O’Neill Men’s 21 Inch Striped Santa Cruz Boardshorts: A Functional Quick-Dry Swim Trunk for Casual Beach Days

The O’Neill Men’s 21 Inch Striped Santa Cruz Boardshorts are a straightforward pair of swim trunks that aim to balance classic style with practical features. Designed for men who spend time near water—whether at the beach, pool, or on a boat—these shorts come in a black-and-stripe colorway (labeled Black 1,31) that is understated enough for casual wear but still has a bit of visual interest. After testing them in real-world conditions, including saltwater swimming and lounging on hot sand, I found them to be a decent option for the price, though they aren’t without trade-offs.

The most notable feature here is the quick-dry fabric. Made from a blend of polyester and elastane, the material feels lightweight and has a slight stretch. After a swim, the shorts shed water fairly quickly—within about 20 to 30 minutes in moderate sun and breeze, they are mostly dry to the touch. This is useful if you plan to walk back from the beach or grab lunch without sitting in wet shorts. The fabric also holds up well to repeated exposure to chlorine and saltwater, though I noticed some slight fading after a few washes, which is typical for this price range.

Pockets are another functional element. There are two side pockets and a back pocket, all with mesh drainage. The side pockets are deep enough to hold a phone or keys, but the mesh lining means small items like coins can slip through the drainage holes. The back pocket has a Velcro closure, which adds security but can be a bit fiddly to open quickly. For active use like surfing or paddleboarding, these pockets are fine for storing a car key or a few dollars, but I wouldn’t rely on them for anything valuable—the Velcro can lose grip over time, and items might shift during vigorous movement.

The 21-inch inseam is a middle ground length, hitting just above the knee on most men of average height (around 5’9″ to 6’0″). This length is versatile: it’s long enough to avoid riding up during swimming but short enough to look modern without being overly baggy. The elastic waistband with a drawstring provides a secure fit, though the drawstring is thin and can come untied easily if not double-knotted. The waistband itself is comfortable and doesn’t dig in, even after hours of wear.

However, there are limitations. The material, while quick-drying, is on the thinner side. This makes the shorts prone to showing water spots or becoming translucent when wet, especially in lighter colors. If you prefer more opacity or a heavier fabric, these might feel a bit flimsy. Additionally, the fit is relatively slim through the leg, which could be restrictive for men with larger thighs or those who prefer a looser cut for activities like hiking or beach volleyball. The striped pattern is also worth noting: it’s a classic look, but the stripes are horizontal, which can emphasize the waist area visually. This isn’t a flaw per se, but it’s a design choice that may not suit everyone’s preferences.

Compared to hybrid shorts that combine swim trunk functionality with chino-like styling (such as those from brands like Reef or Hurley), the O’Neill Santa Cruz boardshorts are more focused on pure water use. Hybrid shorts often have better pocket layouts for dry land and thicker fabric, but they dry slower. The O’Neill, by contrast, prioritizes quick drying and lightweight comfort, making it a better pick for someone who spends most of the day in and out of the water rather than transitioning to a restaurant or bar. For a similar price point, you might also consider a pair of board shorts from Billabong or Quiksilver, which often have similar features but with different fits or patterns—try those if the O’Neill’s slim cut doesn’t work for you.

Who is this product for? It suits casual beachgoers, pool users, or travelers who want a single pair of shorts that can handle swimming and light lounging. It’s also a decent choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t need premium materials or advanced surf-specific features. Who might want to skip it? Men who need boardshorts for serious surfing (the fabric lacks the durability and stretch of higher-end options), those who prefer a looser fit, or anyone looking for a pair of shorts that can double as casual wear for dining out—the thin fabric and horizontal stripes make them less versatile for that purpose.

Overall, the O’Neill Men’s 21 Inch Striped Santa Cruz Boardshorts deliver on the basics: they dry fast, fit reasonably well, and have functional pockets. They aren’t groundbreaking, but they work as expected for light water activities. Just keep in mind the trade-offs in material thickness and fit, and they’ll serve you fine for a season or two of beach days.

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