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 1950s for surfing.
In recent years, they have become a popular form of swimwear.
The name "boardshorts" derives 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 LESS THAN 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 is ideal for 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 body type may also influence your choice. Here are a few tips to help you.
If you're more of a 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 BELT
Helps the boardshort adapt to different body shapes.
SEMI-ELASTICATED BELT
Ensures a good fit while allowing adaptability to different body shapes
FLAT BELT
Ensures a good fit for the boardshort when falling in the 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 bi-directional or quadri-directional component contributes to 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 you should choose a "Water Repellent" component that evacuates 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 16 inches corresponds to a length of 41 cm on the median size L.
Pockets
The standard boardshort 100 is equipped with three pockets, two of which are on the sides. The pockets are made of mesh to efficiently wick away sand and water.
Belt
The standard boardshort 100 is fitted with an elasticated waistband to help with morphological adaptability and wave hold when falling through the waves.
Inner briefs
The standard boardshort 100 is equipped with a BOSSIS stretch mesh inner brief that helps maintain fit and reduce chafing.
Sun protection: The essential boardshort equipment
On hot summer days, when the water is cooler, surfers tend to prolong their surfing sessions without adapting their equipment. The risk of sunburn is therefore multiplied.
Did you know?
10 to 15% of UV rays are reflected on the water, while 40 to 95% penetrate 25 cm underwater. That's why boardshorts, combined with sun protection (UV top, etc.), are becoming the essential equipment for warm-water practice.
Discover our range of sun protection products!
What is the OLAIAN brand?
OLAIANDECATHLON'S SURF BRAND
Based in Hendaye, in the southwest of France, OLAIAN is Decathlon's surf brand. In our "feet in the water" offices, we can design a boardshort in a single day, then test it in real-life conditions.
Find the Olaian brand on https://www.olaian.fr/
