The 10 Best Board Shorts for Surfing
Best Patterns: Critical Slide Boardshorts
It can be surprisingly tricky to find boardshorts that come in decent patterns with how popular solid and color-block designs are. Australia-based Critical Slide puts patterns at the front though; ocean flora forms, tropical cocktails, and abstract acid trip are all on the menu here, with new styles available every season. Pictured above, the Jezza Trunk in fast-drying nylon.
Outseam: depends on model
Material: depends on model
Price: $80 AUD
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between board shorts and swim trunks?
Board shorts have been around long enough where the line between them and swim trunks or swim shorts is getting blurrier and blurrier. The main points of difference have always been lining—board shorts don’t have one, swim trunks do—and length—board shorts are often longer than swim trunks, extending down to the knee. Additionally, while swim trunks typically have an elastic waist, board shorts are fitted, with a lace-up front that provides some size range. Swim trunks also tend to have pockets, while many board shorts do not. All this said, the two labels are pretty interchangeable these days, and features that used to be particular to one can now be found in either.
When did board shorts become popular?
Board shorts were invented in the 1950s but became popular during the ’80s and ’90s with the proliferation of beach and surf culture into other parts of everyday life.
What are some other names for board shorts?
You might also hear board shorts called boardies or baggies.
Source: https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/best-board-shorts-surfing
