When it's time to hit the pool, beach, or boardwalk, take along several pairs of girls' board shorts to help your little ones beat the heat. While board shorts are great for vacation, they're just as ideal for play dates, warm weather outings, and summer camp. Board shorts also double as girls' workout shorts because they're loose-fitting. Popular brands such as Gap and Old Navy offer board shorts for girls in new colors and styles each year.

Stay Comfortable in Board Shorts

Ideal for small children and youth, board shorts are a versatile kind of girls' casual shorts. Regardless of the style you choose, they keep you comfortable. Shop around to find board shorts made of different fabrics. Cotton, polyester, and fabric blends create light, soft shorts that are also easy to clean. Some fabrics come with built-in protection against the harmful rays of the sun. Some brands such as Speedo use a special fabric that repels water and dries quickly. These board shorts nicely complement girls' swimwear.

At the waistband, most board shorts have elastic, allowing little girls to put them on and take them off easily. Some girls' board shorts have a drawstring instead of elastic, allowing you to create a custom fit for added comfort.

Pick From a Rainbow of Colors

Girls' board shorts come in a wide range of colors and designs. Bright solids, soft pastels, and neutral shades are popular options you can find from brands like Gymboree. You can also find board shorts with flowers, stripes, and color block patterns. If you want designs in multiple colors, check out brands such as Tea and The Children's Place.

For extra flair, look for girls' board shorts with eye-catching accents. Logos and contrast trim provide added visual appeal. If your little girl likes to collect small items, buy her some board shorts with pockets. Designers create shorts for girls with side pockets and a back pocket, providing enough space for some rocks or seashells.

Understanding Why Board Shorts Are So Cool

Before they were known as board shorts, these bottoms were called surf trunks. Known primarily as clothing for men, surf trunks tended to be longer and fell below the knee. Later, the shorts became known as jams. Designers began adapting the shorts for girls and women by making them shorter. In addition, clothing brands offered the shorts in colors that appealed to girls. At the same time, the shorts remained comfortable and versatile. As a result, the shorts became a staple of many girls' summer wardrobes. Board shorts pair well with tank tops and t-shirts and a pair of flip-flops.

If you're ready to shop for some colorful girls' board shorts, head to thredUP and browse the selection. You'll find many sizes, colors, and brands at up to 90% off retail.