7 Best Underwear For Board Shorts

If you’re a guy, especially if you live by the coast, you can divide contemporary men’s fashion into two eras when it comes to casual wear.

The first is before board shorts. The second is with board shorts.

The first era is a dark time. Swim trunks were for in the water, while ordinary shorts or pants were for out of the water. People who spent their lives with their feet in the sand and jumping into the waves were left to deal with the constant need to conform to the attire of those around them.

But as the second half of the twentieth century continued, this line was blurred. Surfers led the way, due to their desire to accommodate surf days with appropriate fashion, but everyone who lived by the water was involved. And gradually, the board short emerged.

The beauty of board shorts comes in their versatility, which derives from their quick-drying capabilities, perfect for both in and out of the water. Made from a strong, smooth polyester and nylon blend, board shorts (also known as swim shorts or surf trunks) are the peak of men’s summerwear.

However, with board shorts being such a recent takeover of the casual and beach wear, it begs the question of proper undergarments. What’s the best underwear option for guys hoping to keep it casual at both sides of the beach? What about for guys who like the look and feel of board shorts but are not likely to be hitting the waves anytime soon?

If you’re itching to get your new board shorts on and want to make sure you’ve got the right underwear situation going, this article is for you.

Before we head into the actual list of the best underwear for board shorts, here are a few considerations to keep in mind when shopping for underwear.

The 7 Best Underwear to Wear Under Board Shorts

1. Dry Dudz Men's Hydro-Tech Compression Short Navy

Compression Paradise: Dry Dudz, true to their name, has crafted an optimal pair of aquatic compression shorts here. Hugging your legs with just the right amount of tightness, the Hydro-Techs are ideal for surfers or anyone spending plenty of time in the water with their board shorts. They prevent unwanted movement in your downstairs, as well as provide a great filter for all of the salt and sand floating around. Finally, while they can get a bit uncomfortable in their drying process, there’s no better fit for while you and your board shorts are out swimming.

2. Turq Performance Underwear for Men

From Jogs on the Beach to Hours on the Board: Another great choice for those looking for a tight, athletic option to their underwear dilemma, the Turq Performance compression shorts are nearly unmatched in the athleisure realm. With these on, you’ll have plenty of good flow-room for ventilation in your board shorts, while still ensuring your sweat is absorbed by your underwear. The waistband may be slightly less than ideal, as its rigid end can scratch your waist after a few hours, but make no mistake: the Turq compression shorts are among your best options for anyone hoping to do any activity in their board shorts.

3. Eyushijia Men's 4 Pack Comfortable Bamboo Fiber Boxer Briefs

4. ADOLPH Men's Boxer Briefs

Best of Both Worlds: Are you a man hoping to combine the sleek, form-fitting design of compression shorts with the breathability and comfort of boxer briefs? Do you love the waistband on traditional underwear but want the leg length of athletic underwear? Well, do I (and the folks over at ADOLPH) have good news for you.

With the exception of small pouch hole for easy access (that can be a bit useless and even annoying when spending a lot of time in the water), these boxer briefs are the ideal underwear for board shorts. They’ll match your shorts’ color variety, in case you wear them low, just as they’ll look clean and kept if you prefer to hide them away. A cotton and lycra spandex composition means you’ve got quick-drying comfort all day long, while a double-stitched durable seamline means you never have to worry about rips, tears, or holes.

5. GEEK LIGHTING Mens Boxer Briefs Underwear Modal Camouflage Short/Long Leg 4 Pack

Ready for Action: One of the biggest things many people do not realize about men’s underwear is how important leg length (the amount your underwear descends down your thigh) is. It’s the difference between comfort and discomfort when sitting, just as it’s arguably the deciding factor of whether you need to constantly adjust or pull down your underwear when walking around or doing a physical activity. Clearly, the geniuses over at GEEK LIGHTING understand this, as they give you the controls when it comes to leg length.

This affordable four-pack, which provides half a week’s worth of underwear for the price of one pair from many of its competitors, is a versatile choice for any athlete wanting to keep their board shorts as comfortable as they should be.

6. New Mens Compression Shorts Camo Running Base Layer Shorts Escape Quest Cool Dry Sports Tights

Personality in Underwear: Rounding out our list are these eclectic, fun compression shorts, which are a dynamic fit for any board shorts. With just enough breathability, and just a strong enough waistband, you can commit to any activity with the knowledge you are going in well-equipped. They can grow itchy after half a day or so, but are an incredibly good option for anyone knowing they’ll be spending some time in the water.

7. Hollister Men's 2 Pairs Classic Fit Briefs/Boxer Shorts

Best Underwear For Board Shorts: Buying Guide

Never forget, board shorts began as a substitute for traditional swim trunks. They are therefore swimwear to begin with, leaving you with the option to go commando as always. However, most people who wear board shorts tend to stray away from the underwear-less approach to board shorts, for a variety of reasons.

For surfers, for example, underwear is a near-must, as the alternative can involve strong waves leaving you half-naked, or the wax of your surfboard leaving your legs half-bare. Meanwhile, most people electing to wear board shorts in non-marine environments tend to prefer having that second layer of cover provided by underwear – though of course it is a personal choice.

Best Compression Underwear for Board Shorts

Assuming you’d like to keep your downstairs under an additional layer of protection, you’re faced with a variety of options. The first regards just how tight and packed you’d like your nether regions to be. Many surfers and beachgoers elect to go for ultra-tight, spandex-based underwear. The benefits range from preventing chafing and accidental surfboard waxing where you don’t want waxing, as well as preventing any heavy amounts of sea salt or sand from irritating your tender regions.

Here, compression shorts are understandably the go-to selection for underwear. Form-fitting and designed to absorb muscle movement, these are ideal for any athletic activities in board shorts, from surfing to jogging. They’re also good out of the sports realm, however, since their tight, packed form, created from spandex material, is a good default underwear option for comfort.

Best Moisture Wicking Underwear for Board Shorts

That being said, spandex is in no way the only option for comfortable underwear. You can also pair underwear of other materials, including cotton, Modal, Micro Modal, nylon, and bamboo with your board shorts. Each of these bring their own perks and drawbacks. Perhaps the most important element though is that your underwear needs to be able to dry quickly, or else the board shorts lose some of their value.

Cotton is king in terms of textiles, as we all know, and this is still the case when it comes to underwear. Soft and malleable, you cannot go wrong with organic cotton, though synthetic cotton can grow irritating after many hours. Modal, Micro-Modal, and bamboo, which feature ultra-soft microfibers, are similar to spandex; they are great options for board shorts, though admittedly will lose their signature softness after enough time spent in constant seawater.

Due to its quicker drying time, cotton emerges as likely the best option for board short underwear.

Finally, due to board shorts being a predominantly male fashion product (we give it ten years before the ladies are joining in, though), there’s naturally the question of build. Men’s underwear generally falls in one of three categories: boxers, briefs, and boxer briefs. Men of all ages and sizes are almost evenly split in thirds on which category they prefer, but we find that one is best when it comes to wearing under board shorts.

While there are certainly perks to both boxers (comfortable shape) and briefs (minimalist protection of what matters), boxer briefs have emerged as the best option in terms of underwear to wear under board shorts. Their sleek, soft design is perfect for comfort, while the shape means you’re both protected and stylish. Meanwhile, their great-looking waistband is a match made in heaven for the more relaxed crowd interested in wearing their board shorts more low, as has been a fashion trend this decade.

Should You Wear Underwear with Board Shorts?

Well, the basic sentiment here is that you most definitely do not wear underwear under your board shorts guys. 

These shorts have been made to be worn commando style. There’s nothing worse than seeing guys with the top of their whites sticking out of their board shorts. The surfer community and beach dudes who frequent the beach on a regular basis know that you shouldn’t wear anything under your board shorts.

Take it from us. The ladies really don't like to see board short disasters in the summer either.

Rolling up to the beach party with your Jockeys sticking out of your board shorts just isn’t the done thing, and is sure to make the ladies laugh rather than swoon.

So, unless totally necessary, the proper etiquette for board shorts at the beach is definitely not to wear underwear.

The Pros and Cons of Wearing Underwear with Board Shorts

It’s true that there are some sound reasons in favor of wearing underwear under your board shorts.

Yeast and bacteria really like a warm and damp environment, so you should consider wearing underwear under your board shorts so that you can catch the sweat and the moisture. So, this would speak out against going commando. If you're looking for a good pair of moisture wicking underwear, grab any of these.

Another thing to consider, is that if you’re swimming in those board shorts, underwear could be bad for the pool.

It’s been proven that the fibers in cotton fabric can break up when they’re in chlorinated water. These fibers then end up in the pool filter, and it won’t be too long before they cause the filter to fail.

However, it can all depend on the material that has been used to make the board shorts – and your underwear for that matter.

If your shorts are designed to wick away the moisture, then underwear is not generally required. And, let’s face it, most of the board shorts made these days have been created using antibacterial fabric and mixes that enhance the wicking process.

Is it Ever Appropriate to Wear Underwear with Board Shorts?

Of course, irrespective of appearances, there may be times when it’s absolutely necessary to wear something under your board shorts.

This is when our looks have to play second fiddle to our health – but it doesn’t mean you have to look totally uncool. Read on to discover some helpful tips.

Tips For Wearing Underwear with Board Shorts

For men:

There may be times when it’s necessary to wear underwear with your board shorts. Some of you guys may find it difficult to go without your undies because your junk needs some support and will get in the way – especially if you’re doing sport or running around on the beach.

If that’s the case, you should consider buying a pair of board shorts that come with the built-in section that acts like underwear and provides support.

Make sure, though, that the inner “underwear” section doesn’t stick out over the top of your board shorts. It’s more common to find board shorts without a liner though.

Some come with a mesh or polyester lining like you’d see in a pair of standard trunks. The liners in board shorts are designed to fit snug – giving you the support you’re missing from not wearing your boxers or briefs. Some provide with you nothing apart from the board short material itself.

Of course, if you’re definitely needing to wear some sort of underwear, then we suggest you opt for speedos – as these definitely won’t stick out anywhere.

The other option is to wear compression shorts, a jockstrap or briefs that don’t ride up too high.

So, if you’re going to wear underwear under your board shorts, make sure that you wear speedos or opt for board shorts that already come with an inserted underwear section – but try before you buy to ensure that the inner section doesn’t stick out over the top of your board shorts.

For women:

If you’re needing to wear something under your board shorts, for whatever reason, you should definitely avoid satin and lace.

 Neither of these materials breathe, and lace can cause irritation to your skin. The best fabric to wear if you’re exercising or getting hot is, quite simply, cotton. It’s breathable and has a natural wicking tendency.

That said, most of the new synthetics have been designed to keep you dry too. They are stretchy, usually lend good support, and wick the sweat away much more efficiently than your cotton knickers ever could.

If you’re going to be doing a lot of walking or running in your board shorts, then be sure to choose underwear that doesn’t have any raised seams, as these will chafe (check out these anti-chafing underwear instead). Opt for flat seams or seamless underwear.

Of course, depending on the location, you might want to wear your swimsuit or your bikini bottoms under your board shorts. That’s entirely up to you.

The main thing is that you consider the type of fabric your underwear is made of. It pays to wear either cotton or one of the new fabrics specifically designed to wick away moisture, and has no seams that will chafe and cause irritation to your skin.