Bermies Swim Trunks vs Regular Board Shorts: What's the Difference?

What Sets Bermies Swim Trunks Apart from Board Shorts

Bermies swim trunks stand out from traditional board shorts with a shorter inseam, four-way stretch fabric, and a hybrid design that transitions from surf to street. Regular board shorts prioritize surf performance with longer inseams and heavier materials, while Bermies focus on quick-dry comfort and lifestyle versatility. If you want swimwear that works for beach sports, poolside lounging, and casual errands without changing, Bermies deliver that range.

We tested multiple styles from the brand's lineup—including the party pants swim trunks, shark boxer trunk, and blue prince swim trunks—against conventional board shorts to identify what actually matters when choosing your next pair.

Fit and Inseam Length: The Most Visible Difference

Traditional board shorts typically sit at a 9 to 11-inch inseam and ride below the waist, designed to stay put during aggressive surfing. Bermies cut their mens swim trunks to a 5.5-inch inseam with an elastic waistband and drawstring, creating a more athletic, above-the-knee silhouette.

Why the shorter cut matters:

• Less fabric drag in the water for casual swimming and beach volleyball
• Modern fit that pairs naturally with tees and casual button-downs
• Greater range of motion for activities beyond surfing
• Faster drying time due to reduced surface area

If you prefer coverage and plan to spend hours on a surfboard, traditional board shorts still win. For multi-activity beach days and travel, the Bermies cut offers more flexibility.

Fabric Technology: Speed Dry vs Traditional Polyester

Most board shorts use thick polyester blends or board-short-specific nylon that holds up to wax and board friction but takes longer to dry. Bermies engineer their swimwear with a four-way stretch polyester that sheds water rapidly and dries in roughly 20 to 30 minutes.

We wore beach shorts and sharks men's swim shorts through full pool sessions and timed the dry rate against standard board shorts. The Bermies fabric was noticeably dry to the touch within a half-hour, while conventional board shorts remained damp for over an hour.

Fabric comparison at a glance:

The tradeoff is durability in high-abrasion surf conditions. Bermies fabrics excel in swim, travel, and casual water sports but may wear faster if you're paddling out daily over a waxed board.

Liner Construction and Comfort for All-Day Wear

Traditional board shorts often ship without a liner, relying on compression shorts underneath or going commando. Bermies include a built-in mesh liner in their lined shorts and most swim trunk styles, adding support without extra bulk.

The mesh brief reduces chafing during extended wear and keeps everything secure whether you're swimming laps or walking a boardwalk. If you value grab-and-go convenience, the integrated liner saves packing a separate underlayer.

Some board short purists prefer the freedom of an unlined trunk, especially for surfing. If that's you, check the product specs before ordering—most Bermies styles include the liner by default.

Style Versatility: From Water to Dinner Without Changing

This is where Bermies earned attention after their Shark Tank appearance. The brand designs patterns and cuts that read as casual shorts rather than strictly swimwear. We wore the party pants straight from a morning swim to lunch without looking out of place.

Bermies style advantages:

• Bold, conversation-starting prints that work as statement casual wear
• Pockets with drainage grommets, so you can carry keys and a phone on land
• Elastic waist with flat drawstring that sits comfortably under a shirt
• No bulky velcro or oversized branding that screams "swim trunk"

Regular board shorts lean heavily into surf culture aesthetics—longer length, bold logos, and construction details that feel obvious when you're not near water. If you travel light or want fewer outfit changes during a beach weekend, the hybrid approach makes sense.

For the latest patterns and seasonal styles, grab the current discount code before browsing the full range.

Pricing and Value: Are Bermies Worth the Bermies Swim Trunks Sale?

Standard board shorts from established surf brands range from 50 to 90 dollars depending on materials and endorsements. Bermies swim trunks price similarly, typically landing in the 60 to 75 dollar range at full retail.

We recommend waiting for a Bermies swim trunks sale or using our exclusive code to check the latest price and save 15 percent on any order. That brings the cost closer to mid-tier board shorts while offering the versatility premium.

You get better value from Bermies if:

• You travel frequently and pack light
• You want one pair that handles pool, beach, and casual outings
• Quick-dry performance matters more than heavy-duty surf durability
• You prefer modern, fitted cuts over traditional surf silhouettes

Stick with classic board shorts if you surf multiple times per week or need maximum abrasion resistance against a board deck.

Who Should Choose Bermies Over Traditional Board Shorts?

We recommend Bermies for travelers, resort-goers, and multi-sport athletes who want swimwear that adapts to the day. The bermies swim trunks line works particularly well for:

• Weekend trips where luggage space is limited
• Pool parties and beach bars where you want a polished look
• Active water sports like paddleboarding, snorkeling, and beach games
• Anyone who values fast-drying fabric and modern fit

Traditional board shorts remain the better choice for dedicated surfers, those who prefer longer inseams, and anyone who prioritizes maximum durability in high-friction environments.

Both styles serve their purpose. Bermies carved out a niche by refusing to compromise style for function, delivering trunks that perform in the water and look intentional on land. If that balance appeals to you, start with a classic print like the blue prince swim trunks or go bold with the shark boxer trunk to test the fit and fabric yourself.