Board shorts are not just for surfing anymore. Board shorts started as the swimming trunks of choice, but now virtually anyone involved in an active lifestyle has embraced board shorts. Surfers, skaters, windsurfers, and kayakers have fallen in love with these lightweight, durable, comfortable, and fast drying trunks. Even those who simply want to look like they just came from the beach are buying board shorts, and many people who live in warmer climates opt to wear board shorts as everyday attire.

Board shorts evolved from the more traditional style of swimming trunks, but they are not gathered or elasticized at the waistband. The board shorts of today are more like a combination of swimming trunks and walking shorts. Board shorts are unlined, have a flat, trim line, and close with Velcro, laces and eyelets. Many brands of board shorts use reinforced stitching to cut down on splitting seams during strenuous physical activities, and also add a small pocket that closes with Velcro for carrying keys or cash.

Board shorts are popular with men, women and children, and many of the most popular clothing companies now produce board shorts. L.L.Bean, Billabong, Hurley, Quicksilver, and Ocean Pacific are just a sampling of famous clothing manufacturers that offer board shorts for sale.

Board shorts are available in a wide range of colors, styles, and fabrics, although the majority are made of nylon for its durability and drip dry quality. They come in a variety of lengths--from short to knee-length. Many board shorts feature a contrasting side panel; these panels are often prints that complement the solid color of the main body of the board shorts. Hawaiian prints are popular in board shorts, sometimes appearing only on the contrasting panel, and other times, over the entire article of clothing.

If you are going on vacation, board shorts are ideal because they take very little space in your luggage, while providing you with casual beachwear options. Whether you plan to challenge the waves, or simply walk along the shore, you will be right in style while wearing your board shorts this summer.