Men's Swimming Shorts
Men's swimming shorts and boardshorts made to get wet and dry fast, for the beach, the pool, the boat and the surf. Our range features Patagonia, Columbia and more, in quick-drying, hard-wearing fabrics, many made from recycled materials.
The main choices are length, liner and closure. Boardshorts run longer and are built for the surf, with tough, quick-drying fabric and a secure tie or closure; shorter swim shorts are lighter for the pool and casual swimming and often have a mesh liner. Look for a comfortable waist, quick-drying recycled fabric and a length you are happy both swimming and walking around in, since good swim shorts double as summer shorts.
Order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand, or click and collect from our Grey Lynn store or Westgate collection point at 4B Topere Way.
Frequently asked questions about men's swimming shorts
What is the difference between boardshorts and swim shorts?
Boardshorts are longer, usually reaching the knee, made from tough quick-drying fabric with a secure tie or hook closure and often no liner, built originally for surfing. Swim shorts are shorter and lighter, generally with an elastic waist and a mesh liner, aimed at the pool and casual swimming. Boardshorts suit the surf and a longer look; swim shorts are lighter and easier for everyday swims.
Do swimming shorts have a liner, and should I wear underwear with them?
Many swim shorts have a built-in mesh liner that provides support, in which case you do not need underwear underneath. Boardshorts often have no liner, so it comes down to preference, some people wear swim briefs or trunks underneath, others go without. Wearing normal cotton underwear under swim shorts is not ideal, as it stays wet, so use the liner or purpose-made swimwear underneath.
What length of swimming shorts should I choose?
It is about style and use. Shorter swim shorts are lighter and better for lap swimming and a classic look; mid-length is the versatile everyday choice; and longer boardshorts give more coverage and suit the surf. Consider that a length you are comfortable both swimming and walking around in makes the shorts far more useful for a day that mixes beach, lunch and the walk home.
Are swimming shorts quick-drying?
Yes, that is one of their defining features. Swim shorts and boardshorts use synthetic, often recycled, fabrics designed to shed water and dry quickly in the sun and breeze, so you are not stuck in cold, heavy shorts after a swim. This quick-drying property is exactly why they double so well as summer shorts, since they handle a swim and are dry again soon after.
Can I wear swimming shorts as everyday summer shorts?
Absolutely, and many people do. Quick-drying swim shorts and boardshorts in a mid length work well as casual summer shorts, so you can go from the beach to lunch without changing. Choose a pair with a comfortable waist and a length and colour you like out of the water, and they become a genuinely versatile warm-weather short, not just swimwear.
How do I care for swimming shorts after the beach or pool?
Rinse them in fresh water after every use to wash out salt, sand and chlorine, which break down fabric and elastic over time, then hang them to dry in the shade rather than in direct sun or a hot dryer. Avoid wringing them hard. This simple rinse-and-air-dry routine keeps the colour, stretch and fabric of your swim shorts in good shape for many summers.