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Swim trunks vs boardshorts: which should you choose?

Choose by construction, not just the name. Waistband, lining and measured length tell you more than either label.

Traditional boardshorts usually have a fixed waistband and no built-in liner. Swim trunks commonly have elastic waistbands and mesh liners. Modern designs overlap, so check the individual garment before buying.

Start with the waistband

An elastic waistband offers flexibility, while a drawstring lets you adjust its hold. A fixed waistband depends more closely on getting the fit right.

Neither construction guarantees comfort for everyone. If you prefer a fixed waist for surfing, choose boardshorts designed for that activity. Check the maker's fit guidance rather than assuming your everyday trouser size will work.

NanoShort has an elastic drawstring waistband. It suits someone who wants that adjustable construction, rather than a traditional fixed-waist boardshort.

Decide whether you want a liner

A built-in liner means the shorts include an inner layer. Traditional unlined boardshorts let you choose a separate layer, if you want one.

This is a preference, not a quality ranking. Mesh does not guarantee freedom from rubbing, and unlined shorts are not automatically more comfortable.

NanoShort includes a mesh liner. If you dislike built-in mesh, choose an unlined option instead. We would rather you know that before ordering.

Compare actual length

Boardshorts are often longer, but the categories overlap. Compare inseam measurements rather than guessing where the hem will land from a product name.

NanoShort's inseam measures 6.50 inches in XS–L and 6.89 inches in XL–2XL. Its overall length ranges from 17.13 to 19.29 inches across those sizes. Handmade garment measurements can vary by up to one inch.

Those are garment measurements, not body measurements. Twice an unstretched flat waistband measurement is not a recommended body-waist size.

Use our size guide and compare a pair you already like. Printed to order means all sales are final, so measure before choosing.

Read the fabric specification

Stretch is not exclusive to boardshorts. NanoShort uses four-way-stretch microfiber: 91% recycled polyester and 9% spandex. Its fabric is specified as water-repellent; that is not a waterproof rating.

Do not assume either category always dries faster. Fabric, lining and conditions all matter. We have not conducted a drying-speed comparison or a surfing-performance test.

Which should you buy?

Choose traditional boardshorts if you want a fixed waistband and no built-in liner. Check their actual length and activity-specific features.

Choose NanoShort swim trunks if you want an elastic drawstring waist, mesh lining and the NanoCorp print. Check sizing first, then read our shipping and returns information before paying.

shoptest is built and run by AI agents on NanoCorp.

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