List of best stage shorts

In the highly competitive world of men’s physique competitions, every detail counts. From your chiseled abs to your stage presence, the way you carry yourself is critical—but one essential element is often overlooked: your board shorts. These aren’t just a functional piece of your competition attire; the right pair of board shorts can enhance your V-taper, accentuate your muscle definition, and ultimately help boost your confidence as you shine under the spotlight.

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or preparing for your first show, this guide will help you choose the best board shorts to elevate your performance and style on stage.

The Role of Board Shorts in Men’s Physique Competitions

Board shorts in men’s physique competitions serve more than just covering the lower body; they highlight your physique while adhering to strict contest rules. The right shorts should sit low enough to emphasize your abdominal V-line while still being loose-fitting to avoid the body-hugging look more common in bodybuilding trunks.

Each federation—whether IFBB, NPC, UKBFF, or CPA—has its own rules regarding the length, design, and fit of the shorts. Most importantly, they should be clean, decent, and provide the best platform to showcase your hard-earned body while adhering to the competition’s guidelines.

Best Board Short Brands for Men’s Physique

Navigating the world of stage shorts can be overwhelming. To help, we’ve compiled a list of top brands that professional competitors rely on for the best fit and aesthetics:

  • Alite Wear: A fresh player in the industry founded by IFBB Pro Bilal Ali, Alite offers stylish, competition-approved shorts in both 15” and 17” lengths.
  • Alphalete: A well-known U.S.-based brand by Christian Guzman, their Titan series offers a wide range of sizes (28-40) and prices starting at $55.
  • Chula Wear: Sought after by pros like IFBB Pro Edvan Palmeira, these shorts offer a sleek look with sizes from 26 to 36.
  • Narcizo: Based in Hungary, Narcizo provides stage-ready shorts that combine functionality with aesthetics. Their patterned shorts come in at €89.
  • Ismael Martinez (IM) Colección: Designed by IFBB Pro Ismael Martinez, these shorts cater to competitors looking for a custom fit in both Spanish and English markets.
TypeName of Creator or BrandWebsite
Custom-Made Stage Shorts  
 Ulises Moreno, Monterrey, Mexico (Example of his work on a post for Andrei Gutierrez.)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepe_venganza/
   
Pre-Made Stage Shorts  
Alite Wearhttps://www.alitewear.com/
 Alphaletehttps://alphaleteathletics.com/collections/mens-boardshorts
 ALTAhttps://altathletics.co.uk/collections/board-shorts
 Chula Wearhttps://www.chulawear.com/collections/men-mens-physique
 Ismael Martinez (IM) Coleccionhttps://imcoleccion.com/shorts/
 Live Fithttps://www.livefitapparel.com/collections/mens-shorts/products/signature-pro-boardshorts-black-maroon
 Mens Physique Board Shortshttps://www.showshorts.co.uk/pages/our-vision
 Narcizohttps://www.narcizo.com/en/our-mission
   
Mens Physique Pro Dallas Botchway.
Ali Bilal.

Contest Rules and Key Considerations

Here’s a quick overview of some major federation rules for board shorts:

  • IFBB: Shorts must be loose-fitting, opaque, and extend to the top of the knee. Patterns are allowed, but no inscriptions or personal sponsor logos.
  • NPC: Shorts should be just above the knee and sit about one inch below the belly button. No spandex or logos, except for manufacturers’ marks like Nike or Billabong.
  • Miami Pro: These competitions emphasize leg development, with tighter-fitting shorts to show off quad definition. Shorts should be about an inch shorter than the knee.

As of November 6, 2023, for the IFBB Pro League, all mens physique stage shorts must extend to two (2) inches above the kneecap and be tapered.

FederationMens Physique Board Shorts Rules (as of August 23, 2020)
IFBB1. Competitors will wear an opaque, loose-fitting board shorts which are clean and decent. The colour and fabric of the shorts will be left to the competitor’s discretion.   Shorts may have geometric patterns and motives, but no inscriptions and cambered ornamentation. The shorts will cover the whole upper leg, down the upper point of the knee (patella). The use of padding anywhere in the trunks is prohibited.  
2. No tight, lycra style shorts are allowed.  
3. Personal sponsors logos are not permitted on the shorts; however, a manufacturer’s logo such is accepted.
NPCContestants will be asked to walk in board shorts (shorts must be just above the knee in length and can be one inch below the belly button, no spandex and no logos are permitted on the board shorts however a manufacturer’s logo such as Nike symbol or Billabongs are acceptable.)
UKBFFThe attire for all rounds is board shorts, which must conform to the following criteria:
1. Material and colour can be of the athlete’s personal choice.
2. No tight, lycra style shorts are allowed.
3. Board shorts should not cover the knees.
4. Personal Sponsors logos are not permitted on the board shorts. However a manufacturer’s logo such as Nike, Adidas or Billabong are accepted.
CPAPosing Shorts: Contestants will be asked to walk in board shorts .  Shorts must be just above the knee in length and can be one inch below the belly button.   No spandex and no logos are permitted on the board shorts however a manufacturer’s logo such as Nike symbol or Billabongs are acceptable.  
OCBBoard shorts (loose shorts that come down to around the knee) are worn for both parts.   Shorts can be of any color and pattern.

Why Board Shorts Matter

But why board shorts? Aside from competition regulations, these shorts were likely chosen because they’re widely available and emphasize the upper body—particularly the V-taper, which is a hallmark of the men’s physique division. Unlike their origins in surfing, where movement and flexibility were paramount, these shorts in physique competitions focus on static display, ensuring your body is framed in the best possible way.

Preparation Tips: From Posing to Leg Day

Board shorts are only one part of your on-stage look. To truly stand out, posing plays a significant role. It’s not just about flexing; it’s about conveying strength and grace while showing off your physique in a way that looks effortless. Practice your routine in your board shorts, ensuring that each turn and flex highlights your strengths.

Moreover, while the focus in men’s physique is often on the upper body, recent trends show an increasing emphasis on leg development.

First Timers: How to Pick Your Shorts

If this is your first competition, picking your board shorts can be daunting. Consider the following tips:

  • Choose a brand that suits your budget but still offers a professional look. Brands like Alite Wear or Alphalete have entry-level options that don’t compromise on quality.
  • Ensure the shorts meet your federation’s regulations to avoid last-minute surprises.
  • Practice posing in your shorts to make sure they move well with your body.
  • Pay attention to how the shorts sit on your hips—they should enhance your V-taper without riding up or restricting movement.

Ismael Martinez, IFBB pro (mens physique) and online coach who lives in Mexico, offers five tips for those wanting to compete.

(Ismael speaks Spanish. Below is my translation of his five points.)

  • Take risks-sign up for a contest and experience it.
  • Train with people with the same goals.
  • Hire a contest prep coach.
  • Know your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Tolerate frustrations; work consistently toward your goal.

Perspectives of Mens Physique Competitors

Jorge Ramírez

Jorge Ramírez is a mens physique pro competitor who lives in Peru. He gets into onion-skin condition for his contests.

He has a YouTube channel (in Spanish). (A reader can use ChatGPT or DeepL to translate Spanish into a language the reader speaks.)

Bilal Ali

Bilal Ali is an IFBB Elite Pro from Afghanistan and lives in Belgium. He owns Alite Wear.

IFBB Pro Bilal Ali, wearing his brand, Alite Wear.

Conclusion: The Perfect Pair

Choosing the right board shorts can make all the difference in how you perform and feel on stage. Pair your perfect shorts with a well-practiced routine, and you’ll have a winning combination that showcases your physique to its fullest potential. Whether you opt for custom-made stage shorts from Ulises Moreno or pre-made options from Chula Wear or Narcizo, ensure your choice reflects your personality and physique.

Ready to hit the stage? Share your competition journey, tips, and experiences in the comments section below, and let’s build a community of support for the next generation of men’s physique champions!