Updated December 5, 2022
Swim shorts are a nice option for an active woman who wants to have great performance in the water while still making an impression on the beach or around town,
As with all women’s apparel, there are literally thousands of swim shorts to choose from. To help you select a pair that provides the performance and styling to suit your needs, some top models have been selected as an introduction to the range available. There’s a comparison table to start, followed by descriptions, features, photos, and a buying guide to set you on your way.
Please let me know in the comments section at the bottom if you have any questions or concerns. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For other reviews of swimming products and accessories, please check out these popular posts or refer to the menu at the top:
Men’s Swimming Trunks Men’s Board Shorts Swimming Headphones Swim Parkas Swimming Goggles
Best Women’s Swim Shorts
- Roxy Women’s Endless Summer Boardshort
- Body Glove Women’s Smoothies Blacks Beach Solid Vapor Boardshort
- Nike Women’s Solid Element Swim Boardshort
- O’Neill Women’s Water-Resistant Stretch Swim Boardshort
- Maui Rippers Women’s 4-Way Stretch Swim Shorts Boardshorts
- Kanu Surf Women’s Breeze Solid Stretch Boardshort
- Micosuza Women’s Skirted Swim Short
- Urchics Women’s Lace Hollow Out Swimsuit Tankini Bottom Swim Board Shorts
- MiYang Women’s Swim Boardshorts Beach Pant Bikini Bottom Shorts
- La Blanca Women’s All Aboard 3″ Board Short
- Kanu Surf Women’s Oceanside Active Swim Board Short
- Meegsking Women’s Quick Dry Swimwear Trunks Sports Board Shorts
Women’s Swim Shorts Comparison Table
| Swim Shorts | Picture | Fabric | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roxy Women's Endless Summer Boardshort |   | Polyester/Elastane | 2" Inseam | $$ |
| Body Glove Women's Smoothies Blacks Beach Solid Vapor Boardshort |   | Polyester/Spandex | 4" Inseam | $$ |
| Nike Women's Solid Element Swim Boardshort |   | Polyester/Nylon/Spandex | 2.5" Inseam 10.5" Outseam | $$ |
| O'Neill Women's Water-Resistant Stretch Swim Boardshort |   | Polyester | 2, 3, 5, or 7" Inseam | $$ |
| Maui Rippers Women’s 4-Way Stretch Swim Shorts Boardshorts |   | Polyester/Spandex | 9" Inseam | $ |
| Kanu Surf Women's Breeze Solid Stretch Boardshort |   | Polyester/Spandex | 14"-15" Outseam | $ |
| Micosuza Women's Skirted Swim Short |   | Nylon/Spandex | 19"-21.5" Outseam | $ |
| Urchics Women's Lace Hollow Out Swimsuit Tankini Bottom Swim Board Shorts |   | Polyester/Spandex | 9.84"-12.2" Outseam | $ |
| MiYang Women's Swim Boardshorts Beach Pant Bikini Bottom Shorts |   | Polyester/Spandex | 8.1"-10.9" Outseam | $ |
| La Blanca Women's All Aboard 3" Board Short |   | Polyester | 3" Inseam | $$ |
| Kanu Surf Women's Oceanside Active Swim Board Short |   | Polyester | 18" Outseam | $ |
| Meegsking Women's Quick Dry Swimwear Trunks Sports Board Shorts |   | Polyester/Spandex | 2.8" Inseam | $ |
| Swim Shorts | Picture | Fabric | Length | Price |
Roxy Women’s Endless Summer Boardshort
Very short with a 2-inch inseam, it employs a drawstring that is concealed by a foldover Lycra waistband.
You have a choice of a large variety of attractive prints and colors in a broad range of sizes.
- Material: 90% recycled Polyester/10% Elastane
- 4-way stretch
- Machine washable
- Quick-drying
- Logo on left leg hem
- Inseam: 2”
- Colors: 21 colors and prints
- Pockets: back welt pocket
- Closure: drawstring, fold-over Lycra knit waistband
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XL
- Price: $$
Pros: good variety of colors and prints, quick-drying, hidden drawstring, a wide range of sizes
Cons: let me know if you find any (good reports from buyers)
Body Glove Women’s Smoothies Blacks Beach Solid Vapor Boardshort
For another short-legged model with a 4-inch inseam, a Polyester/Spandex mix is employed for a flexible stretch fit.
It comes in a choice of seven striking pastel colors with 2 smallish side pockets and a drawstring closure.
- Material: 88% Polyester/12% Spandex woven fabric
- 4-way stretch
- Machine washable
- Quick-drying
- Logo on left leg hem
- Inseam: 4”
- Colors: 7 solid pastel colors
- Pockets: 2 slash side pockets
- Closure: drawstring waistband
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Price: $$
Pros: attractive solid colors, quick-drying, looser-fitting, stretchy, 2 pockets, reputable brand
Cons: let me know if you find any (good reports from buyers)
Nike Women’s Solid Element Swim Boardshort
Quick-drying and machine-washable, it has a concealed zipper pocket for small accessories, and of course, the Nike logo patch on the left leg hem.
- Material: 100% Polyester shell and lining, 82% Nylon/18% Spandex trim
- Built-in brief for support and comfort
- High back coverage
- Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish
- Quick-drying
- Machine washable
- Quick-drying
- Logo on left leg hem
- Outseam: 10.5”
- Inseam: 2.5”
- Colors: midnight navy, black
- Pockets: concealed zipper pocket
- Closure: elastic stretch waistband
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Price: $$
Pros: comfortable elastic waist, brief-style lining, high back coverage, quick-drying, water-resistant, reputable brand
Cons: limited choice of colors
O’Neill Women’s Water-Resistant Stretch Swim Boardshort
The Polyester Dynasuede fabric employed is comfortable, soft, stretchy, and water-resistant and has O’Neill’s superfly drawcord closure.
- Material: 100% Polyester Dynasuede
- Stretchy and soft fabric
- Quick-drying
- Water-resistant
- Inseam: choice of 2”, 3”, 5”, or 7”
- Some slight design variations between models
- Colors: 14 colors and prints
- Pockets: back Velcro pocket with logo
- Closure: superfly drawcord
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Price: $$
Pros: soft and stretchy Polyester Dynasuede fabric, water-resistant, quick-drying, 4 lengths available, quality surfing brand, stylish
Cons: no info on whether it is machine-washable (assume it is)
Maui Rippers Women’s 4-Way Stretch Swim Shorts Boardshorts
The comfortable Polyester/Spandex fabric has it all: water resistance, stretch, breathability, and durability.
Available in 16 attractive colors and prints, it uses a drawstring for closure and has a Velcro-sealed cargo pocket with a key string, all for a budget price.
- Material: 90% Polyester/10% Spandex
- 4-way stretch
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- Quick-drying
- Machine-washable
- Breathable
- Boy-cut styling
- Inseam: 9”
- Colors: 16 colors and prints
- Pockets: Velcro cargo pocket with key string
- Closure: drawstring
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Price: $
Pros: versatile, multi-use, durable, flexible, water-resistant, quick-drying, machine-washable, great for board sports, low-priced
Cons: no liner, boy-cut styling may not suit women with large hips
Kanu Surf Women’s Breeze Solid Stretch Boardshort
Lightweight, yet sturdy enough to last for years, it has a cargo pocket for small essentials and comes in five attractive solid colors in a flattering short style at a hard-to-resist, budget price.
- Material: 88% Polyester/12% Spandex
- Quick-drying stretch microfiber
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- UPF50+ UV-resistant
- Durable
- Machine-washable
- Outseam: 14”-15”
- Colors: black, charcoal, lagoon, navy, pink
- Pockets: cargo pocket
- Closure: drawstring
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Price: $
Pros: low-priced, UV-resistant, stretchy, machine washable, quick-drying, flattering fit, sturdy
Cons: no lining
Micosuza Women’s Skirted Swim Short
An attached swim skirt provides a modesty cover from the waist to just above the knees. Available in seven attractive solid colors, the pricing is quite reasonable.
- Material: 82% Nylon/18% Spandex
- Quick-drying
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- UPF50+ UV-resistant
- Designed with an attached swim skirt
- Outseam: 19”-21.5”
- Colors: black, blue, green, grey, navy, purple, rose
- Pockets: none
- Closure: drawstring
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Price: $
Pros: intriguing, long, modest design, low-priced, UV-resistant, stretchy, quick-drying, suitable for heavy and large women, available in lively and subdued colors, low-priced
Cons: no pockets
Urchics Women’s Lace Hollow Out Swimsuit Tankini Bottom Swim Board Shorts
There are two styles to choose from, one with a conforming lace short and the other with a looser lace skirt, both with an elastic waistband with a drawstring for a secure fit.
Machine-washable, they are quite low-priced and available in black or blue.
- Material: Polyester/Spandex microfiber (percentages not available)
- Lace shell with an attached, contoured, soft brief lining
- Stretchy, firm control, slimming brief
- 2 styles – short and skirt
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Machine or hand-washable, tumble dry
- Outseam: 9.84”-12.2″
- Colors: black, blue
- Pockets: none
- Closure: elastic waist with a drawstring
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL
- Price: $
Pros: breathable, soft, body-flattering, sleek styling, low-priced, lightweight, plus size available
Cons: not for those who don’t like to show off their curves, limited colors
MiYang Women’s Swim Boardshorts Beach Pant Bikini Bottom Shorts
Best for women with a great deal of confidence in their appearance, these shorts are stretchy and comfortable, and double-lined for no risk of any see-through.
Lightweight and breathable, the ruched-side design and range of colors and patterns are striking.
Pricing is low.
- Material: 82% Polyester/18% Spandex
- Double-lined for no see-through
- Lightweight
- Ruched sides
- Stretchy
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
- Outseam: 8.1″-10.9″
- Colors: 11 colors and 2 polka-dot prints
- Pockets: none
- Closure: adjustable tie closure
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Price: $
Pros: breathable, soft, double-lined, body-flattering, low-priced, lightweight, striking colors and prints
Cons: a little revealing for those not exceptionally cut
La Blanca Women’s All Aboard 3″ Board Short
It has a comfortable, stretchy, relaxed fit and two small front seam pockets for storing small portable items.
The three solid colors match with a variety of tops and sizing from XXS to XXL will fit a wide range of swimmers.
- Material: 82% Polyester/18% Elastane
- Stretchy
- Relaxed fit
- Hand wash only
- Inseam: 3”
- Colors: white, black, blue
- Pockets: 2 front seamed pockets
- Closure: pull-on closure with an adjustable lace-up drawstring
- Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Price: $$
Pros: large size range, stretchy, comfortable, relaxed fit, 2 pockets, good coverage
Cons: no lining, limited colors
Kanu Surf Women’s Oceanside Active Swim Board Short
Constructed from soft Polyester microfiber, they are comfortable and durable.
Available in regular and plus sizes in 36 lively and colorful prints, with UPF50+ sun protection, and a cargo pocket for storage, the pricing will suit the budget-minded.
- Material: 100% Polyester microfiber
- Soft and comfortable
- Durable
- Quick-drying
- Elastic back
- Machine washable
- UPF50+ UV protection
- Outseam: 18”
- Colors: 36 colorful prints
- Pockets: 1 cargo pocket
- Closure: drawstring
- Sizes: 11 sizes up to 3XL
- Price: $
Pros: regular and plus sizes, comfortable, durable, machine-washable, cargo pocket, versatile, low-priced
Cons: no lining
Meegsking Women’s Quick Dry Swimwear Trunks Sports Board Shorts
Stretchy with a soft lining, they are lightweight, quick-drying, and UV-protective.
Two side pockets and a back pocket give you plenty of options for small incidental items and there is a nice range of colors and print patterns in an attractive collaboration with a solid color waistband.
- Material: 95%/5% Spandex
- Stretchy
- Soft lining
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Hand washing is recommended
- UPF50+ UV protection
- Inseam: 2.8”
- Colors: 15 colors and prints with a contrasting solid color waistband
- Pockets: 2 side pockets and 1 back pocket
- Closure: drawstring, elastic at the back
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
- Price: $
Pros: large range of sizes, comfortable, 3 pockets, low-priced, soft lining, striking color combinations, versatile
Cons: hand-washable (best not to toss it in a washing machine)
Women’s Swim Shorts Buying Guide
“Swim shorts” as a term covers a fairly broad spectrum of women’s swimwear apparel. It can include anything from very skimpy bikini bottoms to knee-length board shorts suitable for surfing and a range of water sports. The aim here in this review is to present a range that is functional for swimming, has a degree of versatility for use out of the water, and at the same time expresses women’s styling.
Materials
Most women’s swim shorts use Nylon or Polyester for their lightweight and durability. To have a bit of stretch and elasticity for a comfortable fit, often manufacturers employ a mix of Nylon or Polyester with Spandex or Elastane. These fabrics are generally breathable and quick-drying enabling a more comfortable and aerated transition from the water to the shore.
Features
Lining: Many women’s swim shorts do not include a liner. Some swimmers find that less body-conforming designs are more comfortable when they are lined. In the case of the skimpier more conforming designs, a liner can serve to protect modesty.
Length: Designs are available with less than a 2-inch inseam up to 10 or more inches. Folks involved in board sports tend to use shorts with longer legs. To a degree, it is a matter of your own style and preference and perhaps the level of modesty required.
Closure: Most designs rely on a drawstring or lace-up string. In some cases, all or part of the waistline is elasticized, sometimes with that being the lone method of securing them in position.
Pockets: These are quite handy for storing small essentials and their presence and size are in part determined by how long the shorts are. The shortest and most conforming designs simply allow minimal room for pockets. It is often easy to incorporate side-seam pockets and when space is available larger cargo pockets.
UV Protection: For long days in the sun, protection from its rays on portions of your body that rarely get exposure is an important factor. Fabrics with UPF50+ protection provide a high level.
Pricing: Unless you are especially interested in premium designer brand names, it is pretty easy to purchase good quality attractive swim shorts at a reasonable price. All the models in this review have retail prices from $10 to $54.
Style: Using the swim shorts reviewed here as an example, you can see that there is a pretty good variety to choose from. Most models come in a range of sizes to accommodate from very small to fairly large bodies with some able to fit plus-sized physiques. You can find very conforming bikini-like designs up to knee-length board shorts and all levels in between. There are colors and prints to suit everyone and keep in mind that you are left with the choice of what sort of top you want to accompany your shorts.
Fit: When you don’t have a chance to try them on first, such as when purchasing online, it is a good idea to have an accurate waist measurement as a starter. Most manufacturers provide a lot of sizing guidelines to help you get a good fit. You can also check the buyer’s comments on Amazon for ideas or directly contact the seller with any questions if need be.
For other reviews of swimming products and accessories, please check out these popular posts or refer to the menu at the top:
Men’s Swimming Trunks Men’s Board Shorts Swimming Headphones Swim Parkas Swimming Goggles
Comments and Feedback
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