The right sailing pants or shorts depend on where you sail and how wet you expect to get.
For warm coastal cruising, lightweight stretch shorts may be enough. Racing or sailing in heavy spray calls for something more technical, while colder or rougher conditions are better suited to waterproof trousers.
Look for freedom of movement, quick-drying or waterproof materials, reinforced areas, and secure pockets that remain useful on deck.
Musto EVO Performance Stretch Shorts
The Musto EVO Performance Stretch Shorts are a strong choice for warm-weather sailing.
They are designed as technical deck shorts, with stretch fabric for easier movement and reinforced areas to handle regular use on board.
Compared with ordinary cotton shorts, they are much better suited to spray, heat, and repeated movement around the deck.
For fair-weather cruising and day sailing, they are one of the more versatile options.
Gill OS3 Coastal Waterproof Sailing Shorts
The Gill OS3 Coastal Waterproof Sailing Shorts are useful when the weather is warm but you still expect plenty of spray.
They use Gill’s waterproof XPLORE two-layer construction with taped seams, a reinforced seat, cargo pockets, and drainage in the lining.
They are more technical than standard quick-dry shorts and make particular sense for coastal, inshore, and dinghy sailing.
Helly Hansen HP Foil Shorts 2.0
The Helly Hansen HP Foil Shorts 2.0 are aimed more at performance sailing and inshore racing.
They use HELLY TECH Performance construction for waterproof and breathable protection, while the reinforced seat, adjustable waist, and gusseted crotch help with comfort and mobility.
Drainage holes in the pockets are a useful detail when you are getting wet regularly.
These are a good fit for sailors who want the freedom of shorts without giving up too much weather protection.
Musto BR1 Channel Sailing Trousers
When conditions get colder or wetter, the Musto BR1 Channel Trousers are a more practical option.
They are designed for coastal and inshore sailing, with waterproof and windproof protection, adjustable shoulder straps, an elasticated waist, and reinforced knees, seat, and hems.
They offer more protection than basic rain pants without moving into heavier offshore gear.
For sailors who spend a lot of time in changeable weather, they are a solid middle-ground choice.
Gill OS3 Coastal Trousers
The Gill OS3 Coastal Trousers are another dependable option for coastal sailing.
They use waterproof XPLORE fabric and include reinforced knees and seat, a semi-elasticated waist, and cargo pockets.
The design is less bulky than full offshore salopettes, which makes them easier to wear on shorter trips and in milder conditions.
How to Choose Sailing Shorts or Trousers
Temperature matters, but so does how much spray and wind you expect.
For dry summer sailing, lightweight stretch shorts such as the Musto EVO are usually the most comfortable choice.
If the weather is warm but the ride is likely to be wet, waterproof shorts such as the Gill OS3 or Helly Hansen HP Foil are more practical.
For cooler weather, longer passages, or sustained spray, full-length waterproof trousers provide better protection.
Whichever style you choose, look for a few core features:
- Quick-drying or waterproof fabric
- Stretch for easier movement
- Reinforced seat and knees
- Secure pockets
- Taped seams on waterproof models
- Enough room for a base layer underneath
Bib-style trousers also give better overlap with your jacket, helping keep water out when you bend or move around the deck.
Which Are the Best Sailing Pants and Shorts?
For everyday warm-weather sailing, the Musto EVO Performance Stretch Shorts are the most versatile option here.
If you expect wetter conditions, the Gill OS3 Coastal Waterproof Shorts and Helly Hansen HP Foil Shorts 2.0 offer more protection without forcing you into full-length trousers.
For cooler or rougher conditions, the Musto BR1 Channel Trousers and Gill OS3 Coastal Trousers provide proper waterproof coverage without the weight of full offshore gear.
The best choice depends on how and where you sail. For most recreational sailors, lighter coastal gear will be more useful than heavy ocean clothing.
Special thanks for an amazing cover photo to Oliver Sjöström (@ollivves, ollivves.com)
