Boardshorts
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Boardshorts and Swim Shorts for SUP, Swimming and the Beach
Boardshorts, or swim shorts, are lightweight, quick-dry shorts made from stretchy fabric that you wear in the water and on land. They dry within minutes after a swim, so the same pair takes you from paddling and swimming to a coffee by the shore. Choose from men's and women's styles in different lengths and summer prints.
Boardshorts are part of our summer water wear. On top, pair them with a rash guard to protect your shoulders and back from the sun. You'll find them in our rash guards and UV shirts.
Which Swim Shorts Should I Choose?
It depends on whether you'll wear them mostly in the water, on the board or at the beach.
| Activity | What to choose |
|---|---|
| SUP and longer tours (paddling, squatting on the board) | stretchy swim shorts with an elastic waist and a key pocket |
| Swimming (men) | swim shorts with a mesh liner, no extra swimwear needed |
| Beach, town and travel (water and land) | crease-resistant shorts with a summer print |
| Women, an active day by the water | short 12" boardshorts with four-way stretch |
| Strong sun on your legs | UV leggings rated UPF 50+ |
| Cooler water or wind | neoprene pants |
What Are Boardshorts and How Are They Different from Swim Shorts?
Boardshorts come from surfing: they're longer, made from tough quick-dry fabric and traditionally have a non-elastic tie-front waist that holds up in the waves. Everyday swim shorts have an elastic waist and often a mesh liner, so they're quicker to put on and you don't need anything underneath. For SUP, swimming and the beach, both work equally well; the difference is mainly in the waistband and length.
Boardshort Length: 12" or 15"?
Boardshort length is given in inches and measured along the outside of the leg, from the top of the waistband to the hem.
- 12" – a short, curved cut that sits at the upper thigh. Common in women's boardshorts.
- 15" – sits above the knee and doesn't get in the way of paddling or swimming. A shorter, modern length for men's swim shorts.
- Longer shorts (19–20") – reach the knee or below and are mainly chosen by surfers.
Waistband, Mesh Liner and Pockets
With swim shorts, the details make the biggest difference.
- Elastic waist with drawcord – adjust to your shape and stays put while you paddle.
- Partly elastic waist – elastic at the back, flat at the front, for a neater look.
- Mesh liner – gives support, so you don't need extra swimwear underneath.
- Pockets – a back pocket with Velcro or a snap for your car key, so you won't lose it in the water.
- Two- or four-way stretch – four-way stretch fabric moves in every direction and won't hold you back when you squat on the board.
Men's and Women's Swim Shorts
Men's swim shorts are longer, with a straight cut and often a mesh liner. Women's boardshorts are shorter, with a curved cut and side slits that don't restrict your stride, and they go with any bikini top. Both come in solid colours and bold Hawaiian, tropical or graphic prints.
How Should Swim Shorts Fit?
Men's swim shorts are sized by waist in inches (S = 30", M = 32", L = 34"), women's by dress size. You'll find the size chart on each product. They shouldn't dig into your waist and should stay in place after a jump in the water once the drawcord is tied. If you're between sizes, go up a size and tighten the drawcord. You're welcome to try them on in our shop in Ljubljana.
Swim Shorts for SUP
On a SUP you paddle, squat and now and then fall in, so you need shorts that don't hold water and don't slip down while you paddle. Choose a stretchy fabric, an elastic waist with a drawcord and a key pocket. For a full day on the water, add a long sleeve rash guard, and when clouds roll in or the wind picks up, a neoprene top.
Who Else Are Boardshorts For?
- swimmers and snorkellers,
- surfers, kitesurfers and wing foilers in warm destinations,
- kayakers and boaters,
- travellers who want shorts that don't crease in a suitcase,
- anyone who wants one pair for the water, the beach and town.
What to Wear with Boardshorts?
- On top: a short or long sleeve rash guard.
- When it cools down or gets windy: a neoprene top.
- When you get out of the water: a changing poncho to dry off and change quickly.
- For the sun: sunscreen and sunglasses from our sun protection range.
How to Care for Swim Shorts
After every use, rinse them in fresh water to remove salt, chlorine and sand. Machine wash at 30 °C without bleach, fabric softener or tumble drying, and dry them in the shade so the colours stay bright for longer.
Related categories
Rash guards & UV shirts · UV leggings · Neoprene pants · Neoprene tops · Changing ponchos · Sun protection