The 11 Best Board Shorts for Men in 2024, Tested by Style Editors

The board short gets a modern twist in this slightly slimmer cut and double-striped option from Fair Harbor. And after testing it out in our fashion closet, we've decided that it is a beach essential through and through.

We love how how lightweight and smooth the fabric is. But its function is by no means lightweight—the quick-dry and four-way stretch allowed us to move in (and out) the water comfortably. Polyester has a tendency to trap sweat and bacteria, leading to unpleasant smells. But that wasn't the case with The Nautilus, thanks to its odor-resistant properties, which can help mitigate BO.

Our Fashion Director, Ted Stafford especially loves how eco-friendly the short is. "This swimsuit made with recycled polyester—which is made from 11 plastic bottles—makes for feel-good beach attire while catching some waves," he says. "The four-way stretch fabric with water-repellent coating allows for optimum flexibility and comfort for all beach activities."

Read More: Best Swim Trunks

We can't talk about the best board shorts for men without talking about Birdwell's 311—it's the iconic '90s surf short. It is, in fact, one of the first options we've tested��after all, we've all seen our dads sport this short at least once.

We love how commando-friendly it is since there's no liner. It's made with 100% nylon—which is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathable—to be uber water-friendly. While nylon isn't as stretchy as spandex, in our experience of wearing this, it's still flexible enough for slow jogs on the beach.

With large zip front and back pockets, Mack Weldon's board short lets you take everything you need to the pool or beach. In terms of performance, this option wicks away moisture like a champ and dries as faster than most other options on this list. We also love the various summer-friendly colorways, especially this orange gradient version that will make you stand out from the crowd.

During our testing, we realized this board short—made with 4% spandex—didn't offer as much mobility as those made with 10% spandex. On the bright side, the design is cut closer to the body, offering a more tailored fit that's super flattering. Plus, it's easy to sport whether you’re sunbathing on the beach or grabbing lunch on the resort.

Tested by legendary surfing champion Kelly Slater on the waves—and by us in our fashion closet—this short is the ultimate option for athletes. The welded seams are lightweight but durable, and the stretchy polyester fabric allows for extra mobility.

In our testing, we simply can't get enough of how performance-heavy this board short is. It comes with more than 10% spandex, so our guys even wore them to jog or play volleyball. Other feats like weightless drainage, ventilation, and quick-dry which we've tested in the water really render these shorts a, well, champion. It's also completely chafe-free to boot.

Patagonia makes the best hybrid shorts on the market. Based on our testing, we found that the Wavefarer took us from one summer adventure to the next without having to change. While lesser board shorts we tried are just meant for the beach, we found this one is made for fishing, hiking and other walking-heavy adventures, too.

We especially like the DWR nylon fabric, which is water-repellent and breathable. We felt nice and fresh now matter how sweaty or wet we got. While there's no added spandex, the nylon fabric does feel inherently stretchy, and we were able to take big steps in them—easy peasy.

If you want a pair of board shorts that doubles as gym shorts, this Vuori number is up for the job. We tested its performance fabric and were impressed by its stretch, which has allowed us to easily do cardio as well as walking lunges during an intense leg day workout. Plus, its moisture-wicking and anti-odor technology keeps you looking (and smelling) fresh after running a few miles.

We love how this short is built for land and water. Our fashion editors have rocked it at the beach and the seaside bar, and it fits right in at both spots.

Read More: Best Gym Shorts

When it comes to board shorts, Faherty is known for its eye-catching prints and patterns. Go with this version, showcasing a solid-striped contrast that looks cool, but not flashy. Apart from surfing, we found that it looks neat paired with a white t-shirt and sandals for a laid-back fit to wear on a boat ride or the boardwalk.

Our editors' favorite part about this short is the comfort of the performance. Its cotton blend feels nice and smooth, sure, but its quick drying and decent stretch ensure that it won't cling to your skin when you're wet.

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Lululemon's Current State Board Short is a win for taller dudes with its 9-inch inseam, hitting that sweet spot for coverage and style. It also nails all the key points: sleek design, snug fit, resistant to abrasion, and water-repellent. Not to mention, the pair also has a flat, vented waistband that remains in place, whether you're conquering the ocean waves or taking a few laps around the pool.

We found that the fabric is lightweight and doesn't get sticky when drenched in the ocean. From a comfort perspective, the relaxing fit makes it a solid choice for guys with thicker thighs. Also, the nylon-elastane blend offers a great range of motion, so you can move your legs freely.

Believe it or not, our testing editors have worn these shorts to the gym, bar, or just to run errands, and no one has ever batted an eye on the fact that this short is actually meant for surfing and swimming. That's because its fitted-but-not-tight cut makes it universally flattering for everyday wear. Yeah, it's less baggy than other options, but we found that it's still roomy enough for just about any activity. Its UPF 40 fabric adds an extra layer of sun protection for your summer adventures.

You don't need to have to spend a fortune to secure a pair of supreme board shorts. Take this ombre option from Old Navy, which comes in over a dozen flattering prints, and is available in regular and tall sizes. It's also made with UV protection to block gnarly sun burns and built-in flex to offer plenty of comfort and mobility.

Despite its cheap price tag, the quality exceeded our expectations. We love how ultra-smooth the fabric felt after we put it on. It also dried relatively quickly. The stretch and adhesive fly are also very useful during a day of paddle boarding. However, what we love most about it is the fit: the 8-inch inseam dangles nicely above the knees, offering a neat look.

Fans of long board shorts, look no further than Hurley’s signature One & Only shorts. With 22 inches in length, it gives you the coverage you love and need. If you've got thighs like a rugby player's, this short also come in extended sizing for big guys who are looking for a reliable swimsuit.

After trying it out in the water, we found that this short doesn't cling at all to the skin—or the "package", which is exactly what we're looking for. Although, we must note that this has no stretch since it's 100% polyester—a fact that we also tested to be true. So don't strain yourself too much wearing them.