Board shorts can be worn over bikini bottoms, one-piece swimsuits, or swimming trunks and are designed to provide the right leg coverage while surfing or enjoying other water activities. Moreover, they offer comfort and protection.
If you love to stay active in or around water, then board shorts are a must-have as they provide an extra layer of protection. This post lists the best womens board shorts that make comfy and fashionable beach essentials for summer. Keep scrolling.
Top Picks
11 Best Womens Board Shorts
1.Best Quick Drying:Kanu Surf Women’s Marina UPF 50+ Active Swim Board Shorts
The board shorts for women by Kanu are designed using the unique Kanu comfort tech quick dry UPF 50+ microfiber. These shorts are made of100% polyester and make a convenient cover-up for the beach and pool. They are available in a wide range of sizes.
Pros
- Convenient cargo pocket
- Quick-drying fabric
- Convenient drawstring closure and elastic back
- Machine-washable
- Lightweight
- Breathable
Cons
- No built-in inner liners
2.Best Breathable:Kanu Surf Women’s Marina Solid Stretch Board Shorts
Here’s another comfy anddurable pair of board shorts that features the Kanu comfort tech quick dry UPF 50+ stretch microfiber. Made with 88% polyester and 12% spandex, the women’s board shorts make comfortable wear for surfing, hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities.
Pros
- Drawstring waist closure
- Cargo pocket for storage
- Breathable and lightweight
- Machine-washable
- Available in different prints and designs
Cons
- No built-in inner liners
3.Best High-Waist:Tournesol Women’s High Waist Swim Shorts
If you are looking for high waist board shorts, your search ends here. These versatile board shorts are made of elastic and breathable premium polyamide and spandex and are designed to match bikini, swim, yoga, and tankini tops. The women’s board shorts are ideal for wear during gym workouts, biking, swimming, hiking, and when performing various other physical activities.
Pros
- Built-in briefs
- Highly elastic
- Quick-drying
- Drawstring closure
- Slit-leg design
- Soft and skin-friendly
- UV protection
Cons
- May not be true to size
4.Best Meshed:ALove Women’s High Waist Swim Shorts
Choose this pair of board shorts from ALove如果你经常参加游泳、跑步、surfing, and other water sports. These board shorts are made of 82% nylon and 18% spandex and offer UPF 50+ sun protection and a four-way stretch. Pair these shorts with your favorite bikini, tankini, and swimwear tops for a comfortable and stylish look.
Pros
- Elastic closure and waistband
- Hollow out design creates a chic look
- Quick-drying and lightweight
- Chlorine-resistant fabric
- Meshed design
Cons
- No crotch liner
5.Best With Four-Way Stretch:Roxy Women’s Whole Hearted Board Shorts
Make your beach outings more fashionable with these board shorts for women. They are made using a four-way stretch fabric that combines 90% polyester and 10% elastane. The drawcord waistband makes the shorts extremely convenient for water as well as other sports.
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Convenient pull-on closure
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Knit belt foldover waistband with drawcord
- Soft and lightweight fabric
Cons
- No built-in liner
6.Best For Big Thighs:For G And PL Women Summer Floral Beach Board Shorts
These women’s board shorts with classic tropical floral prints make lovely beachwear. Available in different sizes,these are comfortable women’s board shorts for big thighs. The board shorts are made of 100% polyester and flaunt the signature scallop hem for a perfect beach look.
Pros
- Functional front pockets
- Easy pull-on closure
- Elasticized waistband with drawstring
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Material may be thin
7.Best With Cargo Pockets:Maui Rippers Women’s Swim Board Shorts
Made with 90% polyester and 10% spandex, these are among the best women’s swim shorts that also make cool casual wear. The shorts by Maui Rippers come in a wide range of sizes and offer good stretch, making them ideal wear for different athletic activities. They are designed using quick-dry technology and are available in different eye-catching hues.
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Drawstring closure
- Cargo side pocket with a key string
- Ideal for women of all sizes
- Four-way stretch fabric
Cons
- May be loose on the thighs
8.Best With Reinforced stitching:Ekouaer Women’s High Waist Board Shorts
董事会为女性短裤Ekouaer using a blend of breathable and elastic polyester and spandex. They make ideal bottom wear to pair with bikinis, swim tops, and tankini tops, andthe high-waist design accentuates your curves. They are perfect active wear for hiking, running, swimming, yoga, and various other outdoor activities.
Pros
- Elastic, lightweight, and breathable design
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Adjustable drawstring closure
- Quick–drying
- Reinforced stitching
Cons
- May be see-through
9.Best Elastic:Baleaf Women’s Board Shorts With Built-In Liner
The Baleaf women’s board shorts are quick-drying, elastic, and breathable, making them extremely comfortable to wear in and around water. They are made using 100% polyester fabric with UPF 50+ that offers good protection from harmful sun rays. The shorts have a high-rise design with a five-inch inseam that makes them suitable for wear during workouts, running, surfing, and swimming.
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Velcro closure along with adjustable drawstring
- Cargo pocket
- Built-in mesh brief
- Four-way stretch
- Chlorine-resistant design
Cons
- May run small
10.Best Low-Rise:O’Neill South Pacific Women’s Stretch Board Shorts
This pair of women’s board shorts is a product of the collaboration between iSnorkel and O’Neill.The shorts are made using hyperfreak stretch fabric that allows 190% vertical stretch and 180% horizontal stretchand designed for wear in and around water. They are available in a wide range of sizes to fit women of different shapes and sizes.
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Durable water-resistant (DWR) coating
- Side pocket with Velcro closure
- Low-rise style
- Non-stretchable waistband
Cons
- Large leg openings
11. Best With Built-In Brief:Nike Women’s Solid Element Swim Board Shorts
Make your beach and pool outings more comfortable and stylish with these board shorts that are designed using 100% polyester fabric. The stretchable shorts allow a wide range of movements and have a fine finish. They make smart and convenient shorts for various outdoor activities.
Pros
- Built-in brief
- Machine-washable
- High coverage
- Quick-drying
- Stretchable waistband
- Elastic closure
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Size may run small
How To Choose The Right Women’s Board Shorts?
Keep the following factors in mind when choosing a pair of women’s board shorts.
- Size: Sizes vary from one brand to another. Therefore, it is recommended to always measure your thighs and waist before buying board shorts to pick the right fit. Also, read the reviews online to learn if you should buy one size up or down.
- Length: Board shorts that are too short can feel a little uncomfortable, and the ones that are too long may completely ruin the purpose and your style. Ensure you pick a pair of shorts that is of the right length for you.
- Fabric: Board shorts are designed using different materials such as nylon, cotton, and polyester. Of all the materials, polyester makes one of the best picks as it is comfortable, durable, soft, and waterproof.
- Design and cuts: Depending upon your choice, you can choose from solid colors or printed patterns. You can also select a cut that complements your body.
Why Trust MomJunction?
我们的产品作家,Poulami唠叨,是一种时尚,海rcare, and skincare enthusiast who conducts extensive research on products based on user reviews and specifications to recommend the best ones. She has compiled this list of the best women’s board shorts based on the products’ durability, quality, and comfort. This post also contains a well-researched buying guide to help you make an informed choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I wear anything under board shorts?
Board shorts that come with mesh lining don’t require you to wear underwear. However, if you are not comfortable with the lining, or if your board shorts don’t have one, you can wear regular bikini bottoms.
2. Why are board shorts longer?
Board shorts are designed for surfing and are available in both short and long lengths. Longer board shorts provide sun protection and provide more coverage, making them suitable for active water sports. Shorter board shorts are ideal for swimming.
3. What is the difference between swim shorts and board shorts?
The key difference between swim shorts and board shorts is length. Board shorts are designed to be longer than swim shorts to provide more leg coverage.
4. How tight should board shorts fit?
Board shorts should offer a snug fit above the waist and should be comfortable enough to move your legs.
5. How do I keep my board shorts from falling down?
Choose the right fit and a design that comes with drawstrings, along with an elastic waist. This allows you to tie and secure the shorts as needed.
6. How do I get surf wax out of boardshorts?
You can rub the wax with a few drops of coconut oil and rinse it off with water. You can then hand wash or machine wash your shorts as you regularly do.
Board shorts are essential fashion apparel for women who visit the beach frequently. They are ergonomically designed to help you feel comfortable amidst the scorching heat. These shorts are usually made of polyester, spandex, and nylon for comfort and stretchability. To buy the right pair of shorts, consider one that is machine-washable, quick-drying, resistant to shrinkage, and of the right size and fit. Choosing a pair of shorts with UPF sun protection and an inbuilt liner is a bonus. Further, you may choose ones with solid colors or cool prints.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Wearing Board Shorts?
Board shorts are a popular type of swimwear, originally designed for surfers. They have become a common choice for beachgoers, owing to their versatility and practicality. We present an infographic with key points about why investing in a pair of high-quality and durable board shorts is a good idea.