The 30 Best Board Shorts for Every Guy’s Budget
- 1/31
The 30 Best Board Shorts for Every Guy’s Budget
As temperatures continue to change, so do our wardrobes. Now that summer is just around the corner, it’s officially time to pull out the lightweight tees and linen pants from the back of your closets, and start shopping for the best sandals shorts, and swimming trunks before they go out of stock come memorial day.
When it comes to swimsuits, dudes typically either go for a swim trunk or board short. With so many styles available between the two categories, you may be asking yourself if there is even a difference between the two. The answer is a resounding yes. The biggest difference is in length: swimming trunks generally hit at the thigh, while board shorts end right at the knee, or simply below it. So if you're looking for a bit more coverage from the sun, board shorts are your best bet.
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Nowadays, 5 inch shorts are all the rage, but we'd argue that a sensible pair of board shorts can be just as stylish as a skimpy swim trunk, and can protect your thighs from sun burn and the elements. Below, we round up where to buy the best board shorts in the game to help you find the pair that’s right for you.
Read more: Best Swimsuits for Men
Courtesy of retailer - 2/31
The Nautilus Boardshort
Fair Harbor
fairharborclothing.com
$68.00
The board short gets a modern twist in this slightly-slimmer cut and color-blocked option from Fair Harbor. Made from 80% recycled polyester from plastic bottles, these durable shorts can take you just about anywhere in style.
- Material: Polyester, cotton, and spandex
- 8 inch inseam
- Size: 30 to 38 (6 sizes available)
Read more: Best Shorts for Men
Courtesy of retailer - 3/31
Wavefarer 19in Board Short
Patagonia
backcountry.com
$48.30
While lesser board shorts are just meant for the beach, this one is made for hiking too. 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. We suggest buying one in every color.
- Material: Nylon
- 19 inch inseam
- Size: 28 to 40 (11 sizes available)
Read more: Best Men's Clothing Brands
backcountry.com - 4/31
Apex Trunks by Kelly Slater
Outerknown
outerknown.com
$145.00
Developed and tested by legendary surfer Kelly Slater, 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.
- Material: Polyester and spandex
- 19 inch inseam
- Size: 28 to 38 (9 sizes available)
Courtesy of retailer - 5/31
Solid-Color Board Shorts
Old Navy
oldnavy.gap.com
$12.49
You don't need to break your wallet for some quality board shorts. Take these 8-inch seam swimsuit from Old Navy, which comes in four flattering colors and is available in regular and tall sizes. At this price point, you'll want one in every style.
- Material: Polyester
- 8 inch inseam (regular), 9 inch inseam (tall)
- Size: 28 to 54 Regular (17 sizes available). 34 to 44 Tall (6 sizes available)
Read more: Best Men's Swim Trunks on Amazon
oldnavy.gap.com - 6/31
Split Men's Packable 9" Volley Short
nike
nike.com
$64.00
Without a doubt, Nike makes some of the best board shorts around. A slightly baggy leg meets the casual quality of a draw-string trunk in these Nike board shorts. And this being Nike, it also doubles as workout shorts.
- Material: Nylon and polyester
- 9 inch inseam
- Size: XS to 2XL (6 sizes available)
Read more: Best Gym Shorts
nike.com - 7/31
Bruja Stretch Board Short
Howler Brothers
backcountry.com
$44.25
An adjustable waistband and breathable fabric allow comfort to reign supreme in these subtly printed board shorts from the Howler Brothers.
backcountry.com - 8/31
7" Board Short
Rhone
rhone.com
$98.00
You can never go wrong with board shorts in a sleek solid color. These shorts from Rhone are the perfect no-fuss option in a modern length with signature construction.
Courtesy of retailer - 9/31
Journal Boardshort
Banks Journal
banksjournal.com
$80.00
When you find a suit you love, you want it to last. These shorts come with triple-stitched seams and state-of-the-art screen printing to ensure you can wear them again and again.
banksjournal.com - 10/31
Cruise Board Shorts
Vuori
vuoriclothing.com
$68.00
With nods to retro gym shorts, this suit is built from a sustainable performance fabric with moisture-wicking and anti-odor technology to make sure you look (and smell) fresh to go from the beach to the seaside bar.
Courtesy of retailer - 11/31
Classic Boardshort
Faherty
fahertybrand.com
$98.00
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 a cool print that was designed in partnership with a great cause.
Courtesy of retailer - 12/31
Breaker Board Short
J.Crew
jcrew.com
$69.50
Graphic nautical stripes add an unexpected pattern to this classic suit that could easily pass for a cool pair of flattering shorts. Wear them to run errands or for a dip in the pool on your lunch break.
jcrew.com - 13/31
Hyperfreak Ulu Floral Print Board Shorts
O'Neill
nordstrom.com
$55.00
A vintage-inspired print gives these O’Neill board shorts that sweet summer vibe, while multiple pockets and anti-rash technology make it a high-quality short for a great price.
nordstrom.com - 14/31
Standard Highline Kaimana Boardshort
Quiksilver
amazon.com
$50.00
Have you ever bought a board short and wondered what the bungee cord loop inside one of the pockets was for? It’s actually a classic characteristic of a board short, and it’s for your keys so you don’t lose them in the water. These Quicksilver’s take that tradition and update it in this classic nectarine hued pair.
amazon.com - 15/31
Plow Board Short
Alo Yoga
aloyoga.com
$78.00
A loose fit looks perfectly laid back for anything summer may throw your way. Minimalists take note of the logo-free, simplistic design.
aloyoga.com - 16/31
Summertide Stretch Shorts
Columbia
columbia.com
The ideal amount of stretch, UPF 40 sun protection, quick-drying fabric, and a super comfortable waistband—what's not to love? If you're looking for the best board shorts for plus-size men, look no further.
Courtesy of retailer - 17/31
Men's 311 Board Shorts Black
Birdwell
amazon.com
$79.95
From renowned surf brand Birdwell, these super durable shorts are made from their own innovative fabric that is wicks away moisture. A subtle tropical print adds just enough interest to your summer fit without overwhelming the eyes.
amazon.com - 18/31
Plow Board Short
Alo Yoga
aloyoga.com
$62.00
Alo’s Plow board shorts get the modern treatment with all-over tonal color ,and sleek seams to flatter and lay comfortably against your body. With extra stretch, these board shorts are always the perfect fit.
aloyoga.com - 19/31
Stripe Board Shorts
Marine Layer
nordstrom.com
$78.00
Vertical stripes look handsome and timeless, while a mesh lining adds the support of a swim trunk. We call that a win-win.
nordstrom.com - 20/31
Stretch Board Shorts
Flourlaps
nordstrom.com
$78.00
Hands down one of the best board shorts with pockets is from Fourlaps. With side seam storage and an extra-large back flap pocket, you can take everything you need with you wherever you go.
Courtesy of retailer - 21/31
One & Only Boardshort 22"
Hurley
amazon.com
$33.95
Fans of long board shorts, look no further than Hurley’s signature One & Only shorts. With 21-inches in length, they give you the coverage you love and need. This version also comes in extended sizing for big guys who are looking for a reliable swimsuit.
Courtesy of retailer - 22/31
Chiller Zapotec Rug Board Short
Roark
huckberry.com
$65.00
Looking to make a statement on the beach this summer? Go bold. This Hunter S. Thompson-inspired print from Roark is best paired with a simple white tee and minimalist slides.
huckberry.com - 23/31
Stowed Away Boardshorts
McTavish
huckberry.com
$70.00
Sometimes the best choice is the simplest one. These boardshorts from McTavish check all the boxes: convenient pockets, sleek design, and stretchy, comfortable fabric that makes you want to wear them over and over again.
huckberry.com - 24/31
4-Way Fixed Waist Stretch Board Short
RVCA
amazon.com
$55.00
RVCA’s Stanton shorts are rendered in 100% nylon,which means they'll dry in no time. Throw these on for a morning surf or nighttime swim with confidence and ease.
amazon.com - 25/31
Wade Swim Shorts 7.5"
Italic
italic.com
$30.00
Italic members can purchase these simply stylish board shorts made by the same manufacturers of Alo Yoga and Vilebrequin for an incredibly low price. If great quality is what you’re after, without having to break the bank, Italic will be your new go-to shopping destination.
italic.com - 26/31
Vacationland Stretch Swim Trunks
L.L. Bean
llbean.com
$49.95
Stay cool in L.L.Bean’s printed board shorts with UPF 50+ fabric to help block out the sun’s rays. They’re ideal for all-day wear in the summer sun.
Courtesy of retailer - 27/31
Standard Barnacle Stoney Boardshorts
Volcom
amazon.com
$39.00
These cool board shorts are all about the stylish color combination and crazy-comfortable feel.
amazon.com - 28/31
8-inch Sandbar Shorts
Vineyard Vines
vineyardvines.com
$115.00
These sleek hybrid board shorts are the perfect pair for the man on the go. Wear them with a crisp button-up for a surfside lunch, followed by endless hours of laying on the beach.
Courtesy of retailer - 29/31
Halfsies Board Shorts
Vans
nordstrom.com
$54.50
New, innovative fibers meet old-school designs in this retro-inspired suit from Vans. Keep an eye out for the skater-style color blocking for a nod to the brand’s iconic footwear.
nordstrom.com - 30/31
Men's UA Angled Block Volley Shorts
Under Armour
$48.00
A long, loose fit provides you with the ultimate range of motion for all your outdoor activities. Pro Tip: these can even double as gym shorts for your work out with their moisture-wicking properties and sleek look.
Courtesy of retailer - 31/31
Vissla The Trip 17.5in Boardshort
Vissla
backcountry.com
$42.00
Made to surf, these boardshorts come in four-way stretch recycled fibers to help your suit move with you, not against you.
backcountry.com