Intro

Boardshorts are the go-to for surfing in warm water that is for sure, but they have emerged beyond just surf gear—they’ve become streetwear staples. Whether you’re skating through the park, paddling out at dawn, or just chilling, long boardshorts and baggy boardshorts are your go‑to for comfort and style. ScervGear Designer and Founder August Duncan believes that boardshorts don’t have to stop at the shoreline – they can flow into the streets.

This guide drops the history, fit hack, style rundown, and everything you need to pick the perfect pair and answers some of the most common questions. We also give a glimpse into how ScervGear designs baggy boardshorts known as Scerfers. Let’s roll.

What Are Boardshorts?

Boardshorts are swimwear built for action: surfing, skating, beach volleyball, anything where movement matters.  The hallmark of boardshorts is they are made of fast drying durable fabrics and have no mesh liner. A flat waistband with a drawstring or Velcro is important to have no obstruction when laying on a surfboard.  Most boardshorts have long hems (especially long and baggy boardshorts😊) to protect your legs from chafing when sitting on a surfboard.

Why Are They Called 'Boardshorts'?

The “board” refers to surfboard. In the 1950s & 1960s, surfers needed gear that wouldn’t chafe, soak up too much water, or restrict movement while paddling and riding waves.

History and Evolution of Boardshorts

According to Wavelength Magazine and Surfing World, in the 1950s–60s: Hawaiian tailors made durable shorts for surfers. 1970s: brands Quiksilver & Billabong added Velcro flies, longer cuts. 1980s–90s: neon colors, bolder graphics, stretch fabrics. 2000s–present: cross into streetwear, sustainability, hybrid styles. Although ScervGear makes baggy boardshorts, some designers have adapted a tighter and shorter boardshort cut.

Long Boardshorts vs. Baggy Boardshorts

Long and baggy boardshorts are boardshorts with hems that reach just at or just below the knee. The extra length adds protection (from board wax, from abrasive board surfaces, from sun), a more relaxed silhouette, and better coverage when you’re active. Short boardshorts are “above‑knee”, where long and baggy boardshorts push the line downward at or below the knee without going overboard. Baggy boardshorts also have a wide-leg cut.

Boardshorts vs. Swim Shorts

Boardshorts differ from swim shorts in length, waistband style, and liner. Swim shorts (trunks) usually have mesh liners and elastic waists, while boardshorts skip the liner, use drawstrings/Velcro, and are cut longer for surfing and active movement.

Why Don’t Boardshorts Have a Liner?

Boardshorts are liner‑free for comfort. Mesh liners often cause chafing and trap water. Surfers and Reddit users alike recommend unlined shorts for performance.

Boardshort Lengths

Mid‑length: above the knee, freer motion. Long: knee or just below. Extra‑long: past the knee and retro vibe. ScervGear designer Duncan believes that baggy boardshorts offer the freer range of motion and the retro vibe that long boardshorts give off.

How Should Boardshorts Fit?

Waist: snug but not tight. Hips/thighs: roomy for motion. Length: at or just below knee for long boardshorts. Closure: flat waistband with drawstring + Velcro for security.

Key Features of Long Boardshorts

Quick‑dry fabrics, secure closures, reinforced stitching, pockets, stretch panels.

Picking the Right Material

Polyester = strong, UV‑resistant. Nylon = softer, breathable. Stretch blends (spandex/elastane) = maximum flexibility. ScervGear aims to have the right fabric composition for quick drying, comfort, and flexibility.

Finding Your Fit

Measure your waist/hips. Test motion (skating, squats). Decide length. Select the waist closure type. The length of boardshorts prevents any unwanted exposure, but some people wear a layer of compression shorts underneath. We agree with the discussion on Reddit that most folks prefer no liner or compression layer.

Ride the Wave, ScervGear Baggy Boardshorts

Long and baggy boardshorts are motion wear for surf, skate, and street.  ScervGear’s Scerfers design brings function + authenticity to baggy boardshorts with a retro touch. Baggy boardshorts have the added value of having wide-cut legs allowing for greater movement and a little more of a retro look. 

Our first baggy boardshort prototypes were not up to ScervGear standards due to the fabric not drying quickly enough, so we experimented with various fabric compositions till we found what works best – see our Instagram Video for a peek into our struggles with getting the right fabric composition. 

What you wear matters to how you move and look.