9 board shorts to live in while you wait for winter's return

We love recommending the best ski gear on Earth to our loyal readers. But now it’s summer and we want to continue aiding you in making smart gear purchases. So, we’ve gathered up nine of our favorite “boardies,” fit for a variety of style preferences. Here’s to enjoying a fun-filled summer while you wait for Old Man Winter to make his grand return.

Class V Pull-On Trunks, by The North Face

$35

You’ve likely turned to The North Face at some point in your life for top-notch skiing gear. Now, give their swim apparel a go by way of the Men’s Class V Pull-On Trunks. These puppies are super durable (fantastic for rugged adventures on the river, in particular), quick-drying and comfortable. Furthermore, they’re UPF-rated, which means the UV protection is on point, ensuring your thighs and your “down below” stay well protected when the sunshine is at its brightest.

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Reblek, by Under Armour

$50

Fits: Longer

Lightweight, simple and functional, these boardshorts from Under Armour have impressed us—big time. Most noticeable is their four-way stretch, which feels like a dream whether you’re en route to water or swimmin’ all up in it. Additionally, the invisible details are wonderful: anti-odor and UPF 30 qualities come in handy for those extra-hot, extra-sweaty days. The shorts dry out super quick’, too, and last but not least they serve as a great active garment, in general; hang out in these things all day long and you’ll love ’em through and through.

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Rise ‘N Sweat Short, by lululemon

$78

Fits: Shorter

The Rise ‘N Sweat Short isn’t specifically categorized as a bathing suit. Instead, it’s an everyday active short that’s swim-approved and after using it extensively, we’ve dubbed it FREESKIER-approved, too. Go for a run, a bike ride, a hike or whatever else you enjoy, then cool off with a swim without changing. This multi-sport prowess comes from the use of Swift Ultra Light fabric, which boasts four-way stretch, as well as impressive sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties. lululemon is well-known for creating versatile products and this one certainly goes along that grain.

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Serape Boardshorts, by Toes on the Nose

$92

Fits: Longer

This beautiful piece from Toes on the Nose boasts a tribal aloha print that we love; four-way stretch, antimicrobial and quick-drying properties, SPF protection; a side-zip pocket; a string-tie and fly; and “Made in the USA” certification. The Serape is lightweight as can be and the construction is top-notch. All in all, it’s a combination of sleek style and quality that will not disappoint.

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Neo Boardshorts, by PICTURE Organic Clothing

$100

Fits: Longer

Be one with the fishies via this stylin’ product from France-based PICTURE Organic Clothing. Made with polyester (50-percent of which is recycled) and elastane, these feel smooth-as-can-be against your skin and offer great stretch, resulting in optimal comfort no matter what water activity you’re pursuing. Other details like a welded hem, welded inseam and welded backrise are all darn impressive, too. And if that fish print isn’t for you, the shorts are offered in two other radical styles, as well.

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Stacked Boardshorts, by Dakine

$58

Fits: Longer

We love Dakine’s ski gear and we’ve grown to adore its summer products just as much—including the Stacked Boardshorts. Built with surfing in mind, but intended for all-things-water, four-way stretch and chafe-free hems make this garment a pleasure to wear. A velcro-free front zipper with a mesh lining prevents chafing, which comes in handy on long, full-day or multi-day adventures. Not to mention, this camo print (one of three style options) is bad to the bone.

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CFS Board Short (16-inch), by Stio

$90

Fits: Shorter

Stio is known for creating high-grade products that stand up to winter’s harshest elements—elements like you’d find in the brand’s hometown, Jackson Hole. But these folks make mega-nice summer gear, too, with one exemplary product being the CFS Board Short. Offered in 16-inch and 19-inch lengths, this short has been truly impressive both in and out of the water. Its polyester/spandex blend is comfortable, durable and water-wicking all at once, and we’ve found the 16-inch variety to be particularly great due to the mobility provided. Sky’s out, thighs out.

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Dirt Dogs Swim Trunks, by Tipsy Elves

$40

Fits: Shorter

On a somewhat lighthearted note, we urge you to consider this incredibly goofy yet incredibly awesome product from Tipsy Elves. It features—yes, you’re not just seeing things—drunk Hot Dogs from the 2016 film Sausage Party and will surely turn heads no matter where you venture this summer. Made from polyester microfiber and equipped with a mesh liner, it’s got the tech specs you need to fully enjoy the season, too.

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Era Boardshorts, by Vans

$55

Fits: Longer

A new product for Vans, a brand that’s been perfecting boardshorts for years, the Era provides an impressive balance of style and function. On the one hand, this floral pattern (along with the other whopping 18 colorways) looks damn good out in the summer sun. Meanwhile, four-way stretch, a super comfortable waistband and non-intrusive zipper round this product out as a total champ.

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