Boardshorts are aforethought to be quick-drying and are generally untrue from smooth polyester or nylon material. They are durable and hold up to wear from contact with a surfboard, yet are convenient and light-weight.

Although the basal boardshort diagram remains largely the same, some manufactures have taken advantage of distinct technology. Because surfers and other water-sports enthusiasts commonly wear boardshorts without underwear, separate of the elder complaints has been Board Shorts about the custom of velcro for the fly closure which tends to entangle body hair.