What are boardshorts?
Boardshorts are swim shorts and, more generally, a style of swimwear for men and, more recently, for women. They were originally developed in the 50s for surfing.
In recent years, they have become a popular form of swimwear.
The name "boardshorts" comes from their use in board-based water sports such as surfing.
Their main purpose is to limit chafing caused by board friction.
How to choose your boardshort?
FOR SESSIONS UNDER 1 HOUR
If you're surfing for less than an hour, you'll need a men's swimsuit that doesn't sink with every pass underwater. A short boardshort can give you greater freedom of movement, and is recommended for bodyboarding. Quick-drying is important to prevent sand from sticking to your men's boardshorts.
How to choose your boardshort size?
For size selection, please refer to the size guide on the boardshort product page.
The boardshort 100 is available in sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL.
Your morphology can also influence your choice. Here are a few tips to help you.
If you're more the muscular, trunk-and-legs type, choose a short swimsuit that will enhance your figure.
If you're more the slim, slender type, opt for a longer boardshort!
The choice of boardshort according to the type of belt.
ELASTICATED WAISTBAND
Makes boardshorts adaptable to different body shapes.
SEMI-ELASTICATED WAISTBAND
Ensures a good fit while allowing adaptability to different body shapes.
FLAT BELT
Holds boardshorts in place when falling into waves.
Holding in the wave
When you're surfing, whether because of a duck or a wipe out, it's not easy to have to reposition your men's boardshorts because they've slipped halfway down your buttocks... Choosing the right belt is therefore of prime importance. Choose an elasticated or semi-elasticated waistband with a drawstring, or a flat waistband for better support.
Reduces irritation
This is surely the most important criterion. It's not uncommon for boardshorts or their seams to chafe. Our boardshorts are designed, both in terms of shape and assembly methods, to minimize chafing during practice.
Freedom of movement
Surfing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing put a lot of pressure on the legs, so men's swimwear should not restrict bending or swimming.
A short shape promotes this freedom of movement.
Fast drying
It's quite annoying to feel sand sticking to your boardshort because it's still soaked with water. That's why it's best to choose a "Stretch" component that wicks away water more quickly.
Length
Your choice of boardshort length will depend mainly on your tastes. However, the shorter your swimsuit, the greater your freedom of movement. The length 14 inches corresponds to a length of 35.5 cm on the median size L.
Pockets
The boardshort 100 short has two side panels. The mesh pockets efficiently wick away sand and water.
Belt
The boardshort 100 short is equipped with an elasticated waistband that helps with morphological adaptability and wave hold when falling through the waves.
Inner briefs
The boardshort 100 short is equipped with a BOSSIS stretch mesh inner brief that helps maintain fit and reduce chafing.
Sun protection: The essential boardshort equipment
In hot summer weather, when the water is cooler, surfers tend to prolong their surfing sessions without adapting their equipment. This increases the risk of sunburn.
Did you know?
10 to 15% of UV rays reflect off the water, while 40 to 95% penetrate 25 cm underwater. That's why boardshorts, combined with sun protection (UV top, etc.), are becoming the must-have equipment for warm-water surfing.
Discover our range of sun protection products!
What is the OLAIAN brand?
OLAIANDECATHLON'S SURF BRAND
Based in Hendaye, in south-west France, OLAIAN is Decathlon's surf brand. In our "feet in the water" offices, we can design a boardshort in a day, then test it in real-life conditions.
Find the brand Olaian on https://www.olaian.fr/