
Best Board Shorts In 2021

Many people would prefer functional board shorts, while others would prefer something stylish. What if there was a way to have the best of both worlds? It’s not impossible to find a great pair, but it could be incredibly difficult for people who do not know where to look. So, anyone on the lookout for a pair of board shorts that blends into any setting is in luck. If they also want them packed with features that make for an all-around superior experience, it can be done. To prove it, here is a diverse compilation of some of the best board shorts out there.
The Best Board Shorts
1Volcom Men’s Hybrid 21 Inch Board Shorts

Just because they are meant to be worn in an informal setting does not mean that board shorts should look like an afterthought. A smooth blend of functionality and stylishness should be the endgame for anyone on the lookout for them. For that reason, the Volcom Men’s Hybrid 21″ Short comes in a design fit for the modern man. This pair of modern fit hybrid chino shorts are made of a balanced blend of 95% polyester and 5% spandex. In addition to this, the fabric is also quick-dry and machine washable for extra convenience. To crown that all up, it stretches in four different ways.
Fastening it is a breeze thanks to the double ring closure system while for better storage it is equipped with welt pockets in the rear area. The pockets themselves have mesh pocket bags sewn into them as a lining. Customers are advised to keep it in mind that the fabric type may vary based on color. Be sure to also check out our guide to the best running shorts for more awesome pieces of clothes like this.
Its make-up consists of 95 Polyester/5% Spandex
Equipped with a double ring closure system
Fitted with rear welt pockets lined with mesh pocket bags
They stretch up to four ways
- BrandVolcom
- ModelA3211706
- Weight1 pound
2O’Neill Men’s Santa Cruz Solid 2.0 Board Shorts




As far as board shorts for men are concerned these ones come in a comfortable and solid design. The length and fit are more than suitable for all sorts of water activities and sports out there. With its soft and light Ultrasuede fabric, the O’Neill Men’s Santa Cruz Solid 2.0 Boardshorts is a comfortable choice loaded with other nifty features. The fabric is equally equipped with a Hyperdry, durable water repellent finish that ensures it has quick-dry capabilities. Its fastening function is top-notch with a surf tie front coupled with a handy hook-and-loop closure. On top of that, it also has a hook-and-loop pocket which comes hand-in-hand with a key loop and eyelet detail. A stylish addition to all this is the O’Neill® logo patch located on the left hem. That in addition to the deep and vibrant hues these come makes this the perfect board shorts for men.
It is made of 100% polyester
Soft and light fabric for versatile movement
Its design features a surf tie front with hook-and-loop closure
Has an accompanying size chart for accuracy
- BrandO’Neill
3O’Neill Men’s Santa Cruz Printed Board Shorts

For solid construction and an all-around stylish look, this is the go-to brand. All their products give allowance for versatility, comfort and look great while doing so. Best believe that the O’Neill Men’s Santa Cruz Printed Boardshorts is no exception to this well-established standard. It is made of an Ultrasuede material which is so soft and lightweight that it allows extra mobility. Also, it is donned with an all-over camouflage print coupled with an O’Neill logo patch at the hem which makes it a stylish choice of men’s board shorts. In addition to all this, the material is equally equipped with a hyper dry, durable water repellent finish which ensures that it offers up a fast drying performance.
To make the fastening situation a whole lot easier, it has a surf tie front designed with a hook-and-loop closure. It equally has a cargo pocket that is fully fitted with a key loop and drainage eyelet detail. For more awesome clothes for active man, check out our guide to the best compression shorts.
It is made of a soft and light Ultrasuede fabric with an all-over camouflage print
Equipped with a Hyperdry, durable water repellent (DWR) finish
It has a hook-and-loop flap cargo pocket
The pocket is further fitted with a key loop and drainage eyelet detail
- BrandO’Neill
4Tormenter Waterman 5 Pocket Boardshorts




Fishermen everywhere will appreciate this practical and efficient design, especially since it is designed and made by fishermen. Who better to understand what they need and require in a pair of board shorts than people who are already part of the fold? This, among other reasons, is why the Tormenter Waterman 5 Pocket Boardshorts is an all-around viable option. Included in the overall design is a total of 5-pocket; the fishing pliers’ pocket, a small terminal tackle pocket, a cargo pocket, and extra-deep pockets right outside the pliers pocket. In addition to the high pocket allowance, they are also made with a very durable, comfortable and lightweight material. They are designed to be quick-drying, sturdy yet smooth polyester-cotton blend. Though these are well-suited for fishing, they can actually be used for a wide range of water activities, based on the user’s preferences.
It comes in a trendy 5-pocket design with the pockets on the hips for easy access
Equipped with a saltwater resistant zipper without drag pockets to guard against resistance
Made of a sturdy yet smooth quick-drying polyester and cotton blend
Designed by fishermen for fishermen
- BrandTormenter
- Weight8 ounces
5Kanu Surf Men’s Barracuda Swim Trunks

Some may not put much thought into the vetting process for something as little as swimming trunks. But, just as all fingers are not equal, not all swimming trunks actually make the cut in terms of quality. The Kanu Surf Men’s Barracuda Swim Trunks are just what the doctor ordered for your all-around swimming comfort and pleasure. They are made of 100% polyester material which is equipped with UPF 50+ quick-dry microfiber. This property allows these stellar swim shorts to be both lightweight and durable. A testament to their top-notch quality is the side seams and rises which altogether elevate it on the fronts of durability and sleekness.
For the purpose of fastening, the full elastic waist is fitted with a drawstring closure system. It also makes provision for ample storage with its stylish side seam pockets and cargo pocket lined with mesh. For all-around convenience, it can simply be machine washed and the cherry on the top of this all is the fact that it fits true to size.
It is made of 100% polyester material
Fitted with a full elastic waist and drawstring closure
Equipped with both side seam pockets and cargo pockets
It has a comfortable mesh lining
- BrandKanu
- Model4453X
- Weight12 ounces
6Amazon Brand Goodthreads Men’s Swim Boardshort

Summer has never looked so good with beach shorts like this on the market, they are stylish, durable and as versatile as is needed. With its 4-way stretch capabilities among a range of other top-notch features, the Amazon Brand – Goodthreads Men’s Swim Boardshort is an avenue to show some legs and bask in the sun and water. The craftsmanship alone is commendable considering the affordable price and general accessibility of these board shorts. These beach shorts can also function perfectly as surfer shorts proving more than ever that this is a versatile option for men everywhere. They also offer up unrivaled comfort and look extra good while doing so and to crown it all up, they are equipped with quick-dry performance. Some of the additional standout features of this stellar product include a flap cargo pocket at the right leg as well as a tie-front waistband. For all the yoga fans, we have prepared our selection of the best yoga shorts, so be sure to check them out.
Made of a 90% polyester and 10% spandex material
It is made of a quick-dry material which is also machine washable
It stretches four ways
Fitted with a flap cargo pocket at the right leg as well as a tie-front waistband
- BrandGoodthreads
- ModelB06XWG63W1
7Nonwe Men’s Swim Trunk Sportwear Quick Dry Board Shorts

Comfortable does not always mean tacky, in fact, this brand of long board shorts proves that comfort and style are a suitable pairing. The Nonwe Men’s Swim Trunk Sportwear Quick Dry Board Shorts is more than just a pair of beach shorts, it is an expression of self. In addition to coming in a trendy set of colors and a sleek design, these board shorts for men are loaded with unmatchable features. First, it is equipped with UPF 50+ which helps to guard the skin against sunlight while engaging in a number of summertime activities. Also, the polyester and spandex blend used to make it is not just soft and thin, but it is equally light and breathable to ensure all-round comfort. In addition to all this, it is equally fitted with velcro closure with adjustable straps for easy manipulation.
Name a water sport and this pair of board shorts is probably suited for it and its vibrant striped print is just the cherry on the top. If you are also a fitness enthusiast, check out our reviews of the best gym shorts and pick your favorite.
Made of a 95% polyester and 5% spandex material
Comes in a striped print design
It has a Velcro closure with adjustable straps
The material is quick-dry while being breathable and lightweight
- BrandNonwe
- ModelJF16167
8Quiksilver Men’s Everyday 21-Inch Board Short

For all body types out there, for all skin tones, ages and heights, this is more than just a go-to option, it is ‘the chosen one’. From a pair of black board shorts to a bright glaring red, the Quiksilver Men’s Everyday 21-Inch Board Short comes in a range of colors that make it as versatile as can be. The shorts themselves are made of a 100% recycled polyester material that is nothing if it is not comfortable and durable. So, for the environmental and socially conscious fellow, this is a viable option. In addition to all this, it comes with a flap cargo pocket as well as a nifty lace-up fly.
Today, most beach shorts claim to fit true to size, but these actually follow through on that promise and not inappropriately either. Unlike, some that leave very little to the imagination, this pair of shorts have a thickness to them that hide all the valuables accordingly. Who wouldn’t want that?
It is made of 100% polyester material
Should be solely hand-washed
Comes with a nifty flap cargo pocket and lace-up fly
Plastered with a stylish contrast logo at the leg
- BrandQuiksilver
- ModelAQYBS03146
- Weight10.9 ounces
9Tormenter Men’s Side To Boardshorts

This brand is back again with a design so efficient that it knocks others completely off the table. Sure, there are a whole lot of 4-way stretch products out there, but the Tormenter Men’s Side to Boardshorts has upped the game. With its 8-way stretch capabilities, it makes for a more comfortable and versatile experience. This coupled with a bunch of other features makes it a suitable article of activewear for the modern man.
To drive this point further, the shorts are equipped with a total of 4 large purpose design pockets, which include an invisible cell phone and plier pocket. They are equally designed with quick-drying capabilities and are made from a smooth blend of polyester and cotton. For the man who enjoys more than the occasional surf, this is the right pair of shorts. They are made in such a way that they can hold their own against the wear resulting from constant comfort with a wakesurf board.
It is made of a quick-drying, smooth polyester/cotton material
The material stretches 8 ways
Fitted with a cell phone pocket on the left hip
They are both comfortable and lightweight
- BrandTormenter
- Weight11.5 ounces
10HUK Freeman 21 Inch Boardshort




It may be the last on the list, but like the other options, this has all the makings of a great pair of broad shorts. Coming from a well-recognized brand, the HUK Freeman 21” Broadshort is the perfect combination of style, comfort, and all-around functionality. These pair of shorts are well equipped with four-way stretch capabilities, and equally, happen to be quick-drying for the general comfort of the wearer. The latter part can be credited to the fact that the material is super lightweight, yet durable enough to cope with the rigors of all sorts of water activities.
The fastenings are just as high-quality as the rest of the other aspects, there, it features a sturdy security zip. On the storage front, it is equipped with one plier pocket that is deep enough to carry all the needful. The bow on the top is the aesthetically pleasing ultra scallop cut that makes it more than suitable for a day out in the sun.
It is made of a 91% Polyester and 9% Lycra material
Fitted with a security zip and one plier pocket
The material is quick-drying, ultra-lightweight, comfortable and durable
It has a classic ultra-scallop cut
- BrandHuk
- Weight14.4 ounces