Boardshorts
Board shorts have been associated with water sports such as surfing and wakeboarding for a long time. Board shorts have been adopted from martial arts fighters and are called fight shorts. However, recently that board shorts gained popularity as a type of swimwear. Board shorts also called boardies, have taken their name from these water sports. Board shorts are (usually) manufactured from polyester or nylon and are designed in such as way that they dry quickly. Most quality board shorts are durable, comfortable and light weight. Board shorts are (mostly) longer than swimming trunks i.e. most board shorts are of knee length or a couple of inches above the knee and have a baggy fit. Board shorts vary considerably in colors and patterns. For example, board shorts are available in eye catching and bright colors (such as yellow, red, orange etc), subtle and solemn colors (such as black, navy blue, gray etc). Board shorts are most popular in North America. Although the style of board shorts remains largely the same, some swimwear designers have incorporated a number of innovations.
The most uncomfortable among these innovations is the use of Velcro for fly closure since most swimmers do not put on board shorts without underwear. This Velcro is extremely painful (and uncomfortable) since it entangles body hair. Another common compliant about board shorts is stitches in the seam area that rub against the wearer’s skin. This problem has been remedied by use of a seamless design, glue or welding instead of stitches. A large number of swimsuit retailers have introduced a light weight net-like material within board shorts. This material is meant to serve as an alternative to underwear. However, most swimmers find it itchy and restrictive in movement. Consequently, most swimmers prefer wearing boxers, briefs or other types of underwear underneath board shorts. Board shorts were first introduced as a style of men’s swimwear. More recently board shorts have gained popularity as a style of women’s swimwear. Most swimsuit designers and swim retailers are now offering board shorts. Some of the most popular brands offering board shorts (for both men and women) include Billabong, Quiksilver, Wet Effect, Tiderunner, Old Navy, Katin, Killer Dana, Rip Curl, Speedo, surfstitch, Hurley, and Volcom.
Tips For Buying Board Shorts
Following are some tips for buying board shorts for men:
1. Knee length board shorts are recommended for tall and thin men. An average length of twenty three inches including the seam is suitable for most men.
2. It is integral to make sure that your board shorts can be tied or snapped at the front. If this is not the case you may be embarrassed at the beach (or the pool).
3. Bold prints and colors work well for tall and lanky men.
4. Most experts recommend board shorts made of cotton, nylon or a mix of these fabrics. This is because these materials are most comfortable in wearing.
5. Board shorts are the most flattering type of swimsuit for men having a large belly. This is because of their tendency to hang low on the belly emphasizing it instead of covering it up.
6. Shorter men should choose board shorts that are shorter in length since longer board shorts covering more of your legs make you look shorter than you really are. Shorter men should choose board shorts in solid colors since they create the illusion of height. Board shorts having loud prints emphasize the division of your body at the knee and the waist making you look shorter than you actually are.
