Walk into any swimwear section and you will find two camps: long, loose boardshorts and shorter, tailored swim trunks. Both get you in the water, but they were designed for very different things. If you have ever wondered about boardshorts vs swim trunks, this guide breaks down the differences, the pros and cons of each, and which style suits the way you actually spend your time at the beach or pool.
What Are Boardshorts?
Boardshorts were built for surfing. They are longer, typically finishing at or below the knee, with a straight fit, a fixed lace-up waist and usually no lining. The extra length protects your thighs from a waxed surfboard, and the fixed waist stays put when a wave hits you. Because they are unlined, they rely on quick-draining fabric rather than built-in support.
What Are Swim Trunks?
Swim trunks are shorter, usually sitting above the knee, with an elasticated drawstring waist and a built-in liner. They are cut for swimming, lounging and everything in between rather than for a specific sport. Modern versions of mens swim trunks use lightweight quick dry fabric, so you are not sitting in soggy shorts an hour after your last dip. Our HydroMotion swim shorts fall into this camp, with a 6-inch inner leg, a soft boxer-style liner and no mesh anywhere.
Quick Comparison: Boardshorts vs Swim Trunks
|
Feature |
Boardshorts |
Swim Trunks |
|
Length |
Knee length or longer |
Above the knee |
|
Waist |
Fixed, lace-up |
Elasticated with drawstring |
|
Lining |
Usually none |
Built-in liner |
|
Fit |
Loose and straight |
Tailored, shorter cut |
|
Drying speed |
Fast |
Fast, especially quick dry fabrics |
|
Best for |
Surfing and watersports |
Holidays, pools, beach days, general swimming |
Pros and Cons of Boardshorts
Pros
- Extra coverage and protection for board sports
- Secure fixed waist in heavy surf
- Loose fit suits broader builds
Cons
- No built-in support without a liner
- Longer, heavier fabric can drag in the water
- The below-knee look is dated for many holiday settings
Pros and Cons of Swim Trunks
Pros
- Built-in liner means support without extra layers
- Shorter cut is more flattering and better for tanning
- Elastic waist is comfortable all day, including after lunch
- Quick dry swim trunks go from pool to bar without a change
Cons
- Less thigh coverage for surfing or wakeboarding
- Cheap versions use mesh liners that chafe
- Drawstring waists vary in quality
Which Men's Swim Trunks Are Right for You?
Be honest about how you spend your time in the water. If you surf, paddleboard or spend hours in breaking waves, boardshorts earn their keep. For everyone else, which is most of us, swim trunks are the better everyday choice: more comfortable, more flattering and easier to wear beyond the sand.
If you go the trunks route, prioritise two things: a mesh-free liner, because mesh is the number one cause of chafing, and genuinely quick dry fabric. Our HydroMotion range covers both, with a smooth boxer-style liner, quick-drying recycled shell fabric, two secure zip pockets and a stealth phone pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are boardshorts quick dry?
Most modern boardshorts use fast-drying polyester, but their extra length means more fabric to dry. A shorter pair of mens quick dry swim trunks will usually dry faster overall.
Can you swim laps in boardshorts?
You can, but the loose, long cut creates drag. Trunks with a secure liner are far better suited to proper swimming.
What length should swim trunks be?
Above the knee is the modern standard. Around a 6-inch inner leg suits most men, offering a tailored look without feeling skimpy.
Final Thoughts
Boardshorts vs swim trunks is really a question of purpose. Buy boardshorts for the board, and buy well-made trunks for everything else. Explore the HydroMotion swim shorts collection, made from recycled fabric with a mesh-free liner and designed for the way most of us actually holiday.
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