What to Wear for a Boat Trip: Practical Style, Top Picks, and Fit Confidence

A boat trip—whether a breezy sail, coastal cruise, or sunset yacht outing—demands outfits that feel great, look stylish, and work flawlessly in wind, sun, and spray. Here's a detailed guide packed with tips and brand suggestions to help you dress smart, stay safe, and shine.

Core Principles for Boat Style

Layer Smart
Weather on the water shifts fast. Start with breathable base layers (cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics), add a mid-layer (light sweater or fleece), and finish with a windbreaker or water-resistant shell for sudden gusts or spray.
Choose Light & Bright
Whites, pastels, and soft neutrals reflect sun, help you stay cool, and look effortlessly nautical.
Functional Footwear
Opt for non-marking, non-slip soles—classic boat shoes, espadrilles, or rubber-soled sandals. Avoid heels or street shoes that could mark the deck or cause a trip hazard.
UV Protection
The water doubles UV exposure. Pack wide-brimmed hats, UV sunglasses, and SPF. UPF-rated layers or light cover-ups add stylish sun-shielding.
Secure Accessories
Choose snug-fitting hats and minimal jewellery—less chance of losing them overboard.

👗 Women’s Boat Trip Looks

Resort-Chic Ensemble

Outfit: Crisp white linen trousers + striped tee or breezy shirt dress
Accessories: Straw fedora, aviator sunglasses
Shoes: Flat espadrilles or leather boat shoes

Swimsuit & Sarong Combo

One-piece or elegant bikini under a kaftan or sarong
Wide-brim hat, crossbody bag, grip-sanded sandals

Casual Linen Coordinates

Linen short set (tank + loose shorts), light overshirt for breeze
Canvas slip-ons and a UV bucket hat

🧍 Men’s Nautical Fit

Smart-Casual Mariner

Navy chinos or light linen trousers
Cotton polo or breathable button-up striped shirt
Brown deck shoes or canvas sneakers
Wayfarers and understated watch

Relaxed Sailing Outfit

Tailored swim shorts + cotton t-shirt
Linen overshirt for layering
Rubber-soled sandals or boat shoes

✅ Top Brands for Boat Trips

Women

H&M & Zara – Affordable swim shirts, kaftans, boardies—with friendly summer fits
Condé Nast Traveler
+3
fishandski.com
+3
Triton Charters
+3
Triton Charters
+1
fishandski.com
+1
Tellar
+1
Condé Nast Traveler
+1
Mango – Streamlined linen pieces that layer beautifully
Tellar
Hunza G & Eres – Crinkle swimwear that fits a range of body types (UK 6–16), though bust/hip fits vary
Tellar
Kori – Breezy resortwear; ideal for layered kaftans & linen, but runs large
Oseree – Sophisticated eco swimwear; some styles fit smaller—sizing check is key
Pinterest
+4
Tellar
+4
freeflyapparel.com
+4

Men

Orlebar Brown – Tailored swim shorts that transition into smart casual wear
Tellar
Vilebrequin – Premium board shorts with top-tier fabrics
Tellar
High-street staples (Mango, Zara) also offer lightweight linen and cotton outer layers ideal for layering
Tellar

🧩 Why Fit Is Everything at Sea

Freedom to move: Clothes shouldn’t restrict you when boarding, leaning, or lounging. Too-tight swimwear rides up; oversized kaftans can catch on deck hardware.
Coverage matters: Proper fit protects skin and looks polished. Loose layers can slip, ride up, or expose you.
Sun-safe layering: Accurate fits ensure UV protection works—no gaping hems or shirt tails flapping in the wind.

Tellar’s platform helps solve this fit puzzle—especially for brands where size runs large, small, or inconsistent.

🌐 Tellar.co.uk – Your Boat Trip Outfit Savvy

Tellar is the UK’s free clothing sizing service covering over 1,500 brands. It pairs your* unique body measurements with real-world garment sizes—no guesswork, no sizing surprises.

🔧 How Tellar Works

Record your body dimensions (chest, waist, hips) on your Tellar profile. Measure with Tellar’s free tape or add an existing trusted size.
Select your target brand—Hunza G, Oseree, Orlebar Brown, Mango, Zara—and instantly get your best fit.
Receive fit guidance: Notes like “runs large,” “tight in bust,” or “relaxed hip fit” help you make smart choices.
Global size conversions: UK, EU, US—Tellar translates seamlessly.

📚 Tellar’s Boat Trip Style Guides

Tellar offers a variety of deep-dive posts tailored to waterwear and seasonal styling:

The Best Poolside & Boat‑Trip Clothing – tips, sizing notes, high-street vs designer breakdown (July 3, 2025)
Tellar
freeflyapparel.com

Highlights: H&M generous, Mango slim; Hunza G one-size but varies by bust; Oseree needs fit attention
Brand‑specific Sizing Guides (accessible via Tellar navigation):
- Hunza G fit analysis
- Oseree sustainable swimwear size breakdown
- Kori resortwear sizing tips

These always link back to the core profile tool to deliver real sizes for real bodies.

✅ Quick Fit Checklist for Boatwear

Pick your style: swimwear, linen, kaftan, or resort set
Refer to brand-specific fit notes from Tellar posts
Run Fit → Measure or profile to get your size
Choose secure, non-fussy shoes & accessories
Relax aboard knowing your outfit will perform—no trips, no sunburn, just style

🔗 Keep Styled with Tellar

For ongoing tips, fit breakdowns, and seasonal wardrobe inspiration—follow us:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @Tellar100
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarUK

✨ Final Thoughts

Boat trips are mini-adventures, combining sun, wind, movement, and comfort. Choose lightweight, breathable layers to reflect light and regulate temperature. Stick to secure shoes and stylish sun-protecting accessories. The perfect fit means every piece stays in place, protects properly, and helps you feel confident.

With Tellar.co.uk, you can size up before you click—especially in brands with tricky sizing. Fit for the boat, fit for the moment. Sail smart, sail stylish.