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Welcome to regatta gear, makers of high-quality sailing and yachting clothing..

Formed over 15 year ago, Regatta Gear has outfitted some of the world’s biggest racing circuits with sailing gear and clothing that keeps up in even the most demanding of situations. With apparel designed especially for both men and women, we have created great fitting pieces made from durable, high-quality materials.

Located right by the water in Newport Beach, we are constantly inspired by the water and the ocean. With a deep understanding of the needs of those constantly in the water, we have created collections of yachting and sailing clothing that is stylish, comfortable, and durable. Regatta Gear also specializes in creating customized team yachting apparel. Our finalized personalized gear will be suited exactly for your team’s functionality, and culture. We have a variety of custom colors, materials, and designs for you to choose from.

Here we only do one thing, and we do it well—the absolute best yachting and clothing gear on the market, with an affordable price point for everyone.  

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The Feadship Ocean Collection extends our passion for pure custom creation into a signature line of Feadship merchandise.

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As with all Feadship yachts, the truth of our collection is in the details. From 100% organic cotton and mother-of-pearl buttons to signature taping and the iconic Feadship F-motif.

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Sourced, designed and produced by Feadship, you can be sure every item in the collection is fully sustainable and in compliance with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI).

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yellowfin gear

Here at Yellowfin Gear we don’t try to live the Yellowfin lifestyle, we make a point of it. We strive to offer our faithful YF friends with gear and accessories that live up to the quality and performance of Yellowfin Yachts

Yellowfin Gear was started in 2010 after numerous requests from our customers for gear and accessories that represent the boats they love, Yellowfin Yachts. We have thrived through the years with excellent customer service, top quality products, and an overall high valued experience.

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Yellowfin Gear is the only Licensed company for Yellowfin Yachts LLC. We are always looking for new high quality gear and accessories perfect for your day out on the water. We can also customize gear for you with your boat design and your boat name on any of the products we offer.

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“Yellowfin Gear’s sportswear has always been very high quality with excellent fitment. It should also be noted that the towels are HUGE and Soft!”

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Better Sailing

Best Sailing Clothing Brands in 2022

Whether you’re an offshore sailor or just day-sailing dinghies, you need the right gear to sail as enjoyably and effortlessly as possible; one of the most fundamental pieces of gear is sailing clothes. When it comes to the best sailing cloth brands, there’s no difference whether you’re racing in America’s Cup, Barcolana’s Regatta, or simply cruising around in a bay. Having the best sailing gear can make a huge difference, especially when technical variants come into play to provide unprecedented wind-blocking levels, waterproofing, and, of course, comfort.

>>Also Read: What To Wear When Sailing

Here Are The Best Clothing Brands For Sailing

Helly-hansen.

Helly Hansen  is a Norwegian producer of sailing gear headquartered in Oslo, Norway. This sailing clothing brand was established in 1877 when boat captain Helly Juell Hansen found a better way to stay shielded from the Norwegian harsh weather conditions. Shortly thereafter, Captain Hansen and his wife Margrethe launched a business producing waterproof oilskin jackets, trousers, hat, and waterproof canvases made from rough linen soaked in flaxseed oil – and the Helly Hansen legend began!

Helly Hansen gear is worn and trusted by sailors worldwide, but it is not the most budget-conscious clothing brand you can choose; however, it is probably the best when it comes to sailing jackets.

Helly Hansen offers the widest variety of clothing and is probably the most versatile and overall the best clothing brand out there. 

>> Buy Helly Hansen Clothes From Amazon

Musto has always been an innovator in sailing clothing and is one of the best and most recognizable sailing clothing brands. They have over 55 years of experience in creating the best sailing performance apparel, and they are the world’s leading sailing brand. They use a great fabric technology that protects ocean racers to keep you dry and comfortable.

Their designs have attention to detail and are pretty stylish too. They are very precise with the placement of ergonomic panels on active jackets. Also, their handmade leather shoes are of exceptional quality. Like many of these best clothing brands for sailing, Musto produces clothing that can be worn in both on the boat and in everyday life and skiing if you are into this as well. Musto also works with some of the best manufacturers globally, so you can be assured of the quality every time.

Musto’s clothes are also very durable. For example, my father’s twenty-plus-year-old Musto foul weather jacket that has been used every year and is still looking and performing well. Musto is very famous for its durability, which is probably why they offer a guarantee for many of our garments’ lifetime.

>> Buy Musto From Amazon

Established in 2003,  Zhik  is an Australian brand focused on product development and sailing clothing design. Using its in-house research and development team, Zhik is constantly introducing new fabric technologies, creating performance clothes made especially for water sports.

Zhik’s gear radically altered the industry’s approach to sailing performance wear. Zhik is making an effort to understand athletes’ needs when sailing and creating products tailored to their environments to produce a wide range of cutting-edge yachting apparel, from coastal cruising to extreme ocean racing.

Tried and true, Zhik is the winning choice of numerous Olympic and World champions around the world. Zhik is the official clothing supplier to the Australian, British, New Zealand, and Singapore Olympic sailing teams, as well as many of the best, top-level international sailors, Extreme 40s, America’s Cup, and Vendee teams.

>>Unfortunately, Zhik is not an Amazon but you can purchase from eBay

Gill is one of the best marine clothing brands, founded in 1975. In 1975, the company’s founder, Nick Gill, was an avid sailor who used his father’s factory in Nottingham to produce truly capable sailing apparel that could offer both protection and comfort.

Gill is still based in the UK, where they design and test all their garments and they have grown to become one of the best marine clothing brands in the world. Also, they equip sailing teams from round-the-world.

Inspired by their sailing heritage, they also offer lifestyle clothing that can be worn anywhere but are still designed with their marine lineage in mind.

Today their clothing line utilizes a wide range of technologies, from Activated Carbon base layers to SuperFabric™; which is the most abrasive-resistant type of fabric in the world. When sailing in foul weather conditions, saltwater comes at you from everywhere. For that reason, Gill tests their clothing in-house and on the water to withstand the worst weather conditions.

That means whatever weather condition you find yourself in – sea, shore, or inland – they’ve already engineered the best clothing kit to perform for you.

>> Purchase Gill From Amazon

Xtratuf (Shoes)

Founded in the 50s, Xtratuf is a brand of neoprene boots manufactured by Honeywell International. The boot was originally designed for commercial fishermen but is now used by sailors and boats worldwide. They are common throughout Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, especially in coastal areas and fishermen.

Xtratuf boots are famous for being built to battle the elements. The brand’s core Legacy range is equipped with a unique triple-dipping technique designed to keep feet dry and comfortable. There are non-insulated and insulated options rated to sub-freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, its signature Chevron outsole has remained unchanged for years, providing reliable traction in extreme conditions. A steel toe option offers added protection.

>> Buy Xtratuf Boots on Amazon

>>Also Read: Best Fishing Boots For Boats

Harken (Gloves)

Harken  is a global corporation that specializes in performance sailing hardware and industrial solutions, headquartered in Wisconsin, US. When Harken first started, it was housed in a 60-foot trailer in 1967 by brothers Peter and Olaf Harken. Originally, they built sailboats under the name Vanguard. However, they kept the hardware business separate so they could sell to competing boatbuilders.

In 1986, the Harken brothers sold Vanguard Sailboats to Stephen Clark in Rhode Island so they could concentrate on hardware. Harken hardware has been the golden standard in the racing segment for many years.

Harken equipment may be found on racing boats as small as the 7-foot dinghies to megayachts and ocean racers. They are famous for making hardware like swivels but they also make some of the best sailing gloves on the market today. 

>> Get Harken Gloves on Amazon

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Gloves

Henri Lloyd

Established in Manchester in 1963,  Henri Lloyd  is a British clothing brand specializing in sailing clothes. They manufacture some of the most high-end sailing clothes available today. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, they have implemented a direct-to-consumer business model. They are only selling directly through their own websites and retail locations. That way, they have cut out the middlemen who raise retail prices, which means they can offer the same excellent quality products at affordable prices permanently. They are still an expensive brand, don’t get me wrong, but they do offer some great quality products.

>> Buy Henri Lloyd from eBay

Navis Marine

Established in 1999,  Navis Marine  is a sailing clothing manufacturer specializing in designing and manufacturing performance foul weather gear for coastal and offshore sailing.

Navis Marine has a rigorous research and development process. The team is always looking for ways to innovate, blending new technology with feedback from their customers, and test sailors to create unique apparel solutions. The Navis Marine design team looked for materials with the same properties; able to work with the body and protect against the elements. However, they use lighter and more breathable materials than traditional marine fabrics.

They offer an excellent alternative to more famous brands like Helly-Hansen at a fraction of the cost. Actually, a friend of mine bought one of their jackets last year, and I was impressed with the product’s quality and durability. I just had to mention them in this article after that. 

>> Buy Navis Marine Clothing From Amazon

>>Also Read: Must-Have Boat Safety Equipment For Sailing

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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What to wear sailing: Everything you need to know

• Toby Heppell
• April 26, 2023

If you're wondering what to wear sailing then you've come to the right place. We've extensively tested loads of kit so we can bring you the best options

Are you are heading out on the water sailing for the first time, or perhaps you’re just curious to see what other wear when sailing, if so, look no further as I bring you my roundup of the absolute must-haves in terms of sailing clothes.

But first thing’s first, not all sailing is alike. I started out racing dinghies throughout my youth and it was not until I was in my late teens and into my 20s that I started racing, and then cruising on yachts or keelboats. The kit required for both of these sports are significantly different and, though you can sail a yacht wearing a wetsuit, it’s not going to do much to keep you warm. Similarly if you step into a dinghy wearing offshore sailing waterproofs (often called foulies) then you’ll be fine, but far from comfortable.

For the purposes of this article I’m going to kook at the clothes you will need to go yacht or keelboat sailing for a day on the water. At Yachting World we have plenty of articles on the best clothing for offshore sailing , the best wetsuits and best clothes to wear for other watersports like best kayak clothing and what to wear paddle boarding . So head over to one of those if that’s what you are after.

Sailing a dinghy on a beach holiday is a common first introduction to sailing, but for many it’s just as likely to be a day trip out on a keelboat, either hired or invited along by some friends who have already fallen in love with sailing and are hoping to pass on some of that joy.

And once you’ve caught the bug it can be hard to know where to start in terms of what clothing you need to buy and what is the most important kit to purchase first.

What to wear sailing quick links

Best Boat Shoes –  Tribord sailing 500 boat shoes Best Sailing Jacket – Gill OS3 Coastal Jacket Best Sailing Trousers – Gill OS3 trousers Best Lifejacket – Spinlock Deckvest Lite Best Drybag – Overboard 30lt Pro Sports Backpack Best Sailing gloves – Decathlon adult sailing fingerless gloves

What to wear sailing

There are several reasons I would put footwear at the top if the list of important clothing items for sailing. Firstly, a good pair of sailing shoes can often be worn ashore too, so it’s not a single-use purchase. Another good reason to buy a pair is that, although sailing on a yacht in trainers is broadly fine, some trainers will leave marks on the deck of a yacht, which can be a bit awkward if you’re leaving unsightly patches on your friend’s new boat. As such, many boat owners have a ‘boat shoes or boots only rule’ when onboard, so you would do well to pick up the best boat shoes you can early.

Decks can often be slippy and for those unused to the motion of a boat at sea, it can be hard enough to keep your footing, so buying a pair of shoes that have good grip will at least help you stay a little more secure.

Given that the main thing you will want out of a pair of boat shoes is grip, then you should focus on what the sole is like first and foremost. Personally, I always favour ‘razor cut’ soles. These tiny little zig-zag grooves – which are thin enough to look like knife cuts – help move water away from the underfoot area and keep the rubber of the sole in contact with the deck. But a word of warning with razor-cut soles, the more you wear them on hard wearing surfaces, such as concrete, the less effective they will become, so it might be worth skipping these if you’re predominantly buying boat shoes for use ashore, with the occasional sailing trip in mind.

The stereotypical boat shoe that probably springs to mind for most is a leather, moccasin style deck shoe. And worry not, these won’t mark you out as a beginner whose only experience of sailing is from the movies, these are actually the shoes that many sailors wear for days out on the water. They can also cut a dash ashore too, so they are probably the best solution for the beginner – and seasoned pro alike.

Tribord Sailing 500 boat shoes

Decathlon is a name that pops up over and again for those wanting to get into many sports. The French sports apparel giant is very hard to beat when it comes to producing decent sports kit at sensible prices.

This classic choice from Decathlon is made of flexible full-grain salt-water resistant leather, with a non-marking siped rubber sole. This sole offers a best of both worlds compromise, not being a true razor-cut, but delivering a great deal of the same grip level in a hard wearing sole for use on land.

There’s a padded leather insole and tongue, but no fabric linings that absorb foot odours.

Buy it now from Decathlon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Zhik Fuze boat shoes

If you’re not keen on the traditional deck shoe look, then Zhik’s Fuze boat shoes are designed as an out-and-out boat shoe but offer more trainer-like styling. Zhik, an Australian company, produces a great deal of sailing kit that is usually developed alongside top international racing sailors and offers great performance – though their equipment does sit at the higher end of the price bracket.

The Fuze deck shoes are very lightweight, flexible and comfortable, with excellent support. A one-way drainage system is incorporated in the sole to let water out but not in. These are my go-to boat shoe if I’m not having a casual day out and their performance in terms of grip and comfort are second to none.

Buy it now from Amazon

Sailing Jackets and trousers

Although I’ve put footwear at the very top of this list of what to wear sailing for being both relatively affordable and thus an easy first purchase for a new sailor’s kit bag, waterproofs both jacket and trousers are the key items that will keep you warm, dry and comfortable when sailing.

A simple wind and waterproof jacket will be absolutely fine if you are planning on sailing only in the summer months on a very small number of occasions. However, if you are looking to be out on the water with anything approaching regularity then you will want to invest in some proper sailing kit.

There’s no escaping the fact that for a decent set of sailing waterproof clothing, you are going to be spending a fair bit of money. But the cost of a decent sailing jacket and trousers is similar to that of any adventure sport, such as skiing of serious hiking. And these are key items to make you more comfortable and thus enable you to enjoy the experience. Assuming those who are already big-time sailors will be looking elsewhere for the best offshore sailing jackets and trousers, I’ve focussed here on inshore or coastal clothing, which is usually cheaper than true offshore kit and much less bulky.

Gill OS3 Coastal Jacket

Gill’s latest lightweight OS3 fabrics use a fundamentally more sustainable material than the long-running industry standard durable water repellant (DWR) coatings. These have been used for decades to improve waterproofing are are what makes the water bead off a new jacket.

However, DWR finishes are typically based on fluoropolymers that have toxic by-products which persist in the environment. Instead, Gill’s OS3 range uses a plant-based finish the performs the same function as the DWR coating.

The OS3 jacket is made of a two-layer fabric with a non-absorbent, quick drying lining. It has a high-visibility hood, adjustable cuffs with PU inner seals, an internal storm guard and is available in men’s and women’s fits.

Buy it now from Gael Force Marine

Gill OS3 coastal trousers

Utilising the same fabric as their jacket these trousers offer strong sustainability credentials. The trousers feature a front zip and internal gusset for wet weather protection the braces can be adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit while the reinforced seat and knees protect against wear and tear.

I’m not, personally a huge fan of this type of braces. They do offer plenty of adjustment, which is a plus, but they can also slip off the shoulder if you are particularly active. If I have the choice I will always pick a trouser with full shoulders for offshore use, or without shoulder straps. But that is mostly a personal preference and plenty of people still like the braces-type trouser.

Zhik INS200 Coastal Sailing Jacket

There’s a lot to be said for a choosing the best inshore jacket you can find. It will be lightweight, comfortable to wear, very easy to move around in and is likely to see a lot of use.

Zhik’s INS200 and 300 series are arguably the most carefully designed of all. Both are made of an impressive three-layer fabric with taped seams and have a sculpted fit that minimises excess material.

Zhik INS200 Coastal trouser

The matching Zhik INS200 salopettes feature adjustable elastic suspenders with a central back strap for comfort – which also helps stop them slipping off the shoulder.

There’s a waist is elasticated for a secure fit without the need for a tightening system, all seams are taped with critical junctions further reinforced. They also have a laser cut water drainage system to help keep you dry.

Lifejackets and PFDs

It’s absolutely vital that you wear a lifejacket while sailing, particularly if you are new to the sport and don’t yet have great balance onboard. Most boat owners will have rules about wearing them onboard which can vary from ‘must be worn at night and if the wind is above x’ to ‘it’s your personal choice’. But for many people they are an absolute must to wear onboard.

The only reason lifejackets are not at the very top of this list is that many boats have a number of spares for crew to use when they are onboard. But it is something you will want to buy for yourself after a time, both for safety and for your own comfort.

As we found in our best lifejacket test , cheaper models tend to be bulkier and more likely to catch on things as you make your way around the boat. They also typically offer fewer extras. They key thing you need to decide when buying a lifejacket is whether to go for a manual or automatic inflation type. Manual inflation are a lot cheaper – and do not need a new gas canister putting in once they have been inflated. But if you go overboard and are knocked unconscious you clearly wont be able to activate it.

The other point to note is that lifejackets come with different levels of floatation. Most coastal lifejackets are either 150 or 180N.  The higher this number, the more buoyancy is offered. To support a 1Kg weight you need a force of 9.8 Newtons. 1 Newton is equal to 0.225lb. A 150N adult lifejacket will therefore support someone with an in water weight of 15.3Kg or 33.7lbs.

Spinlock Deckvest Lite

Spinlock is pretty universally acknowledged as one of the market leaders in lifejackets and this Deckvest Lite is a really great bit of kit. Its stylish – or as stylish as a lifejacket can be – and it fits close to he body and so is less likely to catch on things as you work on deck.

It’s the manual inflation type and comes in a variety of casing colours and is easy to repack when it has been deployed. It fits smaller adult body types well, has a very high visibility bladder and is great for everyday wear.

The over the head style donning can feel a little restrictive for some and the fit is such that it might not suit larger bodies.

Crewsaver Crewfit+ 180N pro

This is an excellent lifejacket, leading the way with coastal lifejackets that will take you offshore and into the night with its well positioned strobe light and nicely designed sprayhood.

The thoughtful design is apparent throughout, but perhaps was taken one step too far with the CO2 bottle anti-unscrew seal feature making it a poor choice for frequent flyers but an excellent choice for people who worry about their CO2 bottles coming unscrewed.

Waterproof bags

A waterproof bag is useful for sailing and other watersports too. If you’re just taking layers ashore/to the beach, a cheap dry tube style bag will be fine, albeit not overly durable or practical in use and so not the best waterproof bag option to pick. Also the typical single shoulder strap these have is not comfortable when the bag is laden.

It is arguably a better investment to choose a more robust backpack or duffel style bag with external pockets, more comfort features and better waterproofing. It should last longer, better protect your kit and be more comfortable to carry.

Overboard 30lt Pro Sports Backpack

British brand Overboard specialises in waterproof bags and cases with an impressively extensive range and a clear, intuitive website to help you make a suitable choice.

This backpack is a well considered design for dinghy trips ashore and was thus a go-to choice for a week’s vacation, where we used it everyday.

Features I particularly grew to like are the adjustable chest straps and sternum straps which help make it feel like a comfortable hiking backpack, the front mesh for stashing a layer and the side pocket for keeping a water bottle to hand. There is also a small internal pocket for an iPad.

Yeti Panga 50lt

The Panga is among a range of Yeti kit we’ve used and abused regularly this season, all of which has come out favourably and as ‘get what you pay for’ items. Your eyes may water when you see the price, but you can be assured not a drop will find its way into this bag.

The robustness and quality of construction shines through. A laminated high density nylon is used for the bag’s construction, which is really hard wearing, but it is the near bullet-proof moulded EVA padded bottom and the size of the patented teeth on the zip which make you instantly realise this is a no-nonsense product.

There are six lashing points, and the handles at each end and buckles feel sturdy enough to haul a boat out with.

When you pull the zip fully closed it’s easy to tell the bag is hermetically sealed, as it becomes a giant cushion – and indeed can make a useful seat, even with just air inside. There are two zipped mesh pockets within.

Buy it now from Yeti

Sailing gloves

Sailing gloves are a particularly essential bit of kit for two key reasons. Firstly if you are going to spend any time on a boat then you will be handling sheets and lines. Though salty old seadogs might have well-calloused hands and thus be impervious to the rigours of rope handling. For the rest of us, protection is essential to avoid blisters!

A secondary dimension is to keep your hands warm. This is typically less important for the casual sailor as you’ll probably be out in milder weather and for shorter stretches of time, making it less likely you will get cold hands in the first place and more likely that even if you do, you will be able to warm back up again after a short time.

Unless warmth is the main goal – of you’re sailing off-season or overnight – then you’ll typically want a fingerless glove, which allows you to tie / untie knots and generally be able to use your fingers a bit more.

Decathlon adult sailing fingerless gloves

Sailing gloves can be disappointingly easy to lose, so keeping a spare pair in the bottom of your kit bag can be a good move.

This pair of fingerless gloves from Decathlon is priced such that keeping a few extras around won’t cost a fortune. And for the beginner sailor it means a pair of gloves that are functional but wont break the bank.

They have plenty of grip, offer good protection, are made of a comfortable stretch fabric and have a Velcro wrist strap.

Despite the competitive price the specification is good enough for ordinary use.

Buy it now on Decathlon

Gill Deckhand Sailing Gloves – Long Finger

The Gill Deckhand gloves have been the go-to glove of our tester – and passionate racer – Rupert Holmes for years now. For a while there was a women’s option available which was a much better fit than the unisex version. The full fingers for three fingers provide warmth, while the fingerless thumb and pointer mean you still have plenty of dexterity in the fingers.

The way the glove is tailored to the curve of the hand makes them easy to wear and easy to grip lines and other control surfaces. They do get a bit soggy to wear when wet and Rupert keeps a few pairs to be able to swap out while the others dry off. They usually him a season and need replacing but he keeps buying the same gloves because they are so comfortable to wear.

It’s worth noting that, although these gloves may only last Rupert a season, he is a serious short-handed and fully crewed racer and will put many miles in over the course of a season.

Of course these are just the basic essentials for any aspiring sailor. And there is plenty more kit you may want to pick up as you do more sailing. Sailing sunglasses are very important to protect your eyes, but any sunglasses will do initially. You may also want a hat for sailing or if you are heading out to see in the winter months you might want to pick up the best thermals that you can to keep you warm.

As you become more experienced then picking up a proper offshore sailing jacket and offshore trousers will be important and you will probably want to ditch the boat shoes in favour of a pair of sailing boots .

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

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Best waterproof jackets and salopettes for offshore sailors

• Theo Stocker
• October 9, 2022

The biggest storm should be water off a duck’s back in these rugged offshore waterproofs. The YM team put six oilskins to the test to see which perform best

Long gone are the days of plastic oilskins and the steady trickle of water leaking down your neck – the best waterproof jackets and salopettes for offshore sailors are a serious business these days. And you are spoilt for choice if you want a suit that will hermetically seal you in against even the foulest weather , so that you can stay dry and, more importantly, warm, wherever and whenever you are sailing.

The most noticeable changes in the offshore waterproofs we tested were in the efforts made to reduce weight, bulk and slow-drying fabrics. Gone, on the whole, are the linings, replaced instead by durable laminated fabrics. Gone are the thick, cosy fleece linings that soak up water, replaced by lighter-weight microfibre fabrics. The outer shells have also lost weight whilst gaining (so the manufacturers claim) improved waterproofing , breathability, durability and flexibility.

New brands are also entering the market and shaking things up a bit. Decathlon, the French one-stop sports shop, has made an asserted foray into the budget end of the market, and with impressive results. Zhik, on the other hand, grew out of an Australian Olympic campaign and is bringing plenty of innovative ideas to the table.

All of this comes at a price. We set an upper limit of £1,000* for this test, and it would have been easy to go over budget as the best waterproof jackets don’t come cheap, but I’ve never met a sailor who wasn’t glad of every bit of protection they could get in the face of a cold and spray-lashed watch on deck.

*Since this feature was first published some products have increased in price to push them slightly over the initial £1,000 limit.

6 of the best waterproof jackets and salopettes

© Graham Snook Photography

Decathlon Tribord Ocean 900

Best budget buy

Specifications Technology: 3-layer hydrophobic fabric Waterproof: >20,000mm Cargo pockets: 3 Hand-warmers: 2 Women’s version: Yes, trousers

A relative newcomer to the marine clothing market, Decathlon has hit the ground running with their top-end Tribord Ocean 900 outfit.

They may be £400 less than the nearest competitor, but these are not some flimsy imitation.

The fabric is slightly lower rated than other products, but not by much.

The weather can be sealed out with a high fleece-lined, elastic-edged collar and a novel face guard that is integral to the body of the jacket – very secure, though it didn’t roll away quite as neatly.

The hood includes volume and side adjustment, a reinforced peak and a drip gutter.

The waterproof jacket closes with two storm flaps over the double-ended zip and another storm flap inside.

It is reinforced over the seat and includes printed reflective patches.

The Velcro tabs for the inner and outer cuffs are joined together via a slot in the outer sleeve, giving a single adjustment for both cuffs; very easy to use, but not quite such a good seal.

The jacket has only chest hand-warmer pockets.

The women’s jacket we tested has a slightly different design with separate cuff closures, and no face guard, but the collar can be snugged in with an adjuster.

The women’s salopettes did not have a drop seat, but they do have the option of high-waisted trousers.

These had a small cargo pocket on the thigh, but no other pockets.

We liked the removable padding in the seat and knees; great for deck work and for comfort on watch.

The men’s version features a dry-suit zip, eliminating the need for a waterproof gusset.

The inner face of the ankles are rubberised to help ensure a good seal to your wellies.

These offshore waterproofs had an amazingly solid feeling given the low price point and would be well worth a try. The suit performed well in the water test, although there was a slight leak at the cuffs.

Decathlon has obviously worked hard to incorporate the features of the more established brands into their clothing as well as coming up with some of their own innovative ideas.

Reasons to buy

• Budget-friendly • Integral face guard • Removable padding in seat and knees

Reasons to avoid

• Cuffs could be more waterproof

Buy the Men’s Jacket now from Decathlon Buy the Men’s Salopettes now from Decathlon Buy the Women’s Jacket now from Decathlon Buy the Women’s Salopettes from Decathlon

*Yachting Monthly is not paid by manufacturers for our recommendations. If you click through and buy an item, we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer, at no cost to you.*

Musto MPX Gore-Tex Pro Offshore

Best waterproof jacket on test

Specifications Technology: MPX Gore-Tex Pro Waterproof: 28,000mm Cargo pockets: 4 Hand-warmers: 6 Women’s Version: Yes, not drop seat

Musto Offshore suits have long set the standard for foul weather gear, and the MPX Gore-Tex has been around for a long time.

As with the other suits, efforts have been made to reduce bulk and improve drying time.

The rugged MPX Gore-Tex fabric, slightly heavier than some others on test, feels reassuringly tough and durable.

The fit of the waterproof jacket was more generous than other makes, and offered some of the best protection on test.

A very high collar reached almost to the top of the head, which felt very sheltered, whilst being easily folded down, and included elasticated adjustment around the top, though the toggle was a little uncomfortable when the hood was up.

The face guard has a brushed microfibre lining, contoured fit and adjustment at both ends.

The hood offered a snug fit with plenty of movement, with a swept-back fit.

The jacket had hem and waist adjusters, all on the outside of the garment so they can easily be tweaked while wearing.

Chest hand-warmer pockets had zip closure, and another set of hand-warmers were hidden behind the large cargo pockets.

The salopettes offered different fits for men and women, but the women’s trousers did not include a drop seat.

Both had large cargo pockets on each thigh with good roll-down Velcro closures, as well as fleece hand-warmer pockets on the chest.

The elasticated fabric shoulder straps were comfortable, but it would have been nice to have a wider range of adjustment.

There were no leaks on our test, and the pared-back hood was very effective.

One of the heavier-weight offshore waterproofs on test, and with a generous fit, we found these slightly bulky, so sizing is important, but these should withstand the worst of the elements.

The suit includes all the right features exactly where you’d want to find them.

• Adjustable hem and waistline • Came out top in our waterproofing test • High collar provides plenty of head protection

• No drop seat on women’s version

Buy the Jacket now from Musto Buy the Men’s Salopettes now from Musto Buy the Women’s Salopettes now from Musto

Henri Lloyd Elite 2.0

Runner up best buy

Specifications Technology: Gore-Tex Pro Waterproof: 28,000mm Cargo pockets: 2 + 1 Hand-warmers: 4 + 2 Women’s version: Yes, drop seat

Henri Lloyd has been one of the pre-eminent sailing clothing brands for decades and much effort has gone into making these innovative, technically advanced oilskins lightweight but robust.

The Gore-Tex Pro fabric used is extremely lightweight, but still offers the same protection.

Fleece linings have been swapped for soft mesh that holds much less water, and hood stowage is enclosed by Lycra, all to aid drying and save weight.

The high collar can be snugged close to the head with elastic adjustment, though the ends of the elastic stick up like antennae.

The comfortably contoured face guard can be positioned as you want it, attached on one side by elasticated fabric.

The hood has been extended forwards with transparent windows on either side to preserve peripheral vision.

This is one of the few waterproof jackets to have lifejacket attachment loops.

The large cargo pockets have secure closures with a generous fold-over and there are two sets of hand-warmer pockets.

The women’s salopettes include a drop seat with a zip down each side, protected by a double storm flap.

The shoulder straps are elasticated and fabric covered.

There is a large cargo pocket on the thigh as well as hand-warmer pockets on the front; on the women’s version this was a tunnel pocket across the chest.

A tiny amount of water got in through the neck on the water test, though this could have been how we were wearing it.

The wrists were totally dry.

Overall, these are very serious waterproofs made of top-quality fabric, with a tough taffeta inner face that should last well.

They were well thought out with some nice new ideas to reduce drying times.

While the mesh lining was not as cosy as the old fleece, they will keep much dryer.

• Women’s version includes a drop-seat • Includes lifejacket attachment loops • Two sets of hand-warmer pockets

• Mesh lining is less comfortable than fleece

Buy it now on eBay (UK) Buy it now on West Marine (US)

Helly Hansen Aegir Ocean Race

Specifications Technology: Helly Tech Waterproof: 25,000mm Cargo pockets: 2 Hand-warmers: 2 Womens version: Yes, drop seat

We tested the Race version of Helly Hansen’s Aegir range as the full Ocean suit would have taken us significantly over budget.

The Aegir Race offers the same quality and style as the Ocean, but with less bulk.

This waterproof jacket was one of the least bulky on test. Despite this, it still offers plenty of cosy protection with a good tall microfleece-lined collar.

The face guard offers loads of adjustment at both ends and stows away neatly into a little pocket in the collar. The elasticated nose piece helps ensure a good fit, but was a bit bulkier than the more contoured panels on other jackets.

The hood is held securely in place by Velcro on the collar and it stows away into a mesh panel to allow it to dry.

A waterproof zip closes the jacket with a single storm flap inside, but does away with external storm flaps.

Despite being shorter than the full Ocean jacket, we still found it plenty long enough. This was the only jacket not to have large cargo pockets, opting instead for zipped pockets, and chest hand-warmers.

These were the only salopettes to offer a full-body fit rather than adjustable straps, with the body made of lightweight, soft-shell fabric.

This reduced bulk, but does not offer adjustment for body length.

The trousers included a large cargo pocket on each thigh, but hand-warmer pockets weren’t present.

The women’s version includes a drop seat with a waterproof zip around the seat rather than up the sides.

Just make sure you close it properly.

There was plenty of reinforcement on the knees and seat and the legs were wide enough to fit over our wellies.

There were no leaks in our splash test, and the jacket offered great flexibility thanks to its pared-down design.

Made of Helly Hansen’s own Helly Tech Professional fabric, these felt good quality with a high standard of finish.

The only shortcoming was the absence of hand-warmer pockets on the salopettes and cargo pockets on the jacket.

• Full-body fit salopettes (rather than adjustable shoulder straps) • Fleece-lined collar • Adjustable face guard

• Other options offer more pockets

Buy the Men’s Jacket now from Helly Hansen Buy the Men’s Salopettes now from Helly Hansen Buy the Women’s Jacket now from Helly Hansen Buy the Women’s Salopettes now from Helly Hansen

Zhik have put a lot of effort into fabric development and engineering a good fit © Graham Snook Photography

Zhik Isotak 2

Specifications Technology: Isotak 2 Multilayer Membrane Waterproof: >28.000 mm Cargo pockets: 2 + 2 Hand-warmers: 2 Women’s version: No, unisex

Australian brand Zhik’s Isotak 2 range is one down from their top-end Isotak Ocean offshore waterproofs.

It includes many of the same features but aims to do so at a lighter weight and slightly lower price, bringing it in at under the £1,000 mark.

The own-brand fabric is claimed to remain both waterproof and breathable for longer than the other products.

The jacket, has a high fleece-lined collar with large hi-vis panel.

The storm flap over the face had Velcro adjustment on both sides and could be snugged in securely, as well being fully removable.

The top of the collar was adjustable, though we found the same issue with the toggle pushing against the head when the hood is up.

The hood is easily adjustable with one hand and includes a drip gutter.

A flap folds over the hood for stowage, rather than a full pocket.

The sleeves had a comfortable articulated design, and there was reinforcement over the seat area, both inside and out.

Fleece-lined pockets behind the large cargo pockets were nice and warm, but there were no chest pockets.

Instead, there was a zipped pocket on the sleeve for a phone or knife.

The salopettes are of a unisex design, with no drop seat on offer.

There was a good amount of space in these salopettes with elasticated waist adjustment.

The soft neoprene shoulder straps were also innovative, with the loose ends being fed into the body of the salopettes and held securely by Velcro on either side – a neat alternative to buckle adjustment.

There are no hand-warmer pockets on the trousers, although there was a secure zipped chest pocket and two large cargo pockets on the thighs, as well as a small pocket for a knife.

On our water test, the PU inner cuffs gave the least effective seal other than the Decathlon jacket.

This could benefit from a softer rubber fabric.

A tiny amount of water got in through the neck, but the jacket was extremely comfortable to wear with a great range of movement – the design of the fit is excellent.

• Seat reinforcement, both inside and out • Elasticated waist adjustment • Fleece-lined pockets

• No women’s or drop-seat versions

Buy it now from eBay (UK)

Specifications Technology: OS1 5DOT 4-layer fabric Waterproof: 35,000mm Cargo pockets: 2 + 1 Hand-warmers: 4 + 2 Women’s version: Yes, drop seat

Gill’s top-end offshore waterproofs feel solidly-made and practical. The heavy-duty ‘5DOT’ fabric is not the lightest but felt durable. The fit was comfortably generous, though we found the women’s slightly less so, but this could have been the sizes we tested.

The waterproof jacket included all the right features. The hood includes a drip gutter above the reinforced peak, volume adjustment and cosy fleece lining around the inner edge. It all zips away into the medium height collar.

As with other jackets, the inner lining has been replaced with a scrim layer laminated inside the outer shell. A waterproof-zipped chest pocket is hidden inside the storm flap.

It also has zipped fleece chest pockets, two large cargo pockets with fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets behind, useful when a lifejacket obscures the chest pockets.

Fit is adjusted at the waist and hem with the adjuster neatly hidden inside the cargo pocket. Outer cuffs and PU inner cuffs ensure a good seal.

The salopettes have a drop seat for women © Graham Snook Photography

Men’s and women’s trousers ensure a good fit.

The women’s trousers are drop seat with crossover straps and two zips up the sides.

The men’s salopettes also had an additional fly zip on the gusset ‘for convenience’.

Both versions came with fleece-lined chest hand-warmer pockets, a thigh cargo pocket and a knife loop.

The legs were good and wide, with adjustment at the ankles.

These offshore waterproofs felt really sturdy and we liked the hand-warmer pockets (add a little bulk but a lot of comfort).

There was reinforcement in all the crucial places and the fit offered good flex, but the next size up in the women’s version seemed to come up quite small.

One minor issue was that the reflective patches on the sleeves sat in the fold from the cuff closure, making the sleeves bulky.

We would have liked to see a more generous storm flap over the face but, despite this, there were no leaks in the water test through either the collar or cuffs.

• Fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets • Drop seat and fly zip for easier trips to the heads • Adjustable waist and hem

• Doesn’t offer as much face protection as other options

Buy the Men’s Jacket now from Amazon Buy the Men’s Salopettes now from Amazon Buy the Women’s Jacket now from Amazon Buy the Women’s Salopettes now from Amazon

Buying a new set of offshore waterproofs is certainly a significant investment for any sailor. As with all of these things, going into a chandlers and trying on different makes and sizes, as well as checking the price tag, will have a big impact on your final decision.

Compared to lower-priced coastal or inshore waterproofs, going for an offshore suit will give you a number of features, whichever brand you pick: high collars with a face guard, fully adjustable hoods, double cuffs, properly sealed zips, longer body length and, perhaps most importantly, top-end fabrics that will stand up to wetter, windier weather for longer than before and that will last for more seasons. The move towards lighter weight garments is welcome.

How we tested the offshore waterproofs

On test were six sets of oilskins, in both men’s and women’s versions. As with our coastal waterproofs test earlier in the season , the only way to test them is to don a set and receive a soaking. So that’s exactly what the YM team did.

To put them through their paces, we examined each of the offshore waterproofs for features and new ideas.

We then wore them out on the water, both on our test day for side-by-side testing, and throughout the season in good weather and bad, to get a good idea of what we liked and didn’t like.

For most, an investment of this kind will be expected to last several seasons, not something we could easily measure, but we did pay attention to quality of construction and practicality.

Finally, we subjected ourselves to having a large bucket of water dumped on us from one metre above head height, and a thorough hosing down under pressure to the front and the back for several minutes.

That done, we checked the grey t-shirts worn beneath for leaks.

What’s right for you?

You just need to decide if you want a waterproof jacket with all the bells and whistles, with a little more bulk, or something more pared back.

In the former camp, Henri Lloyd and Musto came out on top, with Gill following very close behind.

Henri Lloyd was a lighter fabric than the other two, but all featured chest and waist hand-warmers, proper cargo pockets and hand-warmers on the salopettes.

Zhik and Helly Hansen  were more pared back with fewer pockets and features overall, but both had really nice features, like clever hood stowage on the Zhik and excellent fit and flexibility on the Helly Hansen – these were perhaps the most ‘sporty’ on test.

Decathlon has really surprised the team at YM this season with the quality and thorough design of its garments.

These are no cheap imitations, but time will tell how they perform over several seasons.

With thanks to Inspiration Marine for providing their Hanse 388 as Yachting Monthly’s test base for this article.

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

• How to choose sailing clothing: what to wear

Yachting is not just a week of sunbathing on a boat in the Mediterranean. Especially in spring and autumn, the temperatures tend to fluctuate a lot during the day and winds coupled with the occasional shower of sea water doesn't add to the comfort. In such conditions, the right sailing apparel can really help you stay warm and dry. What exactly should you get? What to look for? And what's worth spending money on for more demanding crossings?

Why choose specialist clothing for sailing?

It may occur to you that it isn’t really necessary to buy clothing specifically for sailing when you already have a perfectly fine windbreaker at home. And for summer, you already have a stylish striped t-shirt and shorts. These are nice ideas… but not the best choices. So why? Because yachting apparel must be able to withstand completely different conditions that it has been specially developed for.

What makes sailing apparel special?

• The fabric must be able to handle salt .
• The fabric must be  suitable for dam p and wet conditions (quick-drying, waterproof or water-repellent) or for  direct sunlight  (UV filter).
• The fabric must be  extra strong to be able to withstand friction, movement and contact with the boat.
• The cut must  respect the specifics of movement  on board as well as the weather (high collar, reinforced parts, adjustable elements).

What happens to normal clothing while sailing? The salt quickly clogs the fabric membrane and it ceases to perform its function. The clothing also  wears out or get damaged much faster . Or even worse, they leave you wet and freezing cold.

Of course, some pieces of clothing are  universal  and can be used in the mountains, and on trips and on board a boat. These are items such as functional underwear that you can use as a bottom layer or warm socks on spring or autumn cruises. Remember that  layering is the right way to go . It's better to have several thin layers than one thick one. There is no compromise here.

To buy or not to buy?

Not sure what clothing to buy and whether you’ll make use of it? Try  renting clothes the first time you go out to sea. You’ll be able to see how they feel, find out what suits you and what you personally want to invest in. Plus, you’ll see for yourself exactly how much of a difference there is between a hiking jacket and a sailing jacket.

YACHTING.COM TIP: If you are new to yachting or are only going on one boating holiday, there is no need to worry about specialist sailing clothes. Take a look at our article —  First time on a yacht: what should you pack?  And for a complete list of what to pack for sea (including documents, money, food and everything else), check out our article —   Sailing essentials: don't forget to pack these things .

Why invest in specialist brands and not in retail chains?

Some sports chains offer their very own and  inexpensive yachting lines . For your first tentative steps in yachting, it will probably be enough. But if you’re even the slightest bit serious about yachting, you should definitely try clothing manufacturers who specialize in yachting gear.

Why? Retail chains do not invest as much in development which means the clothing is often outdated. Reputable companies innovate every year and push new materials down to their lower clothing lines, so even the cheapest line is well thought out. And most importantly, they also  invest in the cut of the clothing , i.e. specialist yachting apparel fits better, is more detailed, is better suited to a how a sailor moves about and to the unpredictable weather. 

Whether or not a traditional yellow raincoat is enough at sea is also a heated topic among sailors. One of its main advocates is the well-known expedition yachtsman Jirka Denk.

What clothes to buy for yachting?

When you ask an experienced sailor what clothes to choose, they’ll probably summarize the main principles as follows:  "Protection against water and wind".  Although relatively sound advice, there are many factors involved in this. Let's take a closer look at what exactly lies beneath it and what to look for when making a choice!

We’ll take a look at what to take to Croatia in summer, as well as focussing on clothing for moderate and difficult conditions.

1. What to wear on a yacht in summer?

T-shirt or base layer.

• The best choice is a lycra t-shirt  or a t-shirt made of a functional material. It should fit   comfortably, perfectly draw away moisture and be made of a quick-drying material. And in summer you’ll appreciate a bit of UV protection. We recommend choosing a longer sleeve that protects against the sun and wind.
• For lovers of natural materials, a great choice is clothing made of merino wool . Don't worry, you can choose the lightest weight for the summer. It is naturally functional and antibacterial, helps with thermoregulation and warms even when wet. It draws away moisture and, although woollen, it is really soft and light. Choose a lightweight fabric for the first layer or for summer, and choose a thicker, warmer one as a top layer.
• Even with trousers and shorts, it pays to use a functional material. Again, you will really appreciate it, if it dries quickly and removes moisture. Another advantage is a sporty comfortable fit, which will not limit you in any way when moving around on the boat. In better clothing lines, you’ll also find trousers that are specially reinforced in areas that come under the most stress.

Vest or lighter jacket

• In summer, a light water-repellent windbreak er will suffice. A great choice is also a windproof  vest  which is very comfortable even when working on a boat — your hands remain free and able to move unhindered.  

2. What to wear in medium conditions (INSHORE, spring or autumn recreational yachting)?

Here it is likely that you’ll face  stronger winds and you’ll get  a thorough showering from the sea. That's why it's very important that your clothes hold up in this weather. In spring and autumn there is also a big difference in temperature between the daytime and the evening. And even when the sun is shining, it can feel a lot colder due to the wind and moisture.

Sailing jacket?

You can't make do with a light windbreaker anymore. So what to look for when choosing a jacket in medium conditions in spring or autumn?

• Higher collar that protects the face from wind and water
• At least a double-layered coated /laminated fabric
• Adjustable cuffs with seal
• Water repellent finish
• Fully taped waterproof seams
• Breathability

An adjustable bottom hem and a solid zipper, ideally with a double cover and sufficiently large front pockets would also be an advantage. An inner pocket is perfect to keep the most important things dry and safe and plenty of  reflective elements  would also be of benefit.

What else is good to know when sailing:

Currents and sailing: the Atlantic Ocean

Sextant and navigation: survival without GPS

The ultimate yacht cleaning kit

New Year's resolution: let's sail more eco

How to sail a yacht on a tailwind

How to sail a yacht in crosswinds

How to have a nautical Christmas

What to pack for a tropical sailing

How to sail a yacht against the wind

How to gear up for the 2024 sailing season

Medicanes in Greece

Top 10 reasons boaters contact their insurers

Layering: why and how to layer clothes for yachting.

Under the jacket, you can layer a warm base layer, as well as a  vest or fleece sweatshirt . In medium conditions, you will use everything you already have for summer sailing.

• Bottom layer

The most important thing for the base layer is absorbency , so choose one that absorbs sweat and moisture well. Because you will be layering more clothes on top of each other,  choose underwear with flat seams . For colder weather, you will appreciate long sleeves and a two-layer construction with an insulated inner thermal layer .

• Middle layer

The main task of the middle layer is perfect insulation and thermal comfort. Therefore an ideal sweatshirt for harsher conditions would also be windproof (densely knitted fleece). But you can also choose more versatile clothing. Most apparel is relatively  universal, so it can be used as a top layer in better weather . In addition to its insulating properties and breathability, it should be light, windproof and waterproof.

Sailing trousers

When choosing trousers, essentially the same applies as for jackets: waterproof, windproof and highly  resistant to mechanical damage . What else do experienced sailors look for?

• Reinforced seat and knees
• Articulated knees
• Taped seams
• Elastic waist , giving you more mobility
• Adjustable ankle cuffs

With or without braces? This depends on you. Trousers with braces are always better at keeping your back dry and warm . The elastic belt then ensures good mobility. And they usually have a well-designed zipper, which is especially handy for men who won’t need to remove them completely. 

3. What to wear in medium to severe conditions (OFFSHORE)?

It's getting tough here, so look for clothes that provide the greatest possible protection. The basic requirement of the clothing is breathability and functionality . On long crossings, in more demanding conditions, you’ll appreciate not having to constantly change clothes without fear of fungal infections. Many sailors could tell you a story or two about mould and mildew on their clothing (and then on their skin).

A tight fit that fully  enables freedom of movement  should be a matter of course. For offshore voyages in harsher conditions, high visibility clothing is also suitable. One innovation is the use of photoluminescent technology for night visibility .

What to look for in an offshore sailing jacket?

The fabric of an offshore jacket must be extra durable and waterproof. In addition to the basic requirements of a jacket for medium conditions, you will also appreciate  the following features :

• Large insulated pockets
• Insulated high collar , insulated hood
• Double-layered laminated fabric with a durable water repellent finish
• Extended hem

Other added benefits would be things such as a loop for attaching a life jacket or a d-ring for attaching tools, flashlights.

In this category, you’ll also find jackets for highly demanding yachtsmen that need to withstand the rigours of a stormy ocean. And how are they different? Protective areas, three or even four-layered fabric, GORE-TEX  membrane or Solas  reflective elements . These jackets are tested in the most demanding conditions (e.g. at the VOLVO Ocean Race) and use cutting-edge technology.

Again, layering  should be used under the jacket.

Trousers for offshore sailing

For more demanding conditions, trousers can be found with, for example, insulated pockets, a thicker fabric and an even greater  emphasis on breathability, water resistance and windproofing than with inshore trousers.

What are the latest trends in the development of yachting apparel?

• Clothing that is multifunctional  and can be worn whilst walking as well as sailing. It has a more casual and modern look, but retains the features needed on board a yacht. Such clothing includes, for example, the new Henri-Lloyd jacket.
• Innovative use of colours . The traditional yellow colour has long been replaced by red. Recently there has been a refreshing use of orange, turquoise, blue and even white.
• Innovation also applies to the fit of the clothing. For example, work is being done on improved peripheral vision while maintaining a high collar.
• And one of the biggest gadgets is clothing which is battery-powered and actively keeps you warm. This is already well-known among technical divers and older skiers.

How to properly take care of sailing clothes?

Salt can cause a lot of problems. It corrodes cuffs, clogs membranes, damages fabric and colour. Therefore, the most important thing is to always rinse your clothing with fresh water  as soon as possible. Ideally, use a hose in the marina and give your clothing a good shower.

Once in a while it is good to wash the clothes in a  gentle/special detergent  to prevent clogging of membranes, which would reduce the effectiveness of the clothing. Needless to say, the use of fabric softener is a definite no-no. In addition to clogging the membrane and thus virtually destroying the functionality of clothing, its use unnecessarily pollutes the environment and our body.

Did our guide help you and you’re ready to hit the shops? Enjoy the new season!

Want to choose the perfect boat? Leave it to me!

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The Comprehensive Guide to Moscow Nightlife

• Posted on April 14, 2018 July 26, 2018
• by Kings of Russia
• 8 minute read

Moscow’s nightlife scene is thriving, and arguably one of the best the world has to offer – top-notch Russian women, coupled with a never-ending list of venues, Moscow has a little bit of something for everyone’s taste. Moscow nightlife is not for the faint of heart – and if you’re coming, you better be ready to go Friday and Saturday night into the early morning.

This comprehensive guide to Moscow nightlife will run you through the nuts and bolts of all you need to know about Moscow’s nightclubs and give you a solid blueprint to operate with during your time in Moscow.

What you need to know before hitting Moscow nightclubs

Prices in moscow nightlife.

Before you head out and start gaming all the sexy Moscow girls , we have to talk money first. Bring plenty because in Moscow you can never bring a big enough bankroll. Remember, you’re the man so making a fuzz of not paying a drink here or there will not go down well.

Luckily most Moscow clubs don’t do cover fees. Some electro clubs will charge 15-20$, depending on their lineup. There’s the odd club with a minimum spend of 20-30$, which you’ll drop on drinks easily. By and large, you can scope out the venues for free, which is a big plus.

Bottle service is a great deal in Moscow. At top-tier clubs, it starts at 1,000$. That’ll go a long way with premium vodka at 250$, especially if you have three or four guys chipping in. Not to mention that it’s a massive status boost for getting girls, especially at high-end clubs.

Without bottle service, you should estimate a budget of 100-150$ per night. That is if you drink a lot and hit the top clubs with the hottest girls. Scale down for less alcohol and more basic places.

Dress code & Face control

Door policy in Moscow is called “face control” and it’s always the guy behind the two gorillas that gives the green light if you’re in or out.

In Moscow nightlife there’s only one rule when it comes to dress codes:

You can never be underdressed.

People dress A LOT sharper than, say, in the US and that goes for both sexes. For high-end clubs, you definitely want to roll with a sharp blazer and a pocket square, not to mention dress shoes in tip-top condition. Those are the minimum requirements to level the playing field vis a vis with other sharply dressed guys that have a lot more money than you do. Unless you plan to hit explicit electro or underground clubs, which have their own dress code, you are always on the money with that style.

Getting in a Moscow club isn’t as hard as it seems: dress sharp, speak English at the door and look like you’re in the mood to spend all that money that you supposedly have (even if you don’t). That will open almost any door in Moscow’s nightlife for you.

Types of Moscow Nightclubs

In Moscow there are four types of clubs with the accompanying female clientele:

High-end clubs:

These are often crossovers between restaurants and clubs with lots of tables and very little space to dance. Heavy accent on bottle service most of the time but you can work the room from the bar as well. The hottest and most expensive girls in Moscow go there. Bring deep pockets and lots of self-confidence and you have a shot at swooping them.

Regular Mid-level clubs:

They probably resemble more what you’re used to in a nightclub: big dancefloors, stages and more space to roam around. Bottle service will make you stand out more but you can also do well without. You can find all types of girls but most will be in the 6-8 range. Your targets should always be the girls drinking and ideally in pairs. It’s impossible not to swoop if your game is at least half-decent.

Basic clubs/dive bars:

Usually spots with very cheap booze and lax face control. If you’re dressed too sharp and speak no Russian, you might attract the wrong type of attention so be vigilant. If you know the local scene you can swoop 6s and 7s almost at will. Usually students and girls from the suburbs.

Electro/underground clubs:

Home of the hipsters and creatives. Parties there don’t mean meeting girls and getting drunk but doing pills and spacing out to the music. Lots of attractive hipster girls if that is your niche. That is its own scene with a different dress code as well.

What time to go out in Moscow

Moscow nightlife starts late. Don’t show up at bars and preparty spots before 11pm because you’ll feel fairly alone. Peak time is between 1am and 3am. That is also the time of Moscow nightlife’s biggest nuisance: concerts by artists you won’t know and who only distract your girls from drinking and being gamed. From 4am to 6am the regular clubs are emptying out but plenty of people, women included, still hit up one of the many afterparty clubs. Those last till well past 10am.

As far as days go: Fridays and Saturdays are peak days. Thursday is an OK day, all other days are fairly weak and you have to know the right venues.

The Ultimate Moscow Nightclub List

Short disclaimer: I didn’t add basic and electro clubs since you’re coming for the girls, not for the music. This list will give you more options than you’ll be able to handle on a weekend.

Preparty – start here at 11PM

Classic restaurant club with lots of tables and a smallish bar and dancefloor. Come here between 11pm and 12am when the concert is over and they start with the actual party. Even early in the night tons of sexy women here, who lean slightly older (25 and up).

The second floor of the Ugolek restaurant is an extra bar with dim lights and house music tunes. Very small and cozy with a slight hipster vibe but generally draws plenty of attractive women too. A bit slower vibe than Valenok.

Very cool, spread-out venue that has a modern library theme. Not always full with people but when it is, it’s brimming with top-tier women. Slow vibe here and better for grabbing contacts and moving on.

High-end: err on the side of being too early rather than too late because of face control.

Secret Room

Probably the top venue at the moment in Moscow . Very small but wildly popular club, which is crammed with tables but always packed. They do parties on Thursdays and Sundays as well. This club has a hip-hop/high-end theme, meaning most girls are gold diggers, IG models, and tattooed hip hop chicks. Very unfavorable logistics because there is almost no room no move inside the club but the party vibe makes it worth it. Strict face control.

Close to Secret Room and with a much more favorable and spacious three-part layout. This place attracts very hot women but also lots of ball busters and fakes that will leave you blue-balled. Come early because after 4am it starts getting empty fast. Electronic music.

A slightly kitsch restaurant club that plays Russian pop and is full of gold diggers, semi-pros, and men from the Caucasus republics. Thursday is the strongest night but that dynamic might be changing since Secret Room opened its doors. You can swoop here but it will be a struggle.

Mid-level: your sweet spot in terms of ease and attractiveness of girls for an average budget.

Started going downwards in 2018 due to lax face control and this might get even worse with the World Cup. In terms of layout one of the best Moscow nightclubs because it’s very big and bottle service gives you a good edge here. Still attracts lots of cute girls with loose morals but plenty of provincial girls (and guys) as well. Swooping is fairly easy here.

I haven’t been at this place in over a year, ever since it started becoming ground zero for drunken teenagers. Similar clientele to Icon but less chic, younger and drunker. Decent mainstream music that attracts plenty of tourists. Girls are easy here as well.

Sort of a Coyote Ugly (the real one in Moscow sucks) with party music and lots of drunken people licking each others’ faces. Very entertaining with the right amount of alcohol and very easy to pull in there. Don’t think about staying sober in here, you’ll hate it.

Artel Bessonitsa/Shakti Terrace

Electronic music club that is sort of a high-end place with an underground clientele and located between the teenager clubs Icon and Gipsy. Very good music but a bit all over the place with their vibe and their branding. You can swoop almost any type of girl here from high-heeled beauty to coked-up hipsters, provided they’re not too sober.

Afterparty: if by 5AM  you haven’t pulled, it’s time to move here.

Best afterparty spot in terms of trying to get girls. Pretty much no one is sober in there and savage gorilla game goes a long way. Lots of very hot and slutty-looking girls but it can be hard to tell apart who is looking for dick and who is just on drugs but not interested. If by 9-10am you haven’t pulled, it is probably better to surrender.

The hipster alternative for afterparties, where even more drugs are in play. Plenty of attractive girls there but you have to know how to work this type of club. A nicer atmosphere and better music but if you’re desperate to pull, you’ll probably go to Miks.

Weekday jokers: if you’re on the hunt for some sexy Russian girls during the week, here are two tips to make your life easier.

Chesterfield

Ladies night on Wednesdays means this place gets pretty packed with smashed teenagers and 6s and 7s. Don’t pull out the three-piece suit in here because it’s a “simpler” crowd. Definitely your best shot on Wednesdays.

If you haven’t pulled at Chesterfield, you can throw a Hail Mary and hit up Garage’s Black Music Wednesdays. Fills up really late but there are some cute Black Music groupies in here. Very small club. Thursday through Saturday they do afterparties and you have an excellent shot and swooping girls that are probably high.

Shishas Sferum

This is pretty much your only shot on Mondays and Tuesdays because they offer free or almost free drinks for women. A fairly low-class club where you should watch your drinks. As always the case in Moscow, there will be cute girls here on any day of the week but it’s nowhere near as good as on the weekend.

In a nutshell, that is all you need to know about where to meet Moscow girls in nightlife. There are tons of options, and it all depends on what best fits your style, based on the type of girls that you’re looking for.

Related Topics

• moscow girls
• moscow nightlife

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1. Meshherskoye

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6. shore house.

• Levoberezhny Beach
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