The next summer is sure to come and one thing is definitely not to be missed! Boardshorts. These are not only suitable for swimming, but also for many other water sports, and the garment is particularly popular with surfers.
Swimming trunks for men and women:
Gender doesn’t matter – it’s not for nothing that the saying goes: “Life is better in boardshorts”. Boardshorts are comfortable, robust and flexible, making them the perfect companion in the water.
The best boardshorts 2024?
Content
- 1 The top 10 boardshorts for men in 2024
- 1.1 1. Rip Curl Access Died – walking shorts
- 1.2 2. RVCA swim shorts
- 1.3 3. Hurley Phantom Block Party
- 1.4 4. Quiksilver Highline Tijuana
- 1.5 5. Volcom Yin Yang Slinger
- 1.6 6. quicksilver shorts
- 1.7 7. Billabong All Day Heather Stripe Pro
- 1.8 8. Hurley Phantom Pierbowl
- 1.9 9. Rip Curl Mirage
- 1.10 10. O’Neill Hyperfreak Heist
- 2 The top 6 boardshorts ladies 2024
- 3 Bestsellers: the most popular boardshorts
- 4 Buy boardshorts: How to make the right decision
- 5 FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about boardshorts
- 6 Conclusion: The most popular boardshorts reviewed
In a hurry? Our favorite boardshorts:
- Hybrid boardshorts
- Functional
- Comfortable
- Elastic
- 4 bags
Boardshorts Checklist
- What properties? Boardshorts are lightweight and comfortable swimming trunks.
- Which material? Fabrics such as polyester or nylon make boardshorts elastic.
- What is it suitable for? Boardshorts are suitable for many water sports such as surfing, kayaking, SUP and more.
Also interesting: The most popular surf bikinis 2024.
The top 10 boardshorts for men in 2024
1. Rip Curl Access Died – walking shorts
Advantages
- Hybrid boardshorts
- Functional
- Comfortable
- Elastic
- 4 bags
Disadvantages
- No zipper pocket(s)
- High price
Summary
The walking shorts from Rip Curl look like normal shorts, but are actually board shorts. The pants are very functional and can be worn for swimming, surfing, fishing, golfing and other outdoor activities.
The material is comfortable and dries quickly. Thanks to the elastane used, the boardshorts are very flexible and offer the wearer sufficient freedom of movement in the water.
Four pockets offer space for keys, cell phone and wallet. The pockets are closed with a button, which does not prevent items from falling out of the pockets in the water.
Conclusion
Price-intensive hybrid boardshorts that can be worn for many outdoor activities.
Product details
Length: 50.5 cm | Closure: buttons | Material: 79 % polyester, 13 % cotton, 9 % elastane | Pockets: 4
Customer ratings
FAQ
2. RVCA swim shorts
Advantages
- Comfortable
- Cord closure
- Side pocket with elastic band
Disadvantages
- High price
Summary
The 4-way stretch gives the boardshorts a high degree of flexibility and ensures freedom of movement.
To ensure the boardshorts fit properly, they are fastened with a drawstring. The swimming trunks have a side pocket with an elastic band to which car keys can be attached to store small items.
Conclusion
Comfortable boardshorts made from sustainable materials in the mid-price segment.
Product details
Length: 47 cm | Closure: cord | Material: 56% polyester, 33% cotton, 11% nylon | Pockets: 1
Customer ratings
FAQ
3. Hurley Phantom Block Party
Advantages
- Plain
- Good price-performance ratio
- Partially recycled material
- Cord closure
- Elastic
- Comfortable to wear
- Dries quickly
- Zippered pocket with elastic band
Disadvantages
- Processing
- Short
Summary
These board shorts score points with their simple look and good value for money. The material is partially recycled.
The drawstring at the waistband ensures a good fit. Thanks to the elastane used, the board shorts are elastic and offer enough freedom of movement for swimming and surfing. The swim trunks are also comfortable to wear on land and dry quickly.
The boardshorts have a back pocket with zipper and elastic band, ideal for storing your car keys while surfing.
Conclusion
Simple board shorts with a good price-performance ratio.
Product details
Length: 46 cm | Closure: cord | Material: 80 % polyester, 20 % elastane | Pockets: 1 with zipper and elastic band
Customer ratings
Customers are impressed by the product and praise the comfort and quick drying of the boardshorts.
Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 9% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some customers are not satisfied with the workmanship of the boardshorts and report defects after a short time.
FAQ
4. Quiksilver Highline Tijuana
Advantages
- Comfortable
- 4-Way Stretch
- Water-repellent DryFlight coating
- Large back pocket with elastic band
- Cord closure
Disadvantages
- High price
Summary
Quiksilver is not only known for wetsuits, but also for board shorts and clothing. These stylish boardshorts have a 4-way strecht and give the wearer more than enough freedom of movement in the water.
The trousers dry very quickly thanks to the water-repellent DryFlight coating. The large back pocket offers plenty of space and also has an elastic band to which you can attach your car keys. The waistband is tightened with a drawstring fastener.
Conclusion
Stylish boardshorts made from partially recycled material from the upper price segment.
Product details
Length: 45.7 cm | Closure: drawstring | Material: 91 % recycled polyester, 9 % elastane | Pockets: 1 with elastic band
Customer ratings
FAQ
5. Volcom Yin Yang Slinger
Advantages
- Comfortable to wear
- Psychedelic tie-dye pattern
- Cord closure
- Elastic 4-way stretch
- Back pocket with elastic band
- Good price-performance ratio
Disadvantages
- No sustainable materials
Summary
The Yin Yang Slinger boardshorts are elasticated and the material makes them comfortable to wear. The polyester allows the pants to be stretched in all 4 directions. The drawstring fastener at the waistband ensures a perfect fit.
The trousers have a back pocket with an elastic band for attaching car keys. These board shorts also impress with a good price-performance ratio and the colorful tie-dye pattern.
Conclusion
Boardshorts with a good price-performance ratio and colorful pattern.
Product details
Length: 48.3 cm | Closure: drawstring | Material: 84 % polyester, 8 % cotton, 8 % elastane | Pockets: 4
Customer ratings
Customers like the colorful pattern of the board shorts and report that they are comfortable to wear.
FAQ
6. quicksilver shorts
Advantages
- Sustainable and Fairtrade
- Very elastic
- Robust
- Comfort
- Various designs
- Side pocket with stainless steel zipper
Disadvantages
- Price
Summary
If you really value sustainability and fairly produced boardshorts, we recommend boardshorts from Quicksilver. These board shorts are made from recycled polyester and are therefore incredibly flexible, whether you’re swimming, surfing or doing yoga.
The material is also robust and comfortable. The board shorts are available in a range of colors and designs, from plain blue to unusual patterns.
everything included.
The boardshorts have a side pocket with an elasticated waistband and a pocket at the back of the shorts.
Conclusion
Sustainable and very elastic boardshorts.
Product details
Length: n7a | Closure: drawstring | Material: 100% recycled polyester | Pockets: 1 side pocket 1 back pocket
Customer ratings
FAQ
7. Billabong All Day Heather Stripe Pro
Advantages
- Recycled material
- Side pocket with elastic band
- 4-Way Stretch
- Micro Repel coating
- Comfortable
- Cord closure
- Good price-performance ratio
- Various colors and designs
Disadvantages
- Side pocket without zipper
Summary
These boardshorts from Billabong are available in many simple colors and designs and all have one thing in common: horizontal stripes. The recycled material ensures 4-way stretch in all directions and a high level of comfort.
In order to adapt the trousers to the shape of the hips as well as possible, they are fastened with a drawstring at the waist. The boardshorts also have a side pocket with a Velcro fastener and elasticated waistband.
Conclusion
Simple board shorts in many different colors and designs
Product details
Length: 50.8 cm | Closure: drawstring | Material: 90 % recycled polyester, 10 % elastane | Pockets: 1
Customer ratings
FAQ
8. Hurley Phantom Pierbowl
Advantages
- Two pockets
- Comfortable
- Elastic
- Cord closure
- Mounting ring
Disadvantages
- Short
Summary
The materials used make these boardshorts comfortable, elastic and quick-drying.
A Velcro pocket on the back and two normal trouser pockets offer enough space for essential items such as keys, cell phone and wallet. This means that the boardshorts are also ideal for wearing on land.
Keys or a chain can also be attached to a small metal ring. The drawstring fastener at the waistband ensures a good fit.
Conclusion
Comfortable short board shorts with lots of pockets.
Product details
Length: 46 cm | Closure: drawstring | Material: 86 % polyester, 14 % elastane | Pockets: 3
Customer ratings
Customers like the comfortable feel and say that the board shorts dry very quickly.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some customers are of the opinion that the board shorts are one size larger.
FAQ
9. Rip Curl Mirage
Advantages
- Mirage technology
- Flexible
- Comfortable
- Cord closure
- Side pocket with stainless steel zipper
- Robust
Disadvantages
- Fits smaller
Summary
These boardshorts feature Quiksilver Mirage technology, which makes them flexible and lightweight. The welded seams make the swimming trunks very robust and durable.
The drawstring fastener is also durable thanks to its silicone coating. The side pocket can be closed with a zipper and also has an elastic band to which the car key can be attached.
Conclusion
High-quality and robust board shorts.
Product details
Length: 48.5 cm | Closure: cord | Material: 92 % polyester, 8 % elastane | Pockets: 1 with stainless steel zipper
Customer ratings
Customers are completely satisfied with these board shorts. They report that the swimming trunks feel comfortable and dry very quickly.
FAQ
10. O’Neill Hyperfreak Heist
Advantages
- Drawstring
- Side pocket with zipper
- Robust
- 4-Way Stretch
- Inexpensive
Disadvantages
- No elastic band for car keys
Summary
O’Neill has a long tradition in the manufacture of wetsuits and boardshorts. The swimming trunks are robust and, thanks to the polyester used, stretch in 4 directions by 140%.
The trousers are equipped with a zippered side pocket. For an ideal fit, the boardshorts are tightened with a drawstring at the waist.
Conclusion
Inexpensive boardshorts with all the important features.
Product details
Length: 50.8 cm | Closure: drawstring | Material: 89 % polyester, 11 % elastane | Pockets: 1 side pocket with zipper
Customer ratings
FAQ
The top 6 boardshorts ladies 2024
1. Roxy Ladies Classics 5″
Advantages
- Sustainable
- Beautiful design
- Comfortable
- Very flexible and lightweight
- Impregnated
- Back pocket with zipper
- Drawstring
Disadvantages
- Price
Summary
These board shorts from Roxy are not only available in beautiful designs, they are also sustainable. The recycled nylon makes the boardshorts ultra-light and elastic.
The boardshorts have a comfortable cut and the material is water-repellent. The drawstring at the waistband ensures a snug fit at the waist and a press stud guarantees additional security.
Conclusion
Sustainable board shorts, ideal for surfing.
Product details
Inseam length: 5” (12.7 cm) | Closure: drawstring | Material: 100% recycled nylon | Pockets: Back pocket with elastic band and zipper
Customer ratings
FAQ
2. Roxy Endless Summer 2”
Advantages
- Recycled material
- 4-Way Stretch
- Drawstring at the waist
- Pleated waistband made from knitted fabric
- Comfortable
- Beautiful floral designs
Disadvantages
- Price
- No pockets
Summary
Roxy makes these boardshorts from recycled materials that provide 4-way stretch and freedom of movement. The boardshorts are available in four different colored floral designs.
With a drawstring, the boardshorts can be ideally adjusted to the waist. The folded waistband made of knitted fabric ensures a high level of comfort.
The boardshorts are priced in the middle segment. There are no pockets on the boardshorts for car keys or other items.
Conclusion
Comfortable board shorts in a floral design made from recycled materials.
Product details
Inseam: 2” (approx. 5 cm) | Closure: drawstring | Material: 90 % polyester, 10 % elastane | Pockets: none
Customer ratings
Customers are very satisfied with these board shorts and praise the good quality and fit.
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 11% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
FAQ
3. billabong classic boardshorts
Advantages
- Smocked waist
- Elastic band
- Recycled polyester
- Comfortable
- Elastic
- Palm leaf design
Disadvantages
- Very small side pockets
Summary
These boardshorts from Billabong not only impress with their appealing palm leaf design. The materials used are partially recycled, ensure a comfortable fit and make the boardshorts elastic.
The fabric at the waist is smocked, i.e. specially pleated. The elasticated waistband ensures that the swimming trunks fit properly.
Conclusion
Comfortable board shorts in a palm leaf design.
Product details
Inseam: N/A | Closure: elastic | Material: 78% recycled nylon, 22% elastane | Pockets: no
FAQ
4. Billabong Sol Searcher 2
Advantages
- Casual cut
- Very flexible
- Light
- Elastic waistband with drawstring
- Mesh pocket with zipper
Disadvantages
- No information on stride length
Summary
These boardshorts are very light and flexible thanks to the materials used. In combination with the casual wide cut, this makes the swimming trunks very comfortable.
The elastic waistband with drawstring ensures a comfortable fit at the waist and freedom of movement. There is a zippered mesh pocket at the back, ideal for carrying small items.
Conclusion
Elasticated boardshorts with a casual cut.
Product details
Inseam length: N/A | Closure: drawstring | Material: 100 % polyamide/nylon | Pockets: Mesh pocket with zipper
Customer ratings
FAQ
5. Roxy Classic 5”
Advantages
- Recycled material
- Drawstring at the waist
- Elastic waist
- Comfortable
- Simple design
- Two pockets
Disadvantages
- Pockets cannot be closed
Summary
These boardshorts are for anyone looking for slightly longer boardshorts.
The swim trunks ensure plenty of freedom of movement and are comfortable, not least thanks to the elasticated fabric at the waist. Another bonus are the two integrated pockets. However, these are neither lockable nor do they have an elastic band for the car key.
Conclusion
Longer board shorts with two pockets.
Product details
Inseam: 5” (12.7 cm) | Closure: drawstring | Material: 92 % polyester, 8 % elastane | Pockets: 2 side pockets
Customer ratings
Customers are of the opinion that the boardshorts are of good quality and fit. They are also well suited for sporting activities and the two pockets are considered useful.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 5% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
FAQ
6. women’s Roxy Wave 9″
Advantages
- Comfortable
- Long
- Elastic material
- Fixed waist
- Drawstring
- Back pocket
Disadvantages
- Pocket cannot be closed
- Waist not elastic
Summary
These boardshorts are slightly longer and end a little above the knee. The material used ensures flexibility and a comfortable feel when worn.
The waist is tight and can be tightened with a drawstring. This means the boardshorts sit firmly and are less likely to slip, although some people prefer an elastic waist.
The boardshorts also have a back pocket, but unfortunately this cannot be closed.
Conclusion
Comfortable long boardshorts with a fixed waist.
Product details
Inseam: N/A | Closure: Drawstring | Material: 94 % polyester, 6 % elastane | Pockets: Back pocket
Customer ratings
Customers are impressed by the cut and fabric of the boardshorts and say that they are very comfortable and lightweight.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bestsellers: the most popular boardshorts
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy boardshorts:
How to make the right decision
Boardshorts are ideal for swimming and other water sports as long as the water and air are warm enough. It’s not for nothing that some surfers never take off their favorite swimming trunks. They are also comfortable and offer plenty of freedom of movement.
In this guide, you will find out what features a pair of boardshorts should have and what to look out for when buying them.
What you need to consider when buying board shorts
When looking for the best board shorts, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:
- Material
- Elasticity
- Comfort
- Bag(s)
- Fit
- Style
- Sustainability
- Field of application
The material of boardshorts
Boardshorts are made from various materials, the most common being nylon and polyester. However, swimming trunks are often made from a mixture of the two fabrics and other synthetic materials or natural fibers are also used.
The material affects wearing comfort, drying time and weight. Many manufacturers come up with good-sounding names for their line of boardshorts and the material used. It is advisable to pay attention to the composition and not just trust the nice-sounding name.
Swimming trunks and shorts in one?
Many manufacturers now offer board shorts that look almost like shorts. So you can jump straight from the office into the water.
Nylon board shorts
- Smooth
- Elastic
- Light
- Robust
Nylon is the ideal material for board shorts because the synthetic material is smoother, lighter, more elastic and more robust than polyester. The stretchiness of the fabric in particular makes it ideal for use in board shorts.
Because when it comes to water sports, and surfing in particular, it is important to have the greatest possible freedom of movement.
Polyester board shorts
- Dries quickly
- Colorfast
Polyester is also often used for board shorts. Although it is less robust and elastic when reviewed against nylon, it dries faster and holds colors better.
The right elasticity for boardshorts
Boardshorts must have a certain amount of elasticity to give the wearer enough freedom of movement for the leg stroke when swimming. Sufficient freedom of movement is even more important for other water sports, such as surfing.
The more elastic, the better?
Of course, the boardshorts should not stretch to a length of two meters, but they should be elastic enough so that they are not noticeable when surfing etc. or even restrict movement. Boardshorts for children who move a lot should also be elastic.
The more elastic a pair of boardshorts is, the higher the price usually is. Here you should ask yourself whether you really need a very stretchy pair of board shorts or whether a less flexible swimsuit will suffice.
Boardshorts and comfort?
Comfort is the be-all and end-all when it comes to board shorts, as they are often used for long periods of time every day. Whether you’re lying by the lake or sitting on a surfboard, a scratchy and tugging boardshort is a nuisance in any case.
The material of boardshorts should:
- Do not scrub
- Do not cause skin irritation
Boardshorts are worn by surfers to prevent the inside of the thighs from being rubbed when sitting on the board. A smooth and comfortable material is therefore important. The swimming trunks should also not cause any other skin irritation during normal wear.
Boardshort bag(s)
Most boardshorts are equipped with one or more pockets. These are very useful and provide space for small items such as car keys.
If you want to take your car keys with you into the water, the pocket should either have a zipper or an elastic band attached to it. Both are used to secure the car key, but the quality sometimes varies greatly and the following applies: use at your own risk.
The right boardshort fit
Boardshorts are available in an infinite number of different (passport) shapes. It is important that the pants are not too big or too small. Boardshorts often come in larger or smaller sizes, and reading reviews of boardshorts is helpful in choosing the right size.
- Boardshorts that are too big: can easily slip down and slip at the waist.
- Boardshorts that are too small: sit too tight on the hips and leave welts when worn.
The length can also vary greatly. Boardshorts for surfing usually end just above the knee, but there are also slightly shorter and longer boardshorts.
The preferred length depends on personal preference, the only important thing is that freedom of movement is not restricted.
Boardshort styles
Boardshorts look cool and many manufacturers have several collections with different styles. These range from very sophisticated “pro” boardshorts to casual boardshorts and classic single-colored models.
Boardshorts have evolved from simple swimming trunks for surfers into a lifestyle garment. That’s why there is now real board sports swimwear.
Boardshorts and sustainability
Sustainability is an increasingly important criterion for buyers and manufacturers. This is why many manufacturers now place great importance on sustainable materials and fair working conditions.
Two names in particular should be mentioned here: Patagonia and Afends.
Patagonia uses many recycled materials and pays attention to fair conditions in the manufacturing countries.
Afends goes one step further. The boardshorts they produce are largely made from rapidly renewable hemp.
Application area of the boardshorts
Are the board shorts only used for swimming or also for other water sports, such as surfing? How much time do I spend in my boardshorts?
These are all questions you should ask yourself before buying your new pair of board shorts. If you spend a lot of time in the water, you need robust and comfortable boardshorts. If you only wear boardshorts for swimming in summer, you can get by with a cheaper model.
Well-known brands and manufacturers
The best-known and most popular surf wear brands & manufacturers include
- Rip Curl
- Billabong
- Quicksilver
- Roxy
- O’Neill
- Hurley
- Patagonia
- Dakine
- Volcom
- Vissla
- Afends
- Superdry
So far there are no test reports on boardshorts from Consumer Reports or Öko Test. With these manufacturers, you can still be sure of getting good quality board shorts.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about boardshorts
Are boardshorts the same as swimming trunks?
Are board shorts suitable for swimming?
What is the best boardshort brand?
Where can I buy boardshorts?
Are there also board shorts for children?
Conclusion: The most popular boardshorts reviewed
Boardshorts are the ideal companion in summer and when traveling, whether for surfing or simply as robust, lightweight and quick-drying swimming trunks.
It is important that the boardshorts fit well and meet the most important criteria such as elasticity. Once you’ve worn boardshorts, you no longer need normal swimming trunks.
Boardshorts for men
Boardshorts for women
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