The popularity of board shorts, (also know as boardshorts, boardies, swim shorts or surf trunks), started with surfers and has spread to anybody who wants to dress in a hip, laid-back style of fashion. Even people who never go in the water or step foot on the beach are wearing and enjoying this cool style of shorts.
When you buy men’s board shorts keep in mind they have longer legs compared to most shorts. The legs come down to the knee or just above it. They’re cut to wear baggy and ride low on the hips.
Longer legs provide protection to surfers’ thighs and help keep them from getting rashes from their surfboard. The baggy cut provides room to paddle, jump up and maneuver on the waves.
Colorful patterns are typical along with Hawaiian themed prints. You can also find them in solid colors or just about any pattern you can imagine. Don’t be surprised if you see a buff, macho surfer wearing board shorts with colorful flowers on them. When it comes to men’s boardshorts it’s more colorful the better for some guys.
When you buy women’s board shorts they will typically have shorter legs that hit about mid thigh while some styles are similar to the men’s board shorts and hit above the knee. Also like the men’s they are cut to ride low on the hips and not up around your waist. Be sure so keep that in mind when shopping for women’s boardshorts as you may want to purchase a slightly larger size than you normally wear.
Women’s boardshorts come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and prints just like the men’s with maybe a bit more emphasis on female colors like pink or turquoise.
You can wear board shorts in the water by themselves, (women do need to wear a bikini top or bathing suit at most beaches), or pair them up with a rash guard to provide your skin with the ultimate in rash and UV protection that will stay on no matter how long you’re in the water.
Quality boardshorts will have reinforced seams that are usually triple-stitched for strength. Most come with a small Velcro pocket to hold your keys, cash or surfboard wax.
The standard closing is a Velcro fly with a tie or drawstring across the top. Most men’s board shorts do not have a mesh lining.
Last but not least, when shopping for boardshorts look for light, quick-drying material such as microfiber. Microfiber is commonly used to make board shorts because it is soft, light , provides minimal water repelling action and is quick-drying. What you don’t want are thick, heavy shorts that will bog you down and take forever to dry when you get out of the water.
Besides looking great and being totally stylish, men’s and women’s board shorts are comfortable and fun to wear even if you never get near the water!
