20 Board Shorts That You Can Wear Almost Anywhere This Summer

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BORN TO ride the waves like in Point Break, board shorts are a wardrobe essential for when the sun begins to blaze bright—or the ocean tides start to grow higher. But these swimsuits aren’t just for surfing greats like Laird Hamilton. Whether you’re hitting the beach, lounging poolside, or just chilling out on balmy days, nothing says summer style quite as convincingly as board shorts—and the best board shorts for men in the market right now are a tapestry of style, comfort, versatility, and performance.

Below, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to find and test over 55 board shorts to find the best ones that combine performance fabric with never-out-of-style designs. Depending on your occasion, do consider factors such as materials, lengths, and other functions. So sit back and relax as we walk you through every detail of the very best board shorts.

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311 Nylon Boardshorts

You can't talk about board shorts without talking about Birdwell's 311—they're as '90s-surfing-culture as board shorts can get. These are in fact one of the first we've tested—after all, we've all seen our dads sport them once.

We love how commando-friendly they are since they have no liner. They're also made in 100% nylon—which is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathable—to be uber water-friendly. While nylon isn't as stretchy as spandex, in my experience of wearing these, they are elastic enough for me to slowly jog a bit on the beach.

Nicole Bolton, fashion designer and stylist, also notes how comfortable they feel. "It’s so comfortable you can survive the entire day without facing any disturbances. You can wash it in a machine and wear it when going to the beach with your family."

Printed Built-In Flex Board Shorts

You don't need to break your wallet for some quality board shorts. Take this swimsuit from Old Navy, which comes in four flattering colors and is available in regular and tall sizes. And we vouchsafe their quality after testing them in water and taking a long walk in them too.

Firstly, its fabric felt immediately smooth after I put them on. And they've got decent quick-dry tech after I bathed in them. The stretch and adhesive fly also were very useful. However, what I love most about them is the fit: their 8-inch inseam dangles nicely above my knees.

The Nautilus Boardshort

The board short gets a modern twist in this slightly slimmer cut and color-blocked option from Fair Harbor. And after testing it out in our fashion closet, we've decided that it is a beach essential through and through.

After feeling them inside and out, our favorite part about them is how lightweight and smooth the fabric is. But its function is by no means lightweight—the quick-dry and four-way stretch allowed us to move in (and out) the water comfortably.

Our Fashion Director Ted Stafford especially loves how eco-friendly they are. "This swimsuit made with recycled polyester—which is made from 11 plastic bottles—makes for feel-good beach attire while catching some waves," he says. "The four-way stretch fabric with water-repellent coating allows for optimum flexibility and comfort for all beach activities."

Swim Board Short

Hands-down one of the best board shorts with pockets we've tested are these from Mack Weldon. With large zip front and back pockets, you can take everything you need with you. Otherwise, its performance was superb—during our testing, it wicked away moisture like a champ and dried as fast as you can expect. I also love the various summer-friendly colorways they come in.

Regarding mobility, while I in fact was able to test and verify the four-way stretch, since these board shorts are only made with 4% spandex, I noticed that they’re not as stretchy as those made with 10% spandex. But after sporting them from the beach to the bar to the office a few times, their versatility really wowed me.

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Wavefarer® Boardshorts

Patagonia makes the best hybrid board shorts on the market, allowing you to go from one summer adventure to the next without having to change. While lesser board shorts are just meant for the beach, this one is made for hiking or other outdoors, walking-heavy adventures too. That is an attribute we've tested on the trail or any bumpy path.

During our testing, we were utterly satisfied with its DWR nylon fabric which is water-repellent and breathable, no matter how we sweat or get wet. While there's no added stretch, the nylon fabric does feel inherently stretchy, and I was able to take big steps in them easily.

Apex Trunks By Kelly Slater

Tested by legendary surfing champion Kelly Slater on the waves—and by us in our fashion closet—these shorts are the ultimate option for athletes. With stitch-free welded seams for a lightweight feel and ultralight 4-way stretch polyester fabric for maximum mobility, they check all the boxes.

In our testing, we simply can't get enough of how performance-heavy these board shorts are. They come with more than 10% spandex, so our guys even wore them to jog or to the gym. Other feats like weightless drainage, ventilation, and quick-dry which we've tested in the water really render these shorts a, well, champion. They're also completely chafe-free to boot.

Cruise Boardshort

Style-wise, we love how these nod to retro gym shorts. Functionally, we tested its performance fabric and were impressed by its stretch which allowed me to do lunges in them easily, as well as moisture-wicking and anti-odor technology that made sure I look (and smell) fresh to go from the beach to the seaside bar.

Seasoned road traveler and travel gear expert Aiden Freeborn loves how these board shorts are built for land and water. "The Cruise Boardshort is not your average swim trunk and features a performance fit, pockets, and the versatility of a walk short," he says.

Standard 73 Pro Boardshort

Don't want you your shorts to tie up your legs when you need them the most? Then look for mobility Jessica Kats, a shopping and trend specialist at Soxy, recommends Billabong's boardshorts. "These trunks focus solely on performance and comfort. Its four-way stretch provides excellent mobility for both casual swimming and water sports," says Katz. They're made with lightweight fabric too, so you're ready to rock it on the go for surfing, swimming, or just playing volleyball on the beach, Top Gun-style.

"It has a quick-drying fabric with Micro Repel that sheds off the water as soon as you get out," also adds Katz. This is proven true during our testing in the fashion closet. All in all, they are comfortable and very flexible to wear and move in, with a regular fit and length that hits just above the knee.

Current State Board Short

Sometimes the best choice is the simplest one. These board shorts from Lululemon check all the boxes: convenient pockets, sleek design, and stretchy, comfortable fabric that makes you want to wear them over and over again.

And, because the fabric is lightweight and doesn't get sticky when drenched in water, I've found that they also work great as shorts for swimming beyond just surfing. The stretch and performance in water (courtesy of the nylon) lets you move your legs however you want, and the relaxing fit lets my thick thighs breathe too.

The Point Break Board Short

Having tested these in our fashion closet, we can vouchsafe that they have the ideal amount of stretch for moving your legs, UPF 40 sun protection, quick-drying fabric, and a super comfortable waistband that fits well. So, what's not to love?

Although, what caught my eye first about these Rhone board shorts are their bold, statement-making prints that I have worn to the beach, commute, run errands, or just weekend get-togethers. They're perfect for men who want to look on fleek this summer while on the go, wherever he is.

Stretch Bruja Board Short

Imagine: board shorts made with cotton—the comfort is guaranteed to be off the chart; and, as I’ve tested and found, an adjustable waistband and breathable fabric allow comfort to reign supreme in these gnarly shorts from the Howler Brothers. While cotton isn’t the most water-friendly, these only get a little bit heavy when drenched in water—the poly/cotton blend in fact dries quite fast. (I was even able to lightly jog in them while wet, thanks to the added stretch.)

My favorite part about these board shorts, however, is the style. Its fit with scalloped leg openings is perfectly laidback for anything warmer days may throw your way, and the prints are just quintessentially summer.

Standard Everyday 21 Board Short

Under-$50, long-lasting, and a workhorse in water, these are one of the favorite board shorts we've ever tested. Made completely in polyester, we've found that they could dry in no time. And whether it's on the beach or on the waves, their long, loose fit has provided us with a great range of motion, despite having no added stretch to the fabric.

So throw these on for a morning surf or nighttime swim with confidence and ease. Better yet, wear them with a crisp button-up for a surfside lunch, followed by endless hours of laying on the beach.

Classic Boardshort

With a classic board short waistband and the length of a traditional swim trunk, this option is the best of both bathing suit options. Bonus points for several versatile, cool prints that'll have you standing out in style at the beach, bar, rooftop party, or on the waves.

My favorite part about these shorts is the comfort of the performance. Its cotton blend feels nice and smooth, sure, but its quick drying and decent stretch ensure that when they're wet or when I'm in the water, the fabric won't stick to my skin and weigh me down. Hence, I always look and feel my best self in these.

One & Only Boardshort 22"

Fans of long board shorts, look no further than Hurley’s signature One & Only shorts. With 22 inches in length, they give you the coverage you love and need. If you've got thighs like a rugby player's, these shorts also come in extended sizing for big guys who are looking for a reliable swimsuit.

After trying them out in the water, we found that these shorts don't cling at all to the skin—or the "package", which is exactly what we're looking for. Although, we must note that these have no stretch since it's 100% polyester—a fact that we also tested to be true. So don't strain yourself too much wearing them.

5" Breaker Board Short

Board shorts aren't known to be, well, short—7 inches is usually the shortest one goes. But, in the spirit of breaking the rules, J.Crew made these 5-inch board shorts that I just had to try on. The result is rather satisfying: the slim fit makes it look tailored like chino shorts, but the stretch allows me to move easily.

The fabric is also water-repellent—it's never got sticky to me, and always dries fast. While I wouldn't wear them to surf—and most surfers probably wouldn't either—I do like to wear them out to the beach, bathe, or swim in the water. It's also got a mesh lining that adds the support of a swim trunk—we call that a win-win.

Plow Board Short

Minimalists take note of the logo-free, simplistic design. Believe it or not, our testing editors have worn these shorts to the gym, office, club, bar, or just to run errands, and no one has ever batted an eye on the fact that these are actually board shorts meant for surfing and swimming.

But what amazed me the most about these Alo Yoga swimsuits is how stretchy they are. When I first got my hands on them, I was able to really stretch the fabric between my two hands. After I put them on, they practically felt like athletic shorts for running. Once put to the water and waves, trust, you will have no trouble moving in these—and the fabric will always comfortably lay against your body no matter how you move.

Lido Solid Mod-Tech Trunks

Stay comfortable in Volcom’s board shorts that add multiple pockets and a lovely four-way stretch to your sweet summer vibe. What we specifically tested is the brand’s Cinch Fly tech, which ditches the zipper to eliminate bulkiness and maximize comfort.

When I tried these on, I immediately noticed their roominess and lighter weight because of the lack of ab inner gusset or extra fabric. In water, however, that comfort really came into the light for me—I was able to really move my thighs, even though the stretch of elastane is only 6%.

Essential 7" Swim Board Shorts

A slightly baggy but not sloppy leg meets the casual quality of a draw-string trunk in these Nike board shorts. Its stretch has proven to be very much above average, which is why outside of swimming and surfing, our editors have actually worn them as workout shorts.

I personally love their all-around comfort— in or out of the water—because its leg vents not only move water out but also let the air flow to keep me dry and cool. And the fit is also swell—roomy enough for my muscular thighs without looking too droopy.

What Is the Difference Between Swim Trunks and Board Shorts?

From fit, lining, waistband, fabric, and occasion, board shorts actually differ from swim trunks in many ways.

Length: The main difference here is the length. While swim trunks generally hit at the thigh, men's board shorts tend to be longer, usually ending right at the knee or slightly below it. This helps provide more coverage in general, and it protects you from the sun. Traditional board shorts tend to be baggier in shape and are known for being less restrictive—one of the many reasons they are recommended for highly intense activities, such as surfing, wakeboarding, and beach games.

Lining: Swim trunks almost always have mesh linings to provide more support. Boards shorts, on the other hand, do not usually have linings; in fact, surfers and sailors avoid liners because that extra fabric can cause abrasion against the skin. Instead, board shorts offer a free, less restrictive fit that helps air circulate to keep you cool on those hot summer days, and give you more wiggle room and space for movement on the waves. Really, if you're performing heavy activities in water, no lining is the way to go.

Waistband: Board shorts have a very specific tighter, more durable waistband that opens up in the front and is secured by a Velcro or zip fly. It can be adjusted using a string tie, normally laced through grommets (aka those o-shaped metal hardware pieces) that help prevent them from falling down. However, swim trunks can come with a range of closures from button snaps and zip-flies to the most commonly used basic string tie at the front.

What Is the Best Material for Board Shorts?

First thing first: you won't find any cotton-heavy fabric in board shorts since it will get too heavy when soaked with water and thus weigh you down.

A good pair of board shorts should be lightweight, movement-friendly, water-repellent, and dry fast. Which is why Kathleen McNally, the Creative Director at performance-wear brand SAXX, says to "always look for lightweight synthetic fabrics, that are quick-dry and fade-resistant." These blended fabrics are wrinkle-resistant and won't get hefty to curb your legs from moving when drenched in water, whether you're surfing, swimming, or just walking by the beach.

In addition, according to Lee Johnson, founder of West Coast swimwear brand Old Bull Lee which specializes in swimwear, you'll find polyester- or nylon-blend in board shorts. "Poly with the addition of stretch (Lycra, elastane) material is the most common with good reason—more comfortable, forgiving. Some brands use nylon instead of poly because it absorbs less water and does not get heavy as the waterproofing wears off over time, but nylon does not (take color) dye as deeply and vibrantly as poly," he says.

What Is the Best Length for Board Shorts?

The length for board shorts—which typically can be as short as 8 inches in inseam to 22 inches in outseam—can make or break your summer style. To refresh your vocab, inseam measures the length on the inside of the leg, from the bottom up to the groin or crutch area; outseam measures the exterior of shorts from the bottom of the leg all the way up to the waistline.

If you're actually hopping up into a crouch on a surfboard, you'll need the extra fabric—and thus length—that protects more of your skin from the friction. But how long exactly? On this list, we’ve tested board shorts with 7” or even 5” inseams that reach mid-thigh, to board shorts with 11” inseam or 22” outseams that reach below the knee. Below are some of the tips we can give to you after trying board shorts on.

5” to 7” in inseam: These are lengths for swim trunks, but if you’re not wearing board shorts to actually surf—you just like the style—then be our guest. You can show off your gains with these trendy fits that hit at mid-thigh. Between the two, we’ve found that the 7” inseam is more suitable as board shorts meant for the land.

8” to 10” in inseam: This is the sweet and popular spot for board shorts. From our testing on different heights, we found that 9” is the sure bet since it usually hits right in the middle of the knee to fully cover the thigh. Although, if you’re short, inseam lengths in this range can be not enough.

10” and above in inseam: Here's the classic long fit for board shorts from the ‘90s. This length hits beyond the knee, and the corresponding outseam often goes over 20 inches. If you’re really going to surf, 10" or longer offers the most protection. If you’re just copping that classic style, these lengths have got that in spade too.

Read More: How Long Should Your Swimsuit Be?

How We Selected

To find the best board shorts, our style and gear editors have personally tried on a variety of them and put them to the test, such as taking a dip or bathing in a tub while wearing Mack Weldon's and Lululemon's board shorts, wearing Birdwell's board shorts to enjoy beach activities, or put Fair Harbor's board shorts on stylish guys to see how they fit and feel. We've also considered board shorts that were picked by our Fashion Director Ted Stafford for print and tested in our fashion closets.

From there, we evaluated these board shorts based on their style, fit, price point, performance, and most importantly, versatility to make the final top picks. Specifically, we're looking for styles that are not trendy or trend-chasing; instead, our picks of the best board shorts all fit great even on buff or athletic guys, provide a ton of value at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now.

Why Trust Us

A product review story that doesn’t actually test anything hands-on or in person isn’t worth your precious time. Thankfully, we at Men’s Health don’t produce any of that nonsense. For each product, we always test them in person or use them ourselves first before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience.

More importantly, at Men’s Health, we have a whole fashion closet dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best as well as newest products in menswear. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear what their opinions are and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s fabric or materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on product recommendations, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan who actually know the difference between undershirts and T-shirts or that polyester isn't actually breathable, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers and decision-makers at top brands or retailers—that we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

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