Blog

Aug 10, 2023

The 15 Best Board Shorts for Men in 2023

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more The surf's up this summer, figuratively and literally, and a pair of the best board shorts belongs in your style

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

The surf's up this summer, figuratively and literally, and a pair of the best board shorts belongs in your style rotation. These are a highly functional yet stylish piece of swimwear, first designed in 1950s Hawaii to meet the needs of surfers catching waves (and rays). These days, they're still a perfect summer style move for any time you spend in the ocean, the lake or the pool – particularly if you surf, but even if you're not the surfing type. There are some key differences between board shorts and the best swim trunks for men, though. For one, board shorts are often cut with a longer inseam for more coverage in terms of watersports (especially surfing). Beyond that, swim trunks are typically lined, while board shorts aren't lined. Swim trunks are a bit more suited for on-land lounging by the pool or on the beach, but board shorts are designed to perform in the water – and these are the best ones we're adding to our getaway bag now.

Sizing options: 26-40" based on colorwayAvailable colorways: 10 colors total

Trade in your Lululemon workout gear for some board shorts that are just as functional and even more stylish. A series of vivid colors nicely complement the summer sun and sand, but it's the water-repellent fabric that turns these into an ocean-ready set of board shorts. Plus, they feature a flat waistband for a secure fit.

Sizing options: 28-40" based on colorwayAvailable colorways: 13 colors total

Quiksilver has a long surfing heritage that still carries through to today, with upgraded modern technology to boot. That technology arrives by way of its soft-yet-durable Surfsilk fabric, which the brand boasts is soft to the touch yet strong and durable on the exterior.

Sizing options: S-XXL based on colorway

Available colorways: 17 colors total

Mugsy is famous for its stretch jeans, and its swimwear retains much of that same stretch and comfort, and in a wide array of colors. They feature a quick-drying water-repellent shell, plus an elastic drawstring waistband for a snug fit. There are also two inseam lengths to choose from – pool party or beach, these should surely fit right in.

Sizing options: 28-40" based on colorway

Available colorways: 24 colors total

REEF practically has you outfitted from head to toe for your next beach vacation, from its functional, stylish sandals to these board shorts with contrasting side stripe and waistband detailing. The 19" outseam provides maximum coverage for watersports of all kinds, and the 4-way stretch fabric should prove durable yet comfortable.

Sizing options: 28-44" based on colorway

Available colorways: Black, Cool Grey

Hurley uses recycled super-suede fabric for a sustainable touch that should also hold up well through years of surf and sand. The pioneering brand also blends streetwear-esque designs with functional details like a back flap pocket for valuables when on dry land, and that's the sort of utility every swimwear collection needs.

Sizing options: 28-41" based on colorway

Available colorways: Navy, Camouflage, Black, Red, Federal Blue, Gold

Birdwell Beach Britches very nearly invented the board short, or at least, they perfected it. The company has hardly changed its classic 311 Boardshorts over the years, which were a favorite among California surfers and lifeguards dating back to the 1960s. They're still sewn in California from the brand's tough yet supple SurfNyl fabric for maximum durability.

Sizing options: 28-38" based on colorway

Available colorways: Washed Black

Channel a touch of throwback cool with nylon swim trunks that also boast a stylish contrasting drawstring. The nylon fabric should stand up well to water and waves, while the longer inseam provides crucial coverage for plenty of days in the water.

Sizing options: 28-38" based on colorway

Available colorways: All Black, Woodland Camo, Moody Blue

Recycled polyester (for a sustainable touch) teams nicely with elastane (for stretch and comfort) via these dependable boardshorts from a legendary surfing brand. A side flap pocket also delivers vital storage space for your everyday carry back on the sandy shores, while RVCA branding offers a touch of stylish appeal.&

Sizing options: 28-44" based on colorway

Available colorways: Black, Aqua Wash, Aquarius, Coral, Grey Heather, Pink Dust

One of the struggles of catching wave after wave is board rash, which O'Neill has targeted here with its anti-rash hyperthread fiber. That design detail goes hand in hand with a selection of breezy summer colors, while stretchy and water-resistant fabric is as reliable as it gets for long surfing sessions (and day-long beach hangouts).

Sizing options: 28-38" based on colorway

Available colorways: Black, Bermuda Blue Heather, Lavender Aloe, Olive

No one likes water-logged trunks that increase the drag on your board during a surfing session, so RVCA designed these board shorts with a helpful 18" inseam and water-repellent fabric. The fabric also dries quickly back on dry land, and a range of stylish striped options and colorways offer helpful style for when it's time to grab a boardwalk beer.&

Sizing options: 29/30-43/44" based on colorway

Available colorways: Wave Runner Cabana Stripe, Orange Spark Pulse Stripe, Waterslide Pulse Stripe, Riptide Wavecrest Total Eclipse Whirlpool

The same brand that makes trusty basics – from tees to boxer briefs – is on a mission to take over the rest of your wardrobe with these tech-savvy board shorts. That means they're made with four-way stretch and two seam-sealed pockets (including one on the front thigh for easy access). They've also received more than 300 reviews for an average of nearly five (out of five) stars.

Sizing options: 28-38" based on colorway

Available colorways: 16 colors total

Vuori knows a thing or two about reliable performance in sporting pursuits, as its workout gear proves training session after training session. The brand uses a blend of recycled polyester, plus polyester and elastane, to nail the right fit and stretchy, quick-drying comfort. Plus, the scalloped leg detailing enhances mobility in and out of the water.

Sizing options: 30-40" based on colorway

Available colorways: 11 colors total

Chubbies already nails everything from the fit to the fabric and vivid colorways with its regular stretch chino shorts, and they've taken that same approach to these colorful, cool boardshorts. They feature a length more similar to regular swim trunks, but it's the four-way stretch fabric that really seals the deal in terms of performance. Plus, they come with cool added features like a bungee sunglasses loop.

Sizing options: XS-XXL, plus two inseam length options

Available colorways: Blue and White Gingham, Red and White Gingham, Teal and White Gingham, Tonal Blue Stripe, Tonal Olive Stripe

The same seersucker fabric you love so much in summer suiting gets a seasonal update via some breezy swim trunks in a nylon-spandex blend. As with everything from Bonobos shorts to chinos, the fit is on-point (with two shorts length options), and the colorways practically scream summer days in the sun.

Sizing options: 28--40" based on colorway

Available colorways: 8 colors total

Rhone's workout gear has a rugged, reliable reputation, and the same holds true when you want to catch a few waves (or rays). Unlike other board shorts, these feature a mesh liner for added performance and protection, while the flat waistband is a streamlined, comfortable touch. These are also treated with Goldusion Anti-Odor technology for improved, long-lasting performance.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected].