To source and customize board shorts for your brand, define your audience and brand style, choose the right fabrics (e.g. 4-way stretch, recycled PET), find a reliable OEM/ODM supplier, and customize everything from prints to trims to packaging. Sample first, and manage your MOQ wisely to scale efficiently.
Start with Your Brand Identity and Target Market
Before you dive into picking fabrics or looking for suppliers, you need to be 100% clear on your brand’s direction.
Ask yourself:
- Who are your ideal customers?
Are they young surfers, casual beachgoers, travel lovers, or fashion-forward city guys? - What lifestyle do you want your shorts to represent?
Laid-back surf culture? Sleek and minimal streetwear? Eco-conscious adventurers? - What’s your price range?
Are you going after the $80+ premium market or aiming for an affordable $25 fast-fashion product?
Knowing this upfront helps with every decision that follows — from design to fabric to packaging.
Real Talk:
“In my years of working with new brands, the most common mistake is jumping into production without a clear identity. Your board shorts are not just clothing — they’re your brand in motion.”
Understand the Fabrics (Because Not All Shorts Are Created Equal)
Board shorts may look similar on the outside, but the fabric makes a huge difference in comfort, performance, and quality.
Let’s break it down:
1. 4-Way Stretch (Polyester + Spandex)
- Feels: Soft, stretchy, athletic
- Why it’s great: Allows full movement; perfect for surfing or active beach use
- Cost: Slightly higher, but worth it for a premium product
2. Microfiber Polyester
- Feels: Lightweight, quick-dry
- Why it’s great: Budget-friendly, fast production, smooth texture
- Limitations: Less stretch, may feel stiff when wet
3. Recycled PET (Eco Fabric)
- Feels: Similar to microfiber, with a sustainability story
- Why it’s great: Appeals to eco-conscious consumers
- Consideration: Often comes with higher minimum order quantity (MOQ)
4. Nylon Taslon
- Feels: Crisp, durable
- Why it’s great: Tough and functional, used in tactical or outdoor styles
- Drawback: Less breathable, can feel warm
Pro Insight:
Ask for GSM (grams per square meter). A good weight for board shorts is 110–135 GSM — anything less feels flimsy, anything more might be too heavy.
Find the Right Manufacturing Partner
You don’t just need a factory — you need a partner who understands board shorts inside out.
Where to Look:
- China / Vietnam: Great mix of price, quality, and capacity. Most global brands produce here.
- Indonesia (especially Bali): Excellent for boutique brands and artisan prints.
- Portugal / Turkey: More expensive, but ideal for EU-focused brands with quick shipping needs.
How to Vet a Factory:
- Ask for photos or videos of the actual production floor (not stock images).
- Make sure they’ve actually made board shorts — not just T-shirts or hoodies.
- Request previous work samples or references.
- Confirm they support your target MOQ.
- Get clear on timelines, sample fees, and quality control process.
Pro Tip:
“The best factories will ask you about the stitching, waistbands, pocket placements, print types — because real board shorts need technical precision.”
Customize Like a Pro: Design, Details, Branding
This is where your product becomes uniquely yours. Customization can be as simple or as complex as you want, depending on your brand identity and budget.
Design Options
- All-over sublimation prints: Full color, no extra print feel, perfect for bold or detailed artwork.
- Embroidery / woven patches / rubber badges: Great for logos and giving the shorts a premium look.
- Color blocking or contrast panels: Adds style without raising costs too much.
Functional Details
- Waistband: Choose from classic lace-up with velcro fly, full elastic, or hybrid.
- Liner: Mesh liner for support, or no liner for clean, athletic use.
- Pockets: Back pocket with drainage eyelet, or side pockets if you want them swimwear-style.
- Hem cut: Straight cut, scalloped edges, or side slits for extra flexibility.
Branding Touches
- Custom drawstrings (flat, round, tipped, branded)
- Logo woven label at waistband or hem
- Custom hangtags and eco-friendly packaging like zip pouches or kraft sleeves
Insider Tip:
“Don’t just focus on the shorts. A $2 custom packaging can boost your perceived value by $20. First impressions matter — even on unboxing.”
Sampling & Testing: Don’t Skip This Step
Sampling is not optional. It’s your safety net to avoid mass-producing a flawed product.
What to Check in Your Sample:
- Fit & sizing: Try it on yourself or a model. Does it fit like you imagined?
- Fabric behavior: Stretch, softness, weight — test in real-life situations.
- Print quality: Are colors sharp? Any alignment issues?
- Construction: Are seams tight? Stitching clean? Waistband sturdy?
Real-World Tests You Can Run:
- Sand Test: Rub it with dry sand — does it cling or shake off easily?
- Saltwater Test: Soak it in saltwater overnight — any fading or stiffness?
- Stretch Recovery: Pull the waistband or hem 20 times — does it return to shape?
My Rule:
“If it can survive a full beach day — water, sun, sand, movement — then it’s ready to sell.”
Manage Your MOQ Wisely (Minimum Order Quantity)
You don’t have to start with 1,000 units. Smart MOQ planning helps you test the market without risking too much cash.
Typical MOQ Levels:
| Type | MOQ | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Full Custom (fabric + print + trims) | 200 pcs per style | Brands with budget & product-market fit |
| Semi-Custom (stock fabric + custom print) | 100 pcs per style | Startups testing the market |
| Samples | 1–3 pcs | Finalizing fit, design & quality |
Startup Tip:
Ask your supplier if they have stock fabrics. That way, you can lower MOQ and shorten lead time.
Timeline & Logistics: Know What to Expect
Having a great product doesn’t matter if it arrives late. Understanding the timeline helps you plan for launches or seasons.
Typical Timelines:
- Sample production: 7–15 working days
- Mass production: 25–45 days depending on complexity
- Shipping:
- Air freight: 5–7 days (more expensive)
- Sea freight: 25–35 days (cheaper but slower)
If you’re new to importing, ask for DDP shipping — it means “Delivered Duty Paid” and includes customs clearance and taxes.
Final Words from a 15-Year Expert
“Great board shorts are not just stitched together — they’re engineered. The cut, the fabric, the stretch, the branding — it all matters. If you treat manufacturing like a strategic step (not just a cost), your brand will stand out on shelves, online, and on the beach.”
Ready to Build Your Board Shorts?
I’ve helped over 100 brands launch successful board short lines. If you’re serious about building something high-quality and memorable, I can help you with:
- Fabric & trim selection
- Tech pack creation
- Matching you with reliable factories
- Reviewing samples & guiding production
Let’s make your vision wearable. Message me today.
