Boardshorts for Teenage Boys That Stay Put

A pair of boardshorts that looks great on the rail but bunches up, slips down or stays soaked for hours is not going to get much wear. The best boardshorts for teenage boys need to handle more than a quick swim: think surf sessions, bodyboarding, jumping off the pier, beach football and the journey home with a towel thrown over one shoulder.

Teenagers usually know the look they want. The useful part of choosing well is getting the fit, fabric and length right behind the print. That means boardshorts that feel comfortable in the water, dry quickly between sessions and still work with a tee or hoodie when the temperature drops.

How boardshorts for teenage boys should fit

Fit comes first. Boardshorts should sit securely around the waist without needing to be pulled up every few minutes. A fixed waistband with a drawcord is a strong option for surfing and active beach days because it can be tightened to suit the wearer. A stretch waistband can feel more relaxed for swimming, travelling and everyday holiday wear, though it may offer less locked-in security in heavier surf.

Avoid buying several sizes up in the hope that they will last longer. Oversized shorts can drag in the water, rub during a session and make a teenager feel less confident. A little growing room is sensible, but the waistband should be comfortable and stable when dry. If it already needs a hard knot in the changing room, it is probably too big.

The right length depends on how the shorts will be used. Mid-thigh styles are popular for a freer, more current fit and are less restrictive when swimming. Boardshorts that finish around the knee offer more coverage and a classic surf look, especially for taller teens. Very long shorts can catch behind the knee when paddling or popping up on a board, so they are not always the best choice for regular surfing.

Check movement, not just the mirror

A teenager should be able to squat, step up and lift one knee without the fabric pulling uncomfortably across the thighs or seat. This quick check matters more than whether the shorts look right standing still. For surfing, bodyboarding and wakeboarding, look for a gusseted or stretchy construction that gives more room to move.

If the shorts have a fly, make sure it lies flat and feels secure. A rough, bulky fly can become irritating after a long session in salt water. Flat seams and soft internal finishes are worth looking for too, particularly for anyone prone to chafing.

Choose fabric for water time and dry time

Most good boardshorts use lightweight synthetic fabrics, often polyester or recycled polyester blends. These materials do not hold water like cotton, which helps shorts dry faster after swimming. They are also hard-wearing enough for sandy walks, repeated rinsing and days spent in and out of the sea.

Stretch is useful, but more is not automatically better. A small amount of elastane can make a real difference when paddling or playing on the beach. Very soft, highly stretchy fabric may feel brilliant at first but can be less durable if the shorts are worn constantly for skatepark trips, bike rides and summer holidays. For a teen who is on the beach every week, choose a fabric that balances flexibility with a substantial feel.

Quick-dry fabric is especially useful in the UK. Even on a bright Gower day, the wind can turn a wet pair of shorts chilly fast. Boardshorts that shed water and dry well are more comfortable under a changing robe, in the car or on the walk back from the beach.

Lined swim shorts and boardshorts are not quite the same thing. Traditional boardshorts often have no mesh liner, which many surfers prefer because it avoids extra bulk and rubbing. Swim shorts with a liner can be convenient for pool sessions or casual holidays. It depends on personal preference, but for regular board sports, an unlined pair worn with comfortable swimwear underneath is often the more practical setup.

Details that make a difference at the beach

Small features can decide whether a pair becomes a favourite or sits at the bottom of the drawer. A secure rear pocket is handy for a locker key or wax comb when out of the water, but it should fasten properly and drain easily. Heavy pockets loaded with sand are less useful, so simpler is often better.

Look for these practical details when comparing styles:

• A drawcord that tightens cleanly and stays tied
• Four-way or mechanical stretch for paddling and movement
• A smooth waistband and flat seams to reduce rubbing
• A pocket with drainage and a secure closure
• Light, quick-drying fabric that does not feel heavy when wet

Bold logos, stripes, floral prints and solid colours all have their place. The most versatile choice is usually a colour that works with the tees, flip-flops and hoodies already in rotation. Black, navy, olive and muted blue are easy to wear, while brighter prints bring proper holiday energy and are easier to spot in a busy changing area.

Surf boardshorts versus casual swim shorts

For a teenager who mainly swims at the local pool or spends a week by the hotel pool, comfort and an easy waistband may be the priority. A shorter swim-short shape with a liner can work well, provided it is allowed by the pool's rules.

For surfing, bodyboarding or long days on the coast, boardshorts earn their name. They are designed with active movement in mind, generally have a more secure waist and tend to be made from performance-focused, fast-draining fabric. A proper drawcord is not a minor detail when duck-diving waves or taking a tumble in the whitewater.

There is also a middle ground. Plenty of teens want one pair for everything: a morning surf, chips on the prom and an afternoon kicking a ball around. In that case, choose a mid-length boardshort with a clean design, comfortable stretch and a reliable waist. It will look less technical away from the water but still perform when it counts.

Getting the size right when shopping online

Do not rely on age alone. One 14-year-old may need a very different waist size and leg length from another, and brand sizing can vary. Use the waist measurement as the starting point, then check the product size guide before choosing. Measure around the natural waist, keep the tape comfortable rather than pulled tight, and compare the result with the listed measurements.

If a teenager is between sizes, think about the waistband construction and intended use. For a fixed waist and serious surf use, the closer size with a drawcord is often the better call. For a soft elastic waist and relaxed holiday wear, sizing up can be more comfortable. Never assume a loose fit will be easier in the sea.

It is also worth checking the outseam or leg length where it is provided. This is particularly helpful for taller boys who want more coverage, or for those who prefer a shorter, more athletic fit. The best pair is the one they will reach for without being told, not the one that merely fits a size label.

Care that keeps boardshorts ready for the next session

Salt, sand, sunscreen and chlorine all take their toll. Rinse boardshorts in cool fresh water after the beach or pool, especially after a surf. Turn them inside out before washing to help protect prints and colours, and avoid high heat in the tumble dryer. Air drying keeps the fabric and waistband in better shape.

Do not leave wet boardshorts rolled in a bag for days. Apart from the smell, trapped moisture can affect the fabric and make sand harder to remove. A quick rinse and a spot to dry means they are ready when the next bit of swell, sunshine or spontaneous beach plan appears.

The right boardshorts should feel like part of the kit, not an afterthought. Choose a secure fit, fabric that can handle salt water and a style they genuinely want to wear, then let them get on with the important bit: spending more time in the water.