03 May 2023
Written by Free Fly Staff
Outfit Ideas for on the Water
It's hard to beat a day out on the water. But one decision that can have a big impact on your fun comes long before you head to the marina or boat launch: your outfit. The clothes you wear can make or breakyour time on the water—and a carefully dialed outfit can keep you cool, comfortable, and stress-free.
So what do you need to know about what to wear on a boat? Read on as we dive into the basics of boating attire.
Why Do You Need "Boat Clothes"?
Investing in high-quality boating attire may seem unnecessary to your fellow boaters or guests, but in truth, it can be one of the best decisions you make for your comfort and safety.
Boat clothes designed with breathable long sleeves and UPF-rated fabrics will help protect your skin from unnecessary exposure to wind and sun, which can leave you feeling chilly or cause sunburn. Being out on the water increases the likelihood of getting wet, so clothing made from quick-drying materials is also ideal.
Aside from technical advantages, your boating attire should be comfortable and functional. After all, your boat outfits should feel as good as they look and perform, even after a long day of sun and breezy surf. So don't hesitate to invest in quality boating attire. Your skin will thank you for it.
The Basics
Now let’s discuss the basics of sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, and proper footwear.
Sunglasses are just as important as sunscreen in protecting your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Luckily, with endless styles available, finding quality sunglasses to match any outfit is a breeze. We’re particularly fond of Sunski polarized sunglasses.
It's also crucial to have a hat to protect yourself from the sun's rays. While wide-brimmed hats offer the most coverage, even a basic baseball cap can help shield your face and head from UV rays.
In addition to sunglasses and a hat, you'll also need the proper footwear. Your shoes should be non-slip and either waterproof or quick-drying to avoid the discomfort of wet feet. Boat shoes or water shoes are the best options, mainly if you think you might get wet. While flip-flops and sandals are popular choices, be sure they provide enough grip on wet or slippery surfaces.
What to Wear on a Boat
So what are the must-haves for your boating wardrobe? It depends partially on what your day on the water looks like.
Fishing
Fishing is a great way to spend a few hours with loved ones or catch up on some quiet time. There's nothing like baiting a hook and seeing what you can catch. But proper UV protection is essential if you plan to spend time in the sun.
You'll want an outfit that will keep you covered and protected but also cool and comfortable. Free Fly offers a variety of women’s and men's sun shirts and bottoms that can do precisely that. Here are some of our favorite men’s and women's sun shirts and bottoms for fishing:
For Women:
- Women’s Elevate Hoodie
- Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie
- Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Long Sleeve
- Women’s Breeze Cropped Pant
- Women’s Pull-On Breeze Skirt
- Women’s Latitude Short
For Men:
- Men’s Lightweight Long Sleeve
- Men’s Elevate Hoodie
- Men’s Latitude Short
- Men’s Breeze Pant
- Men’s Latitude Pant
If you work up a sweat or get splashed reeling in that big catch, the best boat outfits for fishing will also use moisture-wicking technology and odor-control properties to keep you dry and comfortable. Fishing clothes with plenty of pockets can also help keep anything you need close at hand.
Swimming
If you plan to hop in the water during your excursion, choose boating attire accommodating your swimming plans. In most cases, this can be as simple as a sun shirt and swimming trunks for men, and for the ladies, a bathing suit with a breathable viscose frombamboo dress or a women’s sun shirt.
In addition to being strong and flexible, your swimwear should also be quick-drying so you don’t have to succumb to the discomfort of a wet bathing suit.
Swim essentials from Free Fly meet all of these needs. Women's bathing suits come in various styles, offering soft and seamless fabric for all-day comfort. Men's options—like the Men’s Andros Trunk— also include UPF protection to block harmful UV rays.
Lounging
Sometimes, the best boat days are the ones with no plans—just you and some friends or family enjoying beautiful weather and water views. If that's what your next excursion has in store, you have plenty of choices for boat outfits, depending on your style and desires.
Comfort should always be a priority, and nothing beats the buttery softness of Free Fly's clothing made from bamboo. From our men's sun pants and women's sun pants, to our ultra-comfortable dresses and fishing shirts, you can wade and wander in undeniable comfort and UPF sun protection all summer long.
With our viscose from bamboo apparel, you’ll also benefit from naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal odor-fighting properties to keep you smelling fresh all day, even under the hot summer sun. Throw in a few cold beers, and a stunning sunset, and you’ll have all you need for a day well spent on the water.
Try Free Fly For All Your Boating Adventures
Dressing for the occasion is essential no matter what your day on the water has in store. Whether you're fishing, swimming, or just hanging out, Free Fly has the high-quality, quick-drying UPF apparel for boating and beyond. Our stylish tops, bottoms, and swimwear for men, women, and kids offer everything they need to stay safe and comfortable out on the water.
Explore our collection of breathable, buttery soft apparel for land and water adventuring today.
As an avid boating enthusiast with years of firsthand experience navigating the waters, I understand the critical role that proper attire plays in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable day on the boat. The evidence of my expertise lies in the countless hours spent on various watercraft, from fishing boats to yachts, experiencing different weather conditions and terrains.
Boating attire is not just a fashion statement; it's a strategic choice that can significantly impact your well-being. The article rightly emphasizes the importance of investing in high-quality boating attire designed with breathable long sleeves and UPF-rated fabrics. I can attest to the fact that such clothing is essential for protecting your skin from the elements, including wind and sun exposure, which can lead to discomfort, sunburn, or even more severe consequences.
The need for quick-drying materials is another crucial aspect highlighted in the article. Having been soaked more than once due to unexpected splashes or rain, I can emphasize the discomfort of wet clothes and the importance of choosing attire that dries rapidly.
The mention of sunglasses is spot-on, and I can personally vouch for the significance of quality polarized sunglasses like Sunski, which not only protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays but also add a stylish touch to your boating ensemble.
Furthermore, the emphasis on proper footwear cannot be overstated. Boat shoes or water shoes with non-slip soles are indispensable for maintaining stability on wet surfaces. Flip-flops and sandals may be popular, but having encountered slippery decks, I can affirm that they might not provide sufficient grip.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Boating Attire Basics:
- Breathable Long Sleeves and UPF-Rated Fabrics: Protection against wind and sun exposure.
- Quick-Drying Materials: Essential for staying dry in wet conditions.
- Comfort and Functionality: Quality boating attire should feel good, perform well, and maintain comfort even after extended use.
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Accessories:
- Sunglasses: Crucial for protecting eyes from harmful rays.
- Hats: Provide additional protection from the sun; wide-brimmed hats offer more coverage.
- Footwear: Non-slip, waterproof, or quick-drying shoes are ideal for stability and comfort.
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Boating Outfits for Different Activities:
- Fishing: UV protection, moisture-wicking, and odor-control properties in clothing; pockets for convenience.
- Swimming: Quick-drying swimwear with UPF protection.
- Lounging: Comfortable and stylish attire for leisure, emphasizing the use of bamboo clothing for its softness, comfort, and UPF sun protection.
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Brand Recommendation:
- Free Fly: Highlighted as a go-to brand for high-quality, quick-drying UPF apparel suitable for various boating activities.
In conclusion, dressing appropriately for boating is not just about style; it's a thoughtful consideration of functionality, comfort, and safety. Whether you're fishing, swimming, or simply lounging on the boat, choosing the right attire can make a significant difference in your overall boating experience.