Top 10 Best Sailing Shirts

Sailing is an enjoyable activity for all ages, but it can be hard to know the proper attire to wear. What are the best sailing shirts for a fun day on the water?

Due to the nature of water’s composition, being out on the water is colder than you might initially assume. We know that living in coastal areas tends to mean less variability in temperature, it’s cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than more inland areas. This is due to the fact that water requires quite a bit more time and energy to change temperatures than land does, so even on hot summer days at the beach, you may feel a bit breezy once you’re out sailing at sea. The best recommendation is to dress for warm, moist weather, but bring layers to add on as you go.

With so many options to choose from and even more circumstances to prepare for, it can be difficult to narrow down your sailing attire. Fortunately, these brands know how to prepare you for just about anything.

Best Sailing Jacket for Cold Weather

When preparing to sail in cold or unpredictable settings, it’s best to be prepared with the right layers. That’s why the Musto BR1 Inshore Jacket is one of the best investments you could make. The goal with this jacket was to protect you from all of the soggy elements that come with sailing while keeping you at just the right temperature. Depending on the style, color, or size that you choose, this jacket ranges from $154-$280 before taxes. Given the versatility and protection you get from it, it’s well worth the price.

Pros:

two-layer fabric design made with Polyamide and Polyester

windproof and waterproof design

designed for optimal mobility

high-vision hood and brim for added safety

Has a women’s version

Cons:

Could cause overheating in warmer weather

On the expensive side, but well worth it for those that need it

Best Sailing Shirt for Short Sleeve Polos

When most of us daydream about sailing, it’s usually on a beautiful, sunny coast somewhere warm and inviting. That’s exactly what this shirt was designed for. Zhik’s UVactive Zip Sports Polo is a sleek, lightweight option to choose when you still want protection from the sun. At only $67.99 before tax, this shirt is an absolute must-have for sailors everywhere. 

Pros:

has a UPF 50+ rating

Abrasion and snag resistant fabric

moisture wicking benefits and is water resistant

Has a quarter-zip for additional heat relief when needed

Has a women’s version

Cons:

Short sleeve, so no sun protection on your arms

Best Sailing Shirt for Wool

For most experienced sailors, especially those in colder climates, wool is one of the most recommended materials for a sailing shirt that you could buy. The Go Outdoors Convect-200 Merino Long Sleeved Zipped Top is a perfect base layer for any sailors in colder conditions. With a retail price of £75.00+,  this is a great option for any sailors headed out for rougher seas.

Pros:

wool helps protect you against UV rays

highly absorbent and quick drying

wool maintains the same temperature when wet, keeping you warm

perfect base layer for its temperature control and moisture wicking properties

Has a  women’s version

Cons:

Wool is not ideal for especially warm weather conditions

Wool as a material can be irritating to some people

Stains easily

Best Sailing Shirt for Sustainability

Being an avid sailor or enjoying any sort of water activities likely means that you care about protecting that environment. With so many different issues negatively affecting aquatic ecosystems, one of the best choices you can make is in your clothing. We want our clothes to last for as long as possible, but Gill has taken their sustainability a step further and also created the XPEL Tec Long Sleeve Top free of harmful PFC’s. For only $39.99 before tax, this shirt is a sound investment for anyone enjoying the water without breaking the bank.

Pros:

built in 50+ UV protection

water and stain repellent material

Highly recommended for fishermen

Eco-friendly, long lasting option for a budget friendly price

Has a women’s version

Cons:

Is more like a rash guard, may be too form fitting for some

Designed more for sun protection, not cold conditions despite long sleeves

Best Sailing Shirt for Inshore Sail Racing

If you are searching for a great outer layer addition for all of your speed sailing needs, Helly Hansen’s HP Windproof Fleece might just be the jacket for you. Designed with inshore sail racing in mind, this jacket will keep you warm but allow you to keep moving in any sailing adventure. At a price of $140 before tax, this jacket is a worthwhile investment for any racing sailors out there.

Pros:

Windproof, fleece lined jacket that will keep you warm but not weigh you down

Several pockets

Sleek design with three color options

Cons:

Made of 100% Polyester, so is water-resistant but may retain moisture

Does not have a women’s alternative, but comes in a range of sizes

Best Sailing Shirt for Offshore Sailing 

For the sailor out there looking for a durable, lightweight base layer in cold, wet, offshore conditions, this is the shirt for you. Musto’s MPX Active Baselayer Long-Sleeve Top has anti-UV and anti-bacterial qualities with exceptional thermal conductivity, keeping you protected, warm, and moisture free during any sailing adventure. While this shirt can be worn all on its own, for a price of $125 before tax, this is the shirt for any sailor looking for that added layer of warmth and protection from the elements while adrift at sea. 

Pros:

Has a protective collar that also covers most of your neck

Is durable and designed for comfort

Fantastic base-layer option

Form-fitting but breathable design

Has a women’s option

Cons:

Only comes in one color

Can be, but is not designed to be worn alone

Best Sailing Shirt for a Mid-Layer

If you’re looking for security from the elements without any mobility restrictions, Zhik’s 3L Softshell Jacket is a fantastic option. This jacket was designed to be a mid-layer for colder conditions or an outer-layer for more moderate climates as well. With a design to be worn on and off the sea and thoroughly researched to ensure its quality, this $169.99 pre-tax jacket may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Pros:

3-layers of lightweight protection

Fast-drying, water repellent material

Reflective detailing for safety in darker conditions

Has a women’s option

Cons:

Only comes in one color

Not designed to be worn alone

Best Sailing Shirt for Neck Protection

When we often consider our sailing shirt’s design, we’re usually thinking about our midriffs and arms but neglect the sun beating down on our necks or water getting in our shirts from the exposure. That’s why a shirt like Musto’s Championship Aqua Top 2.0 with a 3-layer shell composition and high-neck design is a great addition for any sailor in need of full coverage. For a price of $140 before tax, this is a great option for sailors in colder conditions or in need of more protection from the elements.

Pros:

PU coating on the outside, fleece on the inside for water resistance and warmth

Collar has a sock cord adjustment for secure protection of neck

Comes in three different colors

Cons:

No women’s design, but a wide range of sizes

Might be a bit heavy for racing

Best Sailing Shirt with a Hood

When sailing, you need protection from all the elements, but don’t neglect your head in that equation. If the conditions are particularly cold or if you just need some added protection from the wind and sun, you may want to invest in a versatile sailing shirt that comes with a hood. Zhik’s Motion Long Sleeve Hooded Top found at Watersports Outlet comes with protection for not only your body but your head and even your face as well. Designed with moisture wicking and abrasion resistant material, this $99.99 shirt has got you covered (literally).

Pros:

UPF 50+ Protection built in

Made with recycled polyester and DWR coating for water resistance 

Can be used for layering or worn on its own

Has a women’s version

Cons:

Hood and face attachment may feel tight for some people

Only comes in one color

Best Sailing Shirt for Vests

Sometimes when sailing, we just need that added layer of warmth that still keeps our arms free. A vest can be a great option for that versatility, but Regatta Gear’s Coastal Softshell Vest takes the cake on this one. Made with a weather-resistant material this accommodating mid-layer is a great option for any sailor out there in any type of conditions. This is a great addition for cold weather when you need the extra layer or just for a little added protection on a particularly breezy day. For a price range from $80-$85 before tax, this vest is a hidden treasure in the sailing world.

 Pros:

Has zippered pockets

Comes in three colors (different options for men vs women)

Is light-weight and water repellent

Has a women’s version

Cons:

Additional price for largest sizes

Not ideal for sun protection

Even if you’re safely tucked into the boat, any experienced sailor knows you’ll still end up a little damp at the end of a fun day at sea. While you might expect to end up a little cold thanks to the lovely sea breeze, you might want the extra layers simply for protection.

If it’s particularly hot out when you go sailing, you might be thinking you want to wear less layers in order to cool off. However, the sun’s harmful UV rays don’t take long to work their magic, and not only are you at great risk of a sunburn by being out in the elements, being on the water makes you even more susceptible thanks to the reflection on the water’s surface. We often think of sunburns just not being a big deal, maybe a minor inconvenience, but Sunburns are a known cause of skin cancer later in life. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so it’s highly recommended to wear cooling but protective clothing when you’re going to receive ample sun exposure for long periods of time. 

When out on the sea, especially in certain areas, we expect to be cold. However, we also expect that our activity levels when sailing will keep us warm. While this can be true, hypothermia is a massive risk when out on the water, especially when combined with a strong wind. Layering not only helps protect you from the moisture that can cause hypothermia quicker, but also from the wind. Even if you are not in cold weather and it’s a warm and sunny day, the cold water can do more damage than you might think, so it’s always best to protect yourself and bring extra layers, even as a precaution. 

As long as you're dressed for the conditions at hand and have extra layers to tag along, the actual material comes down to preference. Some sailors prefer rash guards for the moisture wicking and UV protection qualities, while others prefer a nice polo for a cool and tight fit. Some sailors are in such rough conditions that they couldn’t care less what they’re wearing as long as it’s protective and keeps them comfortable. With time, you’ll find what’s right for you. 

The best recommendation is to start with a base layer that feels good and secure, preferably a tighter fit. Once you have that, you can find a nice mid-layer, light a lighter but water-resistant jacket or vest. Lastly, you’ll add an outer layer, a thicker, comfortable, preferably waterproof option that covers your torso, neck, and head with a securely attached hood. Sometimes you might only need the base layer, but when it’s necessary, you’ll be glad to have the others to fall back on.

The best sailing shirt will depend on the conditions, activity, and location

Having several layers to be added is the best option for optimal protection

The actual material matters less than your comfort level

It’s important to protect yourself from the sun, the cold, and the wind