What to Wear Sailing: The Ultimate List
Life jackets are obviously the most important thing to wear when sailing. However, the rest of your outfit is important, too.
When sailing, you should prioritize comfort so you are able to be present and enjoy your time in the open ocean!
If you’re headed out on your first sailing trip, there will be all kinds of things to learn, but you don’t want to learn the hard way what to wear. We put together this guide on what to wear sailing so that you’ll be prepared for your trip and able to enjoy it to its fullest.
What you wear sailing isn’t just about fashion. When sailing, the function of your outfit is most important. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t look good! Keep reading for both practical advice and stylish clothing options.
Tips for Planning Your Sailing Outfit
These four tips/sailing hacks will help you be prepared for sailing every time. It’s a good idea to consider these things before choosing what you’re going to wear so you can make the best choice for the specific day out on the water.
Sailing will be different depending on the time of year, location, size of the sailboat, and whether you are on board to help sail the boat or just to relax and observe. Your clothing is important no matter what, so be sure to consider our suggestions carefully before embarking on your first sailing trip.
Check the Forecasted Weather Conditions
The weather conditions are the most important variable to consider in sailing. The weather determines if sailing is even a good option for the day, but it also helps you make a great choice of outfit so your first time sailing isn’t miserable.
Cold weather and hot weather don’t matter as much as strong wind, hot sunny days, and clear skies or rain. If you’re in San Diego you’re sailing attire will clearly be different than if you’re sailing on the east coast.
There’s an old sailor’s saying that was penned in 1973 by Alfred Wainwright in his book Coast to Coast. which reads, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”
Analyzing the weather forecast will help you decide what kind of protective clothing you might need. You may need sun protection like a sun hat or wet weather gear and closed-toe shoes for wet and cold conditions.
The time of year, sailing season, and where you’re sailing will play a large part in the weather. So use your common sense so you can enjoy your sailing experience in the best sailing clothes options.
When you’re sailing, there usually isn’t a lot of space to store extra things, but you can make sure you think through your layers so you have everything that you need.
Wear Layers
Wearing layers is key for sailing clothing. Not only is it always cooler out on the water than it is at the shore, but you’ll usually start out the day with colder temperatures that will rise as the day goes on. That goes for summer, winter, or any season or transition in between.
In the summer you’ll just need light layers and the winter usually calls for warm layers like pants with fleece lining and waterproof clothing. Wearing layers allows you to adjust your comfort level as the temperature changes and makes for a much more comfortable day of offshore sailing.
When it’s cold and raining, it’s especially important to have suitable layers. You’ll want moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry, warming layers, and a solid water and windproof layer on top.
Take Spare Clothing
When you go out for a day of sailing, you want to be prepared for anything within reason, depending on the season. One thing you can depend on is getting wet.
You may not get in the water, but you will always get a splash or two, or more when you’re not expecting it. A waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers are helpful, but you should always have backup dry clothing on board.
This is especially important in the late fall and winter months when the air and water temperature are much colder. Remember there won’t usually be a lot of extra space, so keep these options limited and packed tightly in something that won’t take up much space onboard.
Dress Comfortably
If you’re going out for a casual sail, you may want to find out if you’ll be expected to participate. If the captain plans on teaching you to sail rather than just taking you out on a sailboat ride, you will want to be prepared to dress accordingly. Either way, dressing for comfort for the occasion is an excellent first step to making it a great experience.
Once you’re out on the open water, there’s no changing the clothing choices you made and there’s nothing worse than being miserable in your clothes all day. You can look cute and be comfortable at the same time with the right clothing.
What NOT to Wear Sailing
There are some things that you’ll just flat-out regret wearing while sailing. Those things are easy to avoid because you have so many other options. It’s just a matter of knowing what to avoid.
Denim:
We all love denim, but it’s not a great choice for sailing. Once your jeans or jean shorts get wet, they will be terribly uncomfortable. Plus they won’t dry quickly at all and will make you miserable for the rest of the day.
White clothes:
White jeans, pants, or shorts look like a great choice for sailing, and they might be if you’re just a passenger and an onlooker. But if you’re participating in sailing the boat, you’ll ruin those white clothes very quickly.
Long flowy dresses:
You can probably picture yourself now on the sailboat’s bow with your long flowy dress blowing in the wind. But if you are sailing, long flowy dresses can easily get snagged on things or be difficult to move around in.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Sailing
The best fabric for sailing depends on the season. Cold weather sailing requires fabrics like merino wool and a warm base layer fabric like fleece. Moisture-wicking fabrics are most important in winter to keep you dry and warm but also help in the warm weather.
Summer sailing requires different kinds of clothes. In a hot climate, you’ll want to wear moisture-wicking clothing. A thin cotton long-sleeve shirt will help keep you cool and offer sun protection.
Lightweight fabric is best for summer sailing and keeping your skin protected from too many hours in the sun is possible with a thin, cooling, long-sleeve shirt.
What to Wear Sailing
Okay, okay we’ve been doing plenty of talking about what not to wear and what to think about when deciding what to wear. Now let’s get into what you should wear for sailing.
We’ll break it down into what to wear sailing in the summer and winter since they require different types of clothing and shoes.
Summer Sailing Attire
Summer sailing is the most appealing to most people. The sun is shining, you don’t have to be bundled up, you can work on your tan and enjoy the beautiful sea. Summer sailing attire is light and easygoing.
Athleisure Leggings
Workout Leggings are a great choice for summer sailing. They allow for easy movement and the fabric is snug to your body so it won’t get caught on things. This is important if you’re actually helping to sail the boat.
A Comfy Tank Top
A nice fitted tank top, like the leggings, will go a long way for movement and comfort while you’re moving around the boat. It’s also better for layering than something baggier that the outer layers will cause to bunch up.
Swimwear
Obviously, you’re going to be on a boat in the summer, you’re going to want to wear a swimsuit. A comfortable swimsuit that doesn’t require much adjusting is ideal. Whether you’re sailing or sitting back and observing, soak up that sunshine in a swimsuit.
Flowy Tank Top
If you’re just a passenger on the sailboat, you don’t need to worry about your clothes being quite as functional. A cute lightweight top that keeps you cool to wear over your swimsuit or on its own is a good choice.
Linen or Sporty Shorts
A cute and comfy pair of shorts are a great summer option. These work well whether you’re observing or part of the sailing crew! They also layer well over a swimsuit.
Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt
A lightweight long-sleeved top that works well for layering is a must-have for a windy day or chilly mornings and evenings on the water.
Sweater or Sweatshirt
During the cooler months, it’s always a great idea to keep a casual sweater or sweatshirt handy as the temperatures can quickly change depending on wind direction, etc.
Comfy Shoes
Comfortable shoes are a must when you’re sailing. Sailing isn’t always smooth, as the saying goes. You want to make sure you have a solid pair of shoes for grip and a good pair of sneakers or deck shoes are a perfect choice.
We can tell you from experience that these sneakers are incredibly comfortable and of excellent quality. If you prefer to go the deck shoes route, you can’t go wrong with this pair.
Baseball Cap or Visor and Sunglasses
Out on the water, the sun can be harsh. Having sun protection for your face and eyes is important. Plus it can sometimes be really hard to see with the super bright sun reflecting off of the water.
A hat or visor and sunglasses or just one or the other is a big help. A pair of sports sunglasses with UV protection is ideal.
Wet Weather Gear
If wet weather is in the forecast, you’ll want to be prepared with a waterproof rain jacket. Having waterproof clothing in the summer isn’t a huge deal, but it can make things more comfortable if the rain really starts pouring.
Winter Sailing Attire
Sailing in the winter is much different than sailing in the summer. Winter on the water, especially in colder climates, is just a whole other level of cold. You’ll want to wear clothes that keep you cozy but still allow you to move around easily and safely, including shoes.
Additionally, if you’re sailing in the fall or spring and not necessarily winter but you’ll be offshore, this is what to wear offshore sailing as well.
Fleeced Lined Athleisure Leggings
Fleece-lined pants can be a lifesaver out on the water in the cold and in the wind. They also work well as a base layer if you want to throw a pair of pants over them.
Base Layer Leggings
Base-layer leggings aren’t meant to wear on their own, so these are a good option if you’re not planning on taking off any layers.
Winter Joggers
You can use sweatpants or joggers as a top layer over either your athleisure leggings or your base-layer leggings. These can be fleece lined if it’s really cold, or just regular sweats if the weather is milder.
Base Layer Tank
A good, close-fitting tank, especially a fleece-lined tank, will help keep your body heat in. Make this base layer a moisture-wicking fabric. Any moisture from your body will make you cold if it stays up against your body.
Long Sleeve Shirt
Your long-sleeve layer doesn’t have to be thick, it’s just another layer of insulation.
Wool Sweater
Wool is your friend for a cold day on the water. This will be your coziest and warmest layer and this sweater is not only warm but chic, too.
Down Puffer Jacket
Down jackets are great for keeping in the heat. Spring for a really good quality down jacket for the best protection from the cold conditions.
Wet Weather Pants
The last thing you want is to be stuck in soaking-wet clothing on a cold day. A good pair of wet-weather pants will be your favorite accessory.
Wet Weather/Wind Jacket
When it’s raining on a sailing day, the wind and water seem to work against you when you’re sailing in the winter. A wet-weather and windproof jacket made of high-quality materials will make you much more comfortable.
Wool Hat
A good wool hat will help keep you warm. Most of the heat that escapes from your body goes out through your head, hands, and your feet. So keep them warm!
Neck Gaiter
A neck gaiter will really make a difference on those cold and windy days!
Wool Socks and Gloves
Wool socks are the best for wicking moisture from your feet and keeping in the heat. Grab some wool gloves too so you don’t get stuck with cold hands the whole trip.
If you’d prefer a pair of deckhand gloves, this pair can’t be beaten.
Sailing Boots
As mentioned above, Sailing boots, also known as deck shoes, are a must-have for sailing, no matter the season. They are waterproof and offer just the right grip and movement for sailing.
If you still want to check out some more sailing apparel, here are a few popular sailing attire brands:
Choosing proper sailing gear is imperative for staying comfortable. Follow the tips in this guide to ensure to have a great time out on the open sea.
