News flash: Board shorts aren’t just for men. If you struggle with your bikini bottoms sliding around while you shred, throwing on a secure pair of board shorts is an easy solution. Plus, they often include pockets for stashing keys and wax. Board shorts are a versatile clothing item to have in your wardrobe as they also work well as a quick cover-up, for dry land workouts, and even everyday wear.
Our team spends a lot of time in the water, so we know a thing or two about what makes a good pair of board shorts. Over the past couple of summers, we tested out the most popular women’s board shorts on the market to bring you the best of the best. Our overall favorite is the Outerknown Zuma Volley due to its versatility and top-tier quality. Our best budget short is the Hurley Women’s Standard Boardshort, which is an absolute steal at $25.
Navigate To: Buyer’s Guide | Comparison Table | How We Tested | The Best Men’s Board Shorts
The Best Women’s Board Shorts
Best Overall Board Shorts: Outerknown Zuma Volley
Runner-Up Best Board Shorts: Patagonia Wavefarer Boardshorts
Best Budget Board Shorts: Hurley Women’s Standard Boardshort Bottom
Most Durable Board Shorts: Birdwell 400 Boardshorts
Most Versatile Board Shorts: Patagonia Hydropeak Stretch Surf Shorts
Best Swim Shorts: Vuori Shorty Swimsuit Bottoms
Best Overall Women’s Board Shorts
Outerknown Zuma Volley ($98)
Pros: Sustainably made, lots of pockets, durable
Cons: Take a little longer to dry than other board shorts, pricey
Inseam: 3.5″
Weight: N/A
Materials: NetPlus recycled fishing nets/spandex
The Outerknown Zuma Volley shorts are so effortlessly cool you can wear them to the beach, on the court, and everything in between. Made from a blend of post-consumer recycled fishing nets and spandex, the shorts are durable with just the right amount of stretch so they’re not stiff. Because they’re a little thicker and more durable than your average pair of boardies, they do take a tad longer to dry, but it’s well worth it for the added years you’ll get out of your shorts.
The Zuma shorts sport an elastic waistband for extra comfort with a drawstring so you can customize the fit. The shorts come complete with plenty of pockets, with front hand pockets and zippered pockets in the rear. Available in three colors and six sizes, there’s something for everyone. Due to their comfort, versatility, and durable design, we awarded them the best overall women’s board shorts. If you prefer something lighter weight that dries out quickly, the Patagonia Hydropeak Stretch Surf Shorts are a great option.
Runner-Up Best Women’s Board Shorts
Patagonia Wavefarer Boardshort ($75)
Pros: Durable, hidden button
Cons: Not very stretchy
Inseam: 5″
Weight: 4.6 oz
Materials: Postconsumer recycled nylon
The Patagonia Wavefarer Boardshorts are a classic pair of boardshorts. They sport a fixed waist with a lace-up closure, helping them sit securely even when you’re in the water. The waistband is lined, so it’s nice and comfortable, and there’s a hidden button that doesn’t stick out at all. On the rear of the shorts is a zippered pocket with an internal key loop — the pocket is also self-draining so it won’t weigh you down.
Made with the environment in mind, these shorts are made from post-consumer recycled nylon faille that’s made from recycled fishing nets. They are treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which helps prevent them from soaking up water and allows them to dry more quickly. The material is thick, and the shorts are incredibly well-made, allowing them to withstand wipeouts and snags. Another pair of shorts on our list that comes close in terms of quality and durability is the Barely Baggies Shorts. Because these shorts are on the thicker side, they aren’t very stretchy, but they are secure.
Best Budget Women’s Board Shorts
Hurley Women’s Standard Boardshort Bottom ($25)
Pros: Affordable, lightweight
Cons: Takes a bit long to dry
Inseam: 2.5″
Weight: N/A
Materials: Nylon/spandex
At just $25, the Hurley Standard Boardshort Bottoms are an absolute steal. The shorts sport simple, solid prints with an elastic waist and drawstring. The elastic waist makes them easy to get on and off and allows the shorts to fit a wider range of sizes. The drawstring doesn’t make a huge difference when it comes to sizing, but it does allow for small adjustments.
Made from a blend of nylon and spandex, the shorts are lightweight and breathable but take a little longer to dry than some of the other shorts on our list. With a 2.5″ inseam, the Standard Boardshorts are a little on the short side, but we found the fit to be comfortable. If you’re willing to spend more, Patagonia’s Barely Baggies Shorts offer a similar fit and feel but are slightly more durable and are also triple the price.
Most Durable Board Shorts
Birdwell 400 Boardshorts ($125)
Pros: Durable, cool, retro design
Cons: Very expensive, not ultra-comfortable
Inseam: N/A
Weight: N/A
Materials: SurfNyl
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more classic pair of board shorts than the Birdwell 400 Boardshorts. A nod to California in the 60s, the 400 shorts have a retro feel about them that takes you back. In fact, the shorts were constructed using 60 years of knowledge in an effort to deliver a strictly functional and utilitarian pair of board shorts. The style? That’s just a bonus.
The 400 shorts sit just above the hip and run a little snug — you might want to order a size up for a more comfortable fit. The material is slightly on the thick side for boardies, and the seams are double- and triple-needle reinforced, ensuring that these shorts will indeed withstand the test of time. The only downside is that you sacrifice a little bit of comfort in the name of durability. If you’re looking for an equally durable pair of shorts that’s more comfortable, Patagonia’s Barely Baggies shorts are a great pick.
Most Versatile Board Shorts
Patagonia Hydropeak Stretch Surf Shorts ($95)
Pros: Incredibly lightweight and breathable, made from recycled materials
Cons: Not as durable as typical board shorts, adjustable cord in back pocket is a tad difficult to adjust on the fly
Inseam: 3.5″
Weight: 3.6 oz.
Materials: Recycled polyester/spandex
The Patagonia Hydropeak Stretch Surf Shorts are incredibly lightweight and insanely comfortable. Made from a blend of recycled polyester and spandex, they feel like a hybrid pair of board shorts and running shorts — they’re breathable, they move with you, and the glued seams help prevent chafing.
The thin material makes the shorts more comfortable than your average board shorts, but they aren’t quite as durable. The soft waistband feels good against the skin, and there’s an adjustable cord inside the back pocket that allows you to tighten or loosen the waistband as needed. It’s a unique design that enhances comfort but makes on-the-go adjustments a tad more difficult. Finally, the zippered back pocket is the perfect spot for stashing small essentials. Another versatile pair of shorts that transitions well between the land and the sea is the Roxy Endless Summer Boardshort.
Best Swim Shorts
Vuori Shorty Swimsuit Bottoms ($89)
Pros: Flattering fit, high-quality
Cons: Pricey
Inseam: N/A
Weight: N/A
Materials: Recycled polyamide/elastane
Vuori has a reputation for making high-quality athletic clothes, and the Shorty Swimsuit Bottoms live up to the hype. Made from a blend of recycled polyamide/elastane, the bottoms are thick enough that they offer a secure fit but stretchy enough that they allow you to move freely. Although the shorts are designed for water, the fabric is moisture-wicking, so they transition well to workouts on land.
The price is a bit steep for the Shorty Swimsuit Bottoms, but they’re incredibly high quality and well made, making them worth it in our book. The mid-rise cut is flattering, and the bottom pairs perfectly with the Vuori Crush Rashguard. The Shorty bottoms fit true to size, but the drawstring is a nice touch for slight adjustments. If you prefer a pair of shorts that you can wear a bikini bottom underneath but still work out in, the Patagonia Hydropeak Stretch Surf Shorts are one of our favorites.
Best of the Rest
Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts ($75)
Pros: Look good on/off the water, two side drainage pockets
Cons: No zippered pocket
Inseam: 2.5″
Weight: 4.5 oz.
Materials: Recycled polyester
Created with the environment in mind, Patagonia’s Barely Baggies Shorts are made from NetPlus 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon made from recycled fishing nets. The Barely Baggies sport a 2.5” inseam and a regular rise cut, with an elastic waist and drawcord for a customizable fit. Additionally, they feature side slits for added comfort, a hidden top-entry mesh pocket, side-entry pockets with polyester mesh for drainage, and an elastic key loop, so they’ve got storage covered. The fabric feels soft and comfortable against the skin and dries quickly.
If you prefer more coverage, Patagonia also offers Baggies shorts, which have a 5” inseam. Both of these shorts are baggy, as the name suggests, so they look a bit like “mom shorts,” but they still manage to maintain stylish outdoor appeal. If you’re into hiking, they work as well on the trails as they do on the water. For a high-performance surf option that still looks great out of the water, check out the Patagonia Women’s Wavefarer.
Free Fly Apparel Wavebound Surf Shorts ($74)
Pros: Made from eco-friendly materials, UPF 50 protection
Cons: Runs a little big.
Inseam: 2.5″
Weight: N/A
Materials: Recycled nylon/recycled elastane
If you’ve yet to try gear from Free Fly Apparel, this is a brand that should be on your radar. The brand makes outdoor and watersports apparel from recycled, eco-friendly materials that are comfortable, gentle on the environment, and high-performing. And the Wavebound Surf Shorts are no exception.
Made from a blend of recycled nylon and recycled elastane, the Wavebound shorts are form-fitting, like a pair of spandex running shorts, so they transition seamlessly in and out of the water. The four-way stretch fabric moves with you and performs well for surfing, swimming, paddling, running, and all things active. The shorts have built-in UPF 50 sun protection, and the chafe-free seams help prevent annoying rubbing. The shorts run a little big, so you may consider sizing down for an extra-secure fit. If you’re looking for a more classic pair of board shorts, the Body Glove Surf Crew Vapor Short is a great choice.
Roxy To Dye Board Shorts ($28)
Pros: UPF 50+ protection, chlorine-resistant material
Cons: Not very stretchy
Inseam: 2″ (7″ option here)
Weight: N/A
Materials: Polyester/spandex
The Roxy To Dye Board Shorts are a classic pair of board shorts. With a two-inch inseam and mid-rise cut, they’re flattering and look good with whatever top you choose to pair them with. The shorts have built-in UPF 50+ sun protection for long days in the sun and are constructed from chlorine-resistant materials, should you opt to wear them in the pool.
The To Dye shorts run a little big, but have a drawstring closure to help secure them (you may want to size down if you’re between sizes). There is also a 7-inch version of the short available for those who prefer a longer cut. Thanks to the spandex, the shorts have a little bit of give, but they aren’t the stretchiest board shorts out there. If you’re looking for something easier to move around in, the Roxy Endless Summer Boardshort are stretchy and move with you.
Body Glove Surf Crew Vapor Short ($75)
Pros: Dries quickly, zippered side pocket
Cons: Runs a tiny bit small
Inseam: N/A
Weight: N/A
Materials: Synthetic
The past and present collide with the Body Glove Surf Crew Vapor Short. Lightweight, synthetic materials coupled with a retro design ensure the shorts are lightweight and breathable yet stylish.
The Vapor shorts sport a Velcro closure paired with a drawstring for added security. A zippered side pocket is perfect for small essentials like wax or chapstick. The shorts run a tiny bit small, which makes them a little less comfortable, but you can wear them a little higher on your hips or size up. If you’re looking for a more comfortable pair of shorts that can double as workout shorts, the Patagonia Hydropeak Stretch Surf Shorts are a great option.
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Carve Designs Bali Breeze Shorts ($68)
Pros: UPF 50+, flattering mid-rise cut
Cons: Run big, don’t stay up super well
Inseam: 3″
Weight: N/A
Materials: Polyester/spandex
Made from a blend of recycled polyester, upcycled coconut fabric, and spandex, the Carve Designs Bali Shorts’ sustainable design helps reduce impact on the environment. The shorts are rated UPF 50+ and feature an elastic and drawstring waist, making them incredibly lightweight and comfortable. The Bali shorts feature two side pockets, which are much appreciated when walking around town.
The mid-rise cut is flattering, and the shorts offer more coverage than other options — they run big, so size down if you like a snug fit. Although these shorts are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, the fit is slightly frumpy, and they don’t stay up as well as some other options when hit with a big set. Similarly, the Roxy Endless Summer Boardshort sports a lightweight design, but they stay in place better and works well for both dry land and aquatic activities.
Carve Designs Barbados Shorts ($68)
Pros: UPF 50+, ruching at sides with adjustable ties
Cons: Built-in privacy liner makes it awkward to wear bikini bottoms underneath
Inseam: N/A
Weight: N/A
Materials: Nylon/spandex
The Carve Designs Barbados Shorts are like a pair of shorts and a swimsuit all in one. The form-fitting bottoms have a built-in privacy liner so you don’t have to worry about flashing anyone as you surf, swim, paddle, or run.
The shorts are made from a blend of nylon and spandex, so they feel stretchy and flexible like a swimsuit, making them ideal for watersports. They dry out quickly, and the UPF 50+ fabric offers generous sun protection. Due to the liner, you can’t really wear a pair of swim bottoms underneath, and they’re a little too bulky to wear shorts over, so you’re pretty locked in with these bottoms. If you’re a minimalist, it’s ideal, but if you prefer to strip down to bikini bottoms, you’ll want to pack a towel to change. If you prefer a more classic board short, the Outerknown Zuma Volley is our top overall pick.
prAna La Jolla Board Shorts ($54)
Pros: Zippered back pocket, dries quickly
Cons: Runs a little large
Inseam: 3″
Weight: N/A
Materials: Recycled polyester/elastane
Made from a blend of recycled polyester and elastane, the prAna La Jolla Board Shorts are incredibly lightweight, breathable, and stretchy. They’re easy to move around in and incredibly comfortable, making them ideal for surfing, paddling, and dry land training. The lightweight material dries out quickly, so you’re ready for round two in no time.
The La Jolla shorts run a little large, but they have an adjustable waistband that allows you to customize the fit. A back pocket with a hidden zipper is the perfect place for storing small essentials like your car key or zinc. If you’re looking for a pair of shorts that fit true to size, the Patagonia Wavefarer Boardshorts have an accurate fit and are a great pair of shorts as well.
Roxy Endless Summer Boardshort ($33)
Pros: Have a hidden drawcord, double as surf/workout shorts
Cons: Flat-folded waistband tends to flip up while paddling, runs big
Inseam: 2″
Weight: N/A
Materials: Polyester/elastane
One of the more unique board shorts on our list, the Roxy Endless Summer Boardshort is a cross between a board short and a pair of athletic shorts. The shorts feature a flat-folded knit waistband with a hidden drawcord. The waistband is flattering, but it tends to flip up while you’re paddling, which we found annoying at times. We did, however, appreciate the hidden drawcord and functionality when it came to size adjustments.
The Endless Summer shorts are incredibly lightweight and breathable, and we found that they worked equally well for running and gym sessions as they did for surfing. The shorts are nice and stretchy and come in lots of fun colors and patterns. At two inches, they’re definitely on the short side, so make sure you’re comfortable with the length before purchasing. These shorts definitely run big, so you’ll want to size down if you’re between sizes. The Carve Designs Bali Shorts are another versatile pair of shorts that are incredibly lightweight and provide more coverage, but they don’t have the rollover waistband like the Endless Summer Boardshorts.
Best Women’s Board Shorts Comparison Table
| Board Shorts | Price | Inseam | Weight | Material |
| Outerknown Zuma Volley | $98 | 3.5″ | N/A | NetPlus recycled fishing nets/spandex |
| Patagonia Wavefarer Boardshort | $75 | 5″ | 4.6 oz. | Postconsumer recycled nylon |
| Hurley Standard Boardshort Bottoms | $18 | 2.5″ | N/A | Nylon/spandex |
| Birdwell 400 Boardshorts | $125 | N/A | N/A | SurfNyl |
| Patagonia Hydropeak Stretch Surf Shorts | $95 | 3.5″ | 3.6 oz. | Recycled polyester/spandex |
| Vuori Shorty Swimsuit Bottoms | $89 | N/A | N/A | Recycled polyamide/elastane |
| Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts | $75 | 2.5″ | 4.5 oz. | Recycled polyester |
| Free Fly Apparel Wavebound Surf Shorts | $74 | 2.5″ | N/A | Recycled nylon/recycled elastane |
| Roxy To Dye Board Shorts | $28 | 2″ | N/A | Polyester/spandex |
| Body Glove Surf Crew Vapor Short | $75 | N/A | N/A | Synthetic |
| Carve Designs Bali Breeze Shorts | $68 | 3″ | N/A | Polyester/spandex |
| Carve Design Barbados Shorts | $68 | N/A | N/A | Nylon/spandex |
| prAna La Jolla Board Shorts | $54 | 3″ | N/A | Recycled polyester/elastane |
| Roxy Endless Summer Boardshort | $35 | 2″ | N/A | Polyester/elastane |
How We Tested The Best Women’s Board Shorts
Our lead tester, Rebecca Parsons, lives on the island of Oahu and spends a lot of her time in the water, usually on a surfboard. She regularly surfs in a bikini and board shorts and knows the difference a good pair of board shorts can make in your confidence on and off the water.
To test these shorts, she surfed in them, hung out on the beach, went stand up paddling, wore them for dry land workouts, and around town. She took into consideration how comfortable each was, how lightweight/breathable the material felt, dry time, how secure they felt, whether or not they had pockets, how useful those pockets were, and a whole lot more.
We originally ran this review in December of 2022. We gave it a massive facelift in October of 2024 after a summer of testing, deleting board shorts that were no longer available, and adding in some of the newer styles. We also added some information to our Buyer’s Guide so you can be better informed when shopping for your next pair of boardies.
We updated this guide once again in July of 2026, deleting some styles that were no longer available and adding in some new, exciting styles. We expanded our testing to include both California and Hawaii, putting these shorts to the test in multiple locations.
Women’s Board Shorts Buyer’s Guide
What Makes a Good Pair of Women’s Board Shorts?
Board shorts are typically associated with men, but women love a good pair of board shorts as well! All board shorts are not created equally, and as such, there are a few things we take into consideration when purchasing a new pair. In our book, a good pair of board shorts is comfortable, first and foremost, since they can double as shorts or workout gear. Additionally, we want them to be cute, dry quickly, and have pockets or somewhere to store keys or wax.
Fixed vs. Elastic Waistband
Board shorts typically come in two main waistband styles: fixed and elastic. As the name suggests, elastic waistbands have a piece of elastic running through the waistband, resulting in a stretchy waist. Elastic waistbands are easy to pull on and off, and you don’t need to be as specific with sizing since they’re so stretchy.
Typically, elastic waistbands also come with a drawstring so you can customize your fit – if they don’t, you’ll want to make sure the size is right for you to ensure a secure fit. Elastic waistband shorts usually come in more general sizes like small, medium, and large as opposed to specific measured sizes.
Fixed waistbands, on the other hand, are not stretchy, and purchasing the correct size is critical. Fixed waistband shorts typically offer a wide range of sizes, so you can find your perfect fit. Because there’s no stretch to the waist, fixed waistbands utilize buttons or lacing to secure the shorts. If you purchase the correct size, fixed waistbands are usually the most secure option but they can also be more work to take on and off and sometimes aren’t as comfortable.
Comfort
When it comes to any type of clothes, especially if it’s something we wear while exercising, we’re all about comfort. Board shorts should be lightweight and breathable, both in and out of the water.
Style
Whether they sport a retro style or a more modern look, we want board shorts that look good because we plan on wearing them a lot. We often wear board shorts as regular shorts, so we want them to be something we feel good about wearing in the water and to lunch with friends.
Drying Time
Ideally, we want to wear our board shorts in the water and keep them on for whatever we’ve got going on after surfing, kayaking, or stand up paddling. Wet board shorts clinging to your skin are uncomfortable, so we want a pair of board shorts that dries quickly. Thin, lightweight fabrics tend to dry the most quickly, but they also sacrifice some durability – decisions, decisions.
Storage
When you surf in a bikini, there’s no place to stash anything. One of the perks of board shorts is that they often have pockets or a way to attach your key – when buying a new pair of board shorts, this is something we look for.
Zippered pockets are the most ideal because you can rest easy knowing your stuff is secure. It’s also nice when pockets have an included key loop for attaching your key (if your car still even has a metal key).
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Editor’s Note: Want a top to pair with your board shorts? Check out The Best Rash Guards for Women. Need a little neoprene? Grab yourself one of The Women’s Best Springsuits. Just need a top? We’ve got The Best Women’s Wetsuit Jackets. Simply need some sun protection? The Best Surf Suits for Women will do the trick. Bikini weather? Check out The Best Women’s Swimsuits for Surfing (That Will Stay Put). For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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