Find the Best Men's Boardshorts for Your Body Type
We make swim trunks for different body types easier to shop. You'll find cleaner lines, better balance, and a fit that feels right from the first wear.
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- Common fit problems, explained in plain language
- Body-type tips for length, waistband feel, and leg opening
- Quick advice on when to pick boardshorts versus closer-fitting swim options
- Simple styling ideas for pool, beach, and resort days
Our Top Pick in Men's Boardshorts
Retro Arcade Boardshorts With Real Personality
If you want men's boardshorts that stand out fast, this is the pair we’d pick. Our Palace Arcade Boardshorts bring bold 80s Swim energy and a clear Arcade vibe, so you get a fun throwback look without overthinking your beach outfit. They work especially well when you want your swimwear to do the talking. Keep in mind, the retro print is meant to get noticed, so this is not the quiet option. If that sounds like your style, you’ll find the full pair here: Palace Arcade Boardshorts.
- 80s
- 80s Swim
- Arcade
Beach Picks With Men's Rash Guards and Standout Swim Trunks
We grouped these pieces for easy beach-day styling. You'll find bold swim options, extra coverage when you want it, and a fun finishing touch that makes men's boardshorts outfits feel more complete.
How to Choose Swim Trunks for Your Body Type
Finding men's boardshorts that actually flatter your frame is easier when you focus on fit first. We always tell customers to start with five things: inseam, rise, waistband feel, leg opening, and where you plan to wear them.
How to choose the right men's boardshorts?
Pick the inseam based on how much leg you want to show and how balanced you want your proportions to look. Then check the waistband and leg opening, because comfort matters just as much as style once you sit, swim, and walk around all day.
Start with the fit details that matter most
- Shorter inseam: Best if you want your legs to look longer and your build to feel lighter.
- Mid-length inseam: Our favorite for most guys. It looks balanced and works at the pool or beach.
- Longer inseam: Good if you want more coverage, but keep in mind it can shorten your leg line.
- Mid rise: Usually the easiest fit. It sits naturally and avoids that too-low, sliding feeling.
- Easy waistband: You want it secure, not tight. If it digs in when you sit, size up.
- Clean leg opening: A trim opening looks sharper. Too wide can make the whole short look sloppy.
What are the best men's boardshorts to buy?
The best choice is a pair that stays clean through the hip and doesn't overwhelm your shape. For a longer, leaner look, we like the men's boardshorts with a retro feel. If you want something relaxed and playful, the men's boardshorts with an easy beach vibe are a strong pick.
If you prefer a closer fit than boardshorts, men's swim boxers can feel more streamlined. And if you spend hours in sun or surf, add one of our men's rash guards. A good men's rash guard shirt gives extra coverage without much bulk.
"The right swim fit should feel easy the second you put it on. If you tug at the waistband or fuss with the hem, it's not the one."
So where do boardshorts work best? We recommend them for beach days, casual pool use, and anyone who wants a little more coverage through the thigh. For more options, you'll find strong picks in our boardshorts collection and extra sun coverage in our rash guard collection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How should men's boardshorts fit?
Our men's boardshorts should sit secure at your waist without pinching or sliding when you move. For a longer, leaner look, we like boardshorts that skim the thigh instead of clinging. The Palace Arcade Boardshorts work well if you want that classic longer line. The Surfer Boy Pizza Boardshorts give you a similar easy fit. Keep in mind, boardshorts usually feel roomier and longer than men's swim boxers.
What are the best men's boardshorts to buy?
If you want the easiest all-around pick, we’d start with the Palace Arcade Boardshorts. They have a retro look and a longer boardshort shape that flatters a lot of builds. If you want something more playful, the Surfer Boy Pizza Boardshorts are a fun choice. Our honest take? The best pair is the one that matches how you swim and how much coverage you like.
What's the difference between boardshorts and swim trunks in your store?
In our lineup, boardshorts give you a longer, sportier silhouette. They’re a strong pick if you want more leg coverage or you like a surf-inspired look. Our swim trunks option, the Star Ships Swim Trunks, feels closer to men's swim boxers in overall vibe and everyday pool use. So if you want a cleaner, shorter look, start there.
How to choose the right men's boardshorts?
Start with your build and where you’ll wear them. If you want more coverage, go with the Palace Arcade Boardshorts or Surfer Boy Pizza Boardshorts. If you prefer less fabric and a more compact swim fit, the Star Ships Swim Trunks may suit you better. This is the core of any men's boardshorts fit guide. And yes, your height matters too. Longer shorts can balance broader shoulders, while shorter swim styles can help legs look longer.
Which styles work best for different body types?
For taller builds, we usually recommend boardshorts first because the extra length looks natural. For shorter or stockier builds, a trimmer swim style like the Star Ships Swim Trunks can feel less bulky. Want more sun coverage up top? Pair your swimwear with the Abstract Super Men's Rash Guard. It’s a smart add-on for active beach days, especially if you skip men's casual shirts until after the water.
Do I need a rash guard with boardshorts?
Not always. But if you spend long hours in the sun, deal with wind, or want more coverage, we think a rash guard is worth it. The Abstract Super Men's Rash Guard is our clear pick for adults. It pairs easily with either boardshort style or the Star Ships Swim Trunks. If you’re building a full beach outfit, you can always add men's sweatshirts later for cooler evenings and bucket hats for women for matching group style.
Find Your Best Men's Boardshorts Fit
Ready to lock in the right pair? We make it easy to shop by style, then finish your beach look with a rash guard or swim trunks that feel right from the first wear. Pick your fit now before your fa...