Types of Boys' Boardshorts: A Brand's Style Guide
Published: 2026-10-12 · Last updated: 2026-09-06
Short answer: Boys' boardshorts come in four main types — printed fashion, solid quick-dry basics, surf-performance, and toddler sets with rash guards. The differences from men's are not just size: kids' styles call for softer liners, simpler closures, and sun-protection options many brands now offer. Here is how each type is built and what to specify.
The 4 main types at a glance
For kids' brands, fit consistency across size runs matters: the same size should fit the same way, season after season. The four types below cover the common constructions on the market.
Type 1: Printed fashion boardshorts
A staple in kids' swim assortments. Bright all-over prints — summer themes, surf graphics, playful patterns — sublimation-printed for color retention. Print placement matters more in small sizes: a graphic engineered for an adult-length short looks wrong scaled down to a kids' size, so artwork needs a kids' graded version.
Our production examples: Custom Boys' Printed Summer Boardshorts, Wholesale Boys' Printed Summer Boardshorts, Custom Boys' Printed Boardshorts.
Type 2: Solid quick-dry basics
A staple reorder style for program business. Solid colors in quick-dry woven fabric, minimal trims, easy QC — the style swim schools and team programs buy in bulk. Pastel colorways are often ordered for younger kids' styles.
Our production examples: Custom Boys' Quick-Dry Swim Shorts.
Designing a kids' line? Ask for fabric swatches in kids' colorways — share your size range and target age group and we will suggest fabric and liner options. Request Swatches →
Type 3: Surf-performance styles
For junior surf and swim-team brands. Shorter athletic cuts, 4-way stretch, secure drawstring waistbands that stay put in waves. Can be developed alongside men's surf styles as a "mini-me" capsule for surf-brand buyers.
Our production examples: Custom Boys' Surf Swim Shorts.
Type 4: Toddler boardshort + rash guard sets
The sun-protection bundle for toddler sizes. A boardshort paired with a long-sleeve rash guard top, sold as a set or as separates. The rash guard top adds sun coverage — ask the manufacturer which sun-protection fabric options are available for kids' styles. The short itself typically uses a soft liner or no liner at all.
Our production examples: Custom Toddler Rash Guard & Boardshorts Sets.
Comparison table
| Printed fashion | Solid basics | Surf-performance | Toddler set | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical size run | Graded across kids' sizes | Graded across kids' sizes | Graded across kids' sizes | Toddler sizing |
| Waistband | Elastic + drawstring | Elastic + drawstring | Elastic + secure drawstring | Elastic waistband; drawstring-free option available |
| Liner | Mesh or unlined, per spec | Mesh or unlined, per spec | Mesh | Soft-touch mesh or unlined, per spec |
| Fabric | Sublimation poly | Quick-dry woven | 4-way stretch woven | Quick-dry woven + sun-protection rash guard fabric |
| Cost driver | Artwork grading for small sizes | Lowest | Stretch fabric | Two-piece construction |
| Best for | Fashion kids' brands | Swim schools, team programs | Junior surf brands | Baby/toddler labels |
Kids-specific spec notes
Three things that differ from men's production — get these into the tech pack:
- Liner comfort: kids reject itchy mesh. Specify soft-touch mesh or unlined with bound seams.
- Drawstring safety: some markets restrict drawstrings in young children's clothing — follow your market's children's safety regulations. Elastic-only waistbands are a common spec for toddler styles.
- Grading consistency: ask for the size chart before approving the PP sample so grading rules are agreed up front.
See it made: boys' boardshorts we produce
- Custom Boys' Print Boardshorts Swim Trunks
- Custom Boys' Printed Swim Trunks
- Wholesale Boys' Printed Boardshorts
- All boys' swimwear
Keep reading
- Types of Men's Boardshorts: A Brand's Style Guide
- Kids' Swimwear Quality Pitfalls: A Manufacturer Guide
- Yoga Wear Complaints & How to Vet a Supplier
Developing a boys' swim line?
Tell us your styles, size range and quantity. We will reply with a manufacturing quote and a production plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
We work from a standard kids' size chart, graded across kids' sizes, and adjust to your brand's fit block on request.
Specify soft-touch mesh or bound-seam unlined construction in your tech pack — comfort against the skin is the priority for kids' liners.
Yes — a boardshort paired with a long-sleeve rash guard top, sold as a set or as separates. Ask for the available sun-protection fabric options when you request the spec sheet.
Recommended. Graphics graded for men's lengths can distort at kids' sizes — placement prints should be re-graded per size run.
MOQ is set per style and color — tell us your target quantities and we will confirm the minimum and pricing tier.
Yes — grading a men's design down for kids, with kids' construction adjustments, is a standard custom request. Send the men's reference to start.
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