The best board shorts

While slightly baggier and less styled than Patagonia's Stretch Planing board shorts, the Wavefarer Stretch sit at or just below the knee. This may not make them the most fashionable shorts on our list — or the most comfortable for a seaside stroll —but they do offer optimal protection from sun and chafing for long days in the sun and salt.

Outside and Wirecutter both swear by them for surfing, and I've had multiple pairs for over two years, wearing them everywhere from the surf and sailboat to the street — well, certain streets.

These shorts are longer than I'd generally like an all-around board short to be, but they're designed that way with good purpose, and come along with 50+ UPF sun protection. It's almost impossible to keep even the most zinc-laden sunscreen from rubbing off on the rail of your surfboard, and in the tropical sun, that can spell disaster, and shy of a box jellyfish sting or a shark bite, there are few things that will terminate a surf trip quicker.

The bottom line is, if you're going to spend hours a day surfing in the summer sun (and especially the tropics), it's worth forgoing a modicum of fashion for function, and Patagonia's 21-inch Stretch Wavefarers are hardly a compromise where most are concerned.

Pros: Four-way stretch, drawstring lies flat for comfortable paddling, quick-drying

Cons: More functional than stylish, According to one REI user review, these shorts might lose their luster after a few dips in a swimming pool, though that hasn't been the case for me.

Patagonia's Stretch Wavefarer Walk Shorts are essentially a spruced-up version of the Stretch Wavefarer board shorts, but with belt loops and pockets that make them passable, at least at a distance, for khakis. They're also an inch shorter, which leaves them safely above the knee, giving off a sleeker silhouette in contrast to most board shorts and hybrid shorts alike.

That said, Patagonia still manages to sneak in an interior bar-tacked drawstring, which is essential for the surf, where a simple button will not necessarily prevent indecent exposure. They also offer the same four-way stretch technology that the other Wavefarers have, and the pockets are mesh (though it would require a scrupulous eye to note this minor detail on terra firma).

I also like that these shorts are even lighter (1.1 oz) than the Wavefarer board shorts, though they still come along with the water-repellent and 50+ UPF sun protection finish. The only compromise for the surf enthusiast is the button, which some may find uncomfortable, and the open pockets which, although mesh and quick to drain, create some drag in the water.

Pros: Belt loops for dressing up after the beach, if need be, a hidden drawstring, four full pockets, quick-drying, lightweight

Cons: Button might be uncomfortable for some, drag from open pockets

Birdwell Beach Britches has been around since 1961, and have remained a staple among surfers with a more pared-down style throughout the cataclysmic wave of the tube-legged, neon board shorts that have dominated the market for the past two decades, give or take. The company has had its pitfalls, but recent buyer reviews suggest the company is back in order.

Double-layered nylon and double- and triple- heavy-duty nylon stitching means that there's a good chance you'll unravel before they do. The nylon, while stiff, prevents them from being the quickest drying pair of board shorts out there, but it will take more than a few run-ins with the reef to send these to the recycling bin.

If you want to trade stiffness and durability for a little stretch and more length, look into Birdwell's Men's Stretch board shorts.

If you're rough on your clothes like I am, a pair of Birdwell Beach Britches is a worthy addition to your collection of shorts. I especially appreciate how stain-resistant they are for fishing and boating outings when other board shorts often get ruined.

Pros: Heavy-duty construction, classic design

Cons: Slow to dry, stiff (but that's what makes them durable)