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?
SESSIONS UP TO 2 HOURS
If you're surfing for up to two hours, you'll need boardshorts that fit snugly around your waist, but whose waistband doesn't make you uncomfortable... so a flat waistband becomes an advantage. For freedom of movement, a slightly elastic component will ensure that leg movements are not impeded.
How to choose your boardshort size?
For size selection, please refer to the size guide on the boardshort product page.
The boardshort 500 is available in sizes 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48.
Your body type can 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!
Choosing boardshorts by belt type
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 limit chafing as much as possible during practice.
In addition, the boardshort 500 benefits from a central strip that offsets the seams from the usual friction zones, significantly limiting the appearance of chafing.
Freedom of movement
Surfing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing put a lot of pressure on the legs, so a man's swimsuit should not restrict either bending or swimming.
A bi-directional or quadri-directional component contributes to this freedom of movement.
The boardshort 500 is made from a fabric with bi-directional stretch.
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 18 inches corresponds to a length of 45.5 cm on the median size 42.
Belt
The Boardshort 500 is equipped with a flat waistband that contributes to wave retention when ducking under the wave and during falls. What's more, the flat waistband provides superior comfort when paddling, lying on the board.
Pockets
The boardshort 500 is equipped with a side zipped pocket (on the right thigh).
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 south-west 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 directly in the surf to check its performance in the wave, its comfort and its solidity.
Find us at https://www.olaian.fr/
