Men's Boardies vs. Retro Shorties: Which Swim Trunk Fits?
By Mix n' Match Swimsuits & Swimwear | Kortni Jeane | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Comparisons
Compare Men's Boardies and Limelight Retro Shorties on lining, leg length, and waistband so you can pick the right men's swim trunks for your next swim.
Quick answer
Choose Men's Boardies if you want an unlined trunk with a zip front, button closure, and hidden waist ties that sits several inches above the knee. Choose Limelight Men's Retro Shorties if you prefer a mesh-lined short with an elastic waistband and drawstring, a shorter Euro fit, and retro piping. Both are true to size, but if you are between sizes in the Retro Shorties, size up.
Lining and closure change how you wear them
Men's Boardies are unlined, and the catalog notes that most men prefer to wear compression shorts with these trunks. If you already own a pair of compression shorts you like, Boardies give you a clean, unlined short with a zip front and button closure plus hidden ties at the waist. Limelight Retro Shorties come with a mesh lining, so they are ready to wear on their own, and they close with an elastic waistband and matching drawstring. Neither option is better in the abstract; the choice comes down to whether you want to add your own base layer or want the short to handle it.
Leg length and silhouette: board short vs. Euro fit
Boardies typically hit several inches above the knee, which gives you a longer, more traditional board short silhouette. Retro Shorties use a short Euro fit with piping detail on the bottom and side hems for a retro look. If you are used to board shorts and want that coverage, Boardies will feel familiar. If you want a shorter, vintage-inspired cut, Retro Shorties are the closer match. The trade-off is coverage versus a lighter, more retro profile.
Pockets and stretch for active days
Both trunks are made from stretchy material so you can be active, and both include two front pockets and one back pocket. On Boardies the back pocket is a standard pocket, while Retro Shorties add a button to the back pocket. If you carry a key or card, the button closure on the Retro Shorties back pocket adds a small bit of security. Boardies keep the back pocket simple, which some guys prefer for less bulk when sitting or paddling.
How to decide without trying both
Start with the lining question: do you want to wear your own compression shorts, or do you want a built-in mesh liner? That single answer usually settles it. Next, check leg length against what you already wear. If your current trunks hit mid-thigh and you like that, Retro Shorties will feel right. If they sit closer to the knee, Boardies are the safer pick. Finally, use the fit finder or contact the store directly if your measurements fall between sizes, especially for the Retro Shorties where the catalog recommends sizing up.
Trade-offs to weigh before you buy
- Lining: Boardies are unlined and the catalog notes most men wear compression shorts with them; Retro Shorties have a mesh lining built in. Pick Boardies if you already have a compression short you like; pick Retro Shorties if you want one-and-done swimwear.
- Leg length: Boardies hit several inches above the knee; Retro Shorties use a short Euro fit. Choose based on the trunks you already reach for, not on trend alone.
- Waist closure: Boardies use a zip front with button closure and hidden ties; Retro Shorties use an elastic waistband with a matching drawstring. Zip and hidden ties feel more adjustable and secure; elastic and drawstring feel quicker and softer.
- Sizing between sizes: Both are true to size, but the Retro Shorties catalog advises sizing up if you are between sizes. If you are between sizes and want Retro Shorties, go up; for Boardies, use the fit finder or contact the store.
Product facts that affect your choice
- Men's Boardies: Men's Swim Board Shorts Unlined, with a zip front, button closure, and hidden ties at the waist. You can wear your own compression shorts underneath, and the zip plus hidden ties give a secure, adjustable fit without an elastic waistband.
- Limelight | Men's Retro Shorties: Men's Swim Shorts with mesh lining, an elastic waistband with matching drawstring, and a short Euro fit with piping detail. The mesh lining means you can wear them straight out of the bag, and the drawstring plus elastic waistband suits a shorter, retro cut.
- Men's Boardies: Typically hits several inches above the knee, with two front pockets and one back pocket. This gives you more leg coverage and a classic board short length, with enough pocket space for small items.
- Limelight | Men's Retro Shorties: Two front pockets and one back pocket with button. The buttoned back pocket adds security for a key or card if you are active in and out of the water.
Which trunk is right for you?
Best for
- Men who want an unlined trunk to wear with their own compression shorts
- Swimmers who prefer a longer board short that hits several inches above the knee
- Anyone who wants a zip front with button closure and hidden waist ties
Not for
- Men who want a built-in mesh liner and no extra layer
- Swimmers who prefer a shorter Euro fit with retro piping
- Anyone who wants an elastic waistband with a drawstring instead of a zip fly
