Guys Boardshort Designers:
The best in the industry weigh in on the season's heavy hitters!

James Sowins, Rip Curl V.P. of Design

What are the biggest trends in board shorts this season?
Taking the simplest garment giving it our signature with white and lines that will enhances the surfers craving for originality and technology.

Cut and silhouette - we see the biggest new ideas in boardies to be taking an nod from our sportswear: unusual cut lines that are featured by using exposed seams, quilted stitching or cover stitching. Using forward seams, unusual pocket treatments taken from tailored sportswear, welts, besom pockets each with interesting stitching to define them.

Colors - as always, color gives the wearer the ability to make a statement. With that said, new colors and rotations make the mix, the year. Pastels are becoming the standard, which lends the future to brighter colors used with neutrals to rein them in and keep them very masculine.

Logos - as with the latest in cut/silhouette the trends are being led from our sportswear, as boardies are now part of the package. New ways of mixed media for logos is now standard, thus mixing fabric with stitch details to showcase the logo is huge. Using the boardie as a canvas to create the individualism that is surf life.

What inspired the design of the 'Yesterday?'
'Yesterday' the answer is in the title - as a heritage company we felt a need to express our heritage by utilizing a directional vintage print than engineering it into a modern silhouette. The inspiration comes from pop culture - revisiting the past to create something for a new generation in modern fabrics and cuts. This combination led to a witty take on our heritage and a very successful style, which clearly separates it from other interpretations that are not as authentic.

Any common trends among the line?
We try to convey in all product, a feeling. Rip Curl's heritage, which is an aggressive, irreverent take on the surfing lifestyle. This is conveyed throughout the line by cut, color, graphic and silhouette.

What do you consider to be essential for spring?
In fashion, styles, detail and color rotation. Details are cut, stitch and pocket design. Color rotation is unexpected color mixed with neutrals that have been dominant.

In tech real bullet proof four-way stretch in real surf silhouettes.

Are there any trends carrying over from last season?
Mixed media treatments continue to dominate the way garments are ID.'

In one or two words can you some up your spring line?
Aggressive and irreverent.

If a guy buys one thing from this spring it should be a...
The Rip Curl boardie that best helps him form his view of the surf lifestyle and his own individuality.

Steve Fontes, Boardshort Designer, Quiksilver

What are the biggest trends in boardshorts for the '04 season?
Colors: We introduced a new color, grape-ape purple, revisiting 80s vintage colors, hits of fluorescent pinks bright yellow, subtle wearable, more expressive high contrast color blocking and signature art pieces from riders including Kelly Slater.

Cuts: They are art driven with Quiksilver’s personal touch, done in-house with the designers own approach to authenticity, unique- with our own flavor.

Trends: Number one were logos- heavy branded logo group pushing different interpretations of Quiksilver logos Second was traditional Hawaiian prints mixed with edgier floral patterns and different print styles, over spray, Japanese – a mix of influences and art mediums.

Third was the Fun House group - true to Quiksilver - high contrast colors, 80s influenced bright color hits, comes w ith a hair comb in the pocket. It's more experimental.

Could you talk a little bit specifically about the suits you designed?
The Elixer - volley is a clean, color blocked style, an all around type of short for all ages. It is comfortable with an ultra-suede, buttery feel for all around activities.

The Elixir - boardshort is a clean color blocked style. Its understandable, caters to all people, with hidden internal zip pocket on right leg and ultra suede fabrication for all around comfort.

The Kahuku Side is a different take on a traditional floral print. It is edgier than traditional Hawaiian floral prints with a combination of printing styles:embossed logo, print texture with large scale printing over the top, layered art approach, cross breed of two different art styles.

How did you come up with the designs?
Influences pulled from everywhere. The beach, travel to Hawaii, Japan, Europe, street art, architecture, designers sent around to soak up inspiration, a lot of feedback comes from team riders

What makes them different, better, stand out from other suits?
Quiksilver’s fabrication is best on the market, it's above standard. The fits are customized per style, some with no inseams or use of lycra flys - no velcro, internal pockets.

Any common trends among the line?
Lots of layering of various styles of art mixed together, inspired by music, sports, millitary, reggae/dancehall.

What do you consider to be an essential for spring?
Don't be afraid of color. As the weather warms up - get bolder with tastes, choices, more art influenced.

Are there any trends carrying over from last season?
There’s staying power in floral prints - Hawaiian roots run deep in this company. We strive to have best Hawaiin prints in market.

In one or two words can you sum up the spring line?
Multi-directional art and styling with comfortable fabrics

If a guy only buys one thing this spring it should be a...
Kahuku Side Boardshort.

Chad Chamberlain - Kirra designer

What are the biggest trends in boardshorts for the '04 season?
The biggest trends of ‘04 are medium scale floral prints, color blocking in pieced styles with straight and curved style lines, white bodies with pops of colors and of course branding.

How did you come up with the designs for the Kirra line?
I have a lot of time to think when I am sitting on my board waiting for waves to roll in.

What makes them different or stand out from others?
Kirra boardshorts stand out from the others because they have the perfect balance of performance and fashion designed into them.

Any common trends among the line?
All of the styles have at least one embriodered piece, one screen and one label on them.

What do you consider to be an essential for spring?
You must have more than two pairs of boardshorts for spring.

Are there any trends carrying over from last season?
Loose, hand drawn feeling hibiscus are important. It's the root of printed boardshorts. Heavy branding will be carried over and techniques will be taken to the next level.

In one or two words can you sum up the spring line?
Hardcore surf roots.

If you only buy one piece this spring it should be a...
A perfomance boardshort with style.

- Betsy Runge