might not be to everyone’s taste, the overall quality and functionality of these boardshorts make them a solid option for summer attire.

Overall Score: 9/10

The SP9106044Q GI Jack 3 Boards GRN 38 are high-quality boardshorts made of 91% polyester and 9% elastane, known for their exclusive prints and solids with USA flag details. The 21-inch outseam shorts come in the Camo Green (Sp9106044q) color and size 38. They have received a customer rating of 4.7/5, with many customers praising their comfortable fit and stretch material.

Key Features

  • Exclusive prints and solids with USA Flag details
  • Hyperfreak stretch material (91% polyester/9% elastane)
  • Zippered pocket with key loop
  • True boardshorts (unlined – no inner brief)
  • 21 inch outseam

Specifications

  • Color: Camo Green (Sp9106044q)
  • Size: 38

Pros

  • Comfortable fit and good flex
  • Quick dry capability and solid construction
  • True to size with great durability

Cons

  • Received mislabeled size for some customers
  • Expensive with no front zipper for some customers

The SP9106044Q GI Jack 3 Boards GRN 38 are highly recommended for those in need of durable and comfortable boardshorts, particularly for active water sports. While they may come at a higher price point, their quality, fit, and versatility make them worth the investment.

Overall Score: 9/10

The RVCA mens 4-way Stretch Fixed Waist 20 Inch Boardshort Board Shorts are designed for comfort and flexibility. Made with 4-way stretch and recycled polyester, these boardshorts are perfect for water sports, beachside activities, and tropical trips. They feature a gusset fly, triple needle stitch on the front and back rise, and a motors patch at the left leg. The outseam measures 20 inches. The color of the boardshort is Rvca Stretch 20 Boardshort/Vintage Green, and the size is 36. Customers have rated this product 4.6 out of 5, praising the quality, fit, and comfort. However, there have been some complaints about incorrect velcro fly closures.

Key Features

  • 4-Way Stretch with Recycled Polyester
  • Outseam: 20in
  • Gusset fly
  • Triple needle stitch on front and back rise
  • Motors patch at left leg

Specifications

  • Color: Rvca Stretch 20 Boardshort/Vintage Green
  • Size: 36

Pros

  • True to size
  • Well-made
  • Good quality
  • Comfortable stretch fabric

Cons

  • Incorrect velcro fly closure for some customers

The RVCA mens 4-way Stretch Fixed Waist 20 Inch Boardshort Board Shorts are a great choice for water activities and tropical destinations. Despite some issues with the velcro fly closure, the overall quality, comfort, and stylish design make these boardshorts a popular option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall Score: 7/10

The unitop Men's Swimwear Boardshorts are summery, quick-drying swim trunks for men. They feature a vintage patterned style with a soft mesh lining inside. They also have a side cargo pocket with eyelets for water evacuation and small item storage. Made from lightweight, breathable fabric, they are suitable for beach, pool, or water sports activities and come with a hook and loop closure with ties for a better fit. Although they're generally loved for their stylish design and fit, some customers have experienced issues with the sizing running small and the fly closure and built-in mesh. Overall, the shorts have received positive reviews for their style and comfort, making them a great option for the summer.

Key Features

  • Hook and loop closure with ties for better fit
  • Lightweight, breathable, and fast-dry fabric
  • Vintage patterned style with soft mesh lining
  • Side cargo pocket with eyelets for water evacuation
  • Suitable for beach, pool, or water sports activities

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Size: 30

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Lightweight and breathable fabric
  • Convenient side cargo pocket

Cons

  • Sizing runs small
  • Mesh and open-prone fly closure

The unitop Men’s Swimwear Boardshorts are a stylish and comfortable option for summer beach and pool activities. While the sizing and fly closure may be some areas for improvement, the quick-drying fabric and vintage patterned style make them a popular choice. Overall, they are well-loved for their comfort, making them a great addition to your swimwear collection.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Tormenter Waterman 5 Pocket Boardshorts in Blue Camo are sturdy, comfortable, and stylish. Made of microfiber with triple-stitched seams, these boardshorts come with 5 pockets and a 10.5 inch inseam. They feature 'no drag pockets' and are designed around 2 inches larger than indicated. The unique design and quality construction make them popular among customers but some have mentioned sizing issues. Overall, they are great for water activities and fishing.

Key Features

  • Made of sturdy microfiber with Triple Stitched seams
  • 10.5 inch inseam
  • Features 'no drag pockets' for minuscule water resistance
  • 5 Pockets

Specifications

  • Color: Blue Camo
  • Size: 40

Pros

  • Durable and stylish design
  • Great for water activities and fishing
  • Comfortable and breathable fabric

Cons

  • Sizing may be larger than expected
  • Quality issues with stitching and seams

The Tormenter Waterman 5 Pocket Boardshorts in Blue Camo are a great choice for anyone who enjoys water activities and fishing. While there are some concerns about sizing and quality, the unique design, comfortable fit, and durability make them a popular choice among customers. Overall, these boardshorts offer great value for anyone looking for functional and stylish waterwear.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Quiksilver Men's Everyday 21 Board Short Swim Trunk Bathing Suit is a classic, versatile swimsuit that provides comfort and style to men on beach outings and water activities. These board shorts have a 21-inch length, side patch pocket, pocket flap, and are available in Navy Blazer/Orange color. The size available is 34, with dimensions of 12.00Lx24.00Wx1.00H. Customer rating is 4.5/5. Buyer reviews highlight the true to size fit, comfortable wear, and quick-drying fabric. However, some find the shorts to run small and hugging in the inseam, which could make some users uncomfortable.

Key Features

  • 21 inch
  • Side patch pocket with pocket flap

Specifications

  • Color: Navy Blazer/Orange
  • Dimension: 12.00Lx24.00Wx1.00H
  • Size: 34

Pros

  • True to size fit
  • Comfortable wear
  • Quick-drying fabric

Cons

  • Size runs small
  • Inseam hugging

The Quiksilver Men’s Everyday 21 Board Short Swim Trunk Bathing Suit stands out as a solid option for those looking for a sleek, comfortable, and versatile swimwear choice. The reliable customer rating and positive reviews support its quality and suitability for beach or pool days.

Best Boardshorts 2022 Buyer's Guide

  • Fit and Comfort
    • Look for boardshorts with a relaxed and comfortable fit that allows for easy movement.
    • Consider the length of the boardshorts – shorter length for more mobility and longer length for added sun protection.
  • Material Quality
    • Opt for boardshorts made from quick-drying and durable materials such as polyester or nylon.
    • Check for stretch capabilities in the fabric for enhanced flexibility.
  • Waistband and Closure
    • Look for boardshorts with a secure and adjustable waistband, such as a drawstring or Velcro closure, to ensure a proper fit.
    • Avoid boardshorts with uncomfortable seams or waistbands that dig into the skin.
  • Pockets and Storage
    • Consider the need for pockets – some boardshorts feature zippered pockets for securely storing items like keys or money.
  • Design and Style
    • Choose a design and style that reflects your personal preference, whether it's a solid color, a vibrant pattern, or a graphic print.
    • Take into account any additional features like a mesh lining or a logo detail.
  • Sun Protection
    • Check for UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating to ensure adequate sun protection while wearing the boardshorts.
  • Versatility
    • Consider whether the boardshorts can be worn for various activities, such as swimming, surfing, or casual beachwear.
  • Price and Value
    • Compare prices of boardshorts from different brands and retailers to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.
    • Keep in mind that higher price doesn't always guarantee better quality, so do your research.
  • Brand Reputation
    • Take into account the reputation of the brand – some established brands have a track record for producing high-quality boardshorts.
  • Customer Reviews
    • Read customer reviews and feedback on boardshorts to get insights into the fit, comfort, and overall performance.
  • Care and Maintenance
    • Follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the longevity of your boardshorts.
  • Try Before You Buy
    • If possible, try on the boardshorts before making a purchase to ensure the fit and comfort meet your expectations.
  • Return Policy
    • Check the return policy of the retailer in case the boardshorts don't meet your expectations or fit properly.

Frequently Asked Questions about 9 Best Board Shorts

Are boardshorts only for surfing?

Boardshorts are a popular choice for surfing, but they can also be worn for other water activities like swimming, paddleboarding, or just hanging out at the beach.

What should I look for when buying boardshorts?

When buying boardshorts, look for ones with a comfortable fit, quick-drying fabric, and a secure waistband. You may also want to consider the length and style that best suits your needs and preferences.

Can girls wear boardshorts too?

Absolutely! Boardshorts are a great option for girls who want to be active in the water without worrying about their swimsuit bottoms riding up. There are many stylish and functional boardshorts made specifically for women.

How do I care for my boardshorts?

To care for your boardshorts, always rinse them with fresh water after each use to remove salt, sand, and chlorine. Then, wash them with mild detergent and let them air dry to keep them in good condition.

What are the latest trends in boardshorts for 2022?

The latest trends in boardshorts for 2022 include bold colors, fun patterns, and high-performance fabrics. Some popular features include stretchy materials, zippered pockets, and innovative closures for a secure fit.

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