What to Wear When Sailing
Whether you’re racing across the water in a skiff, cruising inshore with friends, or heading out on an offshore voyage, choosing the right sailing clothes is essential for comfort, safety, and performance. Weather on the water can change quickly, and your gear needs to handle everything from blazing sun to sudden spray.
So, what should you wear while sailing? The answer depends on your environment—inshore, offshore, dinghies, or skiffs, as well as the season and your role on board. This guide breaks down the essential items you need to dress smart, stay dry, and move freely during your sailing trips.
Inshore Sailing: Light, Water-Resistant, and UV-Ready
Inshore sailing typically involves shorter, daytime trips closer to land, so comfort, sun protection, and splash resistance are your top priorities.
Essentials for inshore sailing:
- Quick-dry tops and pants: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly.
- UV-protective clothing: Prolonged sun exposure demands smart layering. Learn why this matters in our article on UV protection in water sports.
- Water-resistant jacket: A shell that blocks wind and repels light spray is key.
- Sun hat and polarised sunglasses: Protect your face and eyes from sun glare.
- Life jacket: Always wear a properly fitted PFD, even on calm waters.
Offshore Sailing: Layered for Comfort and Survival
When venturing further from land, you’ll need gear that protects you from wind, waves, and cold, sometimes for days at a time. Layering is essential here.
Offshore sailing gear must include:
- Base layers: Thermal underlayers that regulate body temperature without holding moisture.
- Insulating mid-layers: Fleece or technical garments to trap warmth.
- Waterproof outer shell: Fully taped and breathable to block out wind and heavy spray.
- Sailing boots: Waterproof and grippy to keep you stable on deck.
- Sailing gloves: Protect hands from rope burns and wet conditions.
- Wetsuits or thermal wear: In very cold or wet environments, wetsuits and gear like Sharkskin’s thermal range provide reliable protection. Discover expert layering tips for cold water sports in this guide.
Dinghy Sailing: Agile, Protective, and Lightweight
Dinghy sailing is highly active, expect to get wet and move fast. Clothing must be flexible, close-fitting, and able to handle capsizes or splashes.
What to wear for dinghy sailing:
- Neoprene or thermal tops and pants: Insulate against wind and water chill.
- Spray tops: Lightweight and splash-resistant shells that allow freedom of movement.
- Wetsuits: Especially useful in colder conditions or when capsizing is frequent.
- Footwear: Grippy, snug-fitting water shoes or boots that won’t slip off.
- Helmet: For competitive or junior dinghy sailors, head protection is often required.
Skiff Sailing: High-Speed, High-Splash Protection
Skiff sailing is fast, athletic, and unpredictable, clothing must be secure, technical, and designed to handle immersion.
Key clothing for skiff sailing:
- Full wetsuit or thermal wetsuit separates: Keeps you warm and reduces wind chill.
- Impact protection gear: Padded shorts or vests for added safety.
- Trapeze harness (if applicable): For skiff configurations that use a harness system.
- Tight-fitting gloves: Maintain grip during rapid maneuvers.
- Spray jacket: To cut wind and deflect water without restricting movement.
For extra warmth and protection, explore Sharkskin’s thermal watersport gear—crafted to support high-performance water sports in any condition.
Bonus Tips for All Sailing Conditions
- Dress for water, not just air temperature: Wind chill and spray can make 20°C feel like 10°C.
- Avoid cotton: It holds water and loses insulation, choose quick-dry synthetics or technical layers.
- Always dry your gear properly after use to extend its life. For best practices, visit our wetsuit care guides in this article.
Final Thoughts: Dress Smart, Sail Smarter
Sailing combines exposure to the elements with constant motion, so your clothing must balance warmth, flexibility, and safety. Whether you’re setting off on a weekend inshore cruise, competing in a dinghy race, or braving an offshore passage, there’s no one-size-fits-all kit—your gear should match your conditions.
At Sharkskin, we specialise in technical water sports clothing designed to keep sailors comfortable in any weather. Our range includes thermal layers, quick-dry apparel, and UV-protective tops perfect for Australian sailing conditions.
Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy every sailing trip to the fullest, because with the right gear, the water is always your playground.
