Best Board Shorts for Women of 2026

A 7-inch inseam is the dividing line between a swim short and a small piece of swimwear, and the G Gradual shorts land on the coverage side without turning into a capri. The built-in liner means you can swim without layering a separate bottom, and the leg is long enough to cut down on chafing on a humid beach day.

We think that combination makes this the best pick here for anyone who wants their shorts to stay put and cover the thigh. The fabric dries quickly, the side pockets are useful for a key or a phone, and the cut looks more like a casual Bermuda short than a swimsuit. They read as a short you can wear for a beach walk or a quick errand, not just a wet swimsuit.

The style comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, and the sewn-in liner is a real convenience if you're changing at a pool. The 7-inch length is the longest in this particular style, so if you want a shorter leg, look at baleaf or Hodo. For a swim-and-go pair that covers more thigh, this is the one we reach for.

HODOSPORTS takes the length question seriously: this style comes in 3-, 5-, 7-, 9-, and 12-inch inseams, which is a wider spread than anything else in this group. The high waist and UPF 50+ fabric make it a practical choice for long pool days, and the pockets and liner mean you're not juggling a separate bottom.

We like the longer options for swim aerobics, kayaking, and any activity where you want the short to stay over the thigh. The 7-inch is the most versatile of the bunch; the 12-inch gets close to a knee-length short and is the one to choose if coverage is the priority. The leg is roomy enough to move in, and the waist stays in place when you're active.

We think the 7- or 9-inch is the sweet spot for most swimmers; the 12-inch is there if you want near-knee coverage. For the price, it's a strong second pair, and the length range is the reason to pick it over the others. If you mostly swim laps and want a softer, stretchier feel, the IUGA or baleaf pair is easier to live in.

The Maui Rippers pair costs more than most of the shorts here, and the difference is in the stretch. The four-way fabric moves with you instead of fighting you, and the 5-inch inseam is long enough to cover the upper thigh without feeling like a board. The quick-dry material and Velcro pocket are the details that matter once you're actually in the water.

We think it's the best pick here for surfing or any day when you're moving between sand and water. The shorts don't ride up between the legs, and the stretch doesn't go baggy after a swim. They also look more like a real surf short than a swimsuit, which is part of the appeal. We were also impressed by how light they feel when wet.

The 5-inch length is shorter than the G Gradual and Hodo long options, so it's the pair to choose for freedom of movement rather than maximum coverage. It's also the pick for a surfer who wants a fixed, streamlined waist rather than a drawstring. For a premium short, that focus makes sense.

The Kanu Surf Darren is the least expensive short in this group, and it's the one we reach for when we want a simple, soft pair without babying it. The fabric feels silky rather than stiff, the UPF 50+ rating adds coverage for outdoor workouts, and the quick-dry finish means it's ready for another wear sooner.

It's unlined, so we treat it as a short to wear over a bikini bottom rather than a standalone swim bottom. That makes it more versatile for gym days and errands, but less convenient if you want one piece to swim in. The elastic waist is comfortable, and the legs don't cling. For a cheap pair, it's the one we keep in the gym bag.

The Meegsking shorts are built around a soft inner brief, which is the feature that makes them feel like a complete swim bottom rather than a cover-up. Two Velcro side pockets sit where you can reach them, and the front tie gives you a way to snug the waist before you get on a paddleboard or into a kayak.

We like the pocket placement for a key or a small phone, and the liner means you're not adjusting a separate bottom when you stand up. The quick-dry fabric is light enough for hot days, and the shorts stay comfortable when wet. They're less stretchy than the softest pairs here, so they feel more like a structured short than a second skin.

We think this is the pair for boating, paddling, and swim days when you want a secure pocket and a liner. If you mostly swim laps and want a softer, stretchier feel, the IUGA or baleaf pair is easier to live in. But for a day on the water with a phone in your pocket, the Meegsking is the one we trust.

The IUGA shorts are the softest pair in this group, with a high waist that hugs without digging and a 5-inch leg that sits mid-thigh. The fabric has a buttery feel that makes them easy to wear all day, and the high waist provides a little support without a heavy control panel.

We like the pockets, which are roomy enough for a phone or a handful of tennis balls, and the shorts stay in place when you move. They don't slide down or ride up, which is the main thing we ask of a swim short with a high waist.

The shorts dry quickly, come out of the wash well, and work for beach days, travel, and casual workouts. They're not the longest option here, so if you want serious thigh coverage, look at the G Gradual or Hodo. The 5-inch length is the sweet spot for wearing them with a bikini top and a T-shirt.

For a soft, everyday pair that still feels like swimwear, the IUGA is the one we reach for. It's a good bridge between a swim bottom and a pair of athletic shorts, and the comfortable waist makes it easy to forget you're wearing swim gear.

The Actleis shorts are unlined, which is either the reason to buy them or the reason to skip them. We like them as a light cover-up that looks like a real short: the drawstring waist adjusts, the UPF 50+ fabric is a nice bonus for long beach days, and the legs are cut to sit above the knee without being tiny.

Because there's no liner, we wear them over a bikini bottom and treat them as a beach short rather than a swim bottom. That makes them easy to pair with different tops and comfortable for walking, errands, or lunch after the beach. The quick-dry fabric is a plus when you're in and out of the water.

The drawstring is the detail we appreciate most: it lets you snug the waist after a swim without relying on elastic alone. The fabric is light enough to pack small, and the pattern options make them feel less like gym shorts. They're not the pair for a surf session where you want a liner and a secure pocket; for that, go with Meegsking.

We think they're the best pick here if you prefer an unlined short and want a fun pattern or an easy everyday look. They're not built for heavy surf, but for a beach day where you want to wear your own swim bottoms, they're the pair we reach for.