Choosing the right pair of board or swim shorts will depend on what activities you will wear them for, how you prefer them to fit, and your budget. With those preferences in mind, there are still a few features that you should expect from a quality pair of board shorts. Fabric Take care of your swimsuit by washing and cleaning it properly. A lightweight swimsuit will offer you endless options all year long if it is mindfully cared for.

I can LIVE in the Katie for the rest of my life! I have a larger bust, so I wasn’t sure what I was in for with the single-shoulder, but the shelf bra gives me peace of mind and the full coverage is STUNNING! I am curvy and it’s hard to find a one-piece swimsuit that fits me all around, but the Katie (great name, by the way) is SO comfortable in AND out of the water.” The fit is flattering and feminine, and they come in tons of colors and patterns. These Kanu Surf shorts have a slim fit through the hips and waist. Because of the slightly tighter fit, we recommend sizing up if you are in-between sizes. Board shorts go hand-in-hand with hot, wet days full of activities. We love activities that happen both in the water and on land, such as kayaking or canoeing, beachcombing, rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, beach volleyball or beach soccer, and surfing. Your summer days may be filled with activities involving mostly water and minimal land – like snorkeling – to activities involving mostly land and minimal water – like hiking. All silliness aside, the Katie sets standards and turns heads because it’s a stand out amongst so many swimsuits that just settle when it comes to design, craft, and fit. Even for Hermozas who feel they can’t pull off a one-shoulder, take our friend Katy’s word for it when she says: Hermoza knows your swim and resort wear needs to keep up and must work as hard as you do. Selecting luxurious, well-crafted pieces to complement your already stunning closet is easier than you think with the flexibility and timelessness our collections have to offer.

All the Board Shorts We've tested

For the summer of ‘23, there’s a big trend for swimshorts with oil-spill high-shine metallic finishes that'll come into their own as the sun shines on them and look especially cool underwater. Stone Island has been ahead of the trend for many seasons now with its simple but effective offering, while elevated undies label CDLP's latest offering of swimwear is glistening to perfection. Fun florals

The form-fitting style of these bike swim shorts is perfect for triathletes or anyone who prefers a snugger fit. The tighter fit also eliminates most chafing or thigh rub. That being said, reviewers complain that the waist is too large in relation to the thigh size. comfortable and flattering! [A] fantastic suit! Best I’ve worn in ages. Stays put when chasing toddlers and looks good poolside.”

Length – Inseam

Stretch: If you're swimming, surfing, or just moving around a lot in bathing suits, Kathleen McNally, Creative Director at SAXX, advises stretch as a must-have factor. "A 4-way stretch woven shell allows for a great fit and range of motion in and out of the water," she says. Consider the length and style of the shorts, not only for fashion reasons but also depending on what activity you are doing. Longer shorts will help prevent chafing and are a great option for surfing and biking, among other things. Other Considerations Because board shorts are worn during outdoor activities, look for a pair that has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of at least 30. The built-in sun protection will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Fit In addition, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products including swim trunks. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.

Next, choose a fit that will stay snug during physical activity but won’t restrict your movement. To stay snug, a firmly closing and adjustable waistband is the most important aspect of a well-fitting pair of board shorts. Florals? For your summer holiday? Groundbreaking. Well, actually, the SS23 wave of floral-print swimshorts takes things in an artistic new direction, be it through abstract stylings or playful, pop-arty vibes. The fast blooming trend for flowery swim shorts spans high fashion and high street fashion alike, with excellent takes from Abercrombie to Jacquemus. Tailored to perfection What’s your function? Fast-drying women’s bathing suits are meant to be lived in. Is your swimsuit up to the task? I’ve forgotten that I was even wearing my Cristina one-piece until the end of the day. Can your current swimsuit keep you safe, comfortable, and protected all day long? Phenomenal fast-drying fabrics obliterate any discomfort you might be used to in cheap swimsuits. Because who wants to deal with shifting and itching when there’s fun to be had in the sun and sand? Juggers Recommended Very comfortable to wear but as I have only worn them in a public pool and jacuzzi I can't say anything about the drying time.Waistband: Waistbands should fit comfortably on your body, and a drawstring may help you to adjust the waist size if needed. McNally recommends a full-elastic waistband with a drawcord because it "ensures you keep your trunks on, even if you’re diving from the high dive." Orlebar Brown makes swim shorts that look so good on land but can still let you have at it in the deep ocean. Its signature Bulldog style, which offers over 30 patterns, looks like tailored chinos, especially in this geometric print that is dressy enough for a summer wedding. Their liner is comfortable and supportive, and the fabric keeps you dry and cool. The stretch is a bit questionable, but our testing editor was able to move with ease in them. The tailored fit makes them perfect for styling with polo shirts or short-sleeve shirts and loafers. Select a size that ensures day (and night) long comfort and coverage. Find your measurements and keep your shape in mind so your flattering fit stays fashionable Friday through Thursday.