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Yachting World

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Best sailing hats: Top boating headwear from simple caps to sou’westers and helmets

• David Harding
• August 25, 2023

Whether for warmth or sun protection, going afloat means wearing a hat. David Harding picks out 12 of the best sailing hats available right now

Whatever the season, there are two staples you need for the open water. A  good pair of sailing sunglasses  and the best sailing hat for protection from the sun (especially those of us who sport low-profile hairstyles).

For dinghy and keelboat racing , many prefer a peak but no brim – a cap, in other words. And if your boat has a low boom, select a sailing hat with built-in skull protection. Being bashed on the head is painful at the very least. Besides, who wants blood on the deck?

On colder days, a sailing hat is essential to keeping you warm on the water. The ubiquitous beanie might be the obvious starting point. Don’t overlook a lined sailing hat, perhaps a waterproof option. Look out for an hat that incorporates ear-warmers and a peak.

At a glance: Henri-Lloyd Mal HL sailing cap – Best classic sailing hat  – Buy it now airSUP Bucket Hat  – Best bucket hat for sailing – Buy it now Tilley T3 sailing hat  – Best brimmed sailing hat – Buy it now DexShell Beanie Solo  – Best beanie hat for sailing – Buy it now

What makes a good sailing hat?

Some of the best sailing hats serve multiple purposes. It might have a brim for sun protection or the sailing hat could be made of a water-repellent material. Before opting for a brim, consider how wide and how stiff it should be. A wide, stiff brim might seem best in the sun, but could present a challenge when you’re ducking under the rail on a racing yacht.

Another consideration is that as much UV is reflected from the water as you’re exposed to from above. So a sailing hat in the ‘bucket’ style – with a brim that’s narrower and lower – might be more effective, if not quite as stylish. What’s more, it’s less likely to blow off in a breeze. Any style of brim that’s too floppy is unlikely to be much use in stronger winds either.

Whichever type of sailing hat you might choose, there’s plenty to think about. Here is our pick of the best sailing hats available right now in various styles.

The best sailing hats available right now

• Sailing caps
• Brimmed sun hats
• Winter hats
• Sou’westers

Classic sailing caps

Henri-Lloyd Mal HL sailing cap

Specifications:  100% Organic Cotton, one size and back strap.

Reasons to buy: Made by a high-end yachting apparel brand; fast-drying; offers a high level of UV protection.

Reasons to avoid: Cheaper options are available if the HL brand is your main consideration.

Do you like to keep it classic? A straightforward cap should be your starting point when it comes to choosing a sailing hat. If you’re anything like me, you have probably picked up such a collection from the water (oddly, most sailing caps don’t come with retaining lanyards) that we’ve never needed to buy one.

Then again, what you find floating past your boat isn’t necessarily what you would choose to wear, so if you want something new, smart and branded with one of the best-known names in sailing clothing, you might go for something like the Mal HL sailing cap from Henri-Lloyd.

Available in navy blue or pale grey, it’s made from a polyester twill that’s said to be fast-drying and offers a UV protection factor of over 50.

Buy it now from Henri-Lloyd

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Gill pursuit cap.

Specifications:  100% polyester, 50+ UV protection and h and wash only.

Reasons to buy: Retaining a lanyard means you’re less likely to drop it overboard.

Reasons to avoid:  May not suit sailors with smaller heads.

Ever lost your hat looking overboard? We’re with you. The Pursuit Cap from Gill is one of the few sailing hats that comes with a retaining lanyard. A clip on the end attaches to your collar, so you’re less likely to find yourself fishing one of these out of the oggin.

Available in bright blue, dark blue, graphite or silver, it features a UV treatment of 50+ and a generously sized peak to help keep the sun out of your eyes. With features like the underside of the peak designed to absorb light reflected from the water, it’s clear to see why this would be a hit with any navigator.

Breathable fabric (polyester for easy cleaning) and a wicking headband should help you keep a cool head in the heat of battle on the race course.

Buy it now on Amazon

Best-brimmed sailing hats

Tilley T3 sailing hat

Specifications:  100% cotton, UPF 50+ and machine washable. 

Reasons to buy: Classic design, water-repellant finish; secret pocket for storing cash.

Reasons to avoid: There are much cheaper ways to keep the sun off your head.

I have been wearing these classic Tilley hats for over 15 years and am now on my third. They don’t last forever, despite the lifetime guarantee, but Tilley will replace them if/when (for those of us who practically live in them) they wear out.

The cotton duck gives good sun protection (factor 50+) and this sailing hat also has a water-repellent finish to help keep the rain off.

Padding in the top affords a degree of protection and that’s where you find the secret pocket for stashing away an emergency fiver.

The padding contributes to the buoyancy, which you might appreciate if you haven’t made use of the double head-straps to stop it from blowing off.

With its brass grommets for ventilation, and poppers for snapping up the brim on either side, the Tilley is a tried and tested titfer with a well-deserved following among sailors.

Buy it now on Tilley.com

airSUP Bucket Hat

Specifiations: Polyester, removable flap and UV sun protection.

Reasons to buy: Chin strap makes it almost impossible to lose; ear protection is a rare feature.

Reasons to avoid: Styling is reminiscent of the early 90s rave scene.

This might not be a sailing hat you would choose to wear for style alone  – but if functionality for active watersports is your priority and you prefer not to have a wide brim, it might be a good choice.

For a start, a strap that buckles under the chin means it really shouldn’t come off no matter what you’re doing on (or even in) the water.

The strap broadens out at the top to cover the ears and the side of the face too.

If you’re after further sun protection, the button-on neck flap that pulls out from an inside pocket will protect the nape. The brim is firm enough not to flip up or down in the wind or unexpected watery encounters.

Buy it now on eBay

Best beanies for sailing

DexShell Beanie Solo

Specifications:  100% polyester, micro fibre fleece lining and machine washable.

Reasons to buy: Windproof, waterproof and breathable – a beanie for all seasons.

Reasons to avoid: May not fit sailors with larger heads.

Traditional beanie hats aren’t for every sailor. Yes, they have limitations as sailing hats, but they will keep your head warm as long as you’re not out in the wind or rain (or exposed to salt spray).

That’s why this one from DexShell comes with additional features: it’s claims to be windproof, waterproof and breathable, with a waterproof membrane and microfleece lining for warmth.

The outer shell in acrylic gives the beanie its knitted look and comes in a range of colours from grey and black to cyan blue and even high-vis yellow for those who really don’t want to get lost.

SubZero Factor 4 Softshell Windproof Hat

Specifications:  97% Polyester and 3% Elastane, double thickness banding and soft fleece inner face.

Reasons to buy: Flat stitching makes for a comfortable fit.

Reasons to avoid: Shower-proof, but not fully waterproof.

With this British-made beanie from SubZero, head warmth and protection from the wind is the top priority.

The soft-shell fabric itself is waterproof, but unfortunately not the stitching, so it would be best to think of it as shower-proof.

If you are searching for an alternative that has full-water repellency, check out SubZero’s waterproof beanie.

To keep the wind and cold at bay, the Factor 4 hat has a soft fleece inner face designed to trap warm air around your head.

A double-thickness headband provides extra insulation around your ears and brow, while the flat stitching should eliminate uncomfortable rubbing – something not all sailing hat manufacturers seem to think about.

There’s no knitted look with this beanie: the windproof fabric on the outside is smooth to reduce the effects of wind-chill.

Buy it now on SubZero.co.uk

Best winter sailing hats

Sealskinz Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Hat

Specifications:  Outer: 100% nylon | Inner: 100% polyester, sizes available: S-XXL and a micro fleece lining.

Reasons to buy: Machine washable; available in a wide range of sizes.

Reasons to avoid: Sizing comes up small – if in doubt, go one size up.

Are you searching for a sailing hat that incorporates ear-warmers and a peak that’s also windproof and waterproof? Sealskinz might have the answer.

As its name suggests, it’s designed to cope with seriously wet and cold conditions. I appreciate that the ear-warmers tuck away if needed and that the peak can be folded back and held with a popper.

Made with a waterproof breathable membrane sandwiched between an outer nylon shell for durability and a fleece inside for warmth, it comes in sizes from small to XXL.

There’s also a Velcro tab at the back to make sure of a snug fit. If it does blow off and get dirty, just throw it in the washing machine: it doesn’t need any special treatment.

Musto Fleece Lined Waterproof sailing cap

Specifications:  Polyester, r eflective printed screen and fleece lining.

Reasons to buy: Fleece lined; waterproof, windproof and breathable; taped seams should make for a comfy fit.

Reasons to avoid: Only one size available.

An alternative to the Sealskinz comes from Musto. Offered in one size it has been designed to accommodate larger heads. Available in black (or green for your country weekends), this sailing hat has good features such as fleece lining, a larger, stiffer peak, and fold-down protection for the ears and neck.

A drawstring can be secured under the chin in windy weather, but if this one blows off, you’re advised not to put it in the machine: it’s for hand-washing only.

The polyester fabric is claimed to be waterproof, windproof and breathable, with taped seams helping to make sure no water seeps in.

Musto also suggests that taping the seams eradicates stitch holes and reduces abrasion against the skin.

Best sou’wester sailing hats

Guy Coton sou’wester

Specifications: Polyester, sizes available: S-L and strong stitching.

Reasons to buy: Excellent face and neck protection; built to last.

Reasons to avoid: The Captain Birdseye look isn’t for everyone…

The sou’wester was good enough for lifeboat crews in days of yore, but has fallen from fashion in recent decades, and we don’t know why.

When you’re getting high-pressure spray full in the face, a well-fitted hood might be a more effective solution – and, being attached to your jacket, it’s always there when you want it – but even the best hoods can often be restrictive. Sometimes a proper sailing hat just feels better.

So it’s good to see that Guy Cotten, a company known for its traditional-style, and no-nonsense clothing, continues to offer the humble sou’wester in equally traditional colours: green or bright yellow.

It’s made from the company’s ‘classic fabric’ – PVC-coated polyester – which it describes as ‘extremely long-lasting, tough and cheap’.

Helly-Hansen Svolvaer Sou’wester

Specifications: PVC-coated polyester, drawstring and cotton-lined.

Reasons to buy: The most affordable option on our list, despite being from a big-name brand.

Reasons to avoid: The Guy Cotton sou’wester offers better face protection.

It says something about the practicality and appeal of the sou’wester that two of today’s better-known manufacturers of this traditional sailing hat are from parts of the world that still have a strong fishing industry.

Helly Hansen’s offering, made from PVC-coated polyester with a cotton lining, incorporates ear-flaps and has a chin strap to keep it on.

It features a shallower brim at the front than some sou’westers, with a suitably long one at the back to keep the rain well away from your neck.

Given the resurgence of retro styles in so many walks of life, perhaps a classic sou’wester would make a perfect and inexpensive Christmas stocking-filler for the practically-minded sailor who thought he or she had everything.

Best hard sailing hats

Gul Elite Watersports Helmet

Specifications: Outer: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | Inner: foam, lightweight and modern design.

Reasons to buy: CE compliant; plenty of ventilation; adjustable lining and chin strap.

Reasons to avoid: Unless you’re racing something seriously fast, or partaking in extreme watersports, a helmet will probably look out of place.

A sailing hat or a cap might help stop your head from getting cold or sunburned when you’re afloat, but what about protection from bangs?

It used to be rare to see sailors wearing helmets, but their use on some of today’s high-profile race boats has made them more acceptable to a wider cross-section of sailors.

Modern styling also means you’re less likely to look as though you’ve just walked off a building site.

Gul’s Elite Helmet is designed for all manner of watersports including dinghy sailing.

Complying with the CE EN 1385 standard for personal protective equipment, it has ventilation holes, a quick-release chin strap, ear protection and an adjustable liner.

The shell is made from impact-resistant ABS.

SafaSail hard sailing hat

Speficiations: Material: moulded shell to offer protection and foam padding.

Reasons to buy: Added protection without compromising on style; available in a choice of peak sizes.

Reasons to avoid: No protection for neck or ears.

For bump protection in a less obvious form than a helmet, Nauticalia’s SafaSail cap might be what you’re looking for.

At a glance it looks almost like an ordinary peaked sailing hat, but inside is an injection-moulded shell that offers similar protection to that of a building worker’s bump cap.

Foam padding should make it comfortable to wear and there’s a chin-strap to help keep it on.

If the standard peak is too long and gives you a crick in the neck when you have to look aloft, you can order the SafaSail with a shorter one.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

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Best Sailing Hats of 2024

The wind is up, the sun is shining, the water is calling… and your skin is crying out for protection! Sun and wind make for a great day on the water, but too much sun, in particular, is a health hazard. The best protection is to cover up, and that starts with the right hat. Fortunately, we have access to a huge range of headgear that deploys all manner of design tricks to protect us from sun, control perspiration, and stay secure in even the windiest conditions. Let’s take a closer look at five of the best sailing hats!

For more of our top sailing gear recommendations, check out the Best Sailing Shoes .

Quick Answer - The Best Sailing Hats

• Gill Marine Technical View at Amazon
• Outdoor Research Sun Runner View at REI
• Sunday Afternoons Adventure View at REI
• Outdoor Research Seattle View at REI
• Tilley LTM6 Airflo View at REI

Comparison Table - Best Sailing Hat

Reviews - the best hats for sailing, gill marine technical.

• Material : 100% Nylon
• Size : Medium, Large
• Brim : Wide, Size Not Specified
• Chin Strap : Removable, Adjustable
• Designed For Sailing
• Wicking Inner Band
• Stiffened Brim

BEST BUDGET HAT

If you’re looking for a functional hat that delivers the basic needs at an accessible price, the Gill Sailing Sun Hat will be your top choice. It’s made from a light, water-repellent, quick-drying material, the brim is wide and stiff, the cord is fully adjustable and removable, an integrated absorbent band controls sweat, and if it falls in the water, it floats. All that at an accessible price adds up to a great deal! Gill manufactures sailing-specific products that have a reputation for no-nonsense quality and competitive pricing, and that’s what this hat delivers.

Outdoor Research Sun Runner

• Material : Nylon
• Size : Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large
• Brim : 2.5” Bill
• Chin Strap : Cord On Removable Cape
• Removable Cape For Neck And Face Protection
• Inner Headband Wicks Away Moisture
• Adjustable Back Band And Cinch Cord
• Mesh Panels For Breathability

On the street, it’s an ordinary cap. Get to the water and add the removable cape, and the Sun Runner delivers full 50 UPF protection to your neck and the sides of your face. It’s two hats in one! It’s also breathable, packable, and adjustable, with a cinch cord on the cape to keep it securely in place even when the wind is up. There’s an inner headband to keep sweat out of your eyes, the cape attachment is easy and secure, and the hat gets consistently great reviews from users.

Sunday Afternoons Adventure

• Material : Nylon/Polyester
• Brim : 4 in. (front) / 7.5 in. (back)
• Chin Strap : Adjustable
• Mesh Panels For Ventilation
• Internal Headband Controls Moisture
• Rear Sizing Strap For Custom Fit
• Foam-Filled Brim Keeps Hat Afloat

BEST FOR SUN 

This hat’s wide 4-inch front brim and extended 7.5-inch rear cape make it instantly recognizable. They also provide unparalleled sun protection, with the brim shading the face and the cape completely covering the neck. The Adventure Hat ticks all the basic boxes: it floats, it dries fast, its inner headband controls sweat, the cord anchors the hat securely to your head. The extra sun protection is a bonus, and if sun is your concern, this is your hat.

Not everyone likes the style, and the word “dorky” appears repeatedly in the user reviews. Function still trumps form, and those same reviews consistently carry five stars!

Outdoor Research Seattle

• Material : Gore-Tex, Nylon
• Brim : 2.25" to 3.125", Depending On Size
• Chin Strap : Adjustable Cord
• Seam Sealed, Guaranteed To Keep You Dry
• Internal Adjustment For Custom Fit
• Fleece Lining For Warmth
• Velcro Closures To Raise Brim On Sides

BEST FOR COLD AND RAIN

We’ve been focusing on sun protection, but in some places, sailors are more likely to be dealing with rain and cold. One of those places is Seattle, and the Seattle Sombrero carries that name for a reason. It’s made to keep your head dry in the rain, and it has earned the coveted “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry” rating from Gore-Tex. A fleece lining keeps your head warm, and internal adjustments and an adjustable neck cord keep the hat snug. If the sun shines, it still carries a 50 UPF rating! If you sail in places where cold and rain are your main concerns, this will be your top pick.

Some reviewers say that the hat is too hot for warm-weather use, but that’s a bit like complaining that your wool sweater is too hot for summer. It’s a Seattle Sombrero, not a Miami Sombrero!

Tilley LTM6 Airflo

• Size : Ten Sizes
• Brim : 3.25"
• Chin Strap : Adjustable, Wraps Under Chin And Back Of Head For High Winds
• Will Not Wear Out, Shrink, Or Fall Apart - Guaranteed For Life
• Hidden Pocket
• Closed Cell Foam Keeps Hat Afloat
• Soft Band Absorbs Sweat
• Insured Against Loss For 2 Years

BEST OF THE BEST

What kind of hat carries a lifetime guarantee against wear and shrinkage and two years of insurance against loss? The Rolls-Royce of sun hats, the Tilley Airflo. The specs on paper don’t seem very different from other hats, but a legion of devoted fans and fanatical five-star reviewers point out that it’s about the quality, not the numbers. Tilley hats deliver the goods and keep on delivering them for life. 

The only downside to the Tilley is that it’s a pricey purchase, for a hat. If that’s an issue, there are plenty of decent options farther up this list. If you want the best and you’re willing to pay for it, Tilley is there for you!

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SAILING HAT

A sailing hat has to provide protection from the elements: the sun is at the top of the list, but if you sail in northern latitudes, you may also be concerned with rain and cold. Wind is part of our lives, so our hats need to anchor securely to our heads. Even the most secure anchor can come loose, so a hat that floats is a bonus! We appreciate hats that dry fast and pack small, with brims that are wide enough for protection from the sun and stiff enough to stay put in a stout breeze. The choices on our list face the challenges and come out on top!

HATS ARE IMPORTANT

Hats may seem like a frivolous item. They’re not. If you’re sailing in the sun, you need a good hat with a UPF 50 protection rating. The skin on the face and neck is particularly vulnerable to sun damage. Sunscreen helps, but dermatologists recommend a physical barrier. Get a good hat and wear it.

KNOW WHAT YOU NEED

The features that matter most to you will vary with the type of sailing you do . Assess your needs and choose a hat that fits them. If you’re just starting out and you’re not sure what you need, a good all-around sun hat will serve until you’ve refined your criteria.

KNOW WHAT YOU LIKE

A hat is a personal choice, and if you like your hat you’re more likely to be wearing it when you need the protection. It’s good to compare specs and features, but consider your personal preferences too, even if they seem a little irrational!

There aren’t many authoritative guides to choosing a sailing hat online, but Practical Sailor offers this interesting post on the subject followed by informative comments from a number of readers, and this vigorous discussion on the Yachting and Sailing World forum gives a sense of how actual sailors feel about their headgear choices!

FEATURES EXPLAINED

Upf ratings.

A UPF rating is applied to clothing and accessories. It measures the amount of UVA and UVB radiation that penetrates the fabric and reaches the skin. It is a different rating system than SPF, which is used for sunscreens and cosmetics. A UPF rating of 50 provides near-complete protection.

The brim of a sailing hat is a compromise. If it’s not wide enough, it won’t protect your face or neck from the sun. If it’s too wide, the wind will force it up onto your forehead or down onto your face. Most sailing hats combine moderate-width brims with stiffeners to keep them in place.

A sailing hat is going to be wet much of the time, so it needs to dry fast and stand up to repeated wetting and drying without degrading. It also needs to be crushable and packable without damage. Most sailing hats are made of nylon or a nylon/polyester blend.

INTEGRATED HEADBANDS

Sweat in the eyes can be inconvenient and annoying. Most sailing hats have integrated headbands to absorb perspiration and wick it away from the face.

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What to Wear on a Yacht

When you’re on a yacht you’re obviously going to dress for the weather but, in general, you want to keep it light and cool. Casual is good within reason as long as you don’t go overboard, so to speak, and it need not be formal but it shouldn’t look inappropriate or out of place. There’s no set in stone dress code for yachts

The most expensive yachts in the world cost hundreds of millions of dollars and, for most of us, that’s a bit out of reach. But that doesn’t mean we’ll never get on a yacht for a weekend charter or even a yacht party and when that happens knowing what to wear is something you may be curious about. Let’s dig into some deeper details of suitable yacht attire for men and women so you don’t have to worry about feeling self conscious when you’re living it up on a fancy yacht. 

Yacht Styles Suitable for Men

In 80s movies you may have seen some yacht captains decked out in full formal jackets with hats and pipes and everything. You can still do that and, no word of a lie, a guy at my uncle’s yacht club used to wear the navy jacket and a captain’s hat everywhere he went for years. But most people like to keep it casual on a yacht and far less formal with a simple, casual outfit.

Linen is a popular choice for yachting because it’s very light and breezy and keeps you cool under the blazing sun. A linen shirt, like linen button downs, have a real casual but not inappropriate quality to them that has been linked to boating for years and would ensure you never look out of place. 

Light cotton works just as well, of course, and something like a polo shirt wouldn’t make you stand out in a crowd, or a simple button down. Even a t-shirt wouldn’t look out of place but you’ll want to tailor that to the situation. If you’re literally just day sailing then that’s great. But if it’s a slightly more formal outing or maybe a party then you may want to keep it a little more upscale

Here’s another case where you should take the situation into account. Shorts and trunks can definitely be appropriate on a yacht but if you’re having a party in the evening then maybe consider longer pants. However, if you’re actually traveling on the yacht, especially if you’re fishing or sailing/racing, a good pair of swim shorts will do you well. Not just for the freedom and for keeping you cool but in the event of an emergency and you do end up in the water, it’s never a bad idea to be ready to swim. 

Boat shoes are a must for any boat ride. You don’t want to be skidding around on the deck in inappropriate footwear but at the same time you want to be comfortable. These are often called deck shoes as well, and they are very close to loafers with the addition of laces. 

You’ll definitely see people in loafers on yachts but loafers don’t have siped soles, which means they aren’t textured to provide the proper grip on deck. If the yacht is going to be actually out there sailing and moving on the water, you want deck shoes.

Some people wear flip flops and that may be fine for a casual day with friends.

Accessories

You should be wearing sunglasses on a boat whether or not its a yacht just because you want to keep your eyes protected from dangerous UV rays and the glare off of the water. Polarized shades are the best but anything is better than nothing. A nice pair of aviators won’t look out of place, or some Ray Bans can be great as well.

Yacht Styles for Women

Traditionally the difference between men’s fashion and women’s fashion on a yacht has been one of practicality. In the past, men were the ones always controlling the yacht and women were passengers. Boating has a somewhat shady history of not being friendly to women, you’ll recall. And for that reason women were mostly seen wearing swimsuits and lounging on yachts. But if you’re a woman running the boat, you’ll likely want the same freedom and comfort that a man in a simple shirt and shorts is enjoying. 

Now if you’re not piloting the boat and instead are just around to enjoy a yacht party, then swimsuits tend to be the order of the day and potentially some kind of wrap or cover up as well. Basically whatever feels most comfortable and appropriate to the occasion. 

Things like kaftans, sundresses, and various wraps and coverups that would work poolside or at the beach when you’re not in the water are just as welcome on a yacht and won’t look out of place at all.  A knee length summer dress is something you’d likely see on any yacht.

Like men, you can get a good pair of women’s boat shoes that look a little more elegant if that’s what interests you, and they’re a good investment. Again, a boat shoe is less about appearance than function when the boat is actually in motion and you want something that gives you firm footing, which a boat shoe can do. 

Both hats and sunglasses are more than appropriate for women on a yacht and offer the added protection from the sun that you’re going to want anyway. You won’t look out of place and you’ll be doing your eyes and skin a favor by keeping them away from harmful UV rays. Remember the sunscreen as well. 

What to Wear to a Yacht Party

Now a yacht party is a different sort of monster than just being on a yacht. This will likely be a more formal occasion and that means dressing up a little. Ditching the shorts for this is probably a good idea. 

Unless you have been specifically told this is a formal wear event, black tie affair don’t dress for one. Most yacht parties aren’t that formal because, well, they’re on boats. Leaning into the boat aspect is a better option. A suit would be as formal as you should expect unless told something ultra formal like a tuxedo is expected. But most yacht parties are likely to be a little more casual than that. 

Consider dress pants and a button down shirt or a blazer. A sport coat and tie, maybe with a matching jacket, is also very common for parties on yachts. 

A more formal occasion, a wedding for instance, will probably clue you in as to what would be expected in terms of dress. And, hopefully, your hosts are going to be gracious enough to make it clear if you do need to dress to the nines. 

You can find some more formal boat shoes and, if things get a little fancier, some dress shoes that don’t have slippery soles will work as well. 

Are Cocktail Dresses Appropriate for Women?

At the more formal end of things, a classy yacht party could very well require you to wear a cocktail dress or in rare cases even some kind of fancy gown. Cocktail attire is a little less formal than evening wear and more suited for a casual affair. Hopefully it will be made clear before you agree to show up just how formal the event is, but it’s definitely not unheard of. If it’s a party at night, and you’re going to be moored out on the water with a view of the city, for instance, a dress would be well within reason.

If things aren’t so formal as a boat wedding, then consider a wide-legged pant, a romper, a wrap skirt or really anything you’d wear to a gathering on a beach, or pool type party.

One thing you want to remember when attending any event on a yacht is to not wear heels. I’ve seen it in person and it’s a bad idea. Not that you’re guaranteed to lose your balance, but the odds are definitely leaning towards it. It’s an accident waiting to happen, so stick with flat shoes. 

Are all Boat Parties the Same?

People can throw a boat party for weddings, anniversaries, charity events, retirements and probably a hundred other things. Don’t let the fact that it’s on a yacht throw you off if you’ve never attended one. A party is a party, after all.

If you’re unclear of expectations, feel free to ask. Consider bringing a sweater or light jacket just in case it gets cold and remember that good footwear is extra important on a yacht so you keep your balance. Whether it’s ultra formal or super casual, that will never change.

The Bottom Line

Classy but casual is often an easy way to approach dressing on a yacht. If it’s a party, you may need to step it up a notch, but that will really depend on the party itself and what your hosts expect. Consider linen and other very light, breathable fabrics. Remember boat shoes are the best idea to keep your grip on deck, and don’t forget swimsuits as well as sunglasses and other sun-protection gear.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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