Boardshort Brands: Baggies for the Beach

You can, but you’ll likely regret it, bro. Everyday cotton shorts or heavy chinos soak up water like a sponge, get crazy heavy, and take forever to dry. They’ll weigh you down while paddling and can chafe you raw. Real boardshorts are engineered with lightweight, hydrophobic fabrics that shed water and move with you. They have features like secure closures and reinforced seams. Save the casual shorts for the post-sesh burger run and gear up with proper baggies for actual water time. Your performance and comfort will thank you.

This is the great debate! Liners (usually mesh) are built-in and mean you can ditch the underwear—they’re all you need. They offer support and prevent chafing. Linered shorts are classic and super convenient. Linerless shorts are more flexible, dry quicker, and feel less restrictive, like wearing comfy shorts. They require separate swimwear underneath. It’s totally a preference call. Go linerless for maximum freedom and drying speed, or go lined for that traditional, all-in-one simplicity. Try both and see what suits your session.

Stoked you asked! More and more brands are crafting threads from recycled plastics, like post-consumer bottles. It’s a solid move for the oceans we love to ride. Performance-wise, they’re totally legit—often just as durable, quick-drying, and flexible as virgin polyester. You’re not sacrificing any shredability. By choosing recycled, you’re helping to keep plastic out of the lineup and reducing your footprint. It’s a win for your style and for the break. Always check the tag; the eco-friendly ones are usually proud to shout about it.

It’s a personal vibe, but the rule of thumb is they should hit right above your knee. Too long and they’ll feel baggy and drag in the water, messing with your mobility. Too short and, well, that’s a different look entirely. The modern sweet spot is around 19 to 21 inches for most dudes. This length gives you full range for paddling and carving without getting all bunched up. Try a few lengths and see what feels right for your style—just make sure they don’t restrict your movement when you’re dropping in.