The 9 Best Board Shorts for Men in 2025, Tested by Style Editors

Believe it or not, our style editors have worn these boardshorts to backyard BBQs and coffee shops—and not a single person batted an eye. That’s because the seeksucker print blurs the line between swimwear and everyday shorts. The puckered, woven fabric is traditionally found in casual summer tailoring, so these read more polished than your average trunk.

The fit is dialed in too: tailored but not tight with a silhouette that flatters most builds, especially guys with bigger quads who still want some structure without feeling squeezed. One tester with sprinter thighs said they felt secure, never snug, even after hours on the move.

While many lined boardshorts start to feel too tight or swampy after a few hours, this pair stays breathable and lightweight, thanks to the polyester-elastane fabric. No bunching, no sticking, no chafing. The look is so relaxed, I’ve worn it with a camp collar shirt to a casual resort dinner and didn’t feel out of place.

Read More: Best Swim Trunks

Patagonia makes the best hybrid shorts on the market. While most boardshorts are strictly for beach duty and maybe passable for grabbing, this pair kept up with everything we threw at it. We wore it on hiking trials, casting lines off the dock, and hitting the beach, all in one day without ever needing to change.

It’s got a slim fit, but gives you room to move, squat, climb, or lounge without anything feeling tight. The durable water-repellent fabric was a standout. It repels water like a champ, but still breathes, so whether we were getting splashed or sweating through a long, humid hike, we stayed dry and comfortable for hours.

One tester even wore it for a three-hour paddleboard session and didn’t feel soaked or weighed down after. We also dig the gradient color, which is a fresh break from all the usual solids and tropical prints. And yes, this short run a little longer, but don’t give baggy, lifeguard energy. The cut is dialed in, so you still look sharp waist-deep in the lake or grabbing tacos right after.

This boardshort will never feel out of place, whether you’re wearing it today or five summers from now. Inspired by old-school surf culture, this pair has a relaxed silhouette that looks pulled from a 60s beach photo, but built with modern materials that dry faster, move better, and feel comfortable all day.

During testing, our editors noticed the Japanese nylon fabric has a subtle texture that looks and feels like a well-worn oxford shirt. It’s lightweight but sturdy, and unlike some tech-y swim fabrics, it doesn’t feel slick or shiny. The material also dries faster than expected, considering it looks like regular shorts. After a full swim, it was dry enough within 30 minutes to lounge in a cabana without leaving a wet seat behind.

One tester pointed out that the waistband stayed comfortable all day, with no digging or constant readjusting, even while treading water. Best of all, this pair look like regular summer shorts, but with a front tie closure. We’ve worn this pair straight from the pool to the grocery store with a polo, and no one guessed it was meant for the water.

The Montauk boardshort from Todd Snyder is a major upgrade from the baggy boardshorts most guys grew up with. It nods to classic American prep with a stripe pattern that looks sharp and luxe. Sure, some printed cuts can lean too flashy, but this one strikes the right balance: sharpe yet understated at the same time. The quick-drying fabric has a slightly crinkled texture that looks refined, not sloppy. After swimming laps and laying out to dry, the material didn’t cling to our legs or ride up.

One tester wore it for nearly six hours straight, from a morning boat ride to an early dinner, and never felt the need to adjust the waistband. The elastic sat comfortably on the skin which isn’t always the case with drawstring-only styles. No fidgeting, no retying the waistband, no shifting liner—once it was on, they stayed in place. Bonus: this pair packs down small and resists wrinkles, makes it an easy go-to for weekend getaways.

Pros

• Looks great against summer tan
• Dries quicker than most trunks in this price range
• Adjustable branded nickel-effect side fasteners

If you’re looking to turn heads and stand out from the sea of basic boardshorts, grab this pair from Orlebar Brown. The geometric pattern and ocean-inspired Catalina Blue give it a bold, modern vibe without doing too much. I took these for a spin on a Miami trip and can confirm: the color pop, especially against a summer tan. Post-dip, I was impressed that the fabric dried quicker than most trunks in this price range. Because of the lack of stretch it’s the most comfortable, and it’s worth noting the tailored cut isn’t the most forgiving, especially if you’re carrying a little extra around the waist.

On the flip side, the side fasteners lock in a secure, customizable fit, and add a sharp, luxe detail. These weren’t reserved for the water either. I wore this pair straight from the pool to a beachside lunch with a simple white tee and sandals. Yes, it’s one of the most expensive options on the list, but the premium materials, sharp design, and its ability to look great in casual settings outside the pool justify its price.

With a 6-inch inseam that hits mid-thigh, this boardshort is the most universally flattering cut that we’ve tested. The classic fit isn’t too slim or too baggy; just a comfortable, middle ground cut that works on most builds. Perfect for our guys who want to show some leg without going full Euro speedo. Unlike other non-stretch options, this pair uses a polyester-cotton-elastane blend, which gave our testers enough give to chase a volleyball and pop up on a surfboard without any pulling or stiffness.

A reverse-entry back pocket, where the opening is angled toward the side seam instead of the center, helps keep keys or hotel cards secure. The style has an easy Riviera vibe that plays well with a linen button-down, but still looks right with just a tee. It’s the kind of short you throw on for the beach and never bother changing out of for that sunset drink—and that’s the point.

Birdwell’s 808 Boardshorts earned a spot in our testing because it does everything well. This pair blends authentic surf heritage, unmatched durability, and a tailored fit that looks great beyond the beach. I used this for three days of surfing, hiking, and jet-skiing, and this short held up beautifully. No sagging, no fading, and no sign of wear. Compared to Birdwell’s original 311, the 808 has a slightly slimmer, more modern cut with a scalloped leg opening that moves better when I’m active. It hits just above the knee—flattering, functional, and easy to style with a tee or camp shirt.

The camo print feels bold without being loud, and it’s more subtle than the shorts your dad wore. What really sets the 808 apart is the SurfStretch material. It’s the brand’s performance fabric featuring nylon and spandex that still manages to feel sturdy unlike flimsier swim shorts that flop around when drenched. This pair also dried impressively fast. After a full dunk in saltwater, one tester laid out in the sun and was back to dry in under 30 minutes. With details like a button fly, drawcord waist, and durable seams, these shorts are built for a full day of real action; think paddling out at sunrise, hiking cliffs in the afternoon, and grabbing tacos by sundown. If you’re only packing one pair of shorts this summer, make it these.

Fans of longer board shorts will appreciate this pair from Vilebrequin. With a 19-inch outseam, this hits right at the knee, delivering that classic surf-style length. Thankfully, it has a modern, athletic cut so it doesn’t feel bulky or dated. There’s no spandex or elastane in the blend, but the polyester fabric feels flexible, giving you freedom to move whether you’re stepping through deep sand or just chasing a frisbee down the beach.

The cut runs roomy, which is ideal for guys with rugby-player thighs. The drawstring waist stays locked in, even after a full swim, and the turtle print adds just the right amount of personality without veering obnoxious. During testing, we noticed how well these drain. We didn’t experience any ballooning or clinging around the legs, or more importantly, the crown jewels.

What Is the Difference Between Swim Trunks and Board Shorts?

From fit, lining, waistband, fabric, and occasion, board shorts actually differ from swim trunks in many ways.

Length

The main difference here is the length. While swim trunks generally hit at the thigh, men’s board shorts tend to be longer, usually ending right at the knee or slightly below it. This helps provide more coverage in general, and it protects you from the sun. Traditional board shorts tend to be baggier in shape and are known for being less restrictive—one of the many reasons they are recommended for highly intense activities, such as surfing, wakeboarding, and beach games.

Lining

Swim trunks almost always have mesh linings to provide more support. Boards shorts, on the other hand, do not usually have linings; in fact, surfers and sailors avoid liners because that extra fabric can cause abrasion against the skin. Instead, board shorts offer a free, less restrictive fit that helps air circulate to keep you cool on those hot summer days, and give you more wiggle room and space for movement on the waves. Really, if you’re performing heavy activities in water, no lining is the way to go.

Waistband

Board shorts have a very specific tighter, more durable waistband that opens up in the front and is secured by a Velcro or zip fly. It can be adjusted using a string tie, normally laced through grommets (aka those o-shaped metal hardware pieces) that help prevent them from falling down. However, swim trunks can come with a range of closures from button snaps and zip-flies to the most commonly used basic string tie at the front.