What are boardshorts?

Boardshorts are swimming shorts and more generally a style of swimsuit for men and, more recently, for women. They were created in the 1950s for surfing.

Over past years they have become a popular style of swimming suit.

The name "boardshorts" comes from their use in watersports using a board, such as surfing.

How to choose your boardshorts

SESSIONS LASTING MORE THAN TWO HOURS

If you like to surf for more than two hours, you will need men's boardshorts with a waistband that fits well around the waist but without feeling uncomfortable. This is where a flat waistband or, even better, an anatomic waistband design becomes an advantage. For freedom of movement, a highly elasticated component ensures that the legs can move freely.

How to choose the correct size of boardshorts

Regarding choosing the size, we invite you to visit the size guide available on the boardshorts product file.

Boardshorts 900 are available in sizes S, M, M/L, L, L/XL and XL.

Your shape can equally influence your choice. Here is some advice that could help you.

If you have more muscles in the torso and legs, then choose a short pair which will highlight your figure.

If you are slimmer and more slender then go for longer boardshorts!

Choosing boardshorts based on the type of waistband.

ELASTICATED WAISTBAND

Helps the boardshorts fit to different body shapes.

SEMI-ELASTICATED WAISTBAND

Ensures a good hold while still adapting to different body types

FLAT WAISTBAND

Ensures a good hold of the boardshorts when falling into the waves.ANATOMIC WAISTBAND DESIGN

Totally innovative boardshorts designed to provide a perfect fit, whatever the wave conditions, and a perfect anatomic design.

Wave resistance

While surfing, whether it's due to duck diving or a wipe out it is not easy to reposition your boardshorts because they slide down your buttocks... So choosing the correct waistband becomes essential. Choose a flat waistband or an anatomic waistband design for a better fit. In addition, the BS900 has a flat drawstring that won't come undone, so that any knots stay tied throughout the session.

Reduced chafing

It is surely the most important criteria. It is common for the boardshorts or its seams to chafe. Our boardshorts are designed, both in terms of the shapes offered and the assembly methods, to limit chafing as much as possible during practice time.Boardshorts 900 also feature thermobonded seams and construction to reduce chafing. The soft Nazaré component helps prevent chafing.

Freedom of movement

In surfing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing, the legs are very much in demand, so the men's swimming costume should not restrict either bending or swimming.

A two-way or four-way stretch component contributes to this freedom of movement.Boardshorts 900 are made from a four-way ultra-stretch component (NAZARE), providing total freedom of movement for take-offs or other moves during your surf session.

Quick drying

It is quite uncomfortable to feel the sand sticking to your boardshorts because they are still soaked with water. For this reason, choose a "Stretch" component which evacuates water more quickly.The Fluor Free water-repellent treatment allows water to be evacuated and speeds up the drying process.

Length

Choosing long boardshorts only really depends on your preference. However you should know that the shorter your shorts are the greater the freedom of movement. The length 20 inches is equal to a length of 51 cm in an average M/L size

Zipped side pocket

The BS900 features a side pocket for carrying your bars of wax, sun sticks and other essential items for long surfing sessions in warm waters! With its inner elastic strap, the BS900 can also securely carry your tool.

User comfort

The waistband has a HEGOA PEACH component on the inside (with a peach skin effect) for optimal comfort on the waist when tightening the boardshorts drawstring.

Fit

Fly closing shape with gusset. Waistband tightly grips the waist for optimal hold. Lack of inner seams, in particular in the thigh area, eliminates uncomfortable rubbing.

Robustness

Reinforced tightening tabs. Points subject to stress reinforced by bartacks. Drawstring finished with thermo tube.

Sun protection: The essential equipment for boardshorts

In summer, when it is hot weather but cool in the water, surfers tend to make their surfing sessions longer without changing their equipment. The risk of sunburn is therefore multiplied.

Did you know?

10 to 15% of UV reflects off of the water surface meaning that 40 to 95% penetrates through up to 25 cm under water. This is why boardshorts combined with sun protection (UV top, etc.) are becoming the essential equipment for warm water surfing.

Discover our sun protection range!

What is the OLAIAN brand?

OLAIAN, DECATHLON'S SURF BRAND.

Based in Hendaye, in South West France, OLAIAN is Decathlon's surfing brand. In our offices at the water's edge, we can design a pair of boardshorts and then on the same day go surfing and test them to check that they stay in place in the waves, are comfortable and robust!