Buy boardshort for watersports and beach
A boardshort is a short, quick-dry alternative to a swim trunk with a relaxed fit and a closure system using a drawcord and/or velcro, designed for active watersports and beach use. Unlike a traditional swimsuit, a boardshort has no mesh lining, a longer leg length and a reinforced waistband that stays in place during movement. The boardshort range comes from Brunotti, the only brand currently available in this segment.
Which boardshort type suits your sport?
| Type | Leg length | Material | Waist closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surf boardshort | Below knee | Woven polyester or nylon stretch | Drawcord + fixed velcro |
| Cable/wake boardshort | Just above or at knee | Light stretch polyester | Drawcord + flat elastic |
| Allround water short | Variable | Quick-dry polyester | Flat elastic or drawcord |
| Swim boardshort | Above knee | Recycled polyester | Internal drawcord |
As a rule of thumb: choose a shorter leg above the knee for wakeboarding and cable, so the board does not catch your shorts. Surfers and SUP riders generally go slightly longer for extra protection on the board and in waves.
Material and practical use
Brunotti uses mainly recycled polyester fibres in its boardshorts and swim trunks, bringing dry time down to under 30 minutes. The Weston-PP line uses a non-stiff polyester quality that feels soft when dry, making it just as suited for a day of SUP or time on the beach. Brunotti builds boardshorts with a flat waistband that does not bunch or fold during acrobatic movements, which is relevant for cable wakeboarding.
A boardshort is not a swimsuit in the classic sense, but the overlap is large. This range also includes Brunotti swim trunks that are functionally comparable. Have a look at the swim trunk collection if you mainly swim and do less active watersport.
Frequently asked questions about boardshorts
What is the difference between a boardshort and a regular swim trunk?
A boardshort differs from a classic swim trunk in three ways. First, the length: boardshorts reach to on or just above the knee, swim trunks are shorter. Second, the construction: boardshorts have no mesh lining and are made from a sturdier woven fabric that is less likely to deform or tear from friction with a board or harness. Third, the closure: boardshorts always have a drawcord and sometimes a zip or velcro at the front, so they do not slide down during intense movement. For leisurely swimming in a pool it barely makes a difference. For active watersports a boardshort gives more security and holds its shape for longer.
What leg length should I choose for my watersport?
The leg length depends on your sport. For wakeboarding and cable: choose a boardshort that ends just above the knee. A longer leg can catch on bindings. For surfing and SUP a length at or just over the knee is standard: it gives protection on the board during knee landings and wave entries. For beach and swimming a shorter leg is fine. Brunotti offers the Weston-PP as a typical boardshort with a slightly longer cut and the Paitor-AO as a shorter entry model, both suitable for watersports and beach use.
How do I stop a boardshort sliding down when wakeboarding?
Choose a boardshort with a drawcord you can pull tight and an extra velcro or zip on the inside of the waistband. That combination is the most reliable. Elastic waistbands do not hold as well through quick direction changes and crashes. Make sure the boardshort does not sit too wide in the waist: a short that is 2-3 cm too wide will still slide down on the first wipeout. Brunotti boardshorts have a high-structure waistband that stays put even during fast movements. For extra security some wakeboarders wear a rash vest or neoprene short with a tight waistband as an inner layer.
How do I wash a boardshort after use in salt water?
Rinse the boardshort immediately after use with cool fresh water to remove salt, chlorine and sunscreen residue. Salt crystals attack the fabric as they dry. Then machine wash at 30°C with a mild detergent. No bleach and no fabric softener: both damage the quick-dry coating and the stretch fibres. Dry the boardshort hanging out of direct sun, never in a tumble dryer on high heat. Brunotti boardshorts are made from recycled polyester that stands up well to salt and chlorine, but the colour lasts longer if you follow these care instructions.
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