Stylish boardshorts that are perfectly suited to surfing, for sessions lasting more than 2 hours.
What are boardshorts?
Boardshorts is a term used to designate this type of swimwear used in the world of surfing and water sports.
Practical and comfortable, they are suitable for both men and women.
This type of swimwear was created in the 1950s for surfing. In more recent years, they have become a popular style of swim shorts.
The name "boardshorts" comes from their use in water sports using a board, such as surfing.
How to choose your boardshorts
100 RANGE: occasional surfing and water sports.
Short cut.
Elasticated waistband: suitable for all body shapes. Drawstring for stability in the waves.
Inner mesh: protects from chafing.
Quick drying.
500/900 RANGE: regular surfing.
Various long cuts, protection from chafing.
Flat waistband: a more secure fit in the waves during duck dives and wipeouts.
Stretch fabric for freedom of movement.
How to choose the size of your boardshorts?
Size guide on product file.
The boardshorts in the 100 range are available in sizes S to XXL.
The 500 and 900 ranges are available in EU sizes 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48.
Your body shape can influence your choice of size.
We always recommend trying on swimwear before purchase. Fasten your shorts and gradually pull them downwards. If they are easy to pull down, it means they are too big and you could be in for a few surprises once you’re in the water surrounded by waves!
Choosing boardshorts based on the type of waistband
ELASTICATED WAISTBAND
Helps the boardshorts to fit different body shapes.
SEMI-ELASTICATED WAISTBAND
Provides a secure fit and adaptability for everyone.
FLAT WAISTBAND
Ensures the boardshorts stay in place in the waves during duck dives and wipeouts.
ANATOMIC DESIGN WAISTBAND
Combines the benefits of an elasticated waistband (adaptability to different body shapes) and a flat waistband (stability in the waves).
Stays in place in the waves
When surfing, whether from duck diving or wiping out, having to readjust boardshorts that have fallen down is far from convenient... This makes choosing the right waistband essential. Opt for an elasticated or semi-elasticated waistband with a drawstring or a flat waistband for a more secure fit.
Freedom of movement
In surfing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing, the legs are very much in demand, so the men’s swimming costume should not restrict either bending or swimming.
A two-way or four-way stretch component contributes to this freedom of movement.
The boardshorts 500 are made from a material with four-way stretch.
Reduced chafing
It is surely the most important criteria. It is common for the boardshorts or its seams to chafe. Our boardshorts are designed, both in terms of the shapes offered and the assembly methods, to limit chafing as much as possible during practice time.
In addition, they benefit from a central strip that moves the seams away from the usual friction zones, which has the effect of significantly limiting the occurrence of irritation.
Quick drying
It is quite uncomfortable to feel the sand sticking to your boardshorts because they are still soaked with water. For this reason, choose a "stretch" component which evacuates water more quickly from the swim shorts.
Length
Choosing long boardshorts only really depends on your preference. However, you should be aware that the shorter your shorts are, the greater the freedom of movement. The length 19 inches is equal to a length of 48 cm in an average 42 size.
Waistband
The boardshorts 500 is equipped with a flat waistband that will help the hold in the wave when ducking under the wave and when falling. Additionally the flat waistband will bring greater comfort while paddling out lying on the surfboard.
Pockets
The boardshorts 500 come with a zipped side pocket (on the right thigh)
Sun protection: The essential equipment for boardshorts
In summer, when it is hot weather but cool in the water, surfers tend to make their surfing sessions longer without changing their equipment. The risk of sunburn is therefore multiplied.
Did you know?
10 to 15% of uv reflects off of the water surface meaning that 40 to 95% penetrates through up to 25 cm under water. This is why boardshorts combined with sun protection (UV top, etc.) are becoming the essential equipment for surfing in water >25°.
Discover our sun protection range!
What is the OLAIAN brand?
OLAIAN, DECATHLON'S SURFING BRAND
Based in Hendaye, in South West France, OLAIAN is Decathlon's surfing brand. In our offices at the water's edge, we can design a pair of boardshorts and then on the same day go surfing and test them to check that they stay in place in the waves, are comfortable and robust.Find us at https://www.olaian.fr/
A CAPSULE COLLECTION IN COLLABORATION WITH ARTIST LOIC LUSNIA
Loïc Lusnia is a French artist and illustrator. His work is an illustrated expression of gratitude for the cultures that have led him to this fantastic world of art. By any means necessary—posters, paintings, stickers, installations—he tries to ward off his irrational fear of death and adult life in a wondrous concoction of rainbows, clouds, smiles, severed limbs and optimism.
Long boardshorts to prevent thigh irritation. Four-way stretch fabric for ease of movement when surfing. Flat waistband for a secure fit. Zipped side pocket.
Resitant to impact of waves
Flat waistband keeps the boardshorts firmly in place in the waves while ducking
Reduced chafing
Offset flat seams and patch at the intersection of the seams.
Freedom of movement
Four-way stretch component for freedom of movement while surfing.
Quick drying
Water-repellent treatment to let water drain away and speed up drying.
Stylish boardshorts that are perfectly suited to surfing, for sessions lasting more than 2 hours.
