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Surf Beaches, Not Browsers: The Best Board Shorts In 2022

This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Last Updated May 30, 2022
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
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Whether you’re surfing, paddle boarding, or lounging by the pool, you need clothing that is lightweight and comfy but stylish, too. In other words, you need the best board shorts.

A clothing staple in the surfer’s wardrobe, board shorts are a surprisingly versatile piece of apparel: durable, lightweight and water-ready, they’re obviously ideal for the beach and sports, but because they can also be quite stylish, they make for great casual shorts for weekend hangouts, rooftop pool parties, and bar hopping.

Whether you’re looking for a pair of durable, performance shorts for beach sports, or for comfy and stylish shorts that you can wear both on the beach and at home, we’ve found some of the best board shorts for you to rock this summer.

Our Top Picks
  • Most Versatile: Volcom Surf N’ Turf Static Hybrid Shorts
  • Most Comfortable: Patagonia Stretch Hydropeak Boardshorts
  • Best Print: O’Neill Santa Cruz Printed Board Shorts
  • Angler-Friendly Shorts: Tormenter Waterman 5 Pocket Boardshorts
  • Best Swim Trunks: Kanu Surf Men’s Barracuda Swim Trunks
  • Best Value Shorts: Goodthreads Men’s Swim Boardshort
  • Best Style: Nonwe Men’s Sportwear Quick Dry Board Shorts
  • For Bigger Guys: Quiksilver Men’s Everyday Board Short
  • Unique Look: Tormenter Men’s Side To Boardshorts
  • Best Performance: HUK Freeman 21 Inch Boardshort

The Best Board Shorts

1
Volcom Surf N’ Turf Static Hybrid Shorts

volcom mens hybrid 21 inch board shorts

The Volcom Surf N’ Turf Static Hybrid Shorts are a perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. With a four-way stretch and a 21″ seam, they are comfortable without compromising on performance. With a chino fit made with a polyester blend fabric, these durable shorts boast a design for the modern man They also feature mesh pocket bags for keys and other small items. Designed for water and land these are the best hybrid boardshorts for a day by the pool or evening drinks at the beach bar.

Fastening is a breeze with a double ring closure system and the fabric is also quick drying making them great in and out of the water. Dress them up or dress them down, these modern fit shorts look great with a plain old t-shirt or a crisp button-up shirt. While you’re looking at the best boardshorts, check out our guide to the best running shorts for more awesome pieces of clothes like this.

Key Features:

Made of 95% polyester and 5% spandex

Equipped with a double ring closure system

Fitted with rear welt pockets lined with mesh pocket bags

Four-way stretch fabric

Specification:
  • BrandVolcom
  • ModelA3211706
  • Weight1 Pound
Pros

Made for both water and land

Quick-drying fabric

Modern, stylish fit

Cons

The sizing seems a bit off, double-check when ordering

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON EVO

2
Patagonia Stretch Hydropeak Boardshorts

patagonia stretch hydropeak boardshorts

If you’re looking for ultra-comfortable board shorts for men, the Patagonia Stretch Hydropeak Boardshorts are a fantastic choice. Light, super-stretchy, with a classic board short silhouette, this pair of shorts is perfect for all sorts of water activities, sports or just lazing around on a warm summer day. They’re made of recycled polyester and spandex and have a PFC-free DWR finish, so they wick and dry quickly.

The design is minimalist- no attention-grabbing extras here – because the shorts are built for performance. There is a back pocket though, so you can stash your small essentials when you need them. But the best feature of these board shorts (aside from their recycled performance blend) is the fused waistband that conforms to the shape of the hips, giving a comfortable, low-profile fit. Patagonia may not be one of the big surf brands, but these shorts, just like their outdoor gear, are top-notch quality and one of the comfiest on the market.

Key Features:

87% recycled polyester, 13% spandex

PFC-free DWR finish

4-way stretch

Fused waist bend, low-profile fit

Back pocket for small essentials

UPF 50+ protection

Specification:
  • BrandO’Neill
Pros

Light and stretchy, ultra-comfortable design

Great-quality construction should last for years

Super-quick drying material

Cons

Very light so my be see-through; make sure you wear compression shorts with these

BUY ON BACKCOUNTRY
BUY ON REI

3
O’Neill Santa Cruz Printed Board Shorts

oneill mens santa cruz printed board shorts

For solid construction and an all-around stylish look, this O’Neill is the brand to turn to. Versatile, comfortable and stylish, these O’Neill Men’s Santa Cruz Printed Boardshorts perfowm well on both water and land. They’re made of an Ultrasuede fabric which is soft and lightweight, allowing for easy mobility.

What you’ll really appreciate though is the unique style of these board shorts. While the camouflage print is highly popular, there are many other awesome designs to choose from and all of them feature the O’Neill logo patch at the hem. The material is also equipped with a Hyperdry, durable water repellent finish making, these shorts perfect in and out of the water.

To make the fastening situation a whole lot easier, it has a surf tie front designed with hook-and-loop closure and a cargo pocket that is fitted with a key loop and drainage eyelet detail. Whichever way you look at it, this is the perfect pair of board shorts this summer. For more awesome clothes for active men, check out our guide to the top compression shorts.

Key Features:

Made with Ultrasuede fabric

Hyperdry, durable water repellent (DWR) finish

Hook-and-loop flap cargo pocket

Pocket is fitted with key loop and drainage eyelet

Machine washable

Specification:
  • BrandO’Neill
Pros

Quick-drying fabric

Easy loop closure

Lots of cool designs to choose from

Cons

Caution is advised with sizing

May not be stretchy enough for some

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON ZAPPOS

4
Tormenter Waterman 5 Pocket Boardshorts

tormenter waterman 5 pocket boardshorts

Fishermen everywhere will appreciate the practical and stylish design of these awesome board shorts. After all, who better to understand the needs of anglers than the folks already part of that crowd? This is one of the main reasons why the Tormenter Waterman 5 Pocket Boardshorts is an all-around great board shorts option. Included in the overall design of this board short is a total of 5-pockets: the fishing pliers’ pocket, a small terminal tackle pocket, a cargo pocket, and extra-deep pockets right outside the pliers pocket.

The material is also super-durable, lightweight and pretty comfy. They are designed to be quick-drying, with a sturdy yet smooth polyester-cotton blend. Though these are well-suited for fishing, they can be used for a wide range of water activities or just for a fun day relaxing at the beach.

Key Features:

5-pocket design with the pockets on the hips for easy access

Equipped with a saltwater resistant zipper

No drag pockets to guard against resistance

Made of a sturdy yet smooth quick-drying polyester & cotton blend

Specification:
  • BrandTormenter
  • Weight8 Ounces
Pros

Designed by fishermen for fishermen

Awesome range of colors and designs

Velcro faux fly

Cons

Not much stretch

BUY ON AMAZON

5
Kanu Surf Men’s Barracuda Swim Trunks

kanu surf mens barracuda swim trunks

You’ve probably never really put much thought into something as simple as a pair of swimming trunks, but get the wrong ones and you’ll soon realize that not all the board shorts are the same. The Kanu Surf Men’s Barracuda Swim Trunks are perfect if you’re looking for a great pair of swim shorts. They are made of 100% polyester material and boast UPF 50+ sun protection, making them great for all kinds of water pursuits (still, don’t forget your sun block!).

This stylish pair of men’s boardshorts feature an elastic waistband as well as drawstrings so you can easily pull them on and tighten the top and hit the surf. They also include side seam pockets and an extra mesh-lined pocket to stash all your gear. For super convenience, the shorts are easy to care for and can be machine washed.

Key Features:

Made of 100% polyester material

UPF 50+ protection

Full elastic waist and drawstring closure

Equipped with both side seam pockets and mesh pockets

Includes comfortable mesh lining

Specification:
  • BrandKanu
  • Model4453X
  • Weight12 Ounces
Pros

Great sun protection

Easy pull-on with elasticized waistband

True to size

Cons

Comes with a mesh lining, which some guys may not like

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMARTBUY ON ZAPPOS

6
Goodthreads Men’s Swim Boardshort

amazon brand goodthreads mens swim boardshort

Anytime is a good time to get a great pair of board shorts and when it comes to affordable board shorts, the Goodthreads Men’s Swim Boardshorts are a great option. Not only are these super stylish, but they are also quite versatile and durable. You can wear them in and out of the water and as a part of casual summer attire.

They offer unrivaled comfort and are equipped with quick-dry performance. Some of the additional features of these shorts include a flap pocket on the right leg as well as a tie-front waistband. Bear in mind that these are shorter than standard board shorts – they end above the knee. For all the yoga fans, we have prepared our selection of the best-rated yoga shorts, so be sure to check them out.

Key Features:

Made of a 90% polyester and 10% spandex material

Quick-dry material which is also machine washable

4-way stretch

Fitted with a flap cargo pocket on the right leg

Tie-front waistband

Specification:
  • BrandGoodthreads
  • ModelB06XWG63W1
Pros

Super comfortable four-way stretch fabric

Versatile and well priced

Cons

No internal liner

BUY ON AMAZON

7
Nonwe Men’s Sportwear Quick Dry Board Shorts

nonwe mens swim trunk sportwear quick dry board shorts

When it comes to the best boardshorts, you don’t need to compromise comfort for style. Nonwe Men’s Sportwear Quick Dry Board Shorts are available in a variety of colors and patterns so you can express your own personal style and, thanks to their comfy design, you’ll always look and feel relaxed and confident.

The polyester/spandex blend offers an almost silky touch that is soft and thin against the skin and these are also boosted with UPF 50+ to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful rays. Whether you’re into water sports or just want to look cool hanging by the pool, these are the best men’s surf shorts for the summer. If you are also a fitness enthusiast, check out our reviews of the most popular gym shorts and pick your favorite.

Key Features:

Made of a 95% polyester and 5% spandex

Velcro closure with adjustable straps

Has one cargo pocket for accessories

Quick-drying fabric

Specification:
  • BrandNonwe
  • ModelJF16167
Pros

Available in a range of fun colors and designs

Suitable for beach, pool and water activities

UPF 50+ for sun protection

Cons

The drawstring may not tighten properly

Has a mesh lining which some may find uncomfortable

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON WALMART

8
Quiksilver Men’s Everyday Board Short

quiksilver mens everyday 21-inch board short

The Quicksilver name is synonymous with comfort and style and these Men’s Everyday Board Shorts come in all sizes for all body types, including big guys. The shorts are made from recycled materials so they’re durable and a great an eco-friendly option. There are also just enough pockets to stash a few personal items such as keys or your phone.

These are the coolest board shorts for a number of reasons. The Quicksilver logo ensures you get the outstanding quality the label is famous for and they are also true to size so once you get your first comfortable pair, you’ll always know which size to get. If you only get one pair of board shorts this summer, get the best men’s surf shorts that you can wear anywhere there is a body of water.

Key Features:

Made of 100% polyester material

Drawstring closure

Flap cargo pocket and lace-up fly

Stylish contrast logo at the leg

Specification:
  • BrandQuiksilver
  • ModelAQYBS03146
  • Weight10.9 Ounces
Pros

Made from eco-friendly recycled polyester

Comfortable sizing for all body types

Cons

These should only be hand washed

BUY ON AMAZON

9
Tormenter Men’s Side To Boardshorts

tormenter men's side to boardshorts

Make a statement without saying a word with these unique-looking board shorts. The Tormenter clothing company designs some of the best board shorts for fishermen which is not surprising considering the designers are anglers themselves. The first thing you’ll notice with these board shorts is the dazzling fish motifs with some being as eye-catching and colorful as fishing lures. The shorts are made from a polyester blend material that is lightweight, quick-drying, and incredibly comfortable. The four-way stretch also ensures you have a full range of motion which you’re really going to appreciate when you’re out at sea trying to reel in the big one.

The shorts are equipped with a total of 4 large purpose design pockets, which include an invisible cell phone and plier pocket making them one of the best board shorts with pockets. For the man who enjoys more than the occasional surf, these top-rated board shorts are unbeatable. They are made in such a way that they can hold their own against the wear resulting from constant comfort with a wakesurf board.

Key Features:

Made of a quick-drying, smooth polyester/cotton material

8-way stretch

Fitted with a cell phone pocket on the left hip

Velcro fly & drawstring closure

Colorful designs with fish motifs

Specification:
  • BrandTormenter
  • Weight11.5 Ounces
Pros

Plenty of unique and stylish designs to choose deom

Strategically placed pockets

Lightweight and comfortable

Cons

No internal mesh (can be a minus or a plus)

BUY ON AMAZON

10
HUK Freeman 21 Inch Boardshort

huk freeman 21 inch boardshort

If it’s performance you’re looking for in a pair of board shorts, the HUK Freeman 21-inch Boardshort is the right pair for you. They are the perfect combination of style, comfort, and all-around functionality. Made from polyester and lycra, these top board shorts feature four-way stretch fabric that allows for natural movement and the material is super lightweight, yet durable enough to cope with the rigors of all sorts of water activities. The sizing is also great, from smaller sizes to ones for the big guys.

The fastenings are of the same quality as the other aspects of these shorts and feature a sturdy security zip. On the storage front, it is equipped with one plier pocket that is deep enough to carry a few essential items and they are aesthetically pleasing with an ultra scallop cut that makes it more than suitable for a day out in the sun. Stitch-free welded seams.

Key Features:

Made of a 91% Polyester and 9% Lycra material

Quick-drying with anti-microbial properties

UPF 30+ for sun protection

Fitted with a security zip and one plier pocket

Classic ultra-scallop cut

Stain-resistant with a water repellent treatment

Specification:
  • BrandHuk
  • Weight14.4 Ounces
Pros

Quick-drying, lightweight and comfortable

Antimicrobial so no smells, bacteria, or fungal growth

Stain-resistant

Cons

Limited color choices

BUY ON AMAZON
Board Shorts Buying Guide
  • Why Trust Us
  • Who This Is For
  • How We Picked
  • Features To Look For In Board Shorts
  • Board Shorts FAQ

Why Trust Us

We love the outdoors and that also means we love our outdoor gear. That's why when we look for the best men's boardshorts, we look for comfort and enough stretch to allow us to engage in our favorite outdoor and water activities. Board shorts need to be comfortable in and out of the water and so we focused on shorts that are quick drying so we could go swimming and then hang around the pool or beach. Most of our team has a collection of board shorts that see a lot of action over the summer months so, needless to say, we've quickly discovered the differences between good board shorts and excellent ones.

Who This Is For

This guide is for anyone who loves a good pair of board shorts, especially when the weather heats up. If you're tired of generic shorts and trunks and want board shorts that are durable, lightweight and comfortable, you're sure to find a pair you love in this guide.

How We Picked

Board shorts have to look good but that doesn't mean you need to sacrifice your comfort. When putting together this guide, we looked at materials that were lightweight and breathable as well as having enough stretch to ensure comfortable movement. As the best boardshorts are worn in and out of the water, often simultaneously, we also looked at shorts with quick-drying fabric.

No good pants are devoid of pockets because you must have somewhere to stash your keys and other personal items. We like a rear patch pocket or a zippered back pocket to keep our valuables secure.

man in board shorts faq

Features To Look For In Board Shorts

Fit - Board shorts are just like any other shorts, pants, or jeans in terms of fit. You want them to be tight enough to stay up but not too tight to cramp your style. They need to fit snugly around your waist but still have a little bit of room in the leg for comfort and breathability. Obviously, board shorts are also worn for athletic pursuits so it's best to look for two-way stretch fabric or even four-way.

Lining - Some board shorts have a lining, while others do not. If you don't like the idea of soggy underwear inside your shorts when you come in from the water, a mesh or compression liner is a good choice. In short, if your shorts do have a lining, you can get away with not wearing underwear but this is a matter of personal choice.

Waistband - Board shorts are all about comfort without the trappings of your usual pants and shorts. You have the option of an elastic waistband or a drawstring closure. Some also have a velcro closure that simply keeps the shorts in place. The main element to watch here is to ensure the waistband is snug enough to prevent your shorts from slipping down when you are swimming or surfing and that the closure is secure.

Material - Most board shorts are made with a polyester blend of some type and there is also a trend to use recycled materials as well. Stretchy fabrics like spandex or lucra are a must for comfort. This combo - polyester and stretchy fabric - is great as it dries fast, is durable and comfortable, and easy to clean. Moisture-wicking material is also great if you tend to sweat a lot or are frequently in and out of the water.

DWR coating - Durable Water Repellent coatings are essential with some types of board shorts, especially if you wear them when surfing, board paddling or fishing. Not only is a DWR coating great for quick drying properties, but in most cases, it also makes the fabric stain resistant so you can be sure your shorts won't be permanently ruined from using live bait and when you're cleaning fish.

Length - The best length for board shorts is right at the knee although some may be a little higher or a tad lower in the leg. It's really up to you which you prefer. You can also think about the way you move your legs and knees when in these shorts. Are you playing an intense game of volleyball, surfing or bar hopping?

Design - With so many different designs to choose from, you may need a lot of time to choose your board shorts. In general, we believe that the color and design should suit your personality and tastes. You can choose a single color or an outlandish pattern or design; there is definitely something for all tastes.

man in board shorts faq

Board Shorts FAQ

Q: Why are they called board shorts?

A: The first board shorts were worn by surfers so they have their roots in surf culture. Once their comfort and style were noticed by non-surfers, they gained popularity among beachgoers all over the world. Now, even world-renowned surfers such as Kelly Slater (Outerknown Apex Trunks) have entered the world of board shorts with their own labels.

Q: Are boardshorts the same as swimming trunks?

A: Board shorts and swimming trunks are often made of the same materials but the main difference is that board shorts tend to be longer and may feature more shorts-like features.

Q: What do I wear underneath boardshorts?

A: Unless you have an anti-chafe lining in your board shorts, it is recommended that you wear some type of undergarments such as compression shorts or regular briefs to prevent friction.

Q: What fabric is used for boardshorts?

A: The most common type of fabric used to make board shorts is polyester or nylon fabric. Often, other materials are also blended with the fabric such as spandex or lycra that offer fast-drying properties and a comfortable stretch. Also, with the push for eco-friendly options, many manufacturers are also using recycled polyester to make their shorts.

Q: How tight should boardshorts fit?

A: Boardshorts should always be tight enough around the waist so that you don't need to pull on the drawstrings but not too tight to pinch into your waist. The legs should be loose, but not too loose. The main purpose of the drawstrings is to give you a little extra security when surfing or swimming in the sea to prevent losing your shorts.

Sources:

  1. The Short History Of Boardshorts - Surfing World Magazine
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