The Best Women's Board Shorts of 2024 | The Inertia Tested

Oct 16, 2024

Surf check in the Birdwell Birdie Boardshorts. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

News flash: Board shorts aren’t just for men. If you struggle with your bikini bottoms sliding around while you shred, throwing on a secure pair of board shorts is an easy solution. Plus, they often include pockets for stashing keys and wax. Board shorts are a versatile clothing item to have in your wardrobe as they also work well as a quick cover-up, for dry land workouts, even everyday wear.

Our team spends a lot of time in the water, so we know a thing or two about what makes a good pair of board shorts. Over the past couple of summers, we tested out the most popular women’s board shorts on the market to bring you the best of the best. Our overall favorite is the Patagonia Stretch Planing Micro Shorts due to their versatility and top-tier quality. Our best budget short is the Hurley Women’s Standard Boardshort which is an absolute steal at $18.

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Best Overall Board Shorts: Patagonia Stretch Planing Micro Shorts

Runner Up Best Board Shorts: Birdwell Birdie Boardshort

Best Budget Board Shorts: Hurley Women’s Standard Boardshort Bottom

Most Durable Board Shorts: Patagonia Wavefarer Boardshort

Most Versatile Board Shorts: Roxy Endless Summer Boardshort

Pros: Lightweight feel, zippered security pocketCons: Slim fit might not work well for all body types

Inseam: 2″Weight: 3.2 ozMaterials: Recycled polyester ripstop

Like all things from Patagonia, the Patagonia Stretch Planing Micro Shorts are durable and sustainably made. Created from 100% recycled polyester ripstop that is Bluesign approved, the fabric feels incredibly comfortable and lightweight. As such, they dry quickly once you’re out of the water, making the Planing Micro Shorts comfortable to wear all day long.

The elastic waistband makes it easy to pull the shorts on and off and the drawstring allows for slight size adjustments. The shorts include a zippered security pocket, complete with a key loop, which we found to be a great place for stashing keys and wax. The Micro Shorts fit true to size but have a slim fit – you may want to go with the Patagonia Barely Baggies if you like a boxier fit. Because they are so lightweight, the Micro Shorts work well for dry land and gym workouts as well. Due to their lightweight feel, quick dry properties, secure fit, and security pocket, we named the Planing Micro Shorts our best overall women’s board shorts.

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Pros: Secure, fun printsCons: Material isn’t the most lightweight

Inseam: N/AWeight: N/AMaterials: Recycled polyester/spandex

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more classic pair of board shorts than the Birdwell Birdie Boardshort. Except maybe the Patagonia Wavefarer Boardshorts. Like the Wavefarers, the Birdie Boardshorts sport a fitted waist with a lace-up closure. Unlike the Wavefarers, the Birdies don’t have a hidden button, just laces, which make them nice and easy to lace up and secure.

Made from a blend of 86% recycled polyester and 14% spandex, the Birdie Boardshorts have a bit of a stiffer feel, with just a little bit of stretch. Consequently, they’re seriously secure and durable and are capable of withstanding waves, wipeouts, and everything in between. The shorts have a mid-length leg, providing the perfect blend of modesty and flexibility. These shorts are comfortable enough to wear in the water all day long and come in fun prints. The Birdie Boardshort finished just behind Patagonia Stretch Planing Micro Shorts simply because the Micro Shorts are lighter and dry more quickly.

Pros: Affordable, lightweightCons: Take a bit long to dry

Inseam: 2.5″Weight: N/AMaterials: Nylon/spandex

At just $18, the Hurley Standard Boardshort Bottoms are an absolute steal. The shorts sport simple, solid prints with an elastic waist and drawstring. The elastic waist makes them easy to get on and off and allows the shorts to fit a wider range of sizes. The drawstring doesn’t make a huge difference when it comes to sizing, but it does allow for small adjustments.

Made from a blend of nylon and spandex, the shorts are lightweight and breathable but take a little longer to dry than some of the other shorts on our list. With a 2.5″ inseam, the Standard Boardshorts are a little on the short side, but we found the fit to be comfortable. The Standard Boardshorts are similar to the Patagonia Stretch Planing Micro Shorts, but the Planing Micro Shorts have a thicker waistband and dry more quickly. But, the Stand Boardshorts are less than half the price. We only wish they came in more colors!

Pros: Durable, hidden buttonCons: Not very stretchy

Inseam: 5″Weight: 4.6 ozMaterials: Postconsumer recycled nylon

The Patagonia Wavefarer Boardshorts are a classic pair of boardshorts. They sport a fixed waist with a lace-up closure, helping them sit securely even when you’re in the water. The waistband is lined, so it’s nice and comfortable, and there’s a hidden button that doesn’t stick out at all. On the rear of the shorts is a zippered pocket with an internal key loop — the pocket is also self-draining so it won’t weigh you down.

Made with the environment in mind, these shorts are made from post-consumer recycled nylon faille that’s made from recycled fishing nets. They are treated with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish, which helps prevent them from soaking up water and allows them to dry more quickly. The material is thick and the shorts are incredibly well-made, allowing them to withstand wipeouts and snags. The only other shorts on our list that come close in terms of quality and durability are the Barely Baggies Shorts. Because these shorts on on the thicker side, they aren’t very stretchy but they are secure.

Pros: Have a hidden drawcord, double as surf/workout shortsCons: Flat folded waistband tends to flip up while paddling

Inseam: 2″Weight: N/AMaterials: Polyester/elastane

One of the more unique board shorts on our list, the Roxy Endless Summer Boardshort is a cross between a board short and a pair of athletic shorts. The shorts feature a flat folded knit waistband with a hidden drawcord. The waistband is flattering, but it tends to flip up while you’re paddling, which we found annoying at times. We did however appreciate the hidden drawcord and functionality when it came to size adjustments.

The Endless Summer shorts are incredibly lightweight and breathable and we found that they worked equally as well for running and gym sessions as they do for surfing. The shorts are nice and stretchy and come in lots of fun colors and patterns. At two inches they’re definitely on the short side, so make sure you’re comfortable with the length before purchasing. The Carve Designs Bali Shorts are another versatile pair of shorts that are incredibly lightweight and provide more coverage, but they don’t have the rollover waistband like the Endless Summer Boardshorts.

Pros: Look good on/off the water, two side drainage pocketsCons: No zippered pocket

Inseam: 2.5″Weight: 4.5 ozMaterials: Recycled polyester

Created with the environment in mind, Patagonia’s Barely Baggies shorts are made from NetPlus 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon made from recycled fishing nets. The Barely Baggies sport a 2.5” inseam and a regular rise cut, with an elastic waist and drawcord for a customizable fit. Additionally, they feature side slits for added comfort, a hidden top-entry mesh pocket, side-entry pockets with polyester mesh for drainage, and an elastic key loop, so they’ve got storage covered. The fabric feels soft and comfortable against the skin and dries quickly.

If you prefer more coverage, Patagonia also offers Baggies shorts, which have a 5” inseam. Both of these shorts are baggy as the name suggests, so they look a bit like “mom shorts” but they still manage to maintain stylish outdoor appeal. If you’re into hiking, they work as well on the trails as they do on the water. For a more high-performance surf option that still looks great out of the water, check out the Patagonia Women’s Wavefarer.

Pros: UPF 50+, flattering mid-rise cutCons: Run big, don’t stay up super well

Inseam: 3″Weight: N/AMaterials: Polyester/spandex

Made from a blend of recycled polyester, upcycled coconut fabric, and spandex, the Carve Designs Bali Short’s sustainable design helps reduce impact on the environment. The shorts are rated UPF 50+ and feature an elastic and drawstring waist, making them incredibly lightweight and comfortable. The Bali shorts sport two side pockets, which is much appreciated when wearing them to walk around town.

The mid-rise cut is flattering, and the shorts offer more coverage than other options — they run big so size down if you like a snug fit. Although these shorts are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, the fit is slightly frumpy and they don’t stay up as well as some other options when hit with a big set. Similarly, the Roxy Endless Summer Boardshort sport a lightweight design but they stay in place better and work well for both dry land and aquatic activities.

Pros: Retro style, fixed waist is secureCons: Not as comfortable as other Billabong shorts

Inseam: N/AWeight: 8 ozMaterials: Polyamide

Designed to withstand even the heaviest of waves, the Sol Searcher board shorts sport a fixed waist and a front lace-up closer to ensure they stay firmly in place, similar to the Birdwell Birdie Boardshort. The fixed, high-rise waist, solid colors, and front tie deliver a flattering retro style. The fixed waist allows for a more tailored fit, but it also provides less stretch and makes it more important to check the size chart to ensure you select the correct size.

Made from eco-conscious, stretch fabric, the board shorts feature a back pocket for storing essential items. We like the look and durable design of these shorts, but they aren’t as comfortable as the Billabong board shorts we’ve worn in the past. We have yet to try the new Billabong Sol Searcher Volley Boardshort, but with its elastic waist, we think this will be a nice upgrade.

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Pros: Back velcro pocket, quick-drying fabricCons: Material feels stiff at first

Inseam: 3″Weight: N/AMaterials: Repreve/polyester

O’Neill’s Saltwater Solids have everything you could want in a classic pair of board shorts. They feature a drawcord closure, quick-drying fabric, stretchy material, and a back Velcro pocket.

The material feels a bit stiff at first but upon hitting the water it is plenty comfortable and the fit is secure. The solid color is timeless and is easy to pair with your favorite bikini top or rash guard. The Saltwater Solids Boardshorts have a similar look and feel to the Billabong Sol Searcher, but they sit lower on the waist.

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Pros: Versatile, stretchyCons: No drawstring, not the most secure

Inseam: 2″Weight: N/AMaterials: Polyester/spandex

Body Glove’s Smoothies Seaside Vapor shorts are like a cross between an athletic short and a board short. Made from a quick-dry fabric that features four-way stretch, the shorts are lightweight, comfortable, and dry quickly. The fold-over waistband is similar to the one on the Roxy Endless Summer Boardshort and adds style points to this solid pair of functional shorts.

The Seaside Vapor runs a little big, so best to order a size down if you prefer a snug fit. In the future, we’d love to try a pair with a drawstring so you could cinch the shorts tighter on bigger days.

Some of the many board shorts we tested. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Our lead tester, Rebecca Parsons, lives on the island of Oahu, and spends a lot of her time in the water, usually on a surfboard. She regularly surfs in a bikini and board shorts and knows the difference a good pair of board shorts can make in your confidence on and off the water.

To test these shorts, she surfed in them, hung out on the beach, wore them for dry land workouts, and around town. She took into consideration how comfortable each was, how lightweight/breathable the material felt, dry time, how secure they felt, whether or not they had pockets, how useful those pockets are, and a whole lot more.

We originally ran this review in December of 2022. We gave it a massive facelift in October of 2024 after a summer of testing, deleting board shorts that were no longer available, and adding in some of the newer styles. We also added some information to our Buyer’s Guide so you can be better informed when shopping for your next pair of boardies.

Testing out women’s board shorts in Hawaii. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Board shorts are typically associated with men but women love a good pair of board shorts as well! All board shorts are not created equally and as such, there are a few things we take into consideration when purchasing a new pair. In our book, a good pair of board shorts are comfortable, first and foremost, since they can double as shorts or workout gear. Additionally, we want them to be cute, dry quickly, and have pockets or somewhere to store keys or wax.

Patagonia’s Stretch Planing Micro Shorts are lightweight, comfortable, secure, and they dry quickly. Made from 100% ripstop, these shorts are also gentle on the environment.

Price: $59

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Fixed vs. Elastic Waistband

Board shorts typically come in two main waistband styles: fixed and elastic. As the name suggests, elastic waistbands have a piece of elastic running through the waistband, resulting in a stretchy waist. Elastic waistbands are easy to pull on and off and you don’t need to be as specific with sizing since they’re so stretchy.

Typically, elastic waistbands also come with a drawstring so you can customize your fit – if they don’t, you’ll want to make sure the size is right for you to ensure a secure fit. Elastic waistband shorts usually come in more general sizes like small, medium, and large as opposed to specific measured sizes.

The Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts have an elastic waistband. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Fixed waistbands, on the other hand, are not stretchy, and purchasing the correct size is critical. Fixed waistband shorts typically offer a wide range of sizes, so you can find your perfect fit. Because there’s no stretch to the waist, fixed waistbands utilize buttons or lacing to secure the shorts. If you purchase the correct size, fixed waistbands are usually the most secure option but they can also be more work to take on and off and sometimes aren’t as comfortable.

The Birdwell Birdie Boardshort has a fixed waistband with a lace-up closure and a button-secured pocket. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

ComfortWhen it comes to any type of clothes, especially if it’s something we wear while exercising, we’re all about comfort. Board shorts should be lightweight and breathable, both in and out of the water.

The Hurley Women’s Standard Boardshort Bottoms are the perfect blend of comfort and style, at an affordable price. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

StyleWhether they sport a retro style or a more modern look, we want board shorts that look good because we plan on wearing them a lot. We often wear board shorts as regular shorts, so we want them to be something we feel good about wearing in the water and to lunch with friends.

The Patagonia Stretch Planing Micro Shorts are lightweight, comfortable, secure, and dry quickly, which is why we chose them as the best overall women’s board shorts. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Drying TimeIdeally, we want to wear our board shorts in the water and keep them on for whatever we’ve got going on after surfing, kayaking, or stand up paddling. Wet board shorts clinging to your skin are uncomfortable, so we want a pair of board shorts that dries quickly. Thin, lightweight fabrics tend to dry the most quickly but they also sacrifice some durability – decisions, decisions.

Zippered pockets are a great place to stash keys and wax. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

StorageWhen you surf in a bikini, there’s no place to stash anything. One of the perks of board shorts is that they often have pockets or a way to attach your key – when buying a new pair of board shorts, this is something we look for.

Zippered pockets are the most ideal because you can rest easy knowing your stuff is secure. It’s also nice when pockets have an included key loop for attaching your key (if your car still even has a metal key).

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Editor’s Note: Want a top to pair with your board shorts? Check out The Best Rash Guards for Women. Need a little neoprene? Grab yourself one of The Women’s Best Springsuits. Just need a top? We’ve got The Best Women’s Wetsuit Jackets. Simply need some sun protection? The Best Surf Suits for Women will do the trick. Bikini weather? Check out The Best Women’s Swimsuits for Surfing (That Will Stay Put). For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.