inside: Learn how to make chafe free boys board shorts with this sewing tutorial. Add compression shorts to your favorite board shorts pattern to reduce the rub and add comfort all summer long.
I’m so excited about this simple sewing hack! My oldest son has struggled to fins comfortable board shorts and we always end up cutting out the liner or having to change all the time. Recently I decided to try adding compression shorts to my boards shorts to hopefully create a chafe free board shorts for him. I’m so excited to say that it worked! You can use this hack with your favorite board shorts sewing pattern.
Chafe Free Swim Trunks –
We had a little time at the beach last week and were able to fully test my chafe free board shorts idea. Sand in shorts has always been a struggle for my oldest, so I knew this was a good place to test them out.
I actually used my kids legging pattern {get it here} and put the legging shorts inside my board shorts pattern for this sewing combo. I’ve got it written out for you below as well as a video showing you how to put it together.
A couple days of sea, sand and sun with comfort the whole time! If you are looking for comfortable shorts that are perfect for water and sport, these compression shorts are the answer.
I think these are pretty fun shorts just on the outside and the under shorts make them perfect. My middle son just likes the regular lining though, so I won’t be doing this for him.
The fabric board short fabric from Raspberry Creek Fabric. The undershorts is swim lining from Amazon HERE.
The Board Shorts have a pocket on one side and a coordinating stripe on the other. Perfect for using two fun fabrics to create this look.
Shorts with built in compression shorts –
Ok! Let’s check out how to add compression shorts to our board shorts. First up grab your favorite board shorts pattern, my short legging pattern and fabric for both.
I started by sewing up the leggings and then sewing the board shorts as directed on the pattern. Let’s start with the leggings. Choose the legging size by using the size chart. Cut two pieces in mirror. I added length to the leg, but it was a bit too much, I think 1 – 1.5″ to the length is a good idea. {left photo}
I also removed 1.5″ from the top as we won’t be folding over a waistband.
- Assemble the leggings by sewing the front and back curved seams.
- Open up and sew the leg inseam.
- Hem the legs, but hem to the WRONG SIDE. The shorts will be worn right side in {no seams} so you need to hem the wrong way.
- Sew up the board shorts until the waistband step.
- Stretch and baste the compression shorts to the swim shorts. The wrong side of the swim shorts will touch the wrong side of the lining shorts.
- Fold the lining in have with the long raw sides together and sew the waist band to the shorts. You will also be including the lining in this seam. Stretch as you sew to avoid puckers.
- Leave an opening in the waistband to thread the elastic. Thread elastic and close the hole.
- I like to top stitch two lines on the waistband {see the video for my top-stitching method – or see the board shorts tutorial.
- Enjoy your new comfortable board shorts!!
Boys board shorts sewing hack video:
Check out this video for the full details on everything described above.
Alicia Olivas says
Hi! I want to make some (non-stretch) woven shorts for my eldest nephew. Do you think the updated board short pattern would work for daily wear if made with cotton? I don’t want to purchase the updated pattern if he might experience chafing while wearing them. I’ve used your free patterns to make my nephews’ clothes and shirts, and they always come out great, thank you!