| What are the different parts of a boardshort? | | | | regular microfiber polyester short, with added |
| Here is a quick glossary: | | | | stretch and flexibility. This means more comfort |
| The fly - There are multiple types of fly's on | | | | while getting in and out of the water. |
| boardshorts, including velcro, zippered, and | | | | Hydrostretch and superstretch are great |
| neoprene. Velcro has long been the standard fly | | | | examples of this new material. |
| material, though some customers experience mild | | | | What's the difference between a boardshort and |
| chaffing or rashes. Velcro-free fly's are often | | | | a swimsuit? Though both are made for the |
| made from neoprene or other soft materials, and | | | | water, they do serve different purposes. A |
| are becoming increasingly popular. On some | | | | swimsuit or pair of swim trunks usually has a |
| boardshorts, you will be able to find a zippered fly, | | | | mesh liner, as well as an interior drawstring. They |
| which is non-corrosive and works just like the fly | | | | are typically used for light or recreational |
| on your jeans. Though all are functional, find a pair | | | | swimming. Boardshorts are typically made from |
| of boardshorts with a fly that is comfortable for | | | | more durable materials, because they have to |
| you. | | | | withstand greater abuse from surfers. This |
| The seams - Vital to the durability of your | | | | doesn't mean that you can't wear boardshorts in |
| boardshorts, the seams hold your shorts | | | | a swimming pool, or a swimsuit in the ocean. If |
| together. Both the inseam and the outseam are | | | | you like the fit and feel of boardshorts, wear em' |
| usually sewn using either double needle or triple | | | | anywhere! |
| needle stitching. The outseam is the distance from | | | | Why all the different lengths? Boardshorts come |
| the bottom of the boardshort (leg opening) to the | | | | in many different lengths. The standard length for |
| waist. The inseam is the seam that binds the inner | | | | boardshorts is typically 22", which puts the |
| length of the boardshort (from the crotch to the | | | | bottom of the short just above the knee. This is |
| leg opening). | | | | the most popular length, because no material gets |
| The closure - The closure is usually some | | | | in the way when you stand up to catch a wave. |
| combination of velcro, buttons, snaps, and | | | | Short boardshorts (16"-18" in length) were very |
| drawstrings. Most boardshorts have drawstrings, | | | | popular in the 50's, and are making their |
| which tie off after the velcro is fastened. | | | | comeback on today's beaches. Usually more of a |
| The pockets - Since boardshorts are used not | | | | fashion short than a surf short, this style will sit |
| only as swimwear, there is usually a pocket or | | | | around mid-thigh. Longer boardshorts come in |
| two on the short. Some companies have | | | | lengths above 22", and will drop just below the |
| integrated full hip pockets, however most | | | | knee. It is important to remember that the stated |
| boardshorts will have a side pocket with a | | | | length of a short is based on a size 32 waist. Each |
| drainhole. Keep your car key, ID, or wax comb | | | | additional inch that gets added to the waist adds |
| safe and sound. | | | | half an inch to the total length. For example, a |
| What is a stitchless inseam? Much like a velcro fly, | | | | standard 22" short will actually be 23" in length if |
| inseams can cause mild chaffing or rashes on the | | | | you moved from a size 32 to a size 34. This also |
| inside of the leg. This occurs because the thread | | | | works in reverse. |
| used on the inseam rubs against raw skin, causing | | | | Should I wear anything under my boardshorts? |
| irritation. The stitchless inseam is created with a | | | | Unlike a swimsuit, boardshorts do not have any |
| type of welding glue, which keeps the seam tight | | | | sort of lining. Though you don't need to wear |
| but is non-abrasive. | | | | anything underneath, you certainly can. We would |
| What are boardshorts made from? The list of | | | | recommend staying away from any sort of |
| boardshort materials seems to grow larger every | | | | cotton undergarment, as they will stay wet for |
| year, as new technologies continue to emerge. | | | | hours after your boardshorts dry. Instead try a |
| The most common material used is a mircofiber | | | | Lycra or spandex material. You can get the extra |
| polyester. It is lightweight, dries quickly, soft to | | | | support you are looking for in a quick drying and |
| the touch, and very comfortable to wear. Most of | | | | comfortable material. |
| the big boardshort companies (Hurley, Billabong, | | | | Will my boardshorts fade in a swimming pool? |
| Quiksilver, O'Neill, Reef) have some variation of a | | | | They shouldn't. Boardshorts are made to |
| microfiber polyester material, but use their own | | | | withstand some pretty harsh ocean conditions, so |
| name. If you see supersuede, dynasuede, | | | | a little chlorine will not cause them to turn colors |
| supreme suede or anything similar in our item | | | | or fade. |
| descriptions, you can bet that those shorts are a | | | | Any tips on getting wax out of my boardshorts? |
| microfiber polyester. There are still some | | | | If you surf, you know that your board wax will |
| boardshorts made from nylon, however popularity | | | | flake off onto your boardshorts from time to |
| has decreased because they tend to be heavier | | | | time. If a wash cycle doesn't take care of the |
| and less comfortable. Some companies are also | | | | problem, try some surfboard wax remover or |
| starting to integrate spandex into their | | | | some "Goo Gone". Just make sure whatever you |
| boardshorts using a polyester and spandex mix. | | | | use is free of bleach or other chemicals that could |
| These shorts have all the same features of a | | | | permanently stain your shorts. |