Yesteryear’s boardshorts were generally made either out of nylon or cotton. Nylon is still used ahead of polyester in some boardshorts, even in some highly technical ones; it is harder-wearing than polyester but absorbs more water. It is also much harder to source recycled nylon fibres, and so while 100% recycled polyester is fairly common in boardshorts, an equivalent nylon fabric doesn’t yet exist.

Cotton is relatively cumbersome, becomes heavy when wet, and takes a long time to dry, but has a casual look and feel that is still preferred by some surfers. Many boardshorts, particularly those with an emphasis on fashion or use on land, incorporate a little cotton into the fabric, and some still use 100% cotton, although these may compromise your reproductive organs.

Boardshorts For Surfing: Stretch

Most surfers — not all — prefer fabric that is also a little stretchy, which likewise increases freedom of movement and reduces friction. Stretch fabric is either 2-way stretch or 4-way stretch, ie. stretching both crosswise and lengthwise.

Boardshorts For Surfing: Drying Time

Lightweight materials are likely to be relatively quick-drying anyway, but the process can be sped up by a durable water repellant (DWR) or hydrophobic coating, utilised by almost all of today’s high-end boardshorts. Wandering around in damp shorts will contribute greatly to irritation of the skin; quick-dry fabric will save your balls the purgatory of long, soggy walks to and from the beach. It will also reduce absorption of and friction with water, resulting in a less cumbersome pair of boardshorts when surfing.

Boardshorts For Surfing: Waistband

High-tech waistbands will be lightweight, skin-friendly and secure, ensuring they stay in place in even the heaviest waves without causing chafe. A good fit around the waist is still the most important thing, however, no matter how advanced the technology. Elasticated waistbands are generally less functional, and rarely found on technical boardshorts.

Boardshorts For Surfing: Closure & Fly

A drawcord at the waist is preferable to buttons insofar as it makes for an adjustable and thus more secure fit. Normal laces have a tendency to come undone in the surf; a drawcord studded with silicone, as found on most premium boardshorts, will hold better.

Cumbersome flies, meanwhile, are basically kryptonite as far as your genitals are concerned. Technical boarshorts eschew zippers, velcro, or buttons in this area, often substituting lycra or neoprene for a softer finish; some use a single-layer construction, almost eliminating the fly altogether.

Boardshorts For Surfing: Pockets

To further reduce bulk and unnecessary fabric, the vast majority of technical boardshorts have either a single side- or back-pocket, sealed by a zip, a button, or velcro. This is perfect for surfing but a drawback on land, where you’re likely to wish you had more space to put stuff. Hybrid boardshorts or more casual, classic designs tend to feature standard side-pockets.

The bulkier the pocket, the more it will cause irritation. Performance-wise, a side pocket probably gets in the way less than a back pocket, although the heat-welded pockets sported by high-end boardies are barely noticeable wherever they’re positioned. Zips arguably look worse but are by far the most effective method of closure, ensuring everything within is safely contained, although all pockets should have a key leash inside.