7 Best Sustainable Board Shorts For Paddleboarding

There is nothing quite like the feeling of gliding across a glassy lake at sunrise, but your gear choices can make the difference between a perfect session and a day of chafing. Sustainable board shorts are no longer a niche luxury; they are a high-performance necessity for anyone who respects the water they recreate in. Choosing the right pair ensures you stay comfortable on the board while keeping our oceans and waterways free from unnecessary plastic waste.

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Patagonia Stretch Wavefarer: Best All-Rounder

If you need one pair of shorts that can transition from a morning paddle to a casual lunch without looking out of place, the Patagonia Stretch Wavefarer is your go-to. These shorts are the gold standard for versatility, utilizing a durable, quick-drying fabric that stands up to the rigors of salt water and constant movement.

The four-way stretch is the standout feature here, allowing for the wide range of motion required when you are shifting your stance or resetting your balance on a paddleboard. Because they are Fair Trade Certified and built to last for years, they represent a smart investment for the minimalist paddler. If you want a reliable, no-nonsense short that performs in every condition, look no further.

Outerknown Apex Trunk: Best Performance Choice

When you are training or tackling long-distance paddling, you need gear that disappears on your body. The Outerknown Apex Trunk was engineered with input from professional athletes, focusing on a seamless construction that eliminates the friction points that cause irritation during repetitive strokes.

These shorts are exceptionally lightweight and feature a laser-cut hem that prevents snagging on your board or leash. They are undoubtedly a premium choice, but for the paddler who spends hours on the water, the lack of bulk and superior moisture-wicking properties are worth the investment. If performance is your priority and you demand gear that keeps up with your intensity, these are the shorts for you.

Vissla Eco-Seas Boardshorts: Best Value Option

You don’t have to drain your bank account to find high-quality, eco-conscious gear. The Vissla Eco-Seas line utilizes recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles, proving that sustainable manufacturing can be accessible to the everyday enthusiast.

These shorts offer a classic look with a functional, comfortable fit that works just as well for a quick sunset paddle as it does for a weekend at the beach. While they may lack some of the high-tech bells and whistles of professional-grade trunks, they provide excellent durability and style for the recreational paddler. They are the perfect entry point for anyone looking to make a more sustainable choice without compromising on quality.

Finisterre Tide Boardshorts: Best Sustainability

Finisterre approaches gear design with a deep, uncompromising commitment to the environment that is rare in the apparel industry. The Tide Boardshorts are crafted from recycled nylon, specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Atlantic, making them incredibly resilient for inland lake or coastal paddling.

What sets these apart is their circular design philosophy; the brand is deeply invested in the lifecycle of their products, offering repair services that extend the life of your gear significantly. If you want your purchase to align with a brand that fights for ocean health at every level of its business, the Tide Boardshorts are the clear choice. You are buying more than just a pair of shorts; you are supporting a mission-driven company.

Bureo NetPlus Boardshorts: Best Ocean Protection

Bureo has revolutionized the industry by turning a major pollutant—discarded fishing nets—into high-quality textile fibers. By choosing NetPlus boardshorts, you are directly contributing to the removal of ocean plastics, which is a powerful way to vote with your wallet.

Beyond the environmental impact, these shorts are surprisingly soft and offer a natural, comfortable feel that resists the stiffness often associated with recycled materials. They are robust enough to handle the abrasive nature of paddleboard deck pads while remaining flexible enough for active movement. If you want to know exactly where your materials came from and how your purchase helped clean the sea, these are the right choice.

Fair Harbor Anchor Shorts: Best Comfort Design

Comfort is king when you are out on the water for extended periods, and Fair Harbor nails the fit with their signature breezy design. The Anchor shorts feature a soft, internal liner that provides the security of a swimsuit with the aesthetic of a classic pair of walk shorts.

This design is particularly beneficial for paddleboarders who want to jump in the water for a swim without worrying about the fit of their gear. The fabric is soft against the skin, reducing the risk of chafing during long sessions in the sun. If you prioritize comfort and a relaxed, casual aesthetic above all else, these shorts will quickly become your favorite piece of gear.

Howler Brothers Heritage: Best Retro Style Pick

For the paddler who appreciates a bit of flair and a nod to classic surf culture, the Howler Brothers Heritage shorts are a fantastic pick. They blend vintage aesthetics with modern, recycled fabrics, ensuring you look the part without sacrificing environmental responsibility.

These shorts are designed with a slightly shorter inseam and a tailored fit, which many paddlers find less restrictive when moving around on the board. They are sturdy, stylish, and built to handle the inevitable wear and tear of a life spent on the water. If you want to stand out on the lake with a unique look while maintaining top-tier functionality, these are the shorts for you.

Essential Fabric Tech for Paddleboard Shorts

When selecting your gear, look for fabrics that prioritize hydrophobicity—the ability to repel water—which ensures your shorts don’t become heavy and waterlogged. Most sustainable options use recycled polyester or nylon, which are naturally quick-drying and resistant to the corrosive effects of salt and chlorine.

• Four-Way Stretch: Essential for mobility when lunging or balancing.
• DWR Coating: A Durable Water Repellent finish helps shorts dry in minutes, not hours.
• Seamless Construction: Reduces friction, which is critical when you are wet and moving constantly.

Avoid heavy cotton blends, as they soak up water, become abrasive when wet, and take forever to dry. Always check the label for recycled content percentages to ensure you are getting the sustainability benefits you are paying for.

How to Properly Care for Recycled Swimwear

To extend the life of your recycled board shorts, always rinse them thoroughly with fresh water immediately after your paddle. Salt and chlorine are the enemies of fabric integrity; leaving them to dry in your shorts will degrade the elastic fibers over time.

When washing, avoid heavy detergents and skip the fabric softener, which can coat the fibers and ruin the moisture-wicking properties. Hang-dry your shorts in the shade whenever possible, as direct, harsh sunlight can break down the recycled polymers and cause the colors to fade prematurely. Treating your gear with care is the ultimate form of sustainability.

Selecting the Right Fit for Paddleboarding

The "right" fit is a balance between a secure waistband that won’t slip and enough room in the legs to move freely. For paddleboarding, avoid board shorts that are too baggy, as excess fabric can catch on your paddle or become cumbersome when you are trying to remount the board from the water.

• Inseam length: A 7-to-9-inch inseam is generally ideal for balancing coverage and mobility.
• Waistband: Look for a drawstring closure that allows for a custom, secure fit that stays put during high-intensity movement.
• Pockets: Ensure pockets have secure closures (like zippers or flaps) so you don’t lose essentials if you take a spill.

Always test your fit by doing a few deep squats or lunges in the dressing room. If the fabric pulls or feels restrictive in the seat, size up or look for a pair with more mechanical stretch.

Investing in sustainable board shorts is a small but meaningful step toward protecting the environments we love to explore. By choosing gear that is built to last and made from recycled materials, you ensure your time on the water is as responsible as it is enjoyable. Now that you have the knowledge to pick the right pair, it is time to get out there and enjoy the glide.