Board shorts are a summer staple for surf enthusiasts.
Surf shorts, or board shorts, are a casual, sporty fashion option that are great for summer activities. Originally designed for surfers and board enthusiasts, the shorts have entered mainstream fashion in the last decade. With so many brands to choose from, it can be hard to find good-quality shorts for a good price. There are a few well-known brands that make innovative, top-quality surf apparel that's both functional and comfortable.
Features
The best surf shorts have quick-dry technology for comfortable transitioning from surfing to "dry land" activities. Shorts that feature pockets and drawstrings are versatile, making them great to wear both in the surf and the sun. Hemlines on surf shorts generally fall just above the knee for men, and halfway down the thigh for women. Surf shorts typically are not made of stretch fabrics, so finding a pair that fits well is key to a good purchase.
Quiksilver
Quiksilver has been a leading surfwear producer since the 1970's. Roxy -- Quiksilver's line for women -- is equally as present in the sports apparel industry, having gained a market following for its innovative and summer-inspired ads. Quiksilver has more than 600 stand-alone stores worldwide. Current sponsored athletes on the company's roster include surf veteran Kelly Slater and skateboarding icon Tony Hawk.
Volcom
Volcom is another designer of premium surf shorts. The company produces men's and women's surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding apparel and footwear. Even though the company is not focused entirely on surf gear, Volcom still is a popular brand among surf enthusiasts around the world. A much younger company than Quiksilver, it was established in 1991, and opened its first retail outlet in 2002.
Billabong
Billabong is an Australian company born from humble beginnings. Surfer Gordon Merchant and his wife Rena began making Billabong board shorts by hand out of their home in the hopes of putting the best-quality and best-cut surf shorts on the market. Today, Billabong is a global brand with stores all over the world. Billabong has long been dedicated to the professional surfing industry and has sponsored events and athletes from around the world.
