Black Boardshorts Are The Inoffensive Key to Any Lineup In The World

You can’t fault a man in black trunks.

Unless you were on the North Shore forty years ago and got your teeth rearranged by one. In 2019, in any lineup in the world, a pair of sensibly cut black boardshorts says, ‘Hey, I’m not bothering you, don’t bother me.’ Going incognito in the surf is a favourable option, particularly when overseas. If you’ve boarded a plane to surf, chances are you want to get your wave count up with minimal fuss and retire to the pool lounge with a novel and a cocktail. Black trunks can certainly help with that. Blend in, catch more waves than you deserve, hit eject. Here are five pairs made for surfing.

Former x Vans

Fresh off the collab press, the Former decoration of the staple Vans trunk is perfect for those who like nice things, but still like passing unnoticed in the surf. To the uninitiated, they’ll just be a pair of black shorts, but you’ll notice the intricate details like the pocket with signature Former zipper and know that you’re wearing something more limited than most.

Something that little bit special.

Banks

Banks do staples as well as anybody, so it’s no surprise that their blacked-out trunks are spot on. They’re a nice blend of cut and tech too, with the seams resting just on the knee, and the four way stretch allowing you to get as freaky as your anatomy will allow with any oncoming section.

Minimal tech.

Saturdays

The brand that used surfing as a tug boat before whipping into the fashion proper continue to churn out the pinnacle of surf blended streetwear. Saturdays pieces feel premium, and their Danny boardshorts in midnight are everything we’ve come to expect from the brand. Although we’d normally advise against wearing boardshorts outside the surf, the styling of the vogue Asian gentleman in these Saturdays trunks, slides and statement print button-up on their site has us thinking otherwise.

Treat yourself.

Volcom

There’s just something awesome and 90s about rocking a blatant logo on a pair of black trunks. Whilst most are trying to tone down the branding, the Stone are proud of the symbol that’s served them for so long, and we’re all for celebrating iconic symbols. No nonsense trunks built for marathon sessions. 

Go with the stone.

Globe

Dion Agius is one of surfing’s most celebrated peacocks, but even he likes to tone it down in the surf. It’s telling that with all the Globe design house at his disposal, he’s chosen to black-out his signature trunks, and gear them solely around comfort and performance in the surf. Those who like to spread their sartorial wings outside of the surf seem to keep it low key in the water and vice versa. Interesting.

All biz in the surf.