If you’re like me (aka not a pro jet skier), you probably didn’t know that boardshorts are a recommended, actually mandatory, fashion staple for riding a jet ski. Let’s flashback to just a few weeks ago when the lovely Editor-in-Chief of The Wake Edit told me that “in many places, it’s technically illegal to ride a jet ski without wearing protective shorts (for women), because if you fall off, the high-pressure jet thrust can force water—you know where—and cause serious injury.” Yes, this is a direct quote. I assumed the girls were just rocking a boardshort for the vibe, but if this is literally a law, we must abide. So here are the actually cute boardshorts for jet skiing, surfing and beyond. And to quickly note, not all of these are PWC-approved, but they’re pretty darn cute for your next surf or wakeboard session.
![Blue athletic shorts with an elastic waistband and multicolor side stripes on each leg, lightweight and short-length.”, “Light blue running shorts featuring rainbow-striped panels at the sides and a small logo on the left leg.”, “Casual gym shorts: bright blue fabric with red, orange, yellow, and green stripe accents along the pockets.”, “Unisex blue sports shorts with curved hems and decorative colorful side panels.”, “Stretchy blue shorts for workouts with contrast rainbow stripes and a small brand mark.”]} }# Wait JSON formatting? I included stray punctuation and stray closing. Must be valid JSON. Remove stray quotes. Provide proper array. Let's fix.```json ...``` But required format not strict? It expects JSON-like. I'll output properly. Also ensure strings do not end with extra punctuation within quotes? It's fine. Let's present. Let's fix final. 5 strings. No stray smart quotes. Let's present. Answer. I'll provide JSON. to=final code to=final discern պար? I'll output clean. }? Let's craft. {](https://thewakeedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Aviator-Nation-edited.png "Aviator Nation - The Wake Edit")
Aviator Nation is the epitome of coastal cool. The brand was started in a Venice Beach Garage and they truly get surf-culture. Take the boardshorts as proof. Their signature 5-stripe detail runs right down the side, giving you that sun-faded, ’70s surf vibe without trying too hard—aka the exact energy you want straddling a surfboard. The neon blue colorway is the standout, and the relaxed fit means you can throw them on over your bikini and go from the water to a beachside lunch without missing a beat.
When I came across the Roxy x Miaou boardshorts collab, the 10-year-old living inside my 27-year-old body awoke, and she said “It’d be a dream to wear these, and be a Roxy model.” Guess what: I (and you) still can—well, maybe not the model part. These boardshorts are the perfect combination of sporty, sexy and functional, and they’re actually cute, unlike most boardshorts you see on the market. The only negative, there’s only one colorway, lemonade. If you’re not on the butter yellow trend, maybe lemonade is the place to start!
The Crush boardshort from Abysse is made for the girls who are clocking hours on the water. They offer a longer frame (aka more coverage) but are made of a lighter fabric than traditional boardshorts. These are perfect if you’re straddling a jet ski all day and want something comfortable, flattering and full coverage, including sun protection because the fabric features ultraviolet protection to help block out UV rays. Shoppers say that they can run a little small, so if you’re in between sizes, size up.
It’s a rare case where “PWC-approved” and “I’d wear these to pilates” can both be true, but leave it to the brand that actually makes jet skis to accomplish this feat. Sea-doo’s protective riding shorts blend serious safety with a sexy neoprene look that’s akin to the Alo spandex you already have in your closet. If you want the one pair of shorts on this list that checks the actual safety box without sacrificing your look, start here.
If you’re looking for the ultimate easy, tenured boardshort, this pair from Birdwell’s is the way to go. The brand started in Newport Beach in the 60s and they’ve been perfecting their boardshorts for decades. With their own signature material called SurfNyl, which is two-ply nylon fabric created exclusively for their brand, the brand has been coined the “most reliable shorts out there.” But not only that, their 400s look cool. It’s the Malibu surfer girl you know and want to be.
Baben boardshorts are the ‘cool girl’ of boardshorts. They describe their Marco boardshorts as “borrowed from your boyfriend”, which inherently is giving a cool-girl aesthetic.Their vintage styles and striped sides uplevel a traditional boardshort, while still feeling classic.
The moral of the story: ride safely, ride legally, and ride stylishly. Now go forth, hop on that jet ski, and rest easy knowing your bottom half is both law-abiding and cute.