There’s something sacred about the pair of boardshorts you reach for when the dawn patrol calls your name. They’re not just a piece of clothing, but rather the most intimate piece of equipment you’ll own. Every seasoned surfer knows that the perfect pair of trunks can be the difference between a glorious four-hour session and a day spent fighting with your gear instead of the waves. And that’s a fight nobody wants to have when the sets are rolling in.
The history of the boardshort is a wild ride, much like the sport itself. Back in the day, the early watermen of Hawaii and California were shredding in cut-off denim or heavy wool, which was about as comfortable as paddling out in a wet blanket. It took a visionary like Tommy Tana in the 1950s to realize that surfers needed something with a little more stoke built into the seams. He swapped the heavy materials for lightweight cotton and rayon, and the modern boardshort was born. Then came the 1970s and the legend of Patagonia’s early nylon trunks, which brought the quick-dry revolution. Before that, you’d be sitting in a clammy, heavy pair of shorts for the entire drive home, and your car seat would never forgive you. Those pioneers understood that style means nothing if you’re uncomfortable the second you hit the sand.
When you’re sizing up a new pair of trunks, you’re really asking yourself a question about your relationship with the ocean. Do you want a short, tight cut with zero drag, the kind that makes you feel like a missile on a longboard? Or do you dig the loose, comfortable flow of a longer cut with a little breathing room, the kind that lets you feel the water rushing past your legs like freedom itself? The answer lies in what kind of surfer you are. If you’re a charger who likes to duck-dive on a heavy wave and feels every ounce of resistance, a shorter, slim-fit trunk with a contoured waistband is your ticket. But if you’re a cruiser who likes to kick back on a mellow point break and feel the sun on your shoulders, a longer, looser trunk with a drawstring that you can tie just right gives you that effortless glide.
The innovation in materials over the last few decades has been nothing short of radical. The best boardshorts today are made with hydrophobic, four-way stretch nylon that moves with you like a second skin, not against you. They dry in the time it takes to walk from the water to your towel, and they resist the dreaded board wax rash that can turn a blissful session into a red, stinging nightmare. The seams are often glued or taped, not stitched, to prevent that friction that rubs you raw on a long day. And let’s not forget the pockets—a true surfer’s trunk has a small key pocket or a zip pocket on the back or side, because your car key needs a home that isn’t going to explode out of your pocket when you get pitched over the falls.
But style, oh the style. Boardshorts are your blank canvas out on the water. You can roll with a classic Hawaiian print that harkens back to the days of the Duke, or you can keep it super clean with a solid black or navy pair that matches every board in your quiver. The loud, wild patterns are a statement of personality, a way to say, “I’m here for the stoke, and I’m not afraid to show it.” The minimalist in you, on the other hand, might prefer the quiet confidence of a simple stripe or a subtle tonal pattern that says you know what you’re doing without having to shout about it. There’s no wrong answer, as long as the shorts feel like they belong on your waist.
One of the best pieces of advice any old salt ever gave me was this: don’t buy boardshorts that are too tight. They can look good on the rack or in the mirror at the store, but when you’re floating for an hour, that snug fit will turn into a tourniquet. You want a waistband that sits comfortably on your hips without any digging, and a length that hits right around your knee when you’re standing, but doesn’t ride up too high when you’re sitting on your board. A little room in the seat means you can bend and twist without feeling like you’re fighting the fabric. And that’s the whole point, really. The ocean does enough work for you. Your shorts should just be along for the ride.
At the end of the day, the best boardshorts are the ones you forget you’re wearing. They become an extension of your body, a piece of the lineup that lets you focus on what matters: the next wave. Whether you’re chasing that endless summer or just stealing a couple of hours before work, the right pair of trunks keeps you in the zone. So next time you’re standing in the shop or scrolling online, don’t just pick the one with the coolest print. Think about the session. Think about the water. Think about the comfort. Because out there, it’s not just about looking good. It’s about feeling good, from the moment you wax your board to the moment you walk back up the sand. And that, my friend, is the true meaning of style.
