An Essential Guide to the Best Dinghy Sailing Clothing

Sailing is an activity that can really grab you. Once you’re in, it feels like your home is on the water rather than the land. Dinghy sailing can provide a rush of adrenaline that’s hard to match anywhere else, and even casual sailing can become a hobby you find yourself repeatedly going back to. 

No matter how you prefer to sail, knowing what you need to wear is crucial before you start. With so many options available, knowing where to start when searching for the right sailing clothing can be difficult. Our guide at Pinnell & Bax breaks down all the essential items you need before taking on the tides throughout the year.

Weather is an enormous factor in sailing. You must protect yourself against sharp waves, strong winds, cold temperatures and even the sun. Always check the forecast before setting sail so you can layer up appropriately and keep yourself safe.

Table of contents

• Best wetsuits and drysuits for sailing
• Sailing jackets and trousers
• Thermal and spray tops
• Most suitable sailing footwear
• Other sailing essentials

Best wetsuits and drysuits for sailing

When sailing, you’re inevitably going to get wet. Wetsuits are an ideal choice in sports or activities where staying dry is rare. Neoprene wetsuits keep you warm by allowing a small amount of water into the suit between your skin and the neoprene. The suit acts as an insulator for your body heat to warm the water and, in turn, keep you warm.

Getting the right fit for a wetsuit is crucial. You don’t want a suit that’s too big as you could let in too much cold water for your body to heat up effectively. Tight but comfortable is the ideal fit.

While wetsuits are a great option, many prefer to wear drysuits when sailing. The difference is what you would think: wetsuits use water to keep you warm, whereas drysuits fight the cold by keeping you dry.

Unlike wetsuits, drysuits don’t use insulation as a heating method but instead use thermal layering and waterproof seals. Layering is encouraged if you opt for drysuits to stay warm on cooler days.

When choosing between the two, consider the intensity of your sailing and how often you’ll be in the water. Wetsuits are your go-to if you see yourself working up a sweat with a swim, whereas more relaxed sailing ventures are better suited to a drysuit.

Sailing jackets and trousers

The cold weather only feels colder when you take on the water, so staying warm is key. Sailing jackets and trousers are ideal for keeping your body toasty and bringing comfort to your sailing apparel. You can find suitable jackets and trousers for racing or simple casual sailing.

No matter your desired speed or intensity, downpours can put a spanner in the works. Technical jackets and overall-like trousers made from breathable waterproof materials will keep you dry and help you battle the conditions.

Offshore-specific garments will prepare you for the tough tides and strong winds you may encounter, allowing you to tackle the sea confidently.

Thermal and spray tops

Wearing a thermal top under a drysuit or sailing jacket on particularly cold days can ensure you stay warm in harsh conditions. Spray tops are ideal for facing sharp water splashes as you sail. These tops will repel sea projectiles in even the toughest weather.

The ever-growing nature of sailing technology means there are options for staying warm and keeping cool, too.

In the summer, you can really work up a sweat while sailing at pace with little to no protection from the sun. Rash vests are lightweight tops that help you achieve top performance at a comfortable temperature while providing much-needed UV protection.

Most suitable sailing footwear

The absence of proper sailing footwear can result in you slipping and sliding across your boat, so getting the right grip is as important as any other item of clothing. Dinghy boots offer a comfortable and lightweight feel that provides a solid and reliable grip so you can reach high performance without worrying about unnecessary slips.

Dinghy boots are perfect for racers as they focus heavily on movement. Aerodynamics is central to dinghy racing, and these boots allow you to move freely and confidently on your boat. Stellar waterproof protection only adds to the quality of the highly technical sailing footwear.

If your sailing is strictly casual and leisurely, consider deck shoes that are easy on the eye and feature salt-resistant materials, guaranteeing durability and comfort.

Other sailing essentials

We’ve covered the items that first spring to mind for most people when they think of sailing clothing, but there are a few more essential items to consider before you properly set sail.

Sailing gloves

Sailing involves a lot of rope handling, so wearing a good pair of sailing gloves goes a long way to preventing rope burns and blistering on your hands. The added grip that comes with sailing gloves also makes the action of rope pulling feel much smoother and more natural. 

Short-finger gloves, in particular, are made with top performance in mind with well-fitting, warming and strong grip-related features.

Buoyancy aids & life jackets

Buoyancy aids are essential for sailing in any weather. Safety should always be at the forefront of sailing-related plans and activities. Buoyancy aids do what it says on the tin, providing additional buoyancy should you find yourself in the water. You will still need to tread water with this aid, unlike life jackets that keep your head above water regardless.

Sunglasses

At sea, you have very little protection from the sun. Protect your eyes and sharpen your vision with a pair of sunglasses while you sail. Fret not about them flying off, as we stock reliable sunglasses retainers to keep your shades in place and your eyes focused on the water.

Sailing clothing at Pinnell & Bax

You can find all your sailing essentials and more at Pinnell & Bax. We stock technical apparel and equipment from the world’s leading sailing brands. Choose from highly-regarded brands such as Gill, Zhik, Musto and more in our vast range of the best sailing clothing money can buy.

Whether you’re gearing up for regattas or seeking a leisurely sail, we have exactly what you need. Browse products knowing you’re shopping for undeniable quality at Pinnell & Bax.