Buying Boardshorts?
1. What are you buying them for? A fashion accessory has fewer needs than a pair of boardies (slang for board shorts) bought for surfing. Fashion board shorts may not have the flexibility required for a decent pair of surfing boardies like the O'Neill Psychofreak board shorts which have four flexible neoprene panels to allow you to manoeuver without restriction.
2. Consider the length of the board shorts. Most come above the knee or on the knee which is fine for boarding of all kinds, but the longer, below the knee board shorts are really only for fashion and general beach purposes only as most surfers will find them restrictive.
3. If you like to make a statement then Hawaiian board shorts with bold floral patterns etc. are for you whilst other more sedate styles are available. Women's board shorts and men's board shorts come in a variety of styles, lengths, patterns and colours so you are sure to find a perfect pair if you shop around.
3. Fabric is another consideration. You need to look for something which is quick drying and non-chaffing to get the most out of your boardies. A wet pair of board shorts may chaff and potentially cause a rash if made from cheap materials. Most good quality board shorts today are made of lightweight, quick drying materials. Look for polyester microfibre for general fashion wear or either nylon blends or a stretch fabric like a spandex mix for surfing.
