Board short fabric is the ultimate choice for boys' and men's swimwear, offering quick-drying performance, UV protection, and durability that withstands sun, chlorine, and saltwater. This lightweight polyester woven fabric has a unique brushed surface that feels soft against skin while maintaining the structure needed for swim shorts and active wear.
Whether you're sewing classic board shorts for the beach, creating modest swim coverage for water parks, or making lightweight summer jackets, board short fabric delivers the performance and versatility you need. Plus, it dries so quickly you can go from splash park to activities without changing!
What is Board Short Fabric?
Board short fabric is a microfiber polyester woven fabric with a distinctive brushed surface and no stretch. Typically around 6 ounces per yard and 58 inches wide, it's specifically engineered for swimwear and water activities. The fabric has two distinct sides: the right side features a lightly brushed surface (think the texture of a peach or apricot) while the wrong side has a smoother, almost silky feel.
The grain of board short fabric runs parallel to the selvage edge. As a woven fabric, it has virtually no stretch lengthwise or crosswise, but does have a very slight stretch when pulled diagonally on the bias - which makes it possible to create bias tape from this fabric. Board short fabric is water-resistant (not waterproof), meaning water may bead off initially, but the fabric will get wet when submerged. The excellent news? It dries incredibly fast!
Why Choose Board Short Fabric?
- Quick Drying - Dries much faster than cotton or other natural fibers
- UV 50+ Protection - Built-in sun protection for outdoor water activities
- Water Resistant - Initial water resistance helps with light splashing
- Chlorine Resistant - Withstands pool chemicals without breaking down
- Durable - Polyester construction holds up to sun, salt, and chlorine
- Lightweight - Comfortable to wear all day at the beach or pool
- No Shrinkage - Polyester won't shrink when washed
- Bright Colors - Vibrant options increase visibility for swim safety
- Soft Hand - Brushed surface feels comfortable against skin
- Versatile - Use for more than just swim shorts!
- Easy Care - Machine washable and quick to air dry
- Color Options - Wide range of solids and fun beach-themed prints
What Can You Make with Board Short Fabric?
Board short fabric is incredibly versatile - you can use it anywhere you'd use a lightweight woven fabric:
Swimwear & Water Activities
- Traditional board shorts for boys and men
- Modest swim shorts for women and girls
- Swim trunks and jammers
- Skirted bottoms for swimsuits
- Swim skirts and board short skirts
- Rash guard shorts
- Paddle sports apparel
Activewear & Summer Clothing
- Lightweight running shorts
- Athletic shorts and capris
- Light rain jackets
- Windbreakers and pullover jackets
- Beach cover-ups
- Summer skirts
- Camp shirts and button-ups
Accessories
- Beach bags and totes
- Sun hats and bucket hats
- Swim scrunchies
- Drawstring bags
- Pool gear bags
Looking for board short sewing patterns? Check out these popular patterns from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop:
Board Short Fabric vs Stretch Woven Activewear
We carry two main types of woven swim/active fabrics:
Board Short Fabric: 100% polyester woven with NO stretch. Brushed surface, 6 oz/yard, UV 50+ protection. Perfect for traditional board shorts and projects where you don't need stretch.
Stretch Woven Activewear: 96% polyester/4% lycra blend with 20% horizontal stretch. Matte finish, soft hand, fluid drape. Perfect for running shorts, button-up shirts, or any project where you want some stretch and movement. Also great for board shorts if you prefer a bit of give.
Frequently Asked Questions About Board Short Fabric
Should I pre-wash board short fabric before sewing?
Yes! Always pre-wash your fabric the same way you'll wash the finished garment. While polyester doesn't shrink, pre-washing removes any manufacturing finishes, allows you to account for any potential changes, and removes dirt accumulated during shipping. Wash cold and tumble dry low or lay flat to dry.
What needles should I use for board short fabric?
Use a universal needle or microtex needle designed for wovens. Size 80/12 or 90/14 works well for most board short applications. Avoid stretch or ballpoint needles - those are for knits. Change your needle before starting your project for best results and to avoid skipped stitches.
Can I iron board short fabric?
Yes, but use caution! Board short fabric is polyester, which can melt if exposed to very high heat. Always test on a scrap piece first and use your iron's synthetic fabric setting. If your iron doesn't have specific settings, use medium-low heat. It's better to press lightly multiple times than risk melting your fabric with one pass of a too-hot iron.
Does board short fabric fray?
Yes, board short fabric will fray because it's a woven fabric. It's essential to finish all your seams to prevent fraying. The best method is using a serger/overlock, but you can also use a zigzag stitch on a regular sewing machine. Finish seams immediately after sewing them to prevent excessive fraying while working on your project.
Should I use pins or clips with board short fabric?
Use sewing clips instead of pins whenever possible! Pins can leave permanent holes in polyester fabric, especially if you need to reposition them. Clips hold just as securely and won't damage your fabric. If you must use pins, use them only in seam allowances that will be trimmed away or hidden inside the garment.
Is board short fabric waterproof?
No, board short fabric is water-resistant, not waterproof. This means some water may bead off initially, but when submerged (like in swimming), the fabric will get wet. The key advantage is how quickly it dries - much faster than cotton or other natural fibers. If you need truly waterproof fabric, you can apply after-market water repellent sprays and use seam tape, but for swim shorts, water resistance is perfectly adequate.
What type of elastic should I use for board shorts?
For board shorts that will be exposed to chlorine and saltwater, use swimsuit-specific elastic. Regular elastic can break down with chlorine exposure. We recommend 1.5" swimsuit elastic or 1.25" swimsuit elastic for waistbands - these widths are perfect for board shorts. Swimsuit elastic is typically cotton-covered rubber that maintains its elasticity even with regular pool and ocean use.
Do I need to line board shorts?
Many board short patterns call for lining for added support, security, and modesty. Common lining options include sport mesh, swimsuit lining, tricot, or power net mesh. The choice depends on personal preference and the intended use. Lining also helps with comfort and prevents chafing. If making board shorts for swimming (not just casual shorts), lining is highly recommended.
How do I keep track of right and wrong sides?
For solid board short fabrics where both sides look similar, use a disappearing ink pen or small sticky note to mark the wrong side of your fabric pieces. This prevents confusion as you work through your project. The right side is typically slightly more brushed, while the wrong side has a smoother, silkier feel - but the difference can be subtle on some fabrics!
Should I add drainage holes to pockets?
Yes! If sewing board shorts with pockets, always add a way for water to escape. The most common method is adding a small grommet or eyelet to each pocket so water doesn't get trapped inside. This is especially important for board shorts that will be used for swimming - trapped water makes the shorts heavy and uncomfortable. Position grommets in the bottom corner of pockets where water naturally collects.
Essential Sewing Tips for Board Short Fabric
- Use clips, not pins - Prevents permanent holes in polyester
- Finish all seams - Woven fabric frays; serge or zigzag immediately
- Change your needles - Fresh universal or microtex needle prevents skipped stitches
- Test iron temperature - Polyester melts with high heat; use low-medium setting
- Pre-wash first - Removes finishes and accounts for any changes
- Mark right/wrong sides - Use disappearing pen on similar-looking solids
- Add drainage holes - Grommets in pockets let water escape
- Use swimsuit elastic - Regular elastic breaks down in chlorine
- Consider lining - Adds support, comfort, and modesty for swim use
- Topstitch for durability - Reinforces seams that get stress (like waistbands)
- Test stitches on scraps - Verify settings before sewing your project
- Make bias tape - Slight diagonal stretch allows bias binding from this fabric
Making Bias Tape from Board Short Fabric
Board short fabric's slight diagonal stretch makes it possible to create bias tape for finishing edges:
- Cut on the bias - Cut strips at a 45-degree angle to the grain for maximum stretch
- Fold in half - Wrong sides together, press flat with LOW iron temperature
- Fold edges to center - Bring both raw edges to meet at center fold, press
- Fold in half again - You now have bias tape with raw edges enclosed
Board short bias tape works wonderfully for finishing necklines, armholes, and hems on board shorts, jackets, and other projects.
Caring for Board Short Fabric and Finished Garments
- Rinse after each use - Fresh cold water removes chlorine and saltwater
- Wash cold - Preserves color and fabric integrity
- Tumble dry low - Or lay flat to dry; air dries very quickly
- Avoid rough items - Don't wash with towels or jeans that can cause pilling
- No high heat - Polyester can melt or lose structure with high temperatures
- No bleach - Can damage polyester fibers
- No fabric softener - Not needed and can reduce water resistance
- Hang or fold promptly - Prevents wrinkles (though they're minimal with polyester)
Color Matching Service
Finding the perfect solid color to coordinate with printed board short fabric can be tricky when shopping online. That's why we offer a Board Short Color Matching Service. We'll help you find the perfect coordinating solid for your printed fabric, taking the guesswork out of color matching!
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Why Buy Board Short Fabric from KnitFabric.com?
- Fast Shipping: Flat rate shipping on all orders
- UV 50+ Protection: All board short fabrics rated for sun protection
- Quick Drying: Perfect for swim-to-play activities
- Chlorine Resistant: Holds up to pool chemicals
- Wide Selection: Bright solids and fun beach prints
- Color Matching Service: We help coordinate prints with solids
- Complete Notions: Swimsuit elastic and lining available
- Custom Options: Design your own board short prints
- Quality Guarantee: Durable polyester that withstands sun and water
- Expert Support: Our team knows swimwear sewing inside and out
Shop our full collection of board short fabric by the yard and create durable, quick-drying swimwear and summer clothing for the whole family!
Questions about which board short fabric to choose or how to sew board shorts? Contact us—we're here to help!
