SHOP ALL BOARD SHORTS HERE (THIS ONE WON'T BE THERE)
As many of us know in the USA, last Tuesday marked a special day in the calendar year. April fools day, which as you get older has less and less significance. But as a grom, this day marked a day of shenanigans, jokes, and overall goofy behavior (in the best way possible). Recently, it has been a trend in both brands and personalities to post a crazy, satirical reel or instagram post to beckon engagement and tease your following. Something that maybe could be real, but as soon as 10 seconds go by, the viewer realizes that it’s april first.
We thought it would be pretty classic to play into the fact that board shorts are just getting longer and longer. Back in the day, long board shorts were the norm. Enter the late 2000s and it started shrinking in outseam length. Get to the 2010s and short was back, a la echo beach from our backyard. 16”, bright colors, potentially an elastic waist. In some parts of the country, this still reigns true. But long is coming back, starting with the core and slowly expanding outward to the general surfing community. The skaters really ignited it with the return of oversized dickies and jnco jeans. So, we played into the trend, by announcing that we created the first 44” boardies, double the length of our already long 22” board short. The people loved it. Some said they would wear it (jokingly). Some said they would wear it (seriously). It’s safe to say we will never make these, as they would be pants. But maybe a 24” or 26” boardie could be on the horizon. Want to learn more about long board shorts? Read below from some credible sources:
Why Longer Board Shorts Are Back (And Why We’re Here for It)
If you’ve been paying attention in the lineup—or just scrolling your feed—you’ve probably noticed it: longer board shorts are making a comeback. Not just a one-off style shift, but a real movement. At IPD, we see it as a full-circle moment. Because this isn’t just about more fabric—it’s about function, feel, and staying rooted in the culture that built this thing in the first place.
Let’s be clear: board short trends ebb and flow just like a perfect point break. A few years back, shorter trunks were the flavor of the month—think 16” outseams and retro vibes. And hey, we love a good vintage cut. But in the water, performance always wins. That’s where longer board shorts come in.
Built for Surfing, Not Just for Show
Longer board shorts—think 19” to 20” outseams—offer more than just extra coverage. They’re a nod to the core surf heritage, when trunks were built for long days on the board and even longer days in the sun. Extra length means fewer wax rashes, better sun protection, and more grip on the board where it counts. Less thigh rub, more paddle power.
The new crop of longer boardies aren’t the stiff, crunchy numbers from back in the day either. Today’s tech—stretch fabrics, welded seams, recycled fibers—means you get all the freedom of movement with none of the drag. That’s the sweet spot we’re chasing: timeless style with next-gen function.
Culture Comes in Waves
We’re also seeing the fashion pendulum swing back toward 90s surf. And let’s be honest, that era had some serious style. High-performance gear with bold prints and baggy fits—sounds like the IPD DNA. Our team riders are already rocking longer cuts, not just for the tech, but for the vibe. It’s looser, more laid-back. It’s got presence. It’s surf-first style that doesn’t beg for attention, but earns it.
Different coastlines bring their own flavors—Hawaii’s always been long-short territory, Australia loves its hybrids, and the Euro scene leans into bright, shorter cuts. But no matter where you are, longer board shorts are carving out serious space again. And for good reason.
Not Just a Trend—A Statement
Longer board shorts say something. They say you’re here to surf, not stunt. They say you’ve been around long enough to remember when trunks covered your knees and still looked cool doing it. They’re a subtle flex—a nod to the roots and the future.
At IPD, we don’t chase trends—we ride what feels right. And right now? Longer board shorts feel really good. Whether you’re logging hours at your home break or chasing swell on the road, the extra length brings extra substance.
Because when you’re chasing the feeling, your gear should keep up. And longer boardies? They’re built for the ride.
