Top 5 Watersports Shorts for the 2025 Sailing Season

Picture this: you’re slicing through the waves, salt spray in your face, the horizon calling your name. The wind’s howling, your boat’s heeling hard, and you’re perched on the rail, commanding the sea like a modern-day pirate. But let’s be real—none of that swashbuckling swagger matters if your shorts are soggy, chafing, or falling apart. For the 2025 sailing season, we’ve scoured the US market to bring you the Top 5 Watersports Shorts that’ll keep you comfortable, stylish, and ready to conquer the high seas. These aren’t just shorts; they’re your ticket to sailing glory. Buckle up for a wild ride through the best gear that’s as tough as a stormy squall and as cool as a dolphin’s backflip!

1. Helly Hansen Cargo Shorts: The Swiss Army Knife of Sailing Gear

Helly Hansen’s Cargo Shorts are the undisputed champions of versatility, built for sailors who demand it all. Crafted from a 92% polyamide/8% elastane blend, these bad boys stretch like a yoga master, letting you lunge for that jib sheet without a hitch. Their quick-dry ripstop fabric laughs in the face of rogue waves, drying faster than you can say “man overboard.” With two mesh-lined cargo pockets, snap closures, and a zip-secured back pocket, you’ll have room for your knife, race notes, or even a sneaky granola bar. Testers rave about the perfect fit and rugged durability, making these shorts ideal for everything from casual cruises to hardcore regattas. At $60–$80, they’re a steal for gear that’s tougher than a barnacle’s grip.

2. Gill Men’s UV Tec Sailing Shorts: Sun-Slaying Superstars

If the sun’s your nemesis, Gill’s UV Tec Sailing Shorts are your secret weapon. Boasting UPF 50+ protection, they shield you from UV rays like a superhero’s cape. Made from lightweight Nylon Tactel with a water-repellent finish, they dry lightning-fast—second only to Camet in rigorous tests. A zippered thigh pocket and deep side pockets keep your gear secure, even when you’re bouncing around the deck like a pinata. Machine-washable and abrasion-resistant, these shorts stay vibrant and comfy through countless adventures. Priced at $70–$90, they’re a must-have for sailors who want to stay cool, protected, and ready to outsmart the elements.

3. SLAM One Design Cargo Shorts: Race-Ready and Ridiculously Stylish

SLAM’s One Design Cargo Shorts are the Ferrari of sailing shorts, engineered for racers who live for speed. Their water-repellent Double Weave stretch fabric moves with you like a dance partner, while the reinforced seat shrugs off rough decks like a champ. Velcro-secured pockets keep your essentials locked down during high-stakes buoy passages, and the tailored fit screams “I’m here to win.” Bonus points: SLAM’s eco-friendly materials align with 2025’s green wave, so you’re saving the planet while looking like a sailing rockstar. At $80–$100, these shorts are your go-to for performance and panache, whether you’re on the water or strutting the dock.

4. Camet Rio Men’s Padded Sailing Shorts: Budget-Friendly Beasts

Don’t let the $80 price tag fool you—Camet’s Rio Padded Sailing Shorts are a heavyweight contender. Made in the USA from soft Supplex nylon, they dry so fast (barely damp in 15 minutes!) you’ll wonder if they’re magic. Padded inserts cushion your backside during long hours on the rail, and a beefy Velcro rear pocket lets you swap pads or stash gear. Non-metallic zippers defy rust, ensuring these shorts outlast your wildest voyages. With two front cargo pockets and a hidden Velcro-secured nook for small gadgets, they’re practical and tough as nails. Practical Sailor crowned them a Budget Buy, and we agree—they’re the ultimate bang for your buck.

5. Zhik Eco Shorts: Green Vibes, High Performance

Zhik’s Eco Shorts are here to save the seas and make you look darn good doing it. Launched with biodegradable materials and organic cotton, they’re the eco-warrior’s dream, backed by Zhik’s America’s Cup cred. Stretchy nylon and a reinforced rear deliver durability and comfort, while large pockets and quick-drying magic keep you ready for action. At $90–$120, they’re a premium pick for sailors who want to shred waves and reduce their carbon footprint. These shorts prove you can be a high-performance badass and a friend to Mother Earth. What’s not to love?

Why These Shorts Rule the Waves

These five pairs aren’t just shorts—they’re your battle armor for the 2025 sailing season. From Helly Hansen’s pocket-packed versatility to Zhik’s eco-chic swagger, each delivers on comfort, durability, and quick-drying wizardry. UV protection (looking at you, Gill) keeps you safe under the blazing sun, while reinforced seats (SLAM, Zhik) and rugged fabrics (Camet) laugh off abrasive decks. Plus, with sustainability trending harder than a spinnaker in a gale, SLAM and Zhik lead the charge with planet-friendly materials. Whether you’re racing for glory or chilling on a sunset sail, these shorts have your back(side).

Grab yours from retailers like West Coast Sailing, Mauripro, or Amazon, and get ready to sail like a legend. The seas are calling—will you answer in style? Let’s make 2025 the year you dominate the waves and look mind-blowingly awesome doing it!