Men's board shorts run longer and looser than swim trunks, typically 17 to 22 inches in outseam length, designed for surfing, paddling, and extended beach wear. This page covers standard boardshorts in quick-dry polyester and 4-way stretch blends, hybrid shorts that transition from water to land, and cargo boardshorts with side-entry pockets.
Length and Fit
Outseam length is the key spec: 17 to 18 inches for a mid-thigh fit that works well for both surfing and walking around; 19 to 20 inches for a standard boardshort that covers the knee; 21 to 22 inches for a longer, more covered fit. All lengths are available in regular and stretch fabrics. Sizing runs in standard waist measurements (28 through 40+). See men's swim trunks for shorter lined cuts suited to pool use.
Fabric and Use
Standard boardshorts use lightweight polyester that dries within 20 to 30 minutes of leaving the water. 4-way stretch boardshorts add range of motion for surfing and paddling. Hybrid boardshorts use the same stretch fabric but with a cleaner finish that works off the beach without looking like swimwear. For the full men's swimwear range across all cuts, see men's swimwear.
