Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with boardshorts

Why are men's swimming shorts all long (and unlined) now?

Rash — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:10:19 -0800

SwimmingInAmerica Filter: how come men's swimming trunks have disappeared? I find only board shorts and bikinis in the shops. For example, check a selection at a major online outlet labeled "Swim Trunks and Board Shorts". There's only one in all those which resemble what I think of as swimming trunks: short (maybe 12 inches on the outside seam), and with an inner liner, for support. None of the others (do they still call the longest type "jams") have liners. I don't get it -- you guys just flopping around inside there or is everyone wearing jockstraps now?

We had a discussion earlier about this in why do Europeans wear Speedos where the American aversion to the 'package bulge' comes up but I don't understand now why the shorts are all so long. Too 70s?

Which boardshorts might fit me?

pandanom — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:39:07 -0800

I need new boardshorts, but I'm a short guy with a short torso and skinny legs. I need new boardshorts, but they have to be low-rise/slim enough that I can go up a size without feeling like I'm wearing a parachute. I'm a 5'6" guy with a short torso, a 34" waist, and thin legs. Every pair of boardshorts I've tried seems to have been made for longer-bodied and/or stockier men. Wasn't a problem when I was a skinny high schooler - just wore 'em a little baggy. Now I have a 34" waist and trying on boardshorts is like wrapping a parachute around my waist. So cut has become important.

For example, I can wear Levi 514s in 34 (slim fit low rise), and they fit me like regular rise pants fit regular men. But for the 501s, the higher rise puts them way up at my bellybutton. This necessitates going up to a 36, which is too big in every way. Wearing them lower, where I want them, makes them sag.

Can someone please suggest some new brands I could try? I'm intrigued by Birdwells but am concerned the rise will be too long and therefore the shorts will be too baggy.

Board shorts for the aerodynamically curvaceous?

somanyamys — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 06:24:04 -0800

BigBootyFilter: Is there any brand of women's board shorts that is cut for curvy, hippy girls? This question got me thinking that perhaps I should give board shorts another try. Previous attempts were stymied by my aerodynamically curvaceous booty -- board shorts that are big enough for my backside are usually way too big in the waist. Sadly, it seems that even women's board shorts are cut for 12-year-old boys.

If there are any similarly bootylicious board-short-wearers among you, please clue me in on what brand(s) you found that works, and where you got them. Hawaii MeFites, please feel free to suggest brick-and-mortar stores on Oahu, but bonus points for brands I could purchase online.

What do women wear under board shorts?

Anonymous — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 20:33:01 -0800

What do women wear under board shorts? Please help me get back out on the beach! I acquired a scar that makes me feel self conscious in a one-piece or bikini. I found a cute pair of board shorts that covers the scar and looks great. I'm not going surfing, but I do want to get in the water (snorkeling, swimming, etc). There's a lot of info out there for men but I can't find much about women. Do the ladies go commando too? Do the shorts bunch up if you don't wear something underneath?