15 Best Board Shorts for Men 2023

Apr 22, 2023

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Surfing, bodyboarding, and other water sports require these bottoms. Believe us.

I’ve always been partial to skin-tight short-shorts, the kinds of styles with four-, sometimes three-inch inseams. My legs look great, and I like to flaunt them whenever I can. This applies to cargo shorts, running shorts, swim trunks, and more. The one time that it doesn't is when—on the very, very rare occasion—I try surfing, boogie boarding, wakeboarding, jet skiing, or anything that requires gear in water. For all this, board shorts are preferred. Believe me.

Board shorts, as the name clearly implies, are meant for water activities that require you to carry a flat, long piece of wood or heavy-duty foam. Basically, they are longer, extending to the knee or over it by an inch or two, and baggier than swim trunks. They are also much more durable. I learned this the first time I tried surfing almost a decade ago.

On a weekend trip in Amagansett, a few friends and I decided to take a lesson from a surfing instructor that I made out with the night before. He told me to bring board shorts. I told him that I didn't have any, and that I didn't need them. As I had come to find, surfboards are sticky and irritate the skin as you’re paddling in the ocean. My flimsy drawstring also was't cutting it; my suit fell right off. Suffice it to say, always heed the advice of a professional. I definitely needed board shorts.

So, if you plan on surfing or doing any of the aforementioned water sports this summer, take the advice of that random surfing instructor: you’re going to want to get your hands on one or more of the best board shorts below. Because losing your swim trunks in the ocean is not cute.

Imagine you’re in Martha's Vineyard, Bar Harbor, or somewhere northeast. You just had your fill of lobster rolls, and are about to hit the deck of a boat and recline with a rosé in hand. Board shorts are pretty much a requisite, and the best pair that fits this vibe is this lightweight, slim-fitting style from J.Crew—a brand that's been outfitting preppy New Englanders since 1983.

Inseam: 7"Materials: Recycled nylon, polyamide, and elastane.

Surfers are all too familiar with Quiksilver. Founded in Australia in the late ’60s, the brand prioritized function, offering styles that were built to help fellas break waves. Over the decades, the label continued to improve upon its offerings, adapting to new advancements in fabrics and construction techniques. Prime example: this four-way stretch, water-repellant board short with welded stretch seams and a performance waistband.

Inseam: 10"Materials: Recycled polyester

Land's End began as a mail-order yachting supply company in the ’60s, so you just know its stuff is great for boating, floating, and boogie boarding. These lightweight, water-repellent board shorts, for instance, are designed with a secure hook and loop flap. They also feature built-in UPF protection, three-piece mesh lining, and quick-draining pockets. And if all this doesn't get you, the sleek stripe pattern—an homage to the brand's nautical roots—should.

Inseam: 9"Materials: Polyester

If you plan on getting your kicks on Route 66, preferably toward a large body of water, these Wellen board shorts are just what you need on the journey. The brand was inspired by ’60s styles, which is evident in the sleek silhouette, lived-in feel, and sun-faded colorway. But its build—from the four-way stretch, quick-drying fabric to the back pockets with velcro straps for added security—uses all the tech advancements of today.

Inseam: From 7" to 8"Materials: Polyester and spandex

Picture yourself in the Land Down Under, where the overall mood is chill and relaxing. You’re on the beach, a sweet melody playing in the background, with a surfboard in hand, ready to break some waves. All this is reflected in these board shorts from Rhythm, a brand that celebrates the laidback lifestyle of Australian coastal cities. Not only is the color calming and the fabric soft, but they feature a built-in chamois lined waistband for maximum comfort.

Inseam: 6.5"Materials: Nylon and cotton

Fair Harbor is named after a small town in Fire Island, composed of residents who are often barefoot and ready to jump in the water at a moment's notice. Two of said residents are the founders of the brand, both of whom, in 2015, set out to create a swimwear label that leverages technology to mitigate the pile-up of single-use plastics. This odor-resistant style, for instance, is made of reclaimed disposable bottles.

Inseam: 8"Materials: Recycled polyester, cotton, and spandex

When it comes to performance apparel, Vuori has got you covered. The brand's hiking trousers, tees, and, of course, board shorts are built to withstand adverse environments. But it never forgets about style. Just take a look at this option, with its high-performance fit, scallop leg, and eye-catching print that nods to Japanese silk paintings. Vuori also never forgets about the environment. Which is why these shorts are made of its VCycled fabric, a material that's partially created from recycled plastic bottles.

Inseam: 7.5"Materials: Recycled polyester, polyester, elastane

When it comes to outdoor gear and apparel, only a select few can beat the prowess of Patagonia. The brand offers some of the most durable jackets, coats, and sweaters—many of which have their own cult following. The same could be said of warm-weather pieces, most particularly the Wavefarer board short. With its clean lines, durable construction, and DWR coating, the style has been a favorite of many surfers.

Inseam: 10"Materials: Recycled nylon

Along with precision fit and great construction, Fourlaps offers a range of colors and vibrant prints—perhaps more than most. The brand started out the gate by reinterpreting Ivy League motifs, but eventually opened its repertoire to include a collection of cool prints inspired cultures throughout the world. Case in point: this refined, somewhat minimalist take on the classic batik pattern. It's the kind of style that’ll fit in nicely at any resort in the Maldives or Bali.

Inseam: 8"Materials: Polyester and spandex

The beauty of Lululemon: the brand's wares are so sleek and so elevated that they could work for just about any scenario. Just take a look at these boards, which are specially made for surfing: they are lightweight, water-repellant, abrasion-resistant, and feature two-way stretch. But the cut is so sharp and the surface so elegant that you almost want to wear them with a dress shirt.

Inseam: 9"Materials: Tech fibers with lycra

Rhone very seldom disappoints when it comes to performance shorts. The brand offers the kind of durable styles that’ll allow you to move freely, while also regulating sweat and heat. Its most water-friendly option are these board shorts, which are made of four-way stretch fabric and feature water-flow pockets. The one downside is that there's no built-in liner, but it more than makes up for it with this exuberant tropical print.

Inseam: 7"Materials: Nylon and spandex

Surfer style isn't as trippy as it once was in the past. Thanks in large part to Saturdays NYC (née Saturdays Surf NYC), the cowabunga aesthetic has become sleeker and more refined. The brand's All Terrain board shorts, for example, are made of a water-repellant four-way stretch nylon, feature soft microfiber interior waistband and laser-cut and bonded interior seams, and come in a super sleek olive green color. According to the label's founder, Morgan Collett, a self-professed board short snob, this style is "the best board short we've ever made." It doesn't get any better than that, folks.

Inseam: 7"Material: Nylon and spandex

When it comes to cool fits with fashion cred, trust that Nigo and Pharrell will always deliver. Their brand, Billionaire Boys Club, is celebrated for collections that combine streetwear and preppy styles in fresh, fashion-forward ways. They offer a vast selection of pieces for every kind of environment—from separates for city streets to outerwear for mountain tops—that always always imbue a cool factor. But for the beach, reach for these board shorts that have the brand's name front and center.

Inseam: 6.5"Materials: Nylon

Kelly Slater is pretty much the poster boy for surfing—the name that everyone in the industry reveres. To wit: the man has been crowned World League Champion a record 11 times. This means he knows what makes a great board short—the fabric, fit, and construction that it takes for wannabes to become winners themselves. Of course, the board shorts from his own label, Outerknown, offer all that is required: ultralight four-way stretch fabric, stitch-free welded seams, double-bonded rear seams, and a myriad of colorways so you can display your personal style.

Inseam: 9" Materials: Recycled polyester and spandex

From Bal Harbour to the shores of the Amalfi Coast, it's not hard to see a slew of men decked out in swimwear from Versace. The Italian label has pretty much set the tone for jetsetters at these luxe destinations—the kinds of people that like to stand out, that like to make an ostentatious statement with what they wear. Its gilded garland print, in particular, has become instantly recognizable for those that follow fashion resolutely. And if all this appeals to you, these board shorts are worth the investment.

Inseam: 7"Materials: Polyester

Length: This is what really separates board shorts from other swimwear styles. As I mentioned, you’re going to want shorts that’ll cover your thigh; they’ll help you avoid chafing and other discomforts that come with skin-to-board contact. Standard inseams should be no longer than 10-inches, and no shorter than 6-inches. Anywhere between 7 inches and 9 inches is ideal for most fellas.

Waistband: Wipeout is a real thing in water sports—and wardrobe malfunctions happen as a result. Which is why the best board shorts have durable waistbands, ones that are secured by sturdy string ties, usually laced through grommets. There are even some styles that feature Velcro or a zip fly to make sure that everything stays intact.

Material: As all styles in the swim category, the best board shorts are water-repellant. Go-to fabrics include nylon and polyester, with the addition of elastane or spandex for stretch. Nowadays, many of our favorite brands are using recycled materials, which is always a plus.

Design: Here's where personal style comes in. If you think you’re a chill dude, opt for muted colors, or standard black or navy. But if you like to color outside the lines, there are a slew of options in vibrant hues and exuberant prints. It is also great if the pair of shorts have a built-in mesh liner, because extra support and security is never a bad thing.

Barry Samaha is the former style commerce editor at Esquire, where he covered all things fashion and grooming. Previously, he was an editor at Harper's Bazaar, Surface, and WWD, along with overseeing editorial content at Tod's Group. He has also written for The Daily Beast, Coveteur, Departures, Paper, Bustle Group, Forbes, and many more. He is based in New York City and can't seem to find enough closet space for all his shoes.

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