Choosing between lined and unlined board shorts isn’t just about style — it affects your comfort, mobility, and how the shorts perform in water. Whether you’re surfing, swimming, or relaxing at the beach, knowing the difference will help you pick the pair that suits your needs best.
Lined board shorts offer built-in support and help prevent chafing, making them ideal for all-day wear and casual beach use. Unlined board shorts are lighter, dry faster, and provide more freedom, preferred for surfing and high-movement activities. Choose lined for comfort and coverage; unlined for performance and quick-drying convenience.
What Are Lined Board Shorts?
Lined board shorts have an inner layer built in. This can be:
- A loose mesh net (like in traditional swim trunks), or
- A soft, stretchy compression liner (like athletic boxer briefs)
✅ Benefits:
- Added support and coverage
- Helps prevent chafing, especially when wet
- Feels more secure, especially if you’re wearing them all day
- Compression linings are great for all-day comfort and active use
❌ Downsides:
- Some people find mesh liners scratchy or restrictive
- Mesh can trap sand
- Can take a little longer to fully dry
- Not everyone likes the feel of two layers
What Are Unlined Board Shorts?
Unlined board shorts are just a single layer of outer fabric — no liner inside.
They’re often worn:
- “Commando” style (no underwear)
- With separate compression shorts or swim briefs underneath
✅ Benefits:
- Lighter and less bulky
- Faster drying (no inner layer to trap water)
- More freedom of movement
- Preferred by surfers and water sport lovers
❌ Downsides:
- Less support — might feel “loose” when wet
- Chafing risk during long wear
- Can feel too revealing when wet without the right fabric
So… Which Should You Pick?
It depends on how you’ll wear them and what feels best to you.
| If You… | Go With |
|---|---|
| Want comfort + anti-chafe | Lined shorts (especially with compression lining) |
| Prefer a minimal feel | Unlined |
| Do a lot of surfing or watersports | Unlined – dries fast, less restrictive |
| Wear board shorts casually (beach + city) | Lined – more support and all-day comfort |
| Hate mesh liners but want comfort | Look for compression-lined options |
| Like drying fast after a swim | Unlined wins again |
Pro Tip from the Factory Floor (Airswimwear Experience)
At Airswimwear, we’ve worked with brands across the spectrum — from pro surf labels to family beachwear brands. Here’s what we’ve learned:
- Compression liners are on the rise. They solve most of the problems with mesh: no scratching, no trapped sand, and they feel like sports underwear.
- Unlined shorts dominate the surf and performance market — faster drying, more mobility.
- For a brand collection, the smartest move is to offer both styles: one lined with soft compression, and one clean unlined option.
That way, you serve both the comfort seekers and the performance crowd.
Final Thoughts: It’s All About Use and Comfort
- If you’re looking for support, comfort, and a bit of modesty → go with lined board shorts
- If you want lightweight feel, quick dry, and maximum freedom → try unlined board shorts
- If you hate mesh but need coverage → look for compression-lined shorts
Either way, make sure the outer fabric is high-quality — quick-drying, stretch-woven polyester blends are ideal.
Quick FAQ
Q: Do lined board shorts stop chafing?
A: Yes. Especially compression-lined ones. Mesh liners help too, but can trap sand.
Q: Are unlined board shorts uncomfortable?
A: Not at all — as long as the fit is right and the fabric is soft. Many surfers prefer them.
Q: Can I wear underwear under unlined shorts?
A: Absolutely. Many guys wear compression briefs or swimwear underneath.
Q: What’s better for all-day wear?
A: Compression-lined shorts offer the best balance of support and comfort.
If you’re building a board short brand or looking to upgrade your line, we at Airswimwear can help you choose the right fabrics, linings, and designs to match your market.
15 years of factory experience, right from the beach to your store.
