When choosing boardshorts there are a three main sizing factors to consider Waist Size, Length and Fit. What waist size you get may depend on either how you wear boardies ie. Low down, off your hips or if you want it to be worn over a wetsuit etc...
It can also depend on the style of a boardshorts eg. Most of the shorter retro boardshorts are a slightly slimmer fit, so you may want to get the larger size if you want a bit more room.
| INCHES | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 34" | 36" | 38" | 40" |
| SIZE | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | |||
Boardshorts come in various lengths, ranging from a 48 cm (above the knee shorts) to a 63 cm (below the knee shorts) so bear this in mind when choosing. Below are some rough examples of the different lengths.
Standard Boardshorts : These fall at or below the knee and are not a tight, nor baggy short and make up about 80% of board shorts
Retro / Short Boardshorts : These can range between 30 cm and 50 cm, so a lot shorter, also the cut can be a slightly slimmer one that may fit the form better.
All boardshorts are designed to wear in and out of the water, whether your in the water or just hanging out at the beach. All coming in several lengths, style, fit, technical abilities, colours and designs.
Here are some and hopefully helpful tips.
FABRICS
The list of fabrics seems to grow larger and larger every year, as new technologies continue to emerge.
The most common material used is Microfiber Polyester, its lightweight, quick drying and very comfortable to wear. Most brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, Ripcurl, Hurley etc. have some variation of Microfiber Polyester material but use their own name.
Supersuede and Supremesuede fabric which again is very quick drying though not quite as lightweight as your Hydrostretch, Superstretch, Spandex and 4-Way Stretch materials. Which are not only Quick Drying and Lightweight, they also give you ultimate stretch and flexability.
LENGTHS
Boardshorts come in many different lengths, but you generally have got your typical standard which is about 22" putting the bottom of your short just above your knee. This being the most popular length as no material gets in the way when standing to catch a wave. Short boardshorts which are about 16"-18" , this style tends to be about mid thigh length very popular in the 50's making a big comeback on todays beaches. You then have the longer boardie which sit just below your knee being over 22".
THE FLY
There are mutiple types of flys on boardshorts including velcro, zippered and neoprene - velcro free flys are found often. The closure is usually some combination of velcro, buttons and drawstring, most boardies have drawstring which tie off after velcro/ button fastening.
THE SEAMS
The seams are vital to the durability of your short, the seams holding them together, both the inseam and outseam are usually sewn using either double or triple needle stitching. A stitchless seam is created with a type of welding glue, welding the seams together keeping the seam tight but non- abrasive.
POCKETS
Boardies do have pockets, some have side and back pockets whether being just drainhole pockets, or pockets with zippers/velcro with hooks you can keep your car key, ID card or wax comb safe and sound.
Some of our more technical boardshorts have pockets welded or bonded on so they are virtually invisible.
STYLE AND FIT
About 90% of boardshorts are a relaxed fit. The retro boardies and some of our technical boardshorts are more of a tailored fit.
