Surfer Gordon Merchant and partner began cutting boardshort designs on a kitchen table in 1973. Since then, the Australian mega-brand Billabong has become a world leader in surf apparel and an internationally retailed label. Over the years, the company has joined forces with other top board sport apparel brands such as Element Skateboards, DaKine and Von Zipper sunglasses.
Billabong takes pride in manufacturing boardshorts with high-quality fabrics to provide optimal performance and comfort. Platinum X styles feature Billabong’s exclusive Quad Stretch, Zero Gravity fabric. This lightweight, polyester/spandex blend of micro-woven fibers is made to stretch when you do. Billabong boardies are reinforced with H2 repel, so wet shorts will dry quickly and won’t leave a rash.
Billabong’s Recycler shorts are made with recycled polyester and are just one of the ways the company stays environmentally conscious. Approximately 10 plastic bottles are recycled to make the polyester in one pair of Billabong boardshorts. Other efforts to lessen Billabong’s carbon footprint include the use of water-based inks and dyes in place of harsh synthetic chemicals.
Men’s boardshorts are available in a vibrant range of prints and solids. Multihued plaids, stripes and oversized geometric prints are paired with contrasting solid waistbands. Most styles come in multiple colors and/or prints. Whether you are into fly-fishing or national pride, make a statement by wearing Billabong’s theme inspired boardshorts. Into Reggae? The Smile Jamaica and Babylon shorts bear the red, gold and green and are adorned with a Bob Marley patch at the leg. All Billabong men’s boardshorts feature cinch tie waistband and the Billabong wave logo. Style lengths range from 19”-22” and are priced $39.50-$64.50 (with the exception of the $129 PX1 short).
Women’s boardshorts are comfortable and versatile, with recycled polyester blends, Quad Stretch and H2 repel fabric. The volley shorts have a 1.5” inseam and provide slight, barely there coverage to pair of bathing suit bottoms. Women’s shorts are also available in 2”-9” inseams, with cinch tie waistbands and snaps. Contrast binding boldly offsets fun graphics and stripes, and many styles are available in a variety of colors. Prices are $29.40-$49.5