What are Board Shorts? What are Swim Shorts?


Boardshorts, and board shorts, and swim shorts? Oh my. As though women didn't have enough swimwear issues to navigate, now where our bottom calls home is causing confusion! Our guide to boardshorts for women and womens swim shorts is here to take the wedgie outta swimsuit shopping for saltwater- (and river water, lake water, pool water...) worthy shorts. Swimming-ready style is no longer restricted just to a swimsuit by itself. Now women can choose to layer their bottom half by adding boardshorts.



What are board shorts? Do you wear anything under board shorts?

Boardshorts are worn as an overshort, such as over a one-piece swimsuit, bikini bottom, or women's swim trunk. Size-specific cuts come in lengths, with short inseams for free legs and long inseams for board rash protection. Whatever your preference, boardshorts are an ideal style for surf-prone shore lovers.

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Are board shorts the same as swim shorts?

Well...sort of? We don't recommend women wear boardshorts by themselves for a variety of reasons, the #1 being that board shorts do not have a built-in brief. They might be high-waisted, have a pocket, or come in an easy pull-on version, but true board shorts are the best friend of bathing suit bottoms.

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What are board shorts used for?

Boardshorts are the best summer and warm weather coverage we could ask for in tropical climates or on beach vacations (or backyard staycations!) With 4-way stretch, quick-dry fabrics, and UPF 50 coverage, boardshorts are great in, out of, and around the water. Water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, lifeguarding, and margarita-drinking are among a number of non-surfing end-uses for boardshorts of all kinds.

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What are swim shorts?

Swim shorts are a stand-alone swimsuit bottom. They may look a bit more like boardshorts than a traditional bikini brief, but they serve the same end-use. Much like a pair of traditional running shorts, swim shorts have a built-in brief. No need to wear swimsuit bottoms if swim shorts are chosen, as the coverage under the inseam is built right in.

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Can you swim in board shorts?

Paddleboard, hike to the waterfall, dive in the lake, or go off the diving board. While classically thought of as a surf short, surfing is hardly the only thing that can be done in board shorts! If you're in, on, or around the water, pairing boardshorts with a bikini bottom is a great fast-drying choice. And because most board shorts include a drawstring, every body type gets a custom fit.

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What do you wear under swim shorts?

Us? We're naked under our swim shorts! That's because our swim shorts are a stand-alone bottom. Women wear them just like we would a bathing suit bottom. Instead of adding shorts, they have the shorts built right on...or rather, the bikini bottom is built right into the shorts.

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What should you wear under board shorts?

Swim shorts can splash alone, but board shorts need a buddy. Unlike swim shorts, we don't skip wearing a bikini bottom when it comes to boardshorts, no matter how long the inseam is! Women seeking wipeout worthy coverage will find it's as easy as pulling a pair of boardshorts over one-piece swimsuits, bikini bottoms, or favorite swim bottoms.

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SHOP WOMEN’S BOARD SHORTS & SWIM SHORTS

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What are Board Shorts? What are Swim Shorts?


Boardshorts, and board shorts, and swim shorts? Oh my. As though women didn't have enough swimwear issues to navigate, now where our bottom calls home is causing confusion! Our guide to boardshorts for women and womens swim shorts is here to take the wedgie outta swimsuit shopping for saltwater- (and river water, lake water, pool water...) worthy shorts. Swimming-ready style is no longer restricted just to a swimsuit by itself. Now women can choose to layer their bottom half by adding boardshorts.



What are board shorts? Do you wear anything under board shorts?

Boardshorts are worn as an overshort, such as over a one-piece swimsuit, bikini bottom, or women's swim trunk. Size-specific cuts come in lengths, with short inseams for free legs and long inseams for board rash protection. Whatever your preference, boardshorts are an ideal style for surf-prone shore lovers.

BACK TO TOP


Are board shorts the same as swim shorts?

Well...sort of? We don't recommend women wear boardshorts by themselves for a variety of reasons, the #1 being that board shorts do not have a built-in brief. They might be high-waisted, have a pocket, or come in an easy pull-on version, but true board shorts are the best friend of bathing suit bottoms.

BACK TO TOP


What are board shorts used for?

Boardshorts are the best summer and warm weather coverage we could ask for in tropical climates or on beach vacations (or backyard staycations!) With 4-way stretch, quick-dry fabrics, and UPF 50 coverage, boardshorts are great in, out of, and around the water. Water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, lifeguarding, and margarita-drinking are among a number of non-surfing end-uses for boardshorts of all kinds.

BACK TO TOP


What are swim shorts?

Swim shorts are a stand-alone swimsuit bottom. They may look a bit more like boardshorts than a traditional bikini brief, but they serve the same end-use. Much like a pair of traditional running shorts, swim shorts have a built-in brief. No need to wear swimsuit bottoms if swim shorts are chosen, as the coverage under the inseam is built right in.

BACK TO TOP


Can you swim in board shorts?

Paddleboard, hike to the waterfall, dive in the lake, or go off the diving board. While classically thought of as a surf short, surfing is hardly the only thing that can be done in board shorts! If you're in, on, or around the water, pairing boardshorts with a bikini bottom is a great fast-drying choice. And because most board shorts include a drawstring, every body type gets a custom fit.

BACK TO TOP


What do you wear under swim shorts?

Us? We're naked under our swim shorts! That's because our swim shorts are a stand-alone bottom. Women wear them just like we would a bathing suit bottom. Instead of adding shorts, they have the shorts built right on...or rather, the bikini bottom is built right into the shorts.

BACK TO TOP


What should you wear under board shorts?

Swim shorts can splash alone, but board shorts need a buddy. Unlike swim shorts, we don't skip wearing a bikini bottom when it comes to boardshorts, no matter how long the inseam is! Women seeking wipeout worthy coverage will find it's as easy as pulling a pair of boardshorts over one-piece swimsuits, bikini bottoms, or favorite swim bottoms.

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SHOP WOMEN’S BOARD SHORTS & SWIM SHORTS

Wahine Swim Shorts - Solid Wahine Swim Shorts - Solid
$62
Paddle Board Swim Shorts Paddle Board Swim Shorts
Paddle Board Swim Shorts: New Color Badge
$59
Incrediboardie Board Shorts 4" Incrediboardie Board Shorts 4"
$69
Surf Rock Board Shorts Surf Rock Board Shorts
$54
Incrediboardie Board Shorts 2.5" Incrediboardie Board Shorts 2.5"
$65
Incrediboardie Board Shorts 4" - Deep Lagoon Incrediboardie Board Shorts 4" - Deep Lagoon
$75
Wahine Swim Shorts - Wild Waves Wahine Swim Shorts - Wild Waves
$65
Boyshort Bikini Bottom - Solid Boyshort Bikini Bottom - Solid
Price reduced from $52 to $39
Incrediboardie 2.0 Board Shorts 2.5" - Kona Incrediboardie 2.0 Board Shorts 2.5" - Kona
Price reduced from $65 to $35