The Definitive Guide To Boardshorts and Swimwear

Getting in the water for some waves, everyday fun, or even just enjoying some warm weather seems easy enough right? Throw some shorts on and get out there, right? But choosing the right shorts will make a world of difference to your enjoyment levels in the water. 

Whether you’re a surfer running laps of the points all day or chilling poolside enjoying the afternoon. We’ll share the technical differences between each type of short, along with some fit and style tips to help you decide whether to grab board shorts or swim trunks.

Boardshorts vs. Swim Trunks: What Sets Them Apart?

Boardshorts are designed specifically for surfing vs swim shorts that are better suited to poolside or leisurely beach days. Overall the biggest difference revolves around the waistband and their ability to stay secure on your waist and move with your body. Boardshorts are designed with this goal in mind, and built with materials that stretch and minimise rash. 

If you’re – surfing, paddling or wakeboarding – boardshorts are a must but all board shorts double up as swim trunks, so if you’re getting wet, boardshorts will do the trick. 

If you’re chilling on the beach or poolside, trunks include everything from swim shorts to beach shorts to hybrids to volleys. 

Amphibians – or hybrid shorts – are men’s swimwear that look and fit like walk shorts but are made from boardshort material. Essentially they are swim shorts that look like street shorts allowing you to go from surfing at lunch straight into work or back to school. 

Beach shorts feature handy side pockets for convenience and are constructed with a boardshort waist and material. You can surf in them if you really need to, but they’re better left for beach hangs or being by the pool. 

Volleys are the least technical and the most casual of all shorts here. Generally featuring an easy to wear elastic waist with drawstring closure and roomy hand pockets. They often feature shorter lengths, softer materials and a laid-back fit with plenty of room to move.

What Are Boardshorts Anyway?

Also known as boardies or trunks, boardshorts are designed specifically for surfing but are perfect for other high-intensity water activities like wakeboarding, wakesurfing, bodysurfing and spearfishing.

Boardshorts have a fixed waist with a lace cinch (used to be velcro and snap buttons) that tightens firmly and keeps the shorts secure around your waists while you’re out in the water. They tend to vary in length from 16-20 inches, generally sitting just above the knee at 18inches. Today, most modern boardshorts feature a four-way stretch material that’s been treated with a hydrophobic coating to keep them light and to dry quicker.

Boardies don’t have hand pockets on the side, the water flowing through the pockets would weigh them down too much. They’ll normally feature one pocket on the back or on the side - originally designed to take a car key, mini wax comb or surf wax into the water with you.

How To Wear Boardshorts: How Long Should My Boardshorts Be?

Leg length is a question of personal style and ever-changing trends. Boardies in the ‘70s left little to the imagination while boardshorts in the ‘90s were a few inches short of being pants. For a good balance of form and function, boardshorts should sit comfortably just above the knee. This length allows you to move freely, get caught over your knees when you pop up if your takeoff doesn’t go as planned.

What Size Boardshort Should I Wear?

You can go as tight or as loose as you need however boardshorts will perform best when they fit snugly below the waist but not too tight. This is where the biggest benefit of the drawstring closure works. Size wise you’ll be best working with the same pant size you wear (32, 34, 36, etc), but it’s always better to try them on before buying. As sizing can vary between styles and brands.

What To Wear Underneath Boardshorts?

Boardshorts are unlined by nature and most surfers tend to go au natural underneath. Some surfers wear swimming briefs to help reduce chafing, and others prefer to wear compression shorts which are said to aid recovery during and after the surf. Ultimately, it’s your personal decision on what to wear, if anything, under your boardshorts. Our only advice is to rock with what is the most comfortable solution for you.

Can You Wear Boardshorts Under a Wetsuit?

You can, for sure. Should you though? Probably not. Boardshorts are designed to be surfed in, but not generally under your wetsuit. They work best without being suffocated by a wetsuit. If you do wear them under your steamer then it’ll add extra weight and make the entire surfing experience more uncomfortable for you. If you’re wearing a steamer and want something underneath for stability or confidence, try traditional swimmers (budgie smugglers, swim briefs, etc) or even some compression shorts.

What Are Compression Shorts and Should I Wear Them Under Boardshorts?

Compression shorts serve multiple functions from wicking moisture away from the skin to reduce chafing, to increasing blood circulation and aiding muscle recovery. They also make for a great under-short for surfing. If you’re interested in trying some compression shorts out under your boardshorts, look for a surf-specific design that is light weight, soft and stretchy for movement when you’re in the water.

How Do I Take Care of Boardshorts?

Boardshorts don’t need to be washed, you’re in the water all the time with them. If you do feel the need to wash them, the best approach is rinse them in fresh water and hang them to dry. Keep them rinsed with fresh water and you’ll get a lot longer lifespan out of your new boardshorts. After a few wears, and you really want to wash them then check the tag on your shorts for how to wash your boardshorts. Generally, a cold wash (check detergent requirements) and a hang dry is the ticket.

What Size Swim Trunks Do I Wear?

This is probably one of the bigger differences between boardshorts and swim trunks. Boardshorts come in waist sizes by numbers in inches (like pants, think 32-34-36 etc), where swim shorts are often sized from XS to XL (similar to t-shirts). Find the size that comes closest within the range of your waist size. If you’re between sizes, size up – the elastic waistband of swim shorts means you can easily tighten them - and no one really wants to be at the pool with shorts two sizes too small.

How To Wash Swim Trunks?

Just like clean, rinsed boardshorts help lasting comfort (and durability), it’s much the same process with swim trunks. Be sure to rinse your swim shorts in fresh water and hang them to dry after use. When it’s time for a proper wash, go with a cold wash cycle and hang your swim trunks up to dry. Always check the tag for garment-specific instructions. Whatever you do, don’t let wet trunks sit around for too long or you’ll get them mouldy and quite stinky.

Whatever type of swim shorts you go with, make sure you’re having fun in them.