Top Trendsetters: Best Boardshort Brands for Surf and Style

Boardshorts are a staple in the wardrobes of those who frequent the beach or enjoy water sports, combining style and functionality for maximum comfort. With a wide range of options available, selecting the best brands can make a significant difference in both performance and durability. Some brands focus on innovative materials that ensure quick drying and flexibility, while others prioritize vibrant designs and cutting-edge fashion. To explore the top brands that consistently deliver on quality and style, continue reading below.

Illustration of boardshorts

Best brands of boardshorts in 2025

Billabong

Billabong is a leading brand in the surfwear industry, renowned for producing high-quality boardshorts that combine performance, style, and durability. Founded in 1973 by Gordon and Rena Merchant, the company has expanded globally, selling products in over 100 countries and holding a market share of 7.49% in the surfwear market. Billabong's products are favored by young individuals aged 16 to 30 who are involved in surfing, skateboarding, and other action sports. The company's multi-brand strategy, including brands like Element and Von Zipper, enhances its market reach. Billabong has also been recognized for its environmental efforts, such as using recycled plastic bottles in its boardshort fabric, with over 100 million bottles repurposed to date. For more details, visit their official website.

Quiksilver

Quiksilver is a renowned brand in the surfing industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality boardshorts. Founded in 1969 in Torquay, Victoria, Quiksilver has evolved into one of the world's largest brands of surfwear and boardsport-related equipment. The brand is notable for its comfortable and performance-oriented boardshorts, which were the first to be made from 100% cotton, providing a unique blend of comfort and durability. Quiksilver also expanded its product line to include the Roxy brand for young women, which accounts for about 30% of the company's sales. As part of Boardriders, Inc., Quiksilver continues to innovate and dominate the market, especially in regions like North America where it holds a significant market share.

O'Neill

O'Neill is a pioneering brand in the surf and swimwear industry, renowned for its innovative and high-performance boardshorts. Founded by Jack O'Neill in 1952, the company has been at the forefront of surf technology, introducing groundbreaking products like the neoprene wetsuit and the Hyperfreak Series boardshorts with Technobutter neoprene. O'Neill's boardshorts are designed for both style and functionality, offering features such as high stretch fabric, breathable materials, and storage pockets. The brand's commitment to quality and comfort has made it a favorite among surfers, contributing to the significant growth in the global men's swimwear market, which is projected to reach USD 555.94 million by 2032. O'Neill's products reflect the evolving fashion trends and active lifestyles, making them a staple in the surfing apparel and accessories market.

Rip Curl

Rip Curl, founded in 1969, is renowned as one of the world's most recognized and respected brands in the surf and snow industries. Known for its high-quality products, Rip Curl has been a market leader in surfing for over 50 years, offering top-tier boardshorts, wetsuits, and other surf gear. Despite COVID-19 disruptions, Rip Curl achieved substantial sales growth in key global markets, with direct-to-consumer sales increasing by 21% in the first half of FY21, and wholesale orders above pre-COVID-19 levels. The brand's strong performance is attributed to its premium technical goods and successful integration into the Kathmandu Holdings group. Rip Curl continues to innovate and support top athletes, solidifying its position as "The Ultimate Surfing Company". For more information, visit their official website.

Hurley

Hurley, founded in 1999 in Huntington Beach, CA, is a renowned brand in the surfing apparel and accessories market, particularly celebrated for its innovative boardshorts. The brand, under the Nike umbrella, has leveraged advanced technology to create products like the Phantom board shorts, which introduced significant performance attributes such as lighter, faster, and more flexible materials. Hurley's boardshorts have been a benchmark in the industry, with the brand contributing substantially to the surf apparel segment, which accounted for over 75% of the surfing apparel market as of 2020. North America, where Hurley is highly popular, held a 39.4% share of the surfing apparel and accessories market in 2022. Hurley's commitment to innovation and artistic foundations has made it a favorite among surfers and skateboarding enthusiasts. For more information, visit Hurley's official website.

Volcom

Volcom is a renowned brand in the action sports industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality boardshorts that combine fashion, functionality, and athletic performance. Since its inception, Volcom has been a leading name in skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing, with its products reflecting an avant-garde approach to creativity. By 2005, Volcom had gone public to expand its operations and improve infrastructure, further solidifying its position in the market. The brand's commitment to maintaining its elite status is evident in its careful distribution strategies to avoid oversaturation. Volcom's products are designed with input from elite athletes and ambassadors, ensuring unparalleled quality for progressive participants. For more on their innovative offerings, visit the Volcom official website.

Patagonia

Patagonia is renowned as one of the best producers of boardshorts, known for its commitment to sustainability and high-quality products. With a brand awareness of 57% among outdoor fashion owners in the U.S., Patagonia's boardshorts crafted for performance and comfort, utilizing environmentally friendly materials such as recycled fabrics and organic cotton. The company's dedication to sustainability is evident in its use of 100% organic cotton in many products and its "Worn Wear" program, which encourages customers to reuse and recycle their gear. Founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia has grown to generate over $1 billion in annual sales, with a significant portion of its profits going towards environmental conservation. Patagonia's boardshorts are designed for both surf and everyday wear, ensuring flexibility and mobility.

RVCA

RVCA is a prominent player in the global surfing apparel and accessories market, known for its high-quality boardshorts that cater to various preferences, including vintage, modern, and relaxed fits. The brand is part of a market that was valued at USD 9.15 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2023 to 2030. RVCA's products contribute to the dominance of the surf apparel segment, which held a 77.3% market share in 2022. The brand's focus on innovative and durable materials aligns with the rising demand for trendy and high-performing surf-wear. As a key player, RVCA helps drive market growth through its appealing and functional products.

Vissla

Vissla is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality boardshorts and surfing apparel, known for its premium materials, precise engineering, and anatomically correct designs. Their products, such as the 7 Seas wetsuit range, are praised for flexibility, comfort, and durability, making them a favorite among surfers. The brand's focus on using 100% Super-Stretch and lightweight neoprene ensures unmatched performance. Vissla's attention to detail, including triple glued and double blind-stitched sealed seams, enhances the longevity and functionality of their products. With a strong market presence, Vissla continues to innovate and meet the evolving needs of the surfing community.

RVCA

RVCA is a prominent brand in the surfing apparel and accessories market, known for its high-quality boardshorts that combine style and functionality. The brand offers features such as 4-way stretch nylon elastane blend fabric, gusset fly, and drawcord closure, as seen in their Anderson 17" board shorts made from 90% recycled nylon and 10% elastane. RVCA is part of the larger market that generated USD 3,617.2 million in revenue in 2022, with the apparel segment holding a 75.98% revenue share. The brand's products are popular among surfers and action sports enthusiasts, contributing to the market's expected growth at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2022 to 2030. RVCA's commitment to quality and sustainability aligns with the increasing demand for surfing apparel and accessories.