How to Choose Casual Boardshorts That Stand Out
A great pair of boardshorts can carry your whole warm-weather rotation. Throw them on for an early beach check, a bike ride to the boardwalk, or a last-minute cookout, and they should look intentional without acting precious. That is the real answer to how to choose casual boardshorts: find a pair that feels easy, moves with you, and has enough personality to avoid looking like it came from a generic resort rack.
Casual boardshorts have moved far beyond the lineup. The right pair can work with a faded tee and sandals, a button-up for dinner near the water, or nothing but sunscreen when the waves are calling. Fit comes first, but fabric, length, pockets, and print decide whether they become your go-to shorts or stay buried in the drawer.
Start With the Fit, Not the Print
A loud pattern might catch your eye first, but a weak fit will kill the look fast. Boardshorts should sit securely at your natural waist or just below it, depending on your build and how you wear your everyday shorts. They should not need a death grip from the drawstring to stay put, and they definitely should not bunch hard across the front when you sit down.
Look for a waistband that feels clean and comfortable against skin. Traditional lace-up fly closures deliver that classic surf look and let you fine-tune the fit. Elastic or elastic-back waistbands are more relaxed and easier for everyday wear, especially if your day includes food trucks, long drives, and a few hours in the sun. Neither is automatically better. A fixed waistband usually looks sharper, while elastic brings more forgiveness.
Pay attention to the seat and thighs. Too much fabric can make boardshorts look baggy in a way that feels dated rather than laid-back. Too little room limits movement and turns an easy beach staple into a bad decision the second you squat, paddle, or climb over a dune fence. You want a straight, comfortable line through the leg with enough room to move naturally.
Do They Need a Liner?
Not always. Most true boardshorts are unlined, which keeps them lighter and more versatile over swim trunks or compression shorts. If you want one pair to handle swimming and everyday hanging out, an unlined style is often the move.
A built-in liner can add support and make a short feel more like a hybrid swim trunk, but it is also one more layer to dry. Think about how you actually spend beach days. If you are in and out of the water, the liner may be worth it. If you mostly want a casual short with surf energy, skip it and keep the feel loose.
How to Choose Casual Boardshorts by Length
Length changes the entire vibe. It also changes how much freedom you have when you are active. The best inseam depends on your height, proportions, and whether you lean more surf classic, streetwear, or clean coastal.
Shorter boardshorts, generally around 16 to 17 inches outseam, hit above the knee and feel more modern, athletic, and beach-ready. They are a strong choice if you have shorter legs, prefer a more active fit, or want to show off your sandals instead of hiding them under extra fabric.
Mid-length styles around 18 to 19 inches are the safest all-around pick. They usually land near the knee, work on most body types, and shift easily from sand to town. If you are buying your first versatile pair, start here.
Longer boardshorts around 20 to 21 inches bring a more traditional surf silhouette. They can look great on taller people or anyone who prefers more coverage, but avoid going so long that the hem constantly catches your knee. A pair that restricts your stride will not get much wear, no matter how good the graphic is.
The mirror test is simple: stand, sit, and take a few big steps. If the hem looks balanced and nothing pulls at the hips, you are in the right zone.
Fabric Is Where Comfort Gets Real
You can spot a good colorway from across the shop. You notice cheap fabric the second it gets wet. Casual boardshorts should feel light, dry quickly, and hold their shape through saltwater, sun, and repeat wear.
Polyester is common for a reason. It is durable, fast-drying, and handles a long day around water without getting heavy. Recycled polyester brings the same practical benefits with a lower-impact story, making it a solid option for anyone trying to buy fewer, better pieces.
Stretch matters, especially if you skate, surf, play beach volleyball, or simply hate stiff shorts. A little spandex or elastane gives the fabric room to move. Four-way stretch is excellent for active days, though it can sometimes feel thinner than a more structured woven fabric. If your boardshorts are mostly for lounging, biking, and boardwalk laps, you may prefer a slightly sturdier material that keeps a crisp shape.
Check the inside seams, too. Flat or cleanly finished seams reduce chafing, particularly when wet. A soft waistband facing and a smooth fly panel are small details with a big payoff after several hours in the sun.
Pick Details That Match Your Actual Day
The best boardshorts solve small problems without looking overloaded. A secure back pocket is useful for a key, card, or wax comb, but do not expect any pocket to keep a phone dry. Drainage eyelets help pockets empty after a swim instead of ballooning with water.
A zip pocket is worth having if you are always carrying essentials. So is a key loop if you are the person who somehow ends up responsible for the car key. Just remember that extra hardware can add bulk. For a cleaner everyday look, one low-profile back pocket is usually enough.
Also consider the closure. A drawstring lets you adjust the waist, while a hook-and-loop fly gives a classic boardshort finish. Some casual styles use an elastic waist with an exterior cord, which reads more relaxed and can feel better for all-day wear. Match the construction to the setting, not just the label.
Make the Color and Print Do Some Work
Boardshorts are one of the easiest places to show some character. A solid black, navy, olive, or washed neutral pair earns its keep because it works with almost every tee, tank, and sandal you own. It is the reliable choice when you want one pair that can handle a whole trip.
But reliable does not have to mean forgettable. Color-blocking, retro stripes, floral prints, abstract graphics, and sun-faded tones bring the right amount of beach-town attitude. The key is balance. If the shorts are loud, keep the top simple. If you are wearing a graphic tee or statement sunglasses, a solid short keeps the outfit from competing with itself.
Think about your existing rotation before choosing a print. Boardshorts should connect with the tees, sandals, hats, and shades you already wear. That is how a pair becomes a repeat player instead of a vacation-only impulse buy.
At Edgewear, the best picks are the ones that feel like your own uniform, not somebody else's costume. Whether you lean toward clean Volcom-style staples, a more graphic RVCA look, or something built for a full day near the water, wear the pair that has some edge without trying too hard.
Try Them Like You Plan to Wear Them
Do not judge boardshorts standing still under fitting-room lights. Mimic real life. Sit down. Reach overhead. Take a long stride. Put your phone, keys, and wallet in the pockets if you plan to use them. If the waistband rolls, the fly gaps, or the fabric grabs at your thighs, move on.
If you are ordering online, use the brand's size chart and compare the listed waist measurement with a pair of shorts you already love. Reviews can help with whether a style runs narrow, roomy, short, or long, but your favorite pair at home is the better benchmark.
The right casual boardshorts should make getting dressed easier. Pick the pair that can handle saltwater, late lunches, and whatever happens after the beach, then wear them hard. That is the whole point of living life on the edge of the coast.