O’Neill entered the scene in 1952 when founder Jack O’Neill opened a garage surf shop in San Francisco, CA. The company began with a small inventory of surfboards and surf vests. The vests—which Jack constructed with glue and pieces of neoprene—were the blueprint for the item that would make the O’Neill name world famous: the wetsuit. In addition to surf wear and surf equipment, O’Neill is a major manufacturer of men’s, women’s and kids swimwear, clothing and accessories and snow gear. The O’Neill surf headquarters is located in Santa Cruz, California, just a block away from the beautiful Northern California beaches that inspire the brand.

O’Neill features a large selection of boardshort styles for both men and women. Fabrics and cuts are intended for wear both in and out of the water, so comfort, durability and style are guaranteed. Lightweight ultra stretch and vintage suede are just a few of the materials featured, along with Psychostretch and Epicstretch (both namesakes of O’Neill wetsuit lines). All are fast drying and won’t weigh you down on the waves or the sidewalk.

Men’s boardshorts range from 18”-22” outseams and are sized 28-44 waists. Some design features include: zipper opening, locking drawcord, Lycra lining and side cargo pockets and zip pockets. Styles are available in a wide range of solids. Prints include colorful plaids, stripes and island inspired graphics with new designs being added regularly. Embroidered, appliquéd and screen logos are a must on all shorts. Men who want an easy transition from water to land will appreciate O’Neill’s Hybrid collection—a boardshort and walkshort in one. Expect the performance of a boardshort when needed, and then pair with a t-shirt so you can carry on with your day. Men’s boardshorts range from $29.50-$85.

Women’s shorts are a comfy addition to any swimsuit. They feature a Poly/Elastane blend and lengths vary from short to just-above-the-knee (2”-7” inseams). Shoppers will like the choice of easy, slide-on/slide-off elastic waistbands or classic tie front. Black, white and grey shorts are accented with multi-colored prints and bold blocks of color for a touch of sporty flair. Extra design features include: side pockets, embroidered waistbands and smocked side panels for extra maneuverability. Most styles are relaxed, but for those who prefer a snug fit, check out the Beverly or Vex. Women’s shorts range from $32-$54 and are sized 0-13, XS-XL.