Types of Men's Boardshorts: Elastic Waist, Fixed Waistband, 2-in-1 and More
Published: 2026-10-13 · Last updated: 2026-10-04
Short answer: Men's boardshorts fall into five main constructions — elastic-waist casual, fixed-waistband surf, 2-in-1 lined performance, printed fashion, and solid quick-dry basics. The right type depends on your brand's market and where the shorts will be used: longer outseams and performance fabrics suit surf-oriented lines, while elastic-waist comfort styles suit resort and casual programs. Below is how each type is built and what to specify when ordering.
The 5 main types at a glance
Most men's boardshorts a factory produces are variations on five constructions. Knowing the type names matters because each one changes the pattern, the waistband operation, and the cost drivers.
Type 1: Elastic-waist casual boardshorts
The comfort pick. A full elastic waistband (usually with an external drawstring for looks and backup) and a relaxed fit. This style suits beach-resort and promo programs — easy fit across sizes, forgiving grading, and simple construction.
Typical spec markers: elastic waist + drawstring, mesh liner or unlined, mid-length outseam.
Example: custom men's elastic-waist boardshorts
Type 2: Fixed-waistband surf boardshorts
The performance pick. A fixed (non-elastic) waistband with a drawstring closure, fly, and sometimes a velcro or snap detail — built to stay put in surf. Usually cut longer than casual styles (exact lengths vary by brand spec) and made in 4-way stretch quick-dry woven fabric.
Typical spec markers: fixed waistband, drawstring + fly closure, longer outseam, 4-way stretch.
Example: custom men's fixed-waistband boardshorts
Not sure which waistband fits your line? Request fabric swatches to compare constructions side by side before you lock the tech pack. Contact us →
Type 3: 2-in-1 lined performance shorts
A boardshort with a built-in compression liner instead of (or in addition to) a mesh brief. The liner adds support for training, running, and gym-to-beach crossover styles. Often paired with UPF50+ fabric for outdoor training lines.
Typical spec markers: compression liner, elastic or fixed waistband, athletic cut.
Example: custom men's swimwear range
Type 4: All-over print fashion boardshorts
The statement pick. Sublimation-printed all-over graphics — tropical florals, geometric prints, hibiscus, sunset scenes. Print is the cost and quality driver here: artwork resolution, color matching across panels, and placement-print accuracy separate good factories from bad ones.
Typical spec markers: sublimation all-over print, placement or engineered print options.
Example: custom men's boardshorts with all-over print · men's swimwear category
Type 5: Solid quick-dry basics
The volume pick. Solid colors, clean construction, quick-dry woven fabric — a common choice for private-label programs. No print artwork to manage, simple QC, and straightforward to scale.
Typical spec markers: solid color, quick-dry finish, minimal trims.
Example: custom men's solid boardshorts
Comparison table
| Elastic-waist casual | Fixed-waistband surf | 2-in-1 performance | All-over print | Solid basics | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waistband | Full elastic + drawstring | Fixed + drawstring/fly | Elastic or fixed | Either | Either |
| Liner | Mesh or none | Mesh or compression | Compression liner | Mesh | Mesh or none |
| Typical length | Mid (varies by spec) | Longer (varies by spec) | Mid-athletic (varies by spec) | Mid–long (varies by spec) | Mid (varies by spec) |
| Fabric | Quick-dry woven | 4-way stretch woven | 4-way stretch + UPF50+ option | Sublimation poly | Quick-dry woven |
| Cost driver | Simplest construction | Stretch fabric | Liner + fabric | Artwork/print accuracy | Minimal trims |
| Best for | Resort, promo, casual brands | Surf, watersports brands | Training, athleisure brands | Fashion, seasonal collections | Private label volume |
How to specify your type in a tech pack
When you send a tech pack, name the type explicitly and attach these five data points — it often cuts a full sampling round:
- Type name (one of the five above, or your own reference)
- Waistband: elastic / fixed + closure details
- Liner: mesh brief / compression / none
- Length: outseam in inches per your size spec
- Fabric & print: GSM, stretch, solid or sublimation artwork files
Browse our men's swimwear range to see what constructions a factory program typically covers.
Keep reading
- Types of Boys' Boardshorts: A Guide for Brands
- Kids' Swimwear Quality Pitfalls: A Manufacturer's Guide
Ready to produce your boardshort line? Tell us your style, fabric, and quantity and we will put together a manufacturing quote. Request a manufacturing quote →
Frequently Asked Questions
Elastic-waist styles use a full elastic band for comfort and easy fit; fixed-waistband styles use a non-stretch waistband with drawstring/fly closure for a locked-in surf fit. The choice changes the pattern and the sewing operations.
Typically yes — the compression liner adds material and one more sewing operation. Share your target quantity and spec when asking a factory for an indicative quote.
Solid quick-dry basics or elastic-waist casuals: simplest construction, fewest fit variables, and fastest sampling. Add prints once the fit is approved.
A boardshorts specialist should be able to cut and sew all five — the main differences are the waistband and liner operations, which standard swimwear lines handle. See men's swimwear programs we run.
MOQ varies by factory and order type — always confirm per-style/per-color minimums with your supplier, and check how quantity affects unit cost.
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