Sailing Clothing & Gear

Sailing clothing and gear are essential for staying comfortable, protected and performing at your best on the water. Whether you're learning to sail, racing every weekend or preparing for a coastal or offshore passage, the right kit helps you stay warm, dry and free to move in changing conditions.

Our Sailing department brings together specialist dinghy clothing, technical yachting clothing, practical RIB / powerboat clothing and kids sailing clothing, together with sailing boots, gloves, buoyancy aids and accessories from many of the world's leading sailing brands. Whether you're upgrading your existing kit or buying your first sailing outfit, you'll find clothing and equipment suitable for every level of sailor.

Whether you sail inland reservoirs, coastal waters or offshore, investing in quality sailing clothing makes every session more comfortable, safer and more enjoyable. Browse our range of technical clothing, footwear and equipment designed to help you get the most from your time on the water throughout the year.

Our Sailing department brings together specialist dinghy clothing, technical yachting clothing, practical RIB / powerboat clothing and kids sailing clothing, alongside sailing boots, gloves, buoyancy aids and accessories from leading brands including Gill, Zhik, Musto and Helly Hansen. Whether you're upgrading your kit or buying your first sailing outfit, you'll find clothing and equipment suitable for every level of sailor.

Whether you sail inland reservoirs, coastal waters or offshore, investing in quality sailing clothing makes every session more comfortable and enjoyable. Browse our range of technical clothing, footwear and equipment designed to help you get the most from your time on the water throughout the year.

Sailing Clothing Advice & Buying Guides

Different styles of sailing place very different demands on your clothing and equipment. Dinghy sailors often prioritise flexibility, freedom of movement and clothing that copes well with spray or regular immersion, while yacht and cruising sailors generally prefer layered waterproof systems that provide long-lasting protection from wind, rain and sea spray during extended time afloat. RIB and powerboat users often need lightweight waterproof clothing that can cope with high wind chill while remaining comfortable throughout the day.

Building a clothing system using technical base layers, insulating mid layers and waterproof outer garments allows you to adapt to changing weather without sacrificing comfort. Choosing the right boots, gloves and buoyancy aid also makes a significant difference to safety and enjoyment, whether you're racing, cruising or learning to sail.

What Clothing Do You Need for Sailing?

Staying Warm on the Water

Sailing Clothing for Children

Getting your child into sailing – what they need

Sailing Safety Clothing

Life jacket vs buoyancy aid – what’s the difference?

Looking for Wetsuits or Drysuits

If you're expecting regular immersion or sail throughout the colder months, you may also wish to browse our dedicated Wetsuits and Drysuits departments. They include everything from lightweight summer wetsuits through to technical drysuits designed for year-round sailing and watersports.

Sailing Clothing FAQs

What should I wear for dinghy sailing?

For dinghy sailing, most sailors wear a wetsuit or spray top with quick-drying technical layers, together with a buoyancy aid, sailing gloves and non-slip boots. During colder months, a thicker wetsuit or drysuit provides additional warmth and protection when regular immersion is expected.

Do I need a wetsuit or a drysuit for sailing?

Wetsuits are ideal for warmer conditions and sailing where you expect to get wet, while drysuits provide greater protection during cold-weather sailing or when prolonged immersion is possible. Yacht sailors more commonly rely on waterproof jackets and salopettes as part of a layered clothing system.

What waterproof clothing do I need for yacht sailing?

For coastal and offshore sailing, most sailors wear breathable waterproof jackets and salopettes over technical base and mid layers. Features such as taped seams, adjustable cuffs, storm collars and waterproof zips help keep you dry and comfortable during long days afloat.

How should I layer sailing clothing?

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep perspiration away from your skin, add an insulating mid layer for warmth, then finish with a waterproof outer layer to protect against wind and spray. Layering allows you to adapt easily as conditions change throughout the day.

What clothing do children need for sailing?

Children should wear a correctly fitting buoyancy aid together with clothing suitable for the conditions, such as wetsuits, waterproofs or thermal layers. Comfortable footwear with good grip and clothing that allows unrestricted movement helps young sailors stay safe, warm and confident on the water.