It's surprisingly simple to understand what to wear on a boat. Almost all boating clothes should be comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying, and appropriate for your planned activities. Hanging out on a pontoon all afternoon is different from jumping in the water for swims and games, but fishing or watersports in the morning shifts the boat outfit formula slightly. Whatever you do on the water though, comfort comes first and your activities fill in the details.

Whether you're looking for fashion tips or just don't want to think about clothes for boating at all, this guide covers the basics of boat attire. You'll find tips on everything from materials to shoes to sun protection to what kids should wear on a boat so you can worry less about what you're wearing and more about having a great time on the water.

What to Wear on a Boat: Comfortable Boating Clothes for Any Activity

Put comfort first, and match your other clothes to your planned activities. Here's a helpful list that applies to most boating days.

Your outfit should include:

Lightweight, breathable, quick-drying materials
Shoes that won't slip off
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, UPF shirt)
Swimsuits if you'll be swimming or doing watersports
A light extra layer for chillier weather or windy conditions

Keep these five categories in mind and you're ready for just about any kind of boating or watersports activity – from family-friendly pontoon rides to dedicated fishing trips – whether you're planning what to wear on a boat ride for an afternoon or a full summer boating outfit for a longer day out.

Lightweight, Breathable Clothes

Short sleeves, athletic wear, and outdoorsy clothing are ideal because they're easy to move around in and dry quickly if you get wet. Throw on a cover-up if you plan to swim, and add a lightweight long sleeve shirt as sun protection if needed.

Avoid heavy fabrics that hold in moisture. Cotton t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jeans will absorb lake water or seawater spray and feel heavy and clammy the rest of the day. Athletic materials wick moisture away from your skin and dry much faster, so they're much more comfortable boat clothes than your typical indoor clothes.

What Shoes Should You Wear on a Boat?

What shoes to wear on a boat comes down to traction as much as style, since the deck can get slippery when wet. Trust us, having boat shoes that provide good traction is helpful.

Recommended options include:

Sandals with back straps that won't slip off
Water shoes
Non-slip sneakers
Deck shoes

The biggest takeaway is that your shoes shouldn't slip off or slide around on wet surfaces. Avoid flip flops with thin straps that might come loose, heels, or leather-soled shoes that don't provide a lot of traction.

Dress for Sun Exposure

You're going to soak up the sun out on open water, so sun protection clothing is worth highlighting. A wide-brimmed hat, quality sunglasses and UPF-rated clothing will minimize your exposure over the course of the day. Throw on a long sleeved shirt for sun protection if you don't want to get sunburned on your arms.

Sunscreen falls into this category too. While it's not clothing, sunscreen is part of a complete sun-protection plan along with hats, shirts, and sunglasses.

Should You Wear a Swimsuit on a Boat?

Swimsuits and cover-ups are great to wear or pack if you'll be swimming, participating in watersports, or stopping at a sandbar. Lots of boat outings with families or groups will build in swimming time at some point, so it's nice to have swimsuits ready to go instead of realizing you forgot them at the last minute.

If swimming is on the agenda, bring along a cover-up you can throw over your swimsuit or a dry change of clothes. Being able to put on something dry is one of the best parts about getting out of the water, whether you're ordering lunch on the boat or heading back home.

Bring a Cover-Up or Change of Clothes

Packing a cover-up or a spare set of dry clothes means you're never stuck sitting around in a wet swimsuit longer than you want to be. It's a small addition to your bag that makes the rest of the day noticeably more comfortable.

Pack an Extra Layer Even on Warm Days

Even if it's warm out, weather conditions on the water aren't quite the same as on land. Air flow from speed and water spray can make temperatures feel cooler than they are, especially once you're out on the water.

Throw a lightweight sweatshirt or windbreaker in your day bag. It won't take up much space and you'll be glad to have it if you get chilled during your trip.

What Should Kids Wear on a Boat?

Kids will wear many of the same things as adults, adjusted for smaller bodies:

Comfortable clothes that dry quickly
Sun protection, ideally with a hat and UPF fabric when possible
Swimsuits if swimming is planned
Secure footwear that won't slip off easily
Life jackets that fit properly

Kids under 13 are required to wear life jackets on boats in most states, but requirements vary. Double check the law in your area ahead of time to stay on the safe side, or check what Your Boat Club provides if you're not sure whether life jackets are included with your rental. Learn more about boating safety with kids to keep them safe while you're out on the water.

What Not to Wear on a Boat

Some types of clothes are more trouble than they're worth on most boats. Avoid:

Heavy clothing that feels uncomfortable when wet
Slippery shoes or shoes that don't stay secured on your feet
Expensive clothes that can't handle water, sun, or activity
Loose accessories like scarves, bracelets, or umbrellas
Jewelry that isn't secured
Clothing that doesn't match your activities

It's okay to bend or break these rules once in a while. They're just here to help you think through what you're packing, not restrict you.

What to Wear Based on Your Boating Plans

Let's look at how your clothes might change slightly based on what you want to do:

Boating Day	Clothing Priorities
Casual pontoon outing	Comfortable clothes, sun protection, sandals or deck shoes
Swimming or sandbar day	Swimwear, cover-up, water-friendly footwear
Fishing	Lightweight layers, sun protection, secure footwear
Watersports	Swimwear, quick-drying clothes
Sightseeing/cruising	Casual lightweight clothing, hat, sunglasses

Spend some time poking around our different types of boats page first if you're still unsure what category your day falls into. A fishing boat, a pontoon boat, and a runabout tend to create three different kinds of boat outings, and what to wear on a pontoon boat can look a little different than what you'd pack for a day of watersports on a runabout. Your clothes will likely reflect that difference.

Dress Well, and Pair it With the Right Boat

Boating is pretty laid back when it comes to clothing. You don't need technical gear like you do for some water sports, and wearing swimsuits all day is perfectly acceptable when appropriate. Keep these pointers in mind so you can pick your clothes just like you'd pick your boat: comfortable, suitable for your activities, and worthy of your time outside.

No matter what you wear on a boat, choosing the right boat helps you have the best time possible. Pontoons, tritoons, and lake access cabin rentals are fun for families or larger groups because there's lots of room to move around, mingle, and enjoy whatever you choose to do. Runabouts are a favorite for guests who want to take on watersports since they're easier to maneuver at higher speeds. Fishing boats build the entire day around what's mentioned above.

Once you know what to wear boating, check out our tips for what to bring on a boat so you can finish planning your perfect day on the water.

Choosing your boat is the fun part. Your Boat Club has boat rental options if you want a single, hassle-free boating day as well as membership options for families and groups who want boating to become part of their regular summer routine.

FAQ

Can you wear regular clothes on a boat?

Yes. Everyday shorts, t-shirts, and athletic wear work fine for most boating days, as long as they're comfortable and not too heavy when wet.

Can you wear flip-flops on a boat?

Basic flip-flops can slip off easily on a wet deck. Sandals with back straps that won't slip off are a safer, more practical choice.

Should you wear jeans on a boat?

Jeans absorb water and stay heavy and clammy once they're wet, so lightweight, quick-drying shorts or pants are usually a better fit.

What shoes are best for boating?

Water shoes, non-slip sneakers, deck shoes, and secure sandals all offer good traction on a wet surface.

Should you bring a jacket on a boat?

Yes. A lightweight sweatshirt or windbreaker is worth packing even on warm days, since wind and spray can make the water feel cooler than expected.

What should kids wear on a boat?

Comfortable clothes, sun protection, a swimsuit if swimming is planned, secure footwear, and a properly fitting life jacket.

What should you wear on a pontoon boat?

Casual, lightweight clothing, sun protection like a hat and sunglasses, and sandals or deck shoes work well for a typical pontoon outing.

What to Wear on a Boat: A Practical Guide for a Comfortable Day on the Water