Surf’s Up!
Surfs up! I’m a big fan of wearing boardshorts when I’m taking my kids to the beach or the pool. They’re fun, comfortable, waterproof (I wear them right in the water)…and they keep you covered as you’re running after your little ones, or racing over to stop them from doing something dangerous (that’s me!) And as a mom, I still feel a little bit cool wearing them.
Boardshorts, I’d like you to meet Tara
After I had my third baby, one of the million things that dawned on me was this: I was going to be bringing three small children to the town swimming park, by myself…yikes! I knew I wouldn’t be sitting down at all, I’d be running after my little ones and carrying another in my arms. I needed to be able to move, I needed coverage; and if I feel comfortable, I can be a better mom. These boardshorts kept things modest, shall we say, as I chased after my little guys and sat in the sand and played with them. I like how boardshorts basically fit just like a pair of regular shorts, so wearing them feels seamless. Plus, you can totally wear them out and about all summer long as regular shorts too and no one is the wiser. Through the years I’ve bought several of the same brands because they’ve proven to work the best for me. I’m sharing all about my top three brands!
Burton
Burton Shearwater Boardshorts come in nice classic colors and prints. You can get them on a variety of websites, but I purchased mine here on Backcountry. They can cost anywhere between $25-$50 depending on what’s on sale at the time, or if they are last year’s style. But keep checking back, because they do go on sale, especially around holidays. Okay, so they fit pretty snug, hug your body, and are slightly lower waisted. You can always size up for a roomier fit, but the waist portion may be too big for you at that point; so it’s all about your comfort level. I am wearing a size 26, and they do actually stretch out a little bit after you wear them for a few hours. I like how there is minimal fading when it comes to sun exposure and washing them – they definitely keep their color and shape very well. The material is also a little bit thicker.
Pret a Surf @Jcrew
A few years back, JCrew collaborated with Pret a Surf swimwear and made these adorable, fun boardshorts. Much to my chagrin, they don’t do this collaboration anymore. BUT! I have still seen these, brand new with tags, on eBay for a steal. Here’s pair right here. I ended up buying these on JCrew’s clearance section right after the Christmas holiday a couple years ago (Helpful hint: I know beachwear is probably the last thing on your mind in the dead of winter, but that is the best time to buy! So file that in the back of your mind and get the best deals!) As for the fit, these have a bit looser feel, the waist is still a bit lower. I’m wearing a size 6 in both of these. The material is very light and breathable, and there has been zero fading due to sun and washing. Even though the material is light, it’s very substantial and well made.
Boden
Okay, so sadly Boden does not make this particular style any longer…but alas! eBay to the rescue! You can still buy these brand new with tags, here’s just one option. I feel these have the most complimenting fit. They are roomy in all the right places for a girl. I’m wearing a size 6 here and they give me a bit looser feel. You can always size down for a more “hugging” fit. I do, however, feel these have experienced the most fading from sun and washing. The material is thinner, but again very substantial.
Now don’t let purchasing anything on eBay scare you off. I have personally purchased many clothing items, new with tags, and have gotten them for a steal!
Alright, now go out and have fun with your kids and friends! Be confident no matter what you are wearing! Enjoy the summer days, make memories! I’m grateful I get to start another summer with my kids, appreciating all the little moments in between the chaos.