The moment you step out of the ocean or pool, the real test begins. A good pair of board shorts sheds water fast, stays put through a wave, and doesn’t turn translucent when wet. The wrong ones cling, sag, or chafe — ruining the whole beach day before it starts.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I’ve spent years analyzing menswear construction, fabric blends, and real-world feedback to separate marketing claims from actual durability and fit.
Whether you paddle out every weekend or just want a reliable pair for the resort pool, this guide breaks down the top contenders for the best board shorts for men currently dominating positive reviews.
How To Choose The Best Board Shorts For Men
Board shorts are deceptively simple. The right pair balances water-shedding speed, freedom of movement, and pocket security without adding bulk. Focus on these three factors and you will land on a pair that works for swimming, paddling, and lounging equally well.
Inseam Length and Fit
The 9-inch inseam has become the modern sweet spot — long enough to offer coverage and prevent the liner from riding up, yet short enough to avoid restricting leg movement during a kick or paddle. Board shorts with a 21-inch or longer outseam sit closer to the knee or just past it, which is the traditional surf cut. Taller men or those who prefer more coverage should look for an outseam of 22 inches or more to ensure the hem clears the knee bend.
Liner Type: Compression vs. Mesh
This is the single biggest comfort differentiator. A built-in compression liner (often called a 2-in-1 construction) grips the legs and keeps everything secure without the chafing sensation of a loose mesh liner. Mesh liners can feel abrasive after repeated saltwater exposure and often cause that dreaded crotch suction when emerging from the water. If you are active — running into waves, playing beach volleyball, or actually surfing — seek out trunks with a fixed compression liner.
Pocket Security and Drainage
A zippered side pocket is non-negotiable if you want to carry keys, a phone, or a card without losing them to the next wave. The best designs pair a zippered pocket with a mesh drain hole so water exits quickly, preventing the pocket from ballooning. Avoid board shorts with a single open back pocket unless you are okay with losing items during a swim. Velcro-secured rear pockets offer moderate security but still pale in comparison to a proper zipper closure.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakley Kana 21″ 2.0 | Premium | Brand-conscious surfers | 21″ Outseam | Amazon |
| zeetoo 9″ Compression Liner | Mid-Range | Pool and casual surf | 9″ Inseam | Amazon |
| Maui Rippers 24″ Outseam | Premium | Tall guys needing length | 24″ Outseam | Amazon |
| SURF CUZ 4-Way Stretch | Mid-Range | Active water sports | 4-Way Stretch Fabric | Amazon |
| TUONROAD 2 in 1 | Mid-Range | Everyday wear | Compression Liner | Amazon |
| NORTHYARD 9″ Zipper Pocket | Budget | Lightweight travel | No Mesh Liner | Amazon |
| FT FENTENG Compression Liner | Budget | Value seekers | 9″ Inseam | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Oakley Mens Kana 21″ 2.0 Boardshort
The Oakley Kana 2.0 is the definition of a well-engineered board short. The 21-inch outseam lands just above the knee on most frames, offering a classic surf cut that stays put whether you are paddling out or walking the beach. The fabric is lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, which matters when you’re packing for a trip and want to look sharp at the beach bar post-swim.
User reviews consistently praise the true-to-size fit and the slightly stretchy waistband that eliminates the need for constant retightening. The material is soft against the skin and, crucially, is not see-through when wet — a complaint that plagues many budget-tier alternatives. The Velcro fly adds a layer of security that the fixed-waist crowd will appreciate.
The only trade-off is the pocket size. Several users note the pockets run a bit small, so a modern phablet-style phone may be a tight squeeze. But for the overall build quality, color accuracy, and brand reliability, this is the most polished option in the lineup. A premium pick that justifies its price through durable construction and a clean aesthetic that lasts.
Why it’s great
- Wrinkle-resistant, lightweight fabric holds up wash after wash
- Stretchy waistband provides reliable fit without constant adjustment
- Not see-through when wet, solving a major budget-short problem
Good to know
- Pockets are on the smaller side for large phones
- Some users report thinner material than previous Oakley versions
2. zeetoo Mens Swim Trunks with Compression Liner 9″
The zeetoo 9-inch trunks solve one of the most annoying problems in the category — crotch suction after leaving the water. The built-in compression liner grips the thighs securely, preventing that uncomfortable clinging sensation that occurs when a loose mesh liner traps water against the skin. This design makes them a favorite among active swimmers and pool-goers who hate readjusting every time they surface.
Customer feedback highlights the strong color saturation and pattern durability. Even after months of chlorine exposure and washing, the prints remain bright without fading or fraying at the seams. The material also has solid stretch, allowing natural movement without feeling restrictive, which is critical for any trunk that will be used for actual swimming, not just lounging.
One recurring note is sizing — several buyers mention the shorts run small, particularly for Western body types. Ordering one size up is a safe bet, especially for bigger thighs. Once you hit the right size, the compression liner and quality construction make these a mid-range standout that competes well with options costing significantly more.
Why it’s great
- Compression liner eliminates water suction and chafing
- Bright patterns resist fading after repeated chlorine washes
- Stretch fabric allows full range of motion for swimming
Good to know
- Runs small — size up for a comfortable fit
- Slimmer cut may not suit those preferring a baggy look
3. Maui Rippers Very Long 4 Way Stretch Boardshorts 24 Inch Outseam
Tall men have a persistent problem with board shorts: most outseams stop at 21 or 22 inches, leaving a gap between the hem and the knee that looks awkward and feels restrictive. The Maui Rippers solve this with a true 24-inch outseam (though some customers measure closer to 23 inches), providing coverage that reaches past the knee and stays there during movement.
The 4-way stretch fabric is a real asset here. Unlike stiff, traditional board short material, this moves with the leg during a paddle kick or a lunge. The fabric is lightweight and dries quickly, which is essential when you are wearing a longer short that holds more total fabric weight. Users also praise the secure zippered pockets that keep keys and cards safe in rough surf.
The main caveat is sizing consistency. Some users found the outseam measured one inch shorter than advertised, which could be a dealbreaker for someone at the max height limit of the size chart. But for the combination of length, stretch, and pocket security, this is the best option for tall guys who need coverage without sacrificing mobility.
Why it’s great
- 24-inch outseam provides coverage past the knee for tall frames
- 4-way stretch fabric improves mobility during active water sports
- Secure zippered pockets keep valuables safe in waves
Good to know
- Actual outseam can measure slightly shorter than listed
- Premium price point reflects the niche length offering
4. SURF CUZ Men’s Board Short Beach Short 4-Way Stretch
The SURF CUZ board shorts take a minimalist approach that appeals to traditional surfers — no mesh liner, a fixed waist with a Velcro fly, and a focus on pure lightweight quick-dry material. This design keeps the shorts from ballooning in the water and reduces drag when paddling. The 4-way stretch fabric is the star here, offering the kind of flexibility that matters when you are twisting on a board or scrambling over rocks.
Reviewers consistently call out the fast drying time and sturdy construction. The fabric does not turn translucent when wet, a problem that plagues many no-liner shorts. The fit runs slightly small according to multiple buyers, so ordering a size up is recommended for comfort. One unique feature is the fixed waistband — there is no elastic, which means no rolling at the midsection during active use.
The absence of a liner means you will need to wear underwear or swim briefs underneath unless you prefer the free-hanging approach. The back pocket is too small for practical phone storage, so the Velcro-secured side pocket is your primary secure compartment. For surfers or paddleboarders who prioritize mobility and dry weight over pocket capacity, these are a solid mid-range choice.
Why it’s great
- Lightweight, fast-drying fabric ideal for active surfing
- 4-way stretch material provides unrestricted mobility
- No liner reduces water drag and ballooning
Good to know
- Runs small — size up for a proper fit
- No built-in liner requires separate underwear
5. TUONROAD Mens Swim Trunks with Compression Liner 2 in 1 Board Shorts 9 Inch
The TUONROAD 2-in-1 trunks strike a strong balance between comfort and functionality. The compression liner provides the support that eliminates the need for separate underwear, and the soft fabric feels gentle against the skin through a full day of beach activity. The 9-inch inseam hits just above the knee on a 5’10” frame, offering a modern cut that works for both swimming and casual summer wear.
Customer feedback emphasizes the deep pockets as a standout feature — they can securely hold a phone and keys without items falling out during movement. The color options are vibrant, and the material has held up well during chlorine exposure without significant fading. The price point makes this an accessible entry point into the compression-liner category without sacrificing build quality.
The trade-off is drying speed. Multiple reviewers note that the compression liner retains moisture, so these trunks do not dry as quickly as a no-liner or mesh-liner alternative. If you plan to swim and then immediately move on to a dry activity, you will need to towel off vigorously. However, the comfort trade-off is worth it for those who prioritize support and fit over rapid drying.
Why it’s great
- Deep, secure pockets that reliably hold a phone
- Soft, comfortable fabric suitable for all-day wear
- Compression liner provides support without chafing
Good to know
- Liner retains moisture, slowing drying time significantly
- Compression liner may feel restrictive to some users
6. NORTHYARD Mens Swim Trunks Board Shorts 9 Inch with Zipper Pocket – No Mesh Liner
The NORTHYARD trunks are built for the traveler who values packability and weight. The fabric is noticeably thin and soft, which translates to a garment that dries very quickly and takes up almost no space in a suitcase. The zippered side pocket is the real highlight — it provides phone security without the bulk or ballooning of a compression-liner short.
Florida-based customer reviews praise the lightweight feel and quick-drying performance in humid beach conditions. The color options are appealing, and the fit generally runs true to size. The absence of a mesh liner keeps the trunks feeling airy and reduces drying time, but it also means you will need a pair of swim briefs or compression shorts underneath unless you are comfortable with the free-hanging approach.
The main drawback is the thinness of the material. Several reviewers note that these trunks are extremely light and offer minimal structure, which can feel flimsy compared to a mid-weight board short. They also lack a liner entirely, so if you plan to be active in the water, consider the need for additional support. For a beach-to-cafe short in a hot climate, though, the weight-to-dry-time ratio is hard to beat at this price.
Why it’s great
- Extremely lightweight and packable for travel
- Zippered pocket securely holds phone and keys
- Dries very quickly due to thin material
Good to know
- Thin fabric feels less durable than mid-weight options
- No liner means you need separate underwear for support
7. FT FENTENG Mens Swim Trunks with Compression Liner 9″ Board Shorts
The FT FENTENG trunks offer the most affordable entry point into the compression-liner category. The 9-inch inseam and built-in liner provide the same structural support as more expensive alternatives, keeping everything secure during swimming and active movement. The zipper pocket adds practical storage that many budget options skip entirely.
Customer feedback is largely positive on the material quality and overall look, with many buyers noting the shorts punch above their price in terms of visual appeal. The compression liner works as intended, and the shorts dry reasonably fast for a 2-in-1 design. These are a solid choice for someone who wants to try the compression-liner style without a significant financial commitment.
The biggest issue is sizing. Multiple reviews from larger men (6’1″, 280 lbs range) indicate the trunks run extremely small in the waist and thighs. If you are at the upper end of the size chart, you will likely need to go up two sizes to get a comfortable fit. For average to slim builds, the sizing is more predictable. The quality is good for the category, but the inconsistent sizing makes it a gamble for bigger body types.
Why it’s great
- Built-in compression liner adds support without extra cost
- Zippered pocket provides secure storage for essentials
- Good material quality and aesthetic for the price tier
Good to know
- Runs very small — size up significantly for larger frames
- Limited color range compared to mid-range competitors
FAQ
What is the best inseam length for board shorts?
Should I get board shorts with a compression liner or a mesh liner?
How do I prevent my board shorts from ballooning in the water?
Are board shorts with zippered pockets worth it?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best board shorts for men winner is the Oakley Kana 21″ 2.0 because it delivers the best balance of build quality, fit consistency, and brand reliability. If you want a compression liner that eliminates water suction and chafing, grab the zeetoo 9″ Compression Liner trunks. And for tall guys needing coverage past the knee without sacrificing mobility, nothing beats the Maui Rippers Very Long 24″ Outseam.