A classic summer staple for anything from swimming to skating, boardshorts serve many purposes. While versatile, they may require some special care from the wear and tear of chlorine or salt water. In general, avoid washing boardshorts and bathing suits in hot water, and use cold water to hand wash if needed. If you find yourself thinking what are boardshorts, keep in mind that boardshorts differ from the average swim trunk and may require different care based on the fabric. While the difference of boardshorts vs swim trunks may be slim, there are important distinctions in both their care and components.