10 Of The Coolest Board Shorts Designs: Athletic & Stylish 2021 – Best In Beach
Almost everyone likes to look their best when going to the beach which is why many hit the gym hard in the months leading up to the summer months. However, a rocking bod is not the only thing that matters, and these board shorts will make sure you get the attention you deserve when you hit the sun and sand.
This list has what we judged to design the best, comfortable and stylish trunks that will turn head and allow you to rule the beach.
Board shorts are the swim trunks traditionally worn by casual surfboarders and wakeboarders and usually feel more like regular shorts than other common swim trunks. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions when it comes to these shorts:
Normal men’s swim trunks usually feature a heavy mesh or are tight spandex, but board shorts fall somewhere in the middle. They feature a sleek, comfortable design that feels a lot more like regular shorts than a swimsuit.
They allow for athletic movement, and a full range of motion and so are the go-to swimwear for those interested in surfboarding or wakeboarding, scuba diving, and snorkeling or even just long walks on the beach. They also look enough like normal shorts and the shorts below feature a designed, modern style that allows one to wear them to many beach-side restaurants.
You can buy board shorts at pretty much any retailer that sells swimsuits or summer clothing. We included a link to all the products below, and you can find board shorts at many online retailers as well.
We reviewed these board shorts based on comfort, style, durability, and price. These shorts will either maximize the effort you put into your beach bod or cover up the dad body you have been working on.
As with any clothing, the price range of board shorts varies greatly (anywhere from around affordable to very expensive) with the lower end options being common patterns and simple designs with the higher end product featuring the best materials, durability, and custom designs. On average, board shorts usually fall in between a more casual swimsuit and the high-priced purely athletic swimwear, representing a perfect balance of the two extremes.
- O’Neill Men’s Catalina Avalon Board Short Shirt
- Clothin Men’s Quick Dry Surfing Boardshorts with Pocket
- Milankerr Men’s Stripe Boardshort
- Hurley Men’s One and Only 22-Inch Boardshort
- Alki’i Men’s Boardshorts
- NEFF Men’s Daily Hot Tub Boardshort
- Hurley Mens Phantom Kingsroad Light 21″ Boardshorts
- Rip Curl Men’s Mirage Wedge Boardshort
- Billabong Men’s Spinner Lo Tides Boardshort
- Volcom Men’s Stripey Stoney Boardshort
O’Neill makes these board shorts from polyester with a drawstring closure to keep them adjustable and always comfortable. There is a side pocket for keeping waterproof essentials close and secure, and the teal and gray colors blend perfectly to create a fun, simple and modern look. The striped design adds style to the crosshatch fabrication. They are also a perfect length for a pair of men’s board shorts, making them a favorite on the market. They are durable and machine washable, perfect for anyone looking for a pair of shorts to wear for a long time.
- Trendy, modern design
- Great length
- Deep pockets
- The pattern doesn’t promote many colors well
- Can be tight in the crotch for some
One of the cheaper options on our list, these shorts feature a wide variety of designs varying from the American Flag to one that reminds you of water with its blends of teal and gray. The polyester material dries quickly, and there is no mesh lining on the inside. The elastic waistband with a drawstring ensures a better, flexible fit, and these shorts come with a pocket with Velcro closure to keep waterproof essentials from getting lost in the sand or the waves. They feature a quick-dry material that allows you to hop out of the water and be dry and ready to go quickly instead of having to change into regular clothes.
- A wide variety of style
- Velcro pocket
- Quick Dry material
- Not as durable as other options
MILANKERR Men’s Stripe Boardshort Red
- Quick dry, light weight,soft and comfortable.
- Board shorts can be wear when you surf,or swim,or just relax in the beach.
- String adjust the waistband.Zipper pockets at side.
These shorts are anything but boring with blue, white, gray, and red colors to add vibrant style to them and a drawstring at the waist with Velcro to fit any body type perfectly. They are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional with pockets on the side to keep those waterproof essentials safe. Made of spandex, they are comfortable, versatile and dry quickly.
- Dries quickly
- Comfortable and Durable
- Versatile
- Velcro on the waist can come undone with heavy activity
- Simple pattern and design
Sale Hurley One & Only Boardshort 22″ Hyper Jade 32
- Hurley Size Chart
- Mark my words; the epic One & Only Boardshort made with modern technology will become the classic style you’ve always…
- Polyester supersuede material dries quickly and provides for a superb wear when you’re out there thrashin’.
Coming in 30 different designs and styles, Hurley’s Phantom P30 One and Only Board Short is a great option for anyone who prefers simplicity over complexity. Hurley uses material that is 92% Recycled Polyester and 8% Spandex allowing for quick dries. The material is light, stretchy and machine washable and has a zip pocket at the side to protect those must have waterproof essentials. They come with EZ fly closure making them easy to put on and take off, even when wet. Featuring 15 different color options along with the slight style and design changes, there is a perfect pair for every beachgoer.
- Easy to take on and off
- Dries quickly
- Recycled material
- Sizing can be somewhat inconsistent
- Waist tie comes loose easily
With more complex and interesting designs, these board shorts are ideal for any late night pool parties. You can never have too many pockets on your shorts and these shorts have two large pockets on the side and one in the back perfect for keeping any waterproof essentials safe and on your person. The elastic waistband with a drawstring allows adjusting for a perfect fit every time and the netted lining inside keeps them from being see-through.
- Interesting designs
- Fit true to size
- Lots of pockets
- Dries slower
- Thin material
These shorts offer an elastic waist and loose fitting style for maximum comfort. Made from 100% Poly Microfiber with a peach finish and satin back, they are perfect for getting cozy in a hot tub or laying back on the beach. Designed more for a pool-side event than the beach, they are still a quality option for any waterside day in the sun no matter where you are. While they allow for a full range of motion, with no tie in the waist one may have an issue with them sliding down with sudden activity. However, if you are more interested in being a beach bum, then these are the shorts for you.
- No waste tie
- Lack of good pockets
Another pair of Phantom Board Shorts from Hurley, these bring the same quality and features as the simple ones above, but with a different style. The featured material is soft and stretchy and shows off the vivid, complex and stylish design. The stitching in the shorts is strong and adds flair to the design, and the shorts have a generous inseam so if you prioritize comfort, but like attention-grabbing designs, this swimsuit is the choice for you.
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Large inseam
- Can slip in the waist
- Below average pockets
These shorts have a stylish pastel pattern and a distressed design with soft 100% polyester material. These shorts have a full drawstring enclosure and a contrasting waistband and piping. Featuring a scalloped leg design as a nice vintage touch, it adds style but shrinks pocket size which may not be able to fit a large phone or wallet. These shorts rest above the knee so if you are into shorter designed shorts than these are the swim trunks for you.
- Stylish, vintage look
- Durable
- Comfortable Waist
Like the previous entry on our list, these shorts feature a modern fit that is cut off slightly above the knee. Its lasso waist has a full drawstring so you can tie down a larger size for the perfect fit. They have a tight yet comfortable fit which makes them one of the best board shorts for water activities like surfing, skim boarding, swimming or wakeboarding and all Billabong board shorts are treated with a special internal gel print to reduce fabric cling and water absorption, making them even more valuable if you plan to be surfing or swimming.
- Modern, Comfortable Fit
- Great for swim activities
- Quick drying
- Can feel tight on the inseam
- Below average pockets
With an interesting, pastel-inspired stripe design, this pair of shorts is a cool option for a relaxing and casual day at the beach. While they aren’t great for those who have an active beach life, they are comfortable and stylish so combined with the stylish design they are perfect to go hang at the beach or a pool party and then socialize or go out. Machine washable with a roomy, well-fitting inseam and outseam, and an adjustable tie waist, these shorts give any lazy beach bum a good looking option without having to sacrifice any of the comfort or range of motion you need.
- Comfortable and Stylish
- Durable and Machine Washable
- Well-fitting adjustable waist
- Not good for an active beachcomber
- Below average pockets
Like any clothing options, board shorts offer a wide variety of options, and it is up to you what you think is best. For those looking for a perfect combination of sporty and stylish, then either of the Hurley options will be perfect for you. If you are just looking to hang at the pool or beach and are trying to look good just laying about, then the Neff Miami Hot Tub shorts are probably the best option for you. For those active beach lovers, the Billabong shorts are the perfect option as they can keep you up with whatever you throw at them. This top 10 list is the perfect guide for your next summer outing to show off that covered up body from the winter.
If you are looking to up your beach style and soak up sun rays, then follow the links provided and enjoy your comfortable, stylish new board shorts today.
