Boating clothes need to do more than look good—they need to keep you comfortable, protected, and safe on the water! And the right gear depends on your season, activity, and conditions.
This blog post covers what to wear in each season, what to wear for certain boating activities, and where to shop. Keep reading to learn more!
Best Boating Clothes by Season
Your boating clothes should match the weather you're facing. Here's what works for each time of year:
Summer Boating Apparel
Hot weather calls for sun protection and quick-dry materials. UV rays bounce off water and hit you twice as hard.
- Long-sleeve UPF shirts block harmful rays better than sunscreen alone
- Quick-dry shorts or sailing shorts with moisture-wicking fabric
- Wide-brimmed boating hat for face and neck coverage
- Water-resistant deck shoes with non-slip soles
FYI: cotton soaks up water and stays wet—skip it!
Spring and Fall Layers
Shoulder seasons are tricky. Mornings start cool, afternoons heat up, then temps drop again.
- Moisture-wicking base layers to keep dry and comfortable
- Long-sleeve sailing apparel in quick-dry materials
- Light sailing jackets that block wind
- Closed-toe water shoes
Start with a base layer, add a mid-layer, then top with a water-resistant jacket.
Winter Boating Gear
Cold-weather boating requires serious insulation – plus waterproof protection.
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof sailing jackets with sealed seams
- Insulated deck boots and a lined hat
Stick with synthetic or merino wool base layers that insulate even when damp.
Read Next: Winter Boating Gear Guide
Best Boating Clothes by Activity
Different boating activities require specific gear tailored to their unique demands.
Fishing Apparel
Angling clothes need pockets (lots of them), sun protection, and durability for those marathon casting sessions when the bite's on.
- UPF 50+ long-sleeve fishing shirts
- Cargo shorts with multiple pockets
- Polarized sunglasses to spot fish
- Non-marking deck shoes
You'll be standing all day in the sun, so protection matters more than looking fashionable!
Sailing Attire
Setting sail requires clothes that handle spray, wind, and constant movement without falling apart or slowing you down.
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Foul-weather gear for offshore trips
- Flexible sailing shorts that move with you
- High-grip deck shoes
Learn More About Sailing Attire
Watersports Gear
Wakeboarding, tubing, and skiing call for gear that handles getting soaked.
- Rash guards for chafe protection
- Board shorts or bikinis
- Water shoes with drainage
- Secure-fit sunglasses with straps
Key Features in the Best Boating Clothes
No matter what you're doing on the water, the best boating clothes share these features:
- Sun Protection: UPF-rated fabrics block UV rays (aim for UPF 50+)
- Quick-Dry Materials: Synthetic fabrics dry fast and keep you comfortable
- Water Resistance: Jackets and outer layers should shed water
- Non-Slip Footwear: Wet decks are slippery - non-marking soles grip while protecting your boat
Conditions change fast on the water. Bring layers you can add or remove as needed.
Where to Shop for Boating Clothes
Quality boating apparel comes from manufacturers that understand the marine environment! A few popular options include:
- West Marine
- Helly Hansen
- Dick's Sporting Goods
- Amazon
- North Sails
- L.L. Bean
Popular Boating Clothes Q&A
Q: What should I wear boating in summer?
A: Long sleeves in summer sounds crazy, but UPF-rated shirts are your best defense against getting fried. Pair them with quick-dry shorts, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses. The best boating clothes for hot weather keep you protected without turning you into a sweaty mess. Water-resistant boat shoes with non-slip soles complete the look - and keep you from sliding around when things get wet.
Q: What kind of shoes are best for boating?
A: The best shoes for boating have non-marking, non-slip soles that grip wet surfaces. Choose closed-toe styles for better protection or specialized sandals for hot weather.
Q: What are the best boating clothes for cold weather?
A: Cold-weather boating means layering smart thermal base layers, insulated mid-layers, and waterproof shells on top. The best boating clothes for cold conditions use synthetic or merino wool, not cotton (which stays wet forever and saps your body heat). Add waterproof jackets and insulated boots, and you're set to handle whatever winter throws at you on the water.
