Short Length Boardshorts

Short Length Boardshorts FAQs

What makes short-length boardshorts different from other cuts?

Short length boardshorts sit at roughly 15 inches in length, hitting above the knee, a cut that prioritises freedom of movement and quick water exit when paddling or popping up on a wave. That shorter hem cuts drag when you duck-dive through a set, which is why surfers who spend more time in the water than on the sand tend to choose this cut first. Before settling on an inseam, it's worth looking at long length boardshorts: the extended cut adds support and covers more of the leg from the sun, which is why many bodyboarders and beginners favour them. The short cut also dries noticeably faster, which matters on unpredictable summer days when you're alternating between the water and the car park.

Are lightweight boardshorts suitable for surfing or just casual beach use?

Lightweight boardshorts typically use a thin polyester weave that's built specifically for surf use. The fabric weight is kept low to reduce the amount of water the shorts hold after each wave, which directly affects how heavy they feel when paddling back out. A heavier saturated fabric pulls on the waist and increases fatigue over a long session. That said, the same lightweight construction makes these shorts versatile enough for a beach day, bodyboarding, or a cliff jump. The same lightweight fabric thinking carries into boys' boardshorts, where the difference lies in the cut, proportional fits designed around younger surfers instead of scaled-down adult patterns.

What should a man look for in short-length boardshorts for surfing versus swimming?

For surfing, the priority features are a secure closure, either a Velcro fly or a reinforced drawstring, to prevent the shorts from pulling down on wipeouts, along with flatlock stitching that won't chafe against a wetsuit lining. For casual swimming or pool use, those technical details matter less, and a simpler cut with a mesh liner for support is often enough. The Hendaia pockets range adds side pockets with drainage eyelets, which are more relevant for beach walks than active surf sessions since pockets add minor drag. Across men's boardshorts, you'll find options spanning both use cases, from no-pocket performance cuts to pocketed styles suited to summer holidays.

Do women have equivalent short-cut swimwear options?

Yes, the short-cut surf silhouette isn't exclusive to men's swimwear. Women who prefer a boardshort-style fit rather than bikini bottoms for surfing, paddling, or active water sports have dedicated options that use the same quick-dry fabrics and secure waistbands. The shorter inseam translates well across all genders when the priority is water performance over silhouette. Those options sit within women's swimwear, which includes boardshort cuts alongside rash vests and one-pieces, all worth considering when kitting out more than one person for a surf trip.