FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERS OVER $150
-
Collections
-
Bikini
- One Pieces
- Cover-Ups
- Men's
- Sale
- MODA GLAM x L'ANIMAL
- Nice Breed
- Gift Card
-
Not all swim shorts are the same, and treating them like they are is one of the most common mistakes active beachgoers make. Boardshorts are a distinct category of swimwear, purpose-built for surfing and water sports, and designed to be longer than standard swim trunks, typically reaching just above or at the knee to protect your legs. This guide breaks down exactly what boardshorts are, how they are constructed, why they outperform regular swim trunks in active settings, and how to choose the right pair for your summer plans.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Boardshorts definition | Boardshorts are functional, stylish shorts designed for performance and protection in water activities. |
| Key features | They offer secure fit, quick-dry technical fabrics, and no inner mesh, making them ideal for active use. |
| Expert-recommended uses | Best choice for surfers, swimmers, and anyone needing comfort and coverage at the beach or in the water. |
| How to choose | Assess fabric, length, and features—like UPF and durable closures—for the right boardshorts for your needs. |
Boardshorts are not just longer swim shorts. They are a category of swimwear built around a specific set of functional demands. The core design principles come directly from surf culture, where a rider needs shorts that stay in place during wipeouts, do not chafe during long sessions, and dry fast between sets.
Here is how boardshorts differ from standard swim trunks at a glance:
| Feature | Boardshorts | Swim trunks |
|---|---|---|
| Length (outseam) | 18 to 22 inches | 7 to 14 inches |
| Lining | Usually unlined | Often mesh-lined |
| Closure | Secure drawstring or velcro | Elastic waistband or drawstring |
| Fabric | Performance polyester or nylon | Varies widely |
| Primary use | Surfing, water sports, active beach | Casual swimming, lounging |
| Pocket design | Drainage holes, secure closures | Basic open pockets |
The longer cut is not just a style preference. It serves a real purpose. When you are on a surfboard, your upper thighs make constant contact with the board’s surface. Shorter shorts leave that skin exposed to friction and wax, which causes irritation over time. The extra length of boardshorts covers that contact zone and reduces discomfort during extended sessions.
Key features that separate boardshorts from everything else:
“Boardshorts are designed for surfing and water sports, typically longer than swim trunks, reaching just above or at the knee for leg protection.” This functional design philosophy is what separates them from casual swimwear.
Boardshorts also cross over well to land. Their lightweight fabrics and athletic cuts make them comfortable for beach volleyball, hiking to a surf break, or grabbing food at a beachside spot without needing to change.
Understanding how boardshorts are built helps you make smarter buying decisions. The difference between a $30 pair and a $120 pair is not just branding. It is materials, construction methods, and engineering choices that directly affect your comfort and how long the shorts last.
Fabric choices and what they mean
Most quality boardshorts use one of these base materials:
Performance boardshorts use advanced materials like Cordura for abrasion resistance, incorporate 4-way stretch, and feature welded seams to minimize chafing, with lengths typically in the 18 to 22 inch outseam range. These are not marketing terms. They represent measurable differences in how the shorts perform under real conditions.
Seam construction
Standard shorts use sewn seams with thread. In water sports, those seams rub against skin repeatedly, causing rash. High-quality boardshorts use welded or flatlock seams. Welded seams are heat-bonded rather than stitched, creating a smooth surface with no raised edges. Flatlock seams lay flat against the skin rather than folding over. Both methods significantly reduce chafing during long sessions.
Waistband and closure systems
The waistband on a boardshort is engineered differently from casual shorts. A typical system includes:
This combination means the shorts stay exactly where you put them, whether you are paddling out, getting hit by a wave, or doing a beach sprint.
Pocket design
Boardshort pockets are purpose-built. They typically include drainage holes at the bottom so water exits immediately. Some models feature zippered or velcro-sealed pockets for carrying a key or card. The pockets sit flush against the leg to avoid drag in the water.
Length and activity fit
| Outseam length | Best for |
|---|---|
| 17 to 18 inches | Surfing, maximum flexibility |
| 19 to 20 inches | General water sports, versatile use |
| 21 to 22 inches | Casual beach, light water activity |
Shorter outseams give more freedom of movement for performance activities. Longer cuts offer more coverage and a relaxed look for casual wear. If you are primarily surfing or doing advanced fabric swimwear activities, prioritize the shorter end of the range.
Pro Tip: If you are between sizes, go with the longer outseam for surfing. The extra coverage on your thighs reduces board wax contact and makes long sessions more comfortable.
The technical swim fabric used in quality boardshorts is also treated for UV resistance, which matters when you are spending full days in the sun on the water.
Knowing how boardshorts are built is useful. Knowing why that construction matters in real situations is what actually helps you make the right call at the beach.
Staying on during heavy surf
In heavy surf, a wave can generate enormous force against your body. Standard swim trunks with a basic elastic waistband can be pulled down or off entirely during a wipeout. The secure drawstring design of boardshorts, combined with velcro closure, prevents this. The shorts stay in place regardless of water pressure.
Chafe-free performance
Mesh lining in standard swim trunks is comfortable for a short swim but becomes a problem during extended activity. The mesh rubs against the inner thigh and groin area, causing rash that gets worse with salt water exposure. Unlined boardshorts eliminate this issue entirely. For casual wear or short swims, some people prefer a lined option for coverage, but for any active water sport, unlined is the correct choice.
Key practical benefits of boardshorts:
Pro Tip: If you are wearing unlined boardshorts for a full day of surfing or paddleboarding, wear fitted polyester boxer briefs underneath. This adds a layer of comfort and prevents any friction in high-movement areas without adding bulk or weight.
Professionals and serious enthusiasts consistently choose boardshorts over standard swim trunks for active sessions. The design advantages are not theoretical. They show up in real comfort levels after a three-hour surf session versus a one-hour casual swim.
Selecting the right boardshorts comes down to matching the features to your actual plans. Here is a straightforward process for making the right call.
Define your primary activity. Are you surfing, paddleboarding, swimming laps, or mostly lounging? Performance activities need shorter outseams, welded seams, and secure closures. Casual use allows more flexibility in all features.
Measure your outseam. Stand straight and measure from the top of your waistband to where you want the shorts to end. This tells you exactly which outseam length to look for, rather than guessing by size alone.
Check the waistband system. For any water sport, you want a velcro fly and internal drawstring. For casual use, a simple drawstring may be enough.
Evaluate the fabric. Look for 4-way stretch if you need full range of motion. Look for Cordura or reinforced nylon if durability is a priority. Recycled polyester is a solid all-around choice for most people.
Look at seam construction. Welded or flatlock seams are worth paying more for if you are doing active water sports. For casual beach days, standard seams are fine.
Consider UPF rating. If you spend long hours in the sun, a boardshort with a built-in UPF rating adds meaningful protection. UV protection swimwear is especially relevant for full-day beach sessions.
Pick your style. Color, print, and fit all matter. Boardshorts come in everything from solid neutrals to bold tropical prints. Choose something that reflects your look and that you will actually want to wear.
Top-tested models like Florence Marine X have been evaluated in extreme conditions for durability and breathability, showing that the right boardshort genuinely performs better under stress. When you invest in a quality pair, you are buying performance that holds up across an entire summer season and beyond.
Pro Tip: When shopping online, check the outseam measurement in the product specs rather than relying on size labels alone. A medium from one brand may have a 19-inch outseam while another brand’s medium runs 21 inches. The measurement is the reliable number.
Look for swimwear with technical features that match your activity level. A boardshort designed for surfing will serve you better than a fashion-first option if you are spending serious time in the water.
Most people who switch from standard swim trunks to quality boardshorts say the same thing: they did not realize how much the wrong shorts were holding them back. That is not an exaggeration. It is a reflection of how much design details actually matter when you are spending hours in and out of the water.
Standard swim trunks are fine for a pool or a short beach swim. But they were not designed for the demands of surfing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, or even a full day of beach activity. The mesh lining that feels fine for twenty minutes becomes a source of real discomfort after two hours. The elastic waistband that seems secure enough on land becomes unreliable in heavy surf. The shorter cut that looks fine standing up becomes impractical when you are lying on a board.
Boardshorts solve all of these problems through deliberate design choices. The unlined construction, the secure closure system, the performance fabric, the longer cut, and the drainage pockets are not random features. Each one addresses a specific problem that active beachgoers face.
There is also a cultural dimension worth acknowledging. Boardshorts carry the DNA of surf culture, which values function, freedom, and a relaxed confidence. That culture has influenced mainstream beach fashion for decades, and for good reason. The design philosophy behind boardshorts aligns with what most people actually want from a day at the beach: comfort, security, and the ability to move freely without thinking about what you are wearing.
Investing in a quality pair of boardshorts is not about following a trend. It is about equipping yourself with gear that performs when it matters and looks good doing it. The right boardshort lets you focus on the wave, the paddle, or the moment, not on adjusting your shorts.
Ready to upgrade your swimwear for this summer? At L’ANIMAL, we carry carefully selected swimwear built for both performance and style.
Browse our collection to find pieces designed with the same attention to detail that makes boardshorts the go-to choice for serious beachgoers. From the Sportif Bikini Bottom to the Watercolor Bikini Top and the Amazon Reversible Bikini Bottom, our swimwear combines technical fabric quality with timeless design. Whether you are hitting the surf or relaxing on the sand, L’ANIMAL has the pieces to match your summer plans. Free shipping on all US orders over $150.
Yes, modern boardshorts work well for casual wear thanks to lightweight fabrics, stylish prints, and comfortable fits that transition easily from water to land. Their versatile design makes them a practical choice beyond the surf.
Boardshorts are longer, unlined, and built for performance with secure closures, whereas swim trunks may be shorter, lined, and less technical. Performance construction like welded seams and 4-way stretch fabric sets boardshorts apart in active use.
Many people prefer fitted polyester boxers or compression shorts under unlined boardshorts for comfort and to prevent chafing. The unlined design avoids mesh rash in active sports, but an underlayer adds extra comfort during long sessions.
Yes, boardshorts are unisex and popular among women who want leg coverage, a sporty look, or functional swimwear for active water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.
