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Birdwell Men's 311 Nylon Boardshorts, Medium Length

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 523 ratings

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We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.
Size Chart
US BOARD SHORTS
Brand SizeInseam (in)Outseam (in)Leg Opening (in)
2881710
29817.210.2
308.217.510.5
318.217.810.8
328.51811
338.518.511.2
348.818.211.5
358.818.811.8
3691912
37919.212.2
389.219.512.5
399.219.812.8
409.52013
419.520.213.2
429.820.513.5

Product details

  • Fabric type
    Two-ply SurfNyl
  • Care instructions
    Machine Wash, Do Not Bleach, Hang to
  • Closure type
    Pull On
  • Bottom style
    Board Shorts

About this item

  • Features: Gold SurfNyl body with Aloha print lining from Hoffman California Fabrics. Triple lace closure with Mil-Spec black oxide grommets. Ripstop poplin waistband for added durability. “Aloha” patch on left leg. Olive “Classic Birdie” woven label on center back of waistband. Signature Birdwell wax pocket with key loop and interior drain hole. Brown nylon drawcord. Button fly with wood grain buttons.
  • Fit: Medium length. Outseams range between 17” – 21” depending on your waist size. Tab closure allows for minor adjustments in fit.
  • Fabric: 100% cotton lining from Hoffman California Fabrics. SurfNyl️ exterior for strength, comfort, and durability. Waistband 6.5oz ripstop cotton poplin.
  • Construction: Fail-safe clean finished double- and triple-stitched seams. Hand cut and sewn in Southern California.
  • Care: Machine wash cold. No Bleach. HANG DRY ONLY.

Additional Details

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Product Description

Toots wearing the Classic Nylon Boardshort in Red.

If it ain’t broke

Our founder Carrie ‘Birdwell’ Mann got it right the first time. That’s why, over sixty years after she made her first pair of SurfNyl 'Birdies', the formula is exactly the same - except better.

Toots wearing the classic nylon boardshort
About Us

Since 1961

Birdwell Beach Britches was born in Newport Beach, California. Defined by timeless style and enduring quality, we've been hand-making boardshorts in the USA since 1961.

We are America's Beach Brand.

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Product details

  • Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 5.25 x 1 inches; 6.88 ounces
  • Department ‏ : ‎ Men
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ June 7, 2023
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C7DLLKQS
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 523 ratings

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
523 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers appreciate the board shorts' quality, style, and durability. They find the stitching and material thick enough to last a long time. Many describe the shorts as great, classic, and made in the USA. However, some customers dislike the stretchiness and have mixed opinions on the fit and value for money.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

54 customers mention "Build quality"47 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the board shorts' build quality. They find the stitching sturdy and durable, and the material suitable for long-lasting wear. The weight and thickness are also praised as ideal. Overall, customers consider these to be high-quality, street-cred-worthy board shorts.

"I really like these shorts. I worn them a few time now and they seem well made. They're more comfortable than I expected as well...." Read more

"...The heavy duty stitching and rear seat panel will not wear out or tear. The lace up front stays secure and they dry fast...." Read more

"...Fit is good and they are durable. Can not beat hand made board shorts in a world full of mass produced in China clothing...." Read more

"...The weight & thickness of the material are perfect, and fast drying...." Read more

33 customers mention "Shorts quality"33 positive0 negative

Customers like the shorts quality. They say the shorts are great, still made in the U.S. with excellent quality, fit, and style. Some mention they're the best shorts for water sports and don't need to change into dry clothes after. The shorts are cool even if you don't surf.

"Really wanted to like these board shorts. I like the surf wear history of the shorts, and the fact they are still made in the US...." Read more

"...Well, long story short....these are incredible and consistent if not superior to my old ones from the 80's...." Read more

"Nice shorts but run small and the fabric does not stretch. I have to returned them and ordered a bigger size." Read more

"Got my first pair in 1966. Best surf shorts ever. Now I got my last pair at 67. Still ocean swimming. Hope to live long enough to need another pair...." Read more

23 customers mention "Style"22 positive1 negative

Customers like the style of these swimwear. They say the tough nylon has a nice look and the fit is perfect. The camouflage color is nice, and they appreciate the blacked-out tag on the back. There are many colors and customization options available.

"...Lots' of colors, some custom feature offerings and a great fit for athletic body shapes...." Read more

"...They dry super fast. And they are nice looking too." Read more

"...High quality material and design. Super comfortable in the ocean and sitting on the beach. Fully recommend!" Read more

"Like the look and feel. My disappointment was the lack of 2 front pockets...." Read more

10 customers mention "Drying time"9 positive1 negative

Customers appreciate the swimwear's fast drying time.

"...The lace up front stays secure and they dry fast. You might pay a bit more for the quality... but they will simply outlast the competition...." Read more

"...The weight & thickness of the material are perfect, and fast drying...." Read more

"...But the material and construction are awesome. They dry super fast. And they are nice looking too." Read more

"Awesome trunks dry quick and look cool blast from the past. Run small so might need to go up a size or two...😎..." Read more

5 customers mention "Made in usa"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the product being made in the U.S.

"...the surf wear history of the shorts, and the fact they are still made in the US. Took a new pair with me on a trip to Belize...." Read more

"liked they are not made in USA and they are pretty true to my first pair of board shorts i got back in 1980." Read more

"Great this is made in California. But that was it...." Read more

"Awesome board shorts. Still made in USA. Excellent quality, fit and style." Read more

75 customers mention "Fit"39 positive36 negative

Customers have different views on the fit. Some find it comfortable and dry quickly, with no need to size up or down. Others mention that the material is stretchy, and the crotch area can be tight when sitting down.

"...They're more comfortable than I expected as well. I look forward to having them for a long time...." Read more

"...almost perfect; My only complaints are that they are tight in the crotch when you sit down, and there is a giant freakin' logo on the back side,..." Read more

"...Lots' of colors, some custom feature offerings and a great fit for athletic body shapes...." Read more

"...WAY too small. Went up a size and still too small. There's a draw string, but once over the waist still couldn't wear comfortably...." Read more

12 customers mention "Value for money"4 positive8 negative

Customers have different views on the swimwear's value. Some find it expensive but worth it, while others say it's too expensive.

"...Kind of over priced for what it is in my opinion." Read more

"...buying a few more colors immediately now that I know these are the real deal! Well done Birdwell, I am a believer.....glad you are back!" Read more

"...been around for many years and they make a quality product although a bit pricy ." Read more

"My husband use to wear these back in the day, they are a little expensive, but made with good quality material, I’m sure they will last a long time...." Read more

6 customers mention "Stretchability"0 positive6 negative

Customers dislike the lack of stretch and flex in the shorts. They mention it could be a problem for people with large or muscular thighs.

"...As others mentioned, one challenge with these shorts is the lack of flex. If this were a flexible material I probably would have gone with the 32...." Read more

"...No stretch in the material so the size has to be perfect to fit. The size number does not correspond to any measured dimension in inches...." Read more

"Nice shorts but run small and the fabric does not stretch. I have to returned them and ordered a bigger size." Read more

"There is no stretch to the waist line making it difficult to take on and off." Read more

GET A PAIR
5 out of 5 stars
GET A PAIR
Birdwell is the only manufacturer (are there others???) making board shorts from sturdy heavy nylon. It will last 20+ years. ALL the new products are "stretch" and "quick drying" which basically translates to "light and flimsy." How much faster drying is there than Birdwell Nylon in the sun? Do yourself a favor and see the high quality that once made Board Shorts tougher than mere swimsuits. (Newer shorts-meaning the last 12 years-are even skimping on velcro!) I still have an 18 year old pair of Quicksilver! (see photo, heavy nylon, with separate mesh liner, well made stitch logo...) GET A PAIR OF BIRDWELL. Besides when was the last time, if ever, you have seen garments "Made in USA?"
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2023
    I really like these shorts. I worn them a few time now and they seem well made. They're more comfortable than I expected as well. I look forward to having them for a long time.

    Regarding sizing, I don't know what everyone else here is talking about. I typically wear a 32 or 33 in boardshorts, shorts, and pants from other manufacturers. All the reviews here said they had to size up quite a bit because of how the sizing went with the Birdwells. I ordered several sizes with 34 being the smallest because I figured I'd have to size up. Well, the 34 was too big.

    I sent them all back and ordered a 32 and 33. In a perfect world I'd have a 32.5. I ended up keeping the 33. I'm 6', ~178lbs, and reasonably fit. These shorts are sized just like all the other clothes I wear. I don't think there's anything unusual about my body that would explain why they fit differently for me. I'm pretty average all around.

    As others mentioned, one challenge with these shorts is the lack of flex. If this were a flexible material I probably would have gone with the 32. It felt just a little snug. The 33 is slightly looser than I'd like. I figure I'll take the slight risk of having them fall off over having a little muffin top. YMMV.

    I like them enough to buy more. Next time I'll probably try the stretch version.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2020
    I am constantly in the marine environment and have been a Birdwell Fan for more than three decades. Surfing, diving and in-water rescues... these shorts last better than any other brand out there and they look great. The heavy duty stitching and rear seat panel will not wear out or tear. The lace up front stays secure and they dry fast. You might pay a bit more for the quality... but they will simply outlast the competition. Lots' of colors, some custom feature offerings and a great fit for athletic body shapes. Do NOT buy these shorts if you are overweight and have a muffin top. Measure twice as these shorts are cut to exact size. Better to order a size up than try to squeeze in an extra half inch, and better too long than too short. Great pro look and fit !
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2023
    I have several of these shorts and all are great. Fit is good and they are durable. Can not beat hand made board shorts in a world full of mass produced in China clothing. I have one pair 20 years old. You will not find better board shorts.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2019
    Really wanted to like these board shorts. I like the surf wear history of the shorts, and the fact they are still made in the US. Took a new pair with me on a trip to Belize. Used them 3 days in the water, and the stitching started coming loose/fraying in several places. Mainly around the back pocket area, and the front buttons. Not the quality I expected, especially for the $80 price tag. Missed my return window, so now stuck with them.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2020
    I had a pair or two of Birdwells as a kid & they were THE swim shorts to have. Now that I finally spent the (large amount of) money to get a pair as an adult, I regret waiting! The weight & thickness of the material are perfect, and fast drying. I went with the medium length (32"waist) and at 5'8", the fit and inseam length are great. I probably wore the short length back in the 1900's, but that was then and this is now - no retro 70s NBA-style short shorts are going to look good on the average man at the beach (only movie actors or bodybuilders).
    I hesitated to buy these for a long time because I'm used to swimsuits being so much cheaper. Now I realize that as long as I keep my current waist size (wish me luck), I'll have these for the rest of my adult life. And they'll likely be the only trunks I'll ever swim in again.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2018
    These are almost perfect; My only complaints are that they are tight in the crotch when you sit down, and there is a giant freakin' logo on the back side, like what you'd see on a boxer's shorts. I also followed everyone's advice and ordered the next size up and it was a mistake; mine fit me a bit too loose up top and I cannot cinch then down enough.

    But the material and construction are awesome. They dry super fast. And they are nice looking too.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2020
    So impressed with the quality of these board shorts. In the early 80's I spend 5 summers as a lifeguard and these were my go to. I learned at a young age that reliability and well built products may cost more up front, but that usually saved money down the road through lifespan. As a lifeguard it was important to me that I could rely on the few things I had to wear.....Vuarnet Sunglasses, Bullfrog sun protection and Birdwell's. When I recently discovered that Birdwell was back at it, I gave it a shot and ordered my first pair in almost 35 years. Stoked to get these trunks, I was curious about the make, fit and finish. Well, long story short....these are incredible and consistent if not superior to my old ones from the 80's. I will be buying a few more colors immediately now that I know these are the real deal! Well done Birdwell, I am a believer.....glad you are back!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2022
    My husband wears a size 36 waist and so that's what we purchased the first time. WAY too small. Went up a size and still too small. There's a draw string, but once over the waist still couldn't wear comfortably. Sooo we'll see if the the 40's fit. Length and quality perfect and as we remember. Had no problem returning and getting refunds quickly and new ones arriving promptly also.
    One person found this helpful
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