Here's What to Wear on a Yacht

Are you looking to dress your best on the boat this season? Are you lost when it comes to finding the perfect outfit for your next yachting excursion?

We've got your guide to what to wear on a yacht so you can dress to impress.

Dress for the Occasion

First, you'll need to know what you're doing on the yacht. If you're looking for what to wear on a yacht for a day trip, you'll be in a completely different scenario for an overnight, or if you're only going for dinner.

Plus, standard yacht attire for male-identified people and standard yacht attire for female-identified people attends to be different, so it's important to keep social norms in mind if blending in is an important issue for you.

If you're having dinner on a yacht, go for standard cocktail attire. Dresses for women, and blazers for men. Ballet flats are the perfect shoes for a fancy occasion on a boat. Dresses should be knee-length or longer since they can fly up in the wind on the boat.

Men should make sure their clothes are carefully tailored for a sleek look. For particularly fancy events, like weddings, your hosts will probably send an invite with a dress code, so make sure you read it and follow the instructions for dressing that you're given.

Casual Occasions on a Yacht

If you're headed out on a day trip, men should look at Bermuda shorts and other comfortable and practical options. Pants made out of madras, twill, corduroy, or cotton are all great for day trips out on the boat. You can pair them with deck driver shoes in a complementary shade. Make sure you also wear socks, while you're at it!

If you plan to try out water sports, like waterskiing or wakeboarding, while hanging out on the yacht, make sure that you bring a bathing suit or wear it underneath your clothes. That way, you won't end up soaked through at the end of the day.

For people who plan to laze around on deck, the answer to this question is simple. Women can wear a bathing suit, whatever cover-up they feel comfortable with (such as a caftan), sunglasses, and sandals. Men can wear sandals, swim trunks, and a nice polo. You'll suit the occasion and be comfortable while you do it.

Know Your Hosts

If you're planning on paying a visit to someone else's yacht, keep their preferences in mind. Your hosts will have a big impact on the dress code for your yacht trip.

Some people will expect something dressier, and some hosts will expect a more practical look. When in doubt, you can ask them what they have in mind for the day and what they plan to wear! That way, you'll be sure to be appropriately dressed for your upcoming yachting trip.

Go Classic With Your Boating Style

There are a bunch of classic nautical options you can work into your yachting wardrobe. The standard horizontal striped long-sleeved t-shirt, with a boat neckline for women, will never lead you wrong when you wear it out boating.

Everyone loves a polo shirt for a day out on the boat. Motifs like anchors, lobsters, fish, and the good old American flag will fit right in while you're fishing off the side of your yacht.

Or, if you'd rather go a little ironic with your yachting outfit, try wearing a classic Hawaiian shirt.

Just make sure you're comfortable with whatever you choose to wear. Confidence is key with any outfit, so while looking appropriate is important, it's also important to feel good about your outfit so you can project that feeling to the world.

Basically, you don't want to overthink it when you're choosing what to wear on a yacht. Dress simply, and don't overaccessorize. Stick to simple color schemes, and stay away from wearing multiple clashing patterns at once.

Be Practical When You Dress for the Yacht

While yachting can be a fancy occasion, it's still important to be practical. Make sure that you wear hats and scarves (along with plenty of sunscreen, ideally with an SPF of at least 15 to keep the sun from burning you.

You can also try wearing a visor if you're worried about your head getting too warm. Sunglasses are also a great choice to keep the sun out of your eyes, and you can get them in a wide variety of different styles to suit your needs.

Wear the right shoes to prevent slipping or injury on the deck. Don't wear heels while yachting, in any circumstances. You also don't want to get caught in anything while you're out on the boat. Stick with clothes that fit closer to your body, rather than floaty dresses. That's why you'll want to stay away from scarves, as well.

Make sure any jewelry you wear is waterproof, and stay away from wearing things that could be damaged by the wind or the water. That includes metal that could be damaged. And, it can be colder in the water than on land, so bring an extra sweater or windbreaker for the trip. Layers are always a great choice for being out on the water. 

What to Wear on a Yacht? No Problem

It's no problem to answer the question, "What to wear on a yacht?" Just make sure you're comfortable, confident, and suit the occasion

Do you have more questions about proper yacht attire this spring and summer? Contact us for all the answers you need.


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