The 20 Best Board Shorts to Wear This Summer

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Before the summer begins, we at Esquire are here to issue you a clear warning: if you're partaking in any type of water sport this upcoming season, do not wear regular swim trunks. While you may have your favorite pair that's been your go-to for several years (p.s. you should probably throw those out anyway), the standard bathing suit does not cut it for active water sports.

Why, you may ask? Well, picture this. It's a beautiful sunny day in June; vibes are high, the tide is high (iykyk), and you're ready to spend the day surfing, boogie boarding, paddle boarding, or whatever else suits your fancy. After a couple of hours, you're ready for a break, but when you emerge from the water, so does your bare bottom. While this may sound like a chart-topping song from the early 90s, the rest of your fellow beachgoers watch on in horror. This all happened because the flimsy drawstring on your swim trunks couldn't stand up to the crashing waves and, as a result, fell right off.

Board shorts, however, wouldn't do this to you, because they are longer than the standard swimsuit, extending to the knee or over it by an inch or two, and are baggier. They are also much more durable, so if you plan on surfing or doing any of the aforementioned water sports this summer, you're going to want to get your hands on one or more of the best board shorts below. Because PSA, losing your swim trunks in the ocean is not cute.

Cruise Board Short

When it comes to performance apparel, Vuori has got you covered. The brand's hiking trousers, tees, and, of course, board shorts are built to withstand adverse environments. But it never forgets about style. Just take a look at this option, with its high-performance fit, scallop leg, and eye-catching print that nods to Japanese silk paintings. Vuori also never forgets about the environment, which is why these shorts are made of its VCycled fabric, a material that's partially created from recycled plastic bottles.

Everyday 21 Board Short

Surfers are all too familiar with Quiksilver. Founded in Australia in the late ’60s, the brand prioritized function, offering styles that were built to help fellas break waves. Over the decades, the label continued to improve upon its offerings, adapting to new advancements in fabrics and construction techniques. Prime example: this four-way stretch, water-repellant board short with welded stretch seams and a performance waistband.

Wavefarer Board Shorts

When it comes to outdoor gear and apparel, only a select few can beat the prowess of Patagonia. The brand offers some of the most durable jackets, coats, and sweaters—many of which have their own cult following. The same could be said of warm-weather pieces, most particularly the Wavefarer board short. With its clean lines, durable construction, and DWR coating, the style has been a favorite of many surfers.

Current State Board Shorts

The beauty of Lululemon: the brand’s wares are so sleek and so elevated that they could work for just about any scenario. Just take a look at these boards, which are specially made for surfing: they are lightweight, water-repellant, abrasion-resistant, and feature two-way stretch. But the cut is so sharp and the surface so elegant that you almost want to wear them with a dress shirt.

F1 Shorts

Imagine you’re in Martha’s Vineyard, Bar Harbor, or somewhere northeast. You just had your fill of lobster rolls, and are about to hit the deck of a boat and recline with a drink in hand. Board shorts are pretty much a requisite, and the best pair that fits this vibe is this lightweight, slim-fitting style from Florence Marine.

Men's Volley Swim Trunks

Land’s End began as a mail-order yachting supply company in the ’60s, so you just know its stuff is great for boating, floating, and boogie boarding. These lightweight, water-repellent board shorts, for instance, are designed with rip grip seals to hold your gear securely. They also feature built-in UPF protection, three-piece mesh lining, and quick-draining pockets. And if all this doesn’t get you, the sleek red fabric should.

Ensueno Board Short

If you plan on getting your kicks on Route 66, preferably toward a large body of water, these Wellen board shorts are just what you need on the journey. The brand was inspired by ’60s styles, which is evident in the sleek silhouette, lived-in feel, and sun-faded colorway. But its build—from the four-way stretch, quick-drying fabric to the back pockets with velcro straps for added security—uses all the tech advancements of today.

Rhythm Gleam Boardshorts

Picture yourself in the Land Down Under, where the overall mood is chill and relaxing. You’re on the beach, a sweet melody playing in the background, with a surfboard in hand, ready to break some waves. All this is reflected in these board shorts from Rhythm, a brand that celebrates the laidback lifestyle of Australian coastal cities. Not only is the color calming and the fabric soft, but they feature a built-in chamois-lined waistband for maximum comfort.

The Nautilus Boardshort

Fair Harbor is named after a small town on Fire Island, composed of residents who are often barefoot and ready to jump in the water at a moment’s notice. Two of said residents are the founders of the brand, both of whom, in 2015, set out to create a swimwear label that leverages technology to mitigate the pile-up of single-use plastics. This odor-resistant style, for instance, is made of reclaimed disposable bottles.

Board Short

Along with precision fit and great construction, Fourlaps offers a range of colors and vibrant prints—perhaps more than most. The brand started out the gate by reinterpreting Ivy League motifs but eventually opened its repertoire to include a collection of cool prints inspired by cultures throughout the world. Case in point: this refined, somewhat minimalist take on the classic stripe pattern. It’s the kind of style that’ll fit in nicely at any resort in the Maldives or Bali.

7" Point Break Board Short

Rhone very seldom disappoints when it comes to performance shorts. The brand offers the kind of durable styles that’ll allow you to move freely, while also regulating sweat and heat. Its most water-friendly option are these board shorts, which are made of four-way stretch fabric and feature water-flow pockets. The one downside is that there's no built-in liner, but it more than makes up for it with this exuberant print.

Ennis Boardshort

Surfer style isn't as trippy as it once was in the past. Thanks in large part to Saturdays NYC (née Saturdays Surf NYC), the cowabunga aesthetic has become sleeker and more refined. The brand’s All Ennis board shorts, for example, are made of a water-repellant four-way stretch nylon, feature soft microfiber interior waistband and laser-cut and bonded interior seams, and come in a super sleek blue and black color. According to the label’s founder, Morgan Collett, a self-professed board short snob, this style is “the best board short we've ever made.” It doesn’t get any better than that, folks.

Apex Trunks by Kelly Slater

Kelly Slater is pretty much the poster boy for surfing—the name that everyone in the industry reveres. To wit: the man has been crowned World League Champion a record 11 times. This means he knows what makes a great board short—the fabric, fit, and construction that it takes for wannabes to become winners themselves. Of course, the board shorts from his own label, Outerknown, offer all that is required: ultralight four-way stretch fabric, stitch-free welded seams, double-bonded rear seams, and a myriad of colorways so you can display your personal style.

Piau 15 Board Short

Picture Organic is a brand created by and for outdoor lovers who want to change the rules of their sport. Not only are they leading in the sustainable outerwear movement, but they also create products that are durable, trendy, and comfortable. The Piau 15 Board Short is made with stretchy, recycled construction that allows you to move freely in the sand or in the water and has adjustable drawstrings that will prevent a possibly embarrassing situation from happening in the rough surf.

Hyperfreak Tech Solid Boardshorts

With over 70+ years of surf history under their belt (or wet suit), O'Neill clothing is truly the OG surf brand. Their Hyperfreak board shorts exhibit unparalleled elasticity and comfort, proving to be a faithful companion for anyone taking on even the toughest waves. They also have a state-of-the-art quick-drying feature, solidifying their status as one of the most superior options within surf attire.

Fifty50 Airlite 19" Boardshorts

When you think of surfing, what comes to mind? White sandy beaches, crashing waves, Grecian-god-looking humans trotting towards the water's edge... Okay, maybe the last one is just us, but whatever you associate with the sport, it's hard not to think of Billabong. The Australian retailer has been at the forefront of surf culture since the 1970s and continues to make bitchin' board shorts like this performance-driven style.

Big & Tall Baja Cove Board Shorts

Guys, 1XL and up, this one is for you! Tommy Bahama's big and tall clothing is the best of both worlds—it combines luxury and upscale style and is made to fit plus-sized bodies. Not only will these board shorts become your best-fitting ones yet, but they'll also give you the confidence to get out there and show the waves exactly what you're made of.

One & Only Boardshort

With summer fast approaching, you need a pair of trunks that can navigate the waters with as much finesse as you do the tiki bar. Enter Hurley's One & Only boardshort. This quick-drying style is the perfect alliance of comfort and precision. The regular fit is tailored to be relaxed yet refined, and the EZ fly helps ensure that nothing will come undone (your fellow beachgoers will thank you).

Sand Smuggler Boardshort

With these boardshorts, sand may not be the only thing you're smuggling... Printed with a chic floral pattern, these shorts are your ultimate poolside companion, ensuring your style remains afloat even as you have one margarita, or two, or three, hell, why not four? Equipped with a cleverly concealed zippered back pocket, the Sand Smuggler boardies will also ensure you always know the location of your hotel key card, and the quick-drying fabric will stop you from dripping water in the lobby as you get your next drink.

Perry Boardshorts

Chances are, if you ever walked past your local skate or surf shop, you've seen RVCA clothing hanging in the window. The California-based brand is known for its streetwear-inspired styles and works to incorporate nature, fashion, and music into its designs. RVCA sponsors numerous skateboard and surf teams, which is why their Perry Elastic shorts will have you feeling just like a pro.

How to Choose

Length: This is what really separates board shorts from other swimwear styles. As we mentioned, you’re going to want shorts that’ll cover your thigh; they’ll help you avoid chafing and other discomforts that come with skin-to-board contact. Standard inseams should be no longer than 10-inches, and no shorter than 6-inches. Anywhere between 7 inches and 9 inches is ideal for most fellas.

Waistband: Wipeout is a real thing in water sports—and wardrobe malfunctions happen as a result. Which is why the best board shorts have durable waistbands, ones that are secured by sturdy string ties, usually laced through grommets. There are even some styles that feature Velcro or a zip fly to make sure that everything stays intact.

Material: As all styles in the swim category, the best board shorts are water-repellant. Go-to fabrics include nylon and polyester, with the addition of elastane or spandex for stretch. Nowadays, many of our favorite brands are using recycled materials, which is always a plus.

Design: Here’s where personal style comes in. If you think you’re a chill dude, opt for muted colors, or standard black or navy. But if you like to color outside the lines, there are a slew of options in vibrant hues and exuberant prints. It is also great if the pair of shorts have a built-in mesh liner, because extra support and security is never a bad thing.

Why You Should Trust Us

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great.

Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams. When it comes to board shorts—, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear.

We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these board shorts are the ones that are simply the best. Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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