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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.
Lululemon Current State Board Short
Sizing options: 26-40" based on colorway
Available 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.
Quiksilver Surfsilk Tijuana Boardshorts
Sizing options: 28-40" based on colorway
Available 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.
Mugsy Coastals Stretch Swim Suit
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.
Reef 19” Board Shorts
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.
Hurley One and Only Boardshorts
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.
Birdwell Beach Britches 311 Nylon Boardshorts
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.
Brixton Nylon Water-Repellent Swim Trunks
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.
RVCA Eastern Board Shorts
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.&
O’Neill Hyperfreak Heat Block Board Shorts
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).
RVCA Current Stripe Water Repellent Board Shorts
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.&
Mack Weldon Swim Board Shorts
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.
Vuori Cruise Boardshorts
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.
Chubbies Hawaii Fives Boardshorts
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.
Bonobos Boardwalk Swim Shorts
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.
Rhone Point Break Board Shorts
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.
Beau Hayhoe Freelance Reporter, Insider Reviews Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style contributor for Insider Reviews. Beau's entry into the menswear world started with the classics — Levi's jeans, Timex watches, Red Wing boots —and now spans a decade of freelance writing for some of the industry's most prominent men's lifestyle publications. Beau covers daily menswear essentials both rugged and refined, from blue jeans to flannel shirts, dive watches, henleys, leather boots and more. Beau's work has appeared online at a range of publications, including Maxim, AskMen, Fatherly, Gear Patrol, SPY and StyleCaster. Prior to entering the freelance world, Beau worked in menswear PR, while at the same time building his own daily style blog (The Style Guide). Aside from his passion for menswear, Beau also covers whiskey, music and craft beer, and his music writing has appeared at Esquire and InsideHook. Beau graduated with Honors in Journalism from Michigan State University. Connect with Beau online via Twitter, Instagram and his daily style blog. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests style and beauty products. Read more Read lessYou can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
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