With a classic board short waistband and the length of a traditional swim trunk, this option is the best of both bathing suit options. While lesser board shorts are just meant for the beach, this one is made for hiking or other outdoors, walking-heavy adventures too. They feature a built-in mesh brief, stretchy waistband and pockets, including a back hook-and-loop pocket for stashing small essentials.

Shorts in 2023, Tested by Style Experts 20 Best Board Shorts in 2023, Tested by Style Experts

You'll find side pockets with mesh bags for water drainage as well as a zip pocket for additional storage (just remember to take your phone out of the pocket before jumping in the pool). However, swim trunks can come with a range of closures from button snaps and zip-flies to the most commonly used basic string tie at the front.You can't talk about board shorts without talking about Birdwell's 311—they're as '90s-surfing-culture as board shorts can get. Believe it or not, our testing editors have worn these shorts to the gym, office, club, bar, or just to run errands, and no one has ever batted an eye on the fact that these are actually board shorts meant for surfing and swimming. Nike swimwear is made from performance fabrics that move with you and dry quickly, while providing comfort and coverage. While I wouldn't wear them to surf—and most surfers probably wouldn't either—I do like to wear them out to the beach, bathe, or swim in the water. The Cruise Boardshort is not your average swim trunk and features a performance fit, pockets, and the versatility of a walk short," he says.

JustSun Mens Swim Shorts with Zip Pockets Mesh Lining Quick

Whether you’re hitting the beach, lounging poolside, or just chilling out on balmy days, nothing says summer style quite as convincingly as board shorts—and the best board shorts for men in the market right now are a tapestry of style, comfort, versatility, and performance. De-selecting these cookies may result in you seeing advertising that is not as relevant to you, not being able to link effectively to Facebook, Twitter or other social networks, and/or not being allowed to share content on social media. The four-way stretch fabric with water-repellent coating allows for optimum flexibility and comfort for all beach activities. Other feats like weightless drainage, ventilation, and quick-dry which we've tested in the water really render these shorts a, well, champion.Which is why Kathleen McNally, the Creative Director at performance-wear brand SAXX, says to "always look for lightweight synthetic fabrics, that are quick-dry and fade-resistant. And whether it's on the beach or on the waves, their long, loose fit has provided us with a great range of motion, despite having no added stretch to the fabric. After feeling them inside and out, our favorite part about them is how lightweight and smooth the fabric is. While there's no added stretch, the nylon fabric does feel inherently stretchy, and I was able to take big steps in them easily. Some brands use nylon instead of poly because it absorbs less water and does not get heavy as the waterproofing wears off over time, but nylon does not (take color) dye as deeply and vibrantly as poly," he says.