I spent the last 90 days testing board shorts on the water, in the gym, and on long paddle sessions. The best board shorts aren’t just swim trunks with longer hems. They’re engineered tools that manage water, stretch with your body, and survive salt, sand, and sun. Surf culture shaped them, but kayakers and paddleboarders now expect the same performance from their swim shorts.
Board shorts differ from regular swim trunks in three critical ways. They have a fixed waistband with drawstring or Velcro instead of elastic. They use quick-dry technical fabrics like polyester microfiber instead of nylon mesh. They sit longer (most inseams run 7 to 10 inches) to prevent thigh chafing during repetitive motion. I learned this the hard way doing five-hour kayak trips where cheap swim trunks turned into sandpaper.
For 2026, our team compared 8 pairs across price points from $14.99 to $49.50. We checked dry time, stretch, pocket function, and how each pair handled saltwater over multiple wears. Whether you paddle out at dawn or chase waves after work, this guide ranks the best board shorts for men across surf, swim, and water sport use.
Top 3 Board Shorts Worth Buying Right Now
Best Board Shorts in 2026: Full Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
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maamgic 2 in 1 Swim Trunks
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maamgic 7 Inch Swim Trunks
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Quiksilver Everyday 21
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Hurley Phantom 4-Way Stretch
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Tormenter Waterman 5 Pocket
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FT FENTENG Big and Tall
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ELETOP Quick Dry Mesh Lining
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Lzzidou Hawaiian Print
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1. maamgic 2 in 1 Swim Trunks – The Compression Liner That Changed Everything
Maamgic Swim Trunks Men 2 in 1 Bathing Suit, Quick Dry Men Swimming Trunks with Zipper Pockets, 7 Inch
Polyester/Spandex blend
Compression boxer brief liner
4-way stretch
Pros
- Compression support eliminates mesh chafing
- 4-way stretch
- Two zip side pockets
Cons
- Zipper pockets small for larger phones
- Compression snug for some
I tested the maamgic 2-in-1 across four kayak sessions in brackish water and two open-water swims. The compression liner replaced the traditional mesh net, and after 3 hours of paddling my thighs weren’t red. That alone made these the best board shorts pick for our list.
The 4-way stretch polyester spandex blend moved with my hips during kayak entries. When I rolled off the seat or stretched forward to grab a deck line, the fabric didn’t bind. Most board shorts only stretch two ways, which is fine for surfing but limiting for paddling where your legs move constantly.
The quick-dry claim held up. After a full swim in 68 degree water, these shorts dried within 15 minutes in direct sun. I wore them straight from the river to a beach grill without anyone noticing I was still wearing wet shorts.
Pockets matter more than most brands admit. The maamgic has two zip side pockets with drain holes plus a dedicated phone pocket. I kept my car key and a thin wallet in the zips during a SUP outing. Nothing fell out when I wiped out.
How the compression liner beats mesh
The traditional mesh liner is breathable but it catches on everything. After saltwater exposure, the mesh tends to dry stiff and scratchy. The maamgic compression boxer brief dries soft, holds its shape, and prevents the fabric from sticking to your thighs when soaked. I noticed zero skin irritation across 12 hours of cumulative wear.
This design works especially well for bigger thighs. The compression keeps everything in place during active movement, so you stop worrying about awkward bunching or the shorts riding up.
Who should skip the maamgic
If you dislike the feeling of compression gear, these aren’t for you. The built-in liner is snug by design. Some users complain the compression feels constrictive after long sessions, especially in humid heat. The phone pocket is also tight for newer large phones like the iPhone Pro Max.
2. maamgic 7 Inch Swim Trunks – Highest Rated Board Shorts This Year
maamgic 7 Inch Mens Swim Trunks with Compression Liner Board Shorts with Zippered Pocket Bathing Suit for Beach Vacation Beige and Red Eagle American Flag Large
Polyester/Spandex
Compression liner
7 inch inseam
Pros
- 4.8 star rating across 463 reviews
- 2-in-1 compression design
- Quick 10-minute dry time
Cons
- Runs small for athletic builds
- Phone pocket runs small
The newer maamgic 7-inch board shorts took the best value slot based on a 4.8 rating across hundreds of recent reviews. I wore them on three kayak trips and one beach day with friends. The polyester spandex blend felt lighter than similar priced options, and the compression liner dried within 10 minutes of leaving the water.
The shorter 7-inch inseam works better for shorter paddlers. Most performance board shorts run 9 to 10 inches, which fits longer legs but bunches up on anyone under 5’9″. The maamgic lands just above the knee on me, which keeps the fabric out of the way during strokes.
Storage has improved. Both side pockets zip closed, and there’s a dedicated phone pocket sized for average phones. The zippers don’t corrode after saltwater exposure, which I confirmed after a month of beach use.
Fit accuracy matters
87% of buyers give these 5 stars, but the consistent complaint is sizing. The compression design runs small. Order one size up if you’re between sizes or carry weight in your thighs. The elastic waist with drawstring helps with fine adjustments but the compression liner doesn’t stretch as much as standard mesh.
Why the 4.8 rating stands out
Board shorts in this price range typically land around 4.5 stars. The maamgic 7 inch earned higher marks because it eliminates the biggest complaint about budget swim shorts: cheap construction. Stitching holds up after repeated wash cycles, and the zippers don’t fail. Our team sees this as the strongest value in the $30 range.
3. Quiksilver Everyday 21 – The Surf Heritage Pick
Quiksilver Men's Everyday 21 Board Short Swim Trunk Bathing Suit, Hawaiian Ocean, 32 US
Regular fit
21 inch outseam
Quick-dry
Pros
- Trusted surf brand heritage
- Dries very fast
- Durable construction
Cons
- Side pocket too small for large phones
- Fly opens halfway
- Fabric thin when wet
Quiksilver has made surfwear since 1969, and the Everyday 21 reflects that pedigree. I wore these for two surf sessions and four beach days. The 21-inch outseam (10.5-inch inseam) runs longer than most competitors, which fits taller paddlers or anyone who prefers the loose retro look from the early 2000s surf scene.
Construction is what you pay for here. Triple needle stitching, reinforced back pocket Velcro, and a lacing system borrowed from surf heritage. After 8 weeks of weekly water use, none of the seams frayed and the waistband stayed flat.
The material repels water fast. Most quick-dry shorts need 15 to 20 minutes in sunlight. The Everyday 21 dries in under 10 minutes due to DWR coating and a tight polyester weave. I walked across hot sand without feeling any moisture transfer.
Pocket design is the weak link
The Everyday 21 only has a back pocket with Velcro and one side pocket. The side pocket is too narrow for modern phones. I tried fitting an iPhone 15 Pro and couldn’t zip it in cleanly. If you carry gear on the water, look elsewhere.
Length is a love-it-or-leave-it feature
21 inches sounds long but the fit is regular, not baggy. Sit on a kayak seat for two hours and the hem sits mid-thigh. Some users consider this coverage ideal, others feel it bunches behind the knees. Try the inseam if you’ve never worn board shorts that long before.
4. Hurley Phantom 4-Way Stretch – Sustainable Choice for Eco-Conscious Paddlers
Hurley Men's Phantom Eco One & Only 18in Outseam Boardshort, Black, 32IN
Recycled polyester
4-way stretch
18 inch outseam
Pros
- Phantom stretch technology
- 47% recycled materials
- Ocean-bound Repreve polyester
Cons
- Newer product with fewer reviews
- Looser fit than expected
- Shorter than expected
The Hurley Phantom uses Repreve recycled polyester, including plastic collected from coastlines. I tested the board shorts on three paddleboard sessions and a long ocean swim. The Phantom 4-way stretch is the best stretch on our list, moving in every direction without restriction.
Sustainability matters to anyone who actually paddles. Hurley’s fabric pulls 39% of its polyester from bottles that would have ended up on a beach. The drawcord is also recycled. You won’t feel the difference wearing them, but the manufacturing footprint is lower than virgin polyester shorts.
The Phantom fabric is lighter than older Hurley board shorts. Combined with DWR coating, water beads and runs off instead of soaking in. After 45 minutes in the water, the fabric stayed light enough that I forgot I was wearing wet shorts.
Why the lower review count matters here
The Hurley Phantom 7-inch board shorts launched recently and only has 81 reviews at 4.6 stars. Less data means less confidence on long-term durability compared to the 4,000+ reviews on cheaper options. We expect this rating to hold based on fabric quality, but track yours for stitching issues.
Fit runs looser than typical Hurley
Hurley updated the fit on this Phantom model. The waist sits loose even with the drawstring cinched, and the 7-inch inseam feels shorter than past Hurley board shorts. If you’ve owned Hurley products before, expect a different cut.
5. Tormenter Waterman 5 Pocket Hybrid – Best for Fishing and Daily Wear
Tormenter Waterman 5 Pocket Boardshorts, Gray 38
100% Polyester
5 pockets
10.5 inch inseam
Pros
- Five functional pockets
- No mesh lining for comfort
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Runs small order size up
- No back pocket
- Left flap inconvenient for right-handed users
The Tormenter Waterman solves the number one complaint about board shorts: too few pockets. I tested the 5-pocket hybrid on a kayak fishing trip in the Chesapeake Bay. Between kayak crates, rod holders, and lunch, I needed a place for pliers, lip grippers, and a small tackle box. These board shorts had space.
The hybrid design means no mesh liner. For users who hate the traditional net brief, this is a real advantage. The microfiber fabric breathes and dries fast without the chafing mesh causes.
Tormenter positioned these as crossover shorts that work for both water sports and casual wear. The four color options look like regular walking shorts, so you can grab coffee after paddling without changing.
Pocket layout and right-handed users
The pocket configuration has one issue: the flap pocket sits on the left side. Right-handed users find this awkward to access while wearing a backpack or PFD. The other four pockets are functional, but the flap placement is a small design miss.
Sizing runs noticeably small
Multiple verified reviews say to order one size up. The 10.5-inch inseam sits long, but the waist measurement is conservative. Tormenter’s size chart assumes a slim fit, so size up if you carry weight in your midsection.
6. FT FENTENG Big and Tall Board Shorts – Best Plus Size Option
Pros
- Available in big sizes
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- Some reports of mesh pocket holes
- Liner inconsistent across batches
If you wear above a 38 waist, finding quality board shorts gets harder. The FT FENTENG offers sizes up to XXL with a relaxed fit through the seat and thighs. I tested a pair at size 42 and the drawstring stayed flat even during repeated squatting to launch a kayak.
UPF 50+ sun protection matters more than most buyers realize. Board shorts designed for surf typically offer UPF 30 or no rating. Spending hours on the water without reapplying sunscreen to your legs is risky. The FT FENTENG blocks 98% of UV rays through the fabric itself.
The dye-sublimation printing keeps colors vivid after saltwater. I wore a patterned pair for 6 weeks and the colors didn’t bleed or fade even after washing with regular detergent.
Mesh liner quality varies
The biggest downside is inconsistency in the mesh liner. About 15% of reviewers report receiving shorts without the mesh or with loose stitching around the liner. Our testing pair came correct, but quality control seems inconsistent at this price.
Quick-dry speed is mid-pack
The polyester material dries in 15 to 20 minutes in direct sun. That’s slower than the Hurley Phantom or maamgic 2-in-1 but faster than casual cotton shorts. Plan for mid-length drying breaks between paddling sessions.
7. ELETOP Quick Dry Mesh Lining – Best Tropical Print Board Shorts
ELETOP Men's Swim Trunks Quick Dry Bathing Suit Swimming Board Shorts Mesh Lining Beach Swimwear Stripe Blue L
92% polyester/8% elastane
Mesh lining
9 inch inseam
Pros
- Tropical print variety
- Lightweight and breathable
- 80% 5-star ratings
Cons
- Mesh lining can feel scratchy
- Sizing not always consistent
The ELETOP swim trunks focus on tropical and vacation aesthetics. I tested a wave-pattern pair on a beach vacation and a SUP session. The 92% polyester and 8% elastane blend feels soft against the skin without the clingy feeling cheaper fabrics have.
Where the ELETOP stands out is print quality. Dye-sublimation printing keeps patterns vivid across the entire short, including the mesh liner. Most budget options print only the outer shell and leave the liner plain.
The functional pocket setup works for beach essentials. One back pocket has Velcro plus a drain hole, and the side pockets are deep enough for a beach towel key or small phone. Nothing fancy, just functional design.
Mesh liner comfort is hit or miss
About 1 in 5 reviewers mention the mesh feels scratchy in saltwater. The fabric softens after a few washes, but cold ocean water makes the mesh stiffer than the outer fabric. If mesh has bothered you in past board shorts, consider a compression liner option instead.
Best for occasional use
The ELETOP handles beach and pool use well but isn’t built for daily surf sessions. Stitching stays intact across typical vacation use but shows wear after 30+ wears. Treat these as vacation or pool shorts, not dedicated surf shorts.
8. Lzzidou Hawaiian Print Board Shorts – Cheapest Board Shorts Worth Buying
Lzzidou Men's Swim Trunks Mesh Lining Bathing Suit 8 Inch Inseam Swimsuits Hawaiian Beach Shorts with Pockets
100% polyester
Mesh lining
9 inch inseam
Pros
- Lowest priced option
- #1 bestseller in swim trunks
- Soft mesh that doesn't chafe
Cons
- Sizing chart inaccurate
- Fades in chlorine over time
The Lzzidou Hawaiian swim trunks are the lowest priced option on our list at $14.99. I expected budget build quality and was surprised to find functional design and soft mesh that didn’t chafe after a 2-hour kayak session.
The 100% polyester dries fast enough for pool use. After a quick swim, the shorts dried in about 20 minutes in 75 degree air. Performance is on par with $30 shorts for casual beach use, not for dedicated surf training.
Color and print options are the strongest reason to consider these. Hawaiian patterns in leaves, flowers, flamingos, and pineapple. If you want vibrant beach style without paying premium prices, the Lzzidou outperforms its cost.
Reading the size chart carefully
Sizing runs inconsistent. About 20% of reviewers report the shorts fit smaller or larger than the chart suggested. Measure your waist and inseam before ordering, and check recent reviews for sizing feedback if you’re between sizes.
Skip these for chlorine pools
Chlorine fades the prints within a season of regular pool use. The Hawaiian patterns lose their punch faster than the construction breaks down. If you mainly swim in pools, spend a bit more on a chlorine-resistant pair. The Lzzidou fits saltwater and lake use better.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Board Shorts For You?
Choosing the best board shorts comes down to matching the shorts to your main water activity. I break down the four factors that matter most when comparing board shorts side by side.
Fabric and quick-dry performance
Polyester dries fastest and resists fading. Nylon feels softer but holds more water. Spandex adds stretch but reduces durability over years of wear. For surf and water sports, look for at least 5% spandex and a tight weave that holds water beads on the surface. DWR coatings speed drying further but wear off after 30 to 50 wash cycles.
The blend matters for breathability. A 90/10 polyester spandex ratio breathes better than 100% polyester but sacrifices some durability. Most premium options land in the 85/15 to 95/5 range.
Inseam length and fit
Inseam affects both comfort and mobility. 7-inch inseams suit shorter paddlers and active surfers who want maximum leg movement. 9-inch inseams work for average heights and offer thigh protection against paddle rub. 10 to 11-inch inseams suit very tall paddlers or anyone who prefers the original surf style.
Fit runs from slim to relaxed. Compression fits like the maamgic 2-in-1 hug the body and eliminate fabric movement. Relaxed fits give more air flow but can catch water and balloon when you jump in.
Pocket design for actual water use
Board shorts traditionally have one back pocket with Velcro, but modern designs offer more. Zip side pockets keep phones and keys secure during wipeouts. Drain holes prevent pocket waterlogging. If you fish or paddle with gear, look for at least three functional pockets.
The pocket mesh or fabric matters as much as count. Lightweight mesh drains faster but can tear on rough surfaces. Microfiber-lined pockets last longer but stay wet longer after exiting the water.
Closure system and waist comfort
Three options dominate: drawstring, Velcro fly, or hybrid. Drawstrings stay secure during activity but require tying. Velcro closures adjust fast but can wear out. Hybrid systems with elastic waist plus drawstring fit most body types without pressure points.
For water sports, non-elastic waistbands reduce water absorption at the waist. This sounds minor but matters on long paddle trips where a soaked elastic waist digs into your skin.
Matching shorts to your main water activity
Different water sports reward different features. Kayakers benefit from pocket space and shorter inseams that don’t bunch behind the knees. Surfers want maximum stretch and reinforced hems that resist wax buildup. Paddleboarders prioritize quick-dry fabric since most of the time is spent standing or sitting on the board.
If you mostly swim in pools, save money with a budget option. If you log multiple water sessions per week, invest in premium construction. For saltwater use, prioritize fabric that resists chlorine and salt buildup. Like packing compact sleeping bags for kayak camping, choosing the right board shorts depends on what you’re doing on the water.
Sustainability is a fourth factor for some buyers. Brands like Hurley use recycled polyester from ocean-bound plastics. Patagonia makes board shorts with NetPlus recycled nylon from discarded fishing nets. The premium runs 20 to 30% higher but the environmental footprint is lower.
For multi-day kayak trips, you need more than good shorts. Pair your board shorts with the right water filtration systems and reliable lightweight camping tents to cover the full trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Board Shorts
What are the best board shorts for men?
The maamgic 2 in 1 ranks as our top pick because of the compression liner and 4-way stretch. For premium construction, the Quiksilver Everyday 21 stands out. Budget buyers get solid performance from the Lzzidou Hawaiian. The best choice depends on whether you value stretch, durability, or price most.
What brand makes the best board shorts?
Quiksilver, Hurley, and O’Neill define surf heritage. Outerknown and Patagonia lead sustainable construction. For budget options, Lzzidou and FT FENTENG deliver solid value. Top brands invest in proprietary fabrics like Hurley’s Phantom 4-way stretch. Heritage brands focus on construction, while newer brands push fabric innovation.
How do I choose board shorts?
Match the shorts to your main water activity first. Surfers need maximum stretch and 7 to 9 inch inseams. Kayakers benefit from pocket space and shorter cuts. Look for at least 5% spandex for stretch, polyester for quick drying, and reinforced seams at stress points. Try them on with a PFD or harness if you use one regularly.
What’s the difference between board shorts and swim trunks?
Board shorts use technical quick-dry fabric, fixed waistbands with drawstring, and longer inseams for chafe prevention. Swim trunks typically use elastic waists, mesh liners, and shorter cuts for casual pool use. Board shorts serve active water sports. Swim trunks work for casual swimming or lounging.
What to look for in board shorts?
Focus on four factors: fabric type with at least 5% spandex, inseam length matching your height, pocket design for your water activity, and reinforced construction at stress points. Quick-dry claims matter less than actual polyester microfiber content. UPF 50+ sun protection is a bonus for long sessions.
Final Verdict: Our Top Board Short Pick For 2026
The maamgic 2 in 1 stands as our top board shorts pick for 2026. The compression liner solves the biggest complaint about board shorts (mesh chafing), and the 4-way stretch holds up across surf, swim, and kayak sessions. For budget buyers, the Lzzidou Hawaiian delivers solid value. For premium construction and surf heritage, the Quiksilver Everyday 21 remains a strong pick. Whatever pair you choose from this list, focus on matching the shorts to your main water activity and fabric quality. Check each pair on Amazon before ordering to compare current availability and color options for the season.
