Quiksilver Surfsilk Panel 20" Boardshorts
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Built for the Water, Made for the Planet
The Quiksilver Surfsilk Panel 20" Boardshorts deliver surf-ready performance backed by genuine eco-credentials. Quiksilver's SURFSILK fabric is engineered from recycled plastic bottles, transforming post-consumer waste into a 4-way stretch boardshort that moves with you from the lineup to the sand. This is not a "green" label slapped on a conventional product; the construction choices are performance-first and sustainability-second only because both end up in the same place.
Surfsilk Fabric Technology
The shell is a 53% Recycled Polyester, 35% Polyester, 12% Elastane blend. The recycled polyester component is spun from reclaimed plastic bottles; the elastane content is what gives the 4-way stretch its range of motion in every direction. Quiksilver calls the result SURFSILK because it sits tough on the outside, resisting abrasion from wax, rails, and reef, while staying notably soft against skin for long sessions.
A plant-based hydrophobic coating replaces the PFAS-based DWR treatments common in older boardshorts. Water beads off the face fabric rather than soaking in, which translates directly to faster dry time and less dead weight when you are moving between sets. The coating is derived from plant sources rather than fossil-fuel chemistry.
Fit and Construction
The outseam measures 20 inches, placing the hem at a mid-length that clears the knee. The cut is a performance fit: close enough through the hip and thigh to reduce drag in the water, without restricting the hip rotation and knee drive a surf session demands. The horizontal panel construction visible on the short is functional as well as graphic; panel seams follow natural flex lines.
The waist is fixed rather than adjustable, keeping the profile clean and eliminating bulk at the front. A drawcord closure lets you dial the fit without a velcro flap that can catch a wetsuit or irritate skin. The fly is a performance fly designed to lie flat under a rashguard or wetsuit top.
Pocket and Detail
A single pocket with a snap flap sits on the right hip. A key bungee cord inside the pocket secures a key fob so you are not hunting for it on the beach. The pocket opening is reinforced and the flap keeps contents secure in the surf. Stitching throughout uses recycled yarn, carrying the sustainability commitment through every thread in the construction.
Why Surfsilk vs. Conventional Boardshorts
Standard boardshort fabrics absorb water, add weight, and take time to dry. Surfsilk's plant-based hydrophobic coating sheds water at the fabric level rather than relying solely on a tight weave. The 4-way stretch means the shorts move when you paddle and pop up rather than bunching at the hip. For surfers who spend time in and out of the water repeatedly, the combination of fast dry and unrestricted stretch is a meaningful functional difference over a commodity boardshort.
Sustainability at the Construction Level
The fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles. The hydrophobic coating is plant-based. The yarn throughout is recycled. These are verified construction attributes from Quiksilver's technical data, not marketing language added at retail. Island Water Sports carries the Surfsilk line because the performance case and the sustainability case are the same garment.
Shop Quiksilver Surfsilk at Island Water Sports
The Quiksilver Surfsilk Panel 20" Boardshorts are available in store and online at Island Water Sports in South Florida. Our team surfs these waters and can help you find the right boardshort for your session. Call us at 954-427-4929 or visit us in store.
Free Shipping, No Minimum for IWS Beach Club Members.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Quiksilver
- Series
- Surfsilk Panel
- Outseam
- 20 inches (mid-length)
- Fabric
- 53% Recycled Polyester, 35% Polyester, 12% Elastane
- Fabric Technology
- SURFSILK 4-way Stretch Recycled Polyester Elastane Blend
- Coating
- Plant-based Hydrophobic Coating
- Fit
- Performance Fit
- Waist
- Fixed Waist
- Closure
- Drawcord Closure
- Fly
- Performance Fly
- Pockets
- One flap pocket with key bungee cord
- Sustainability
- Made from recycled plastic bottles; recycled yarn throughout
- Gender
- Mens
- MPN
- itemMatrix-24725
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Surfsilk fabric and why does it matter for surfing?
- Surfsilk is Quiksilver's boardshort fabric made from recycled polyester and elastane. It provides 4-way stretch for unrestricted movement while paddling and surfing, and it uses a plant-based hydrophobic coating that sheds water quickly. The result is a lighter, faster-drying short compared to conventional boardshort fabrics that absorb and hold water.
- How quickly do these boardshorts dry?
- The plant-based hydrophobic coating causes water to bead off the face fabric rather than soaking in. Combined with the polyester-dominant construction, these boardshorts dry significantly faster than cotton-blend or uncoated shorts. Dry time will vary with conditions, but the design is specifically optimized for rapid moisture shedding between surf sessions.
- Are Quiksilver Surfsilk boardshorts made from recycled materials?
- Yes. The SURFSILK fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles. The yarn used in stitching throughout the short is also recycled. The hydrophobic coating is plant-based rather than petroleum-based, making this a genuinely eco-conscious construction rather than a marketing claim.
- How much do the Quiksilver Surfsilk Panel 20" Boardshorts cost?
- Pricing varies by the specific variant selected. Check the variant picker on this page for current pricing, or contact Island Water Sports at 954-427-4929 for assistance.
- What does the performance fit feel like compared to a relaxed fit boardshort?
- The performance fit sits closer through the hip and thigh than a relaxed or volley cut. It reduces fabric bulk in the water and keeps the short from riding up or shifting during paddling and pop-ups. It is not a compression fit; the 12% elastane content provides the stretch needed for full range of motion without the short feeling restrictive on land.
- Does the waist have velcro or a drawcord?
- The waist uses a drawcord closure with a fixed (non-elastic) waistband. There is no velcro flap, which keeps the profile clean, prevents snagging on wetsuits or rashguards, and eliminates skin irritation from velcro during long sessions.
- Can I wear these Quiksilver boardshorts for activities other than surfing?
- Yes. The 20-inch outseam, performance fit, and fast-dry fabric suit a range of water and beach activities including swimming, paddleboarding, and casual beach wear. The panel design and Quiksilver branding translate well off the water too.