Why Wearing the Wrong Shorts Can Ruin Your Beach Trip

When you’re packing for the beach, your choice of shorts might seem like a small detail. But the wrong pair—like denim cutoffs, thick jersey shorts, or basketball shorts—can turn a fun day under the sun into a sticky, uncomfortable experience. Here’s why you should skip them and opt for proper beach-ready shorts instead.
1. Denim: Heavy, Hot, and Slow to Dry
Denim might look good in photos, but it’s one of the worst fabrics you can wear to the beach. Why?
Waterlogged weight – Once wet, denim becomes heavy and stiff, making it uncomfortable to move around.
Slow to dry – It can take hours to dry fully, leaving you cold and damp.
Sand magnet – Sand clings to the fibers and is hard to shake out.
2. Jersey Shorts: Sweat Traps on Steroids
Jersey fabric, like the kind used in gym shorts, is made for land-based workouts, not saltwater adventures.
Absorbs and holds water – Jersey soaks up moisture like a sponge and stays wet far too long.
Stretch and sag – Once wet, they can lose shape and droop uncomfortably.
Extra weight – Heavy when soaked, making swimming awkward.
3. Basketball Shorts: Big, Bulky, and Baggy
Basketball shorts might be breathable on the court, but the beach is a whole different ball game.
Too much fabric – Excess material catches water, slowing you down when swimming.
Mesh lining not made for the sea – Saltwater and sand can cause chafing and irritation.
Wind drag – Baggy shorts can flap awkwardly in the breeze and feel cumbersome.
What You Should Wear Instead
For the beach, you want lightweight, quick-dry, and flexible shorts—ideally made of fabrics like polyester or nylon with a bit of stretch. Boardshorts and volley shorts are designed for this exact purpose:
Quick-dry technology keeps you comfortable between swims.
4-way stretch fabrics allow full movement for beach games or surfing.
Sand-resistant weave makes shaking off the beach much easier.
Bottom Line
Your shorts can make or break your beach day. Wearing the wrong pair means you’ll be dealing with wet, heavy, sandy fabric that ruins the fun. Skip the denim, jersey, and basketball shorts—opt for proper beachwear designed to handle sun, salt, and surf.
If you want to make your beach trips lighter, dryer, and way more comfortable, check out our Backburn boardshorts collection. You’ll never look back.