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Whether you are stepping into a boat for the very first time or you are a seasoned racer preparing for a frostbite series, one question always dominates the dinghy park: what to wear when dinghy sailing.
Unlike yachting, where you might stay relatively dry on deck, dinghy sailing is a contact sport with the elements. You are guaranteed to get splashed, and there is always a high probability you’ll end up in the water - and not wearing the right sailing clothing will make this that little more mortifying.
In 2026, fabric technology has advanced to the point where "being cold" is almost an optional choice. At Sailing Chandlery, we believe that the right sailing clothing doesn't just keep you comfortable; it gives you the confidence to push your boat harder. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential sailing clothing and layers you need to stay warm, safe, and agile on the water.
If there is one piece of advice to remember when deciding what sailing clothing to wear, it is this: leave the cotton t-shirts and hoodies at home. Cotton is a "hydrophilic" fibre, meaning it loves water. Once it gets wet, it stays wet, becomes heavy, and begins to pull heat away from your body.
Instead, sailing clothing uses a layering system built from synthetic materials like neoprene, polypropylene, and polyester. These materials are "hydrophobic" - they shed water and retain heat even when soaked through.
The foundation of your sailing clothing line-up should be a high-quality base layer. For 2026, many sailors are opting for "Rash Vests" or thermal base layers. A rash vest protects your skin from the sun and prevents your wetsuit from chafing, while a thermal base layer (often called a "polypro") adds a thin layer of fleece-like insulation.
When considering what sailing clothing to wear in the summer, a rash vest and a pair of board shorts might be enough. However, for most of the UK season, this base layer sits underneath your primary insulation.
This is the biggest decision you’ll make for your gear bag, and arguably, this is one choice you don't want to miss when it comes to sailing clothing. The choice usually depends on the water temperature and how active you are in the boat.
Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between the neoprene and your skin. Your body heat warms this water, creating a thermal barrier. For 2026, "Superwarm" neoprene technology has become the standard for winter sailing, offering incredible stretch and heat retention, making it the warmer option of sailing clothing wetsuits.
Pro Tip: Look for "Long John" styles (no sleeves). These allow for total arm mobility, which is essential for pulling ropes and steering. You can then layer a spray top over the top.
If you hate the sensation of being wet, a drysuit is the answer. These are waterproof "onesies" with latex seals at the neck and wrists. You wear warm fleece layers underneath, and the suit keeps you completely bone-dry.
Hot Take: Drysuits are perfect for standing around in the boat park or for less active roles in the boat where you aren't generating as much body heat.
You can compare the latest 2026 models in our Drysuits collection of sailing clothing.
Even with a thick wetsuit, the wind can be a silent killer. "Wind chill" can lower your body temperature significantly, even if the sun is shining. And when it comes to sailing clothing, if you just wear an average cotton t-shirt (the incorrect sailing clothing) you will likely stay cold. A spray top is a windproof and waterproof outer shell that goes over your wetsuit, and a more appropriate sailing clothing option for trapping and retaining heat on when you're out on the water.
When deciding what sailing clothing to wear, or upgrade to, never underestimate the power of a spray top. It breaks the wind's path and keeps the "warm" water inside your wetsuit from evaporating away.
Look for tops with adjustable neck and wrist seals to keep the spray from heading down your front, and keeping the rest of your sailing clothing protected.
A buoyancy aid (PFD) is a non-negotiable piece of sailing clothing. Most sailing clubs and centres will not let you on the slipway without one. Unlike a lifejacket used on big ships, a dinghy buoyancy aid is low-profile and designed to allow you to swim and climb back into your boat easily in an emergency.
For 2026, the best buoyancy aids feature "high-cut" designs. This means the foam sits higher on the chest, leaving your waist free to move, and adjust your sailing clothing if needed - which is perfect for tacks, gybes, and using a trapeze harness, and so on.
Check out the most comfortable options in our Buoyancy Aids range.
Your hands and feet are the first things to get cold. If you can’t feel your toes, you can’t feel the boat's balance. If you can’t move your fingers, you can’t handle the ropes. Your Sailing Clothing has a bigger impact than you think!
Boots: Dinghy boots should be made of neoprene with a high-grip sole. For hiking boots (where you hang your weight off the side), you’ll want boots with reinforced "upper" sections to protect your feet from the toe straps.
Gloves: Many sailors prefer "short-finger" gloves in the summer for dexterity and "full-finger" reinforced gloves in the winter. For extreme cold, look for neoprene gloves with a grippy palm.
Find the perfect fit for your feet in our Sailing Boots collection.
To make your 2026 season your best yet, follow this simple sailing clothing checklist based on the conditions:
Sailing Clothing for Warm/Summer: Rash vest, 2mm "Shorty" wetsuit or Long John, buoyancy aid, and sailing boots.
Sailing Clothing for Mid-Season: 3/2mm Wetsuit, thermal base layer, spray top, buoyancy aid, boots, and gloves.
Sailing Clothing for Winter/Frostbite: 5mm "Superwarm" wetsuit or Drysuit, fleece mid-layers, neoprene hat or headband, buoyancy aid, winter boots, and gloves.
We aren't just a shop; we are a team of active sailors who spend our weekends in the same boat parks as you. We know exactly what to wear when dinghy sailing because we’ve tested every item in our inventory. When you buy from us, you get the expertise of a specialist chandlery combined with the latest 2026 kit from world-leading brands like Zhik, Rooster, and Gill.
If you are a beginner, don't be afraid to ask for help. We pride ourselves on making sailing accessible to everyone, and we would much rather help you find the right kit now than have you be cold and miserable on your first day out.
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