Most Popular Nautical Clothing Brands: Helly Hansen, Musto, Henri Lloyd, Sperry, Slam

So much about sailing seems glamorous, especially when we have often painted scenarios of colorful sundresses swaying in the breeze of a sea-view sundeck. And while much of your Adriatic sailing holiday would likely feature that exact summer scene, this attire isn’t exactly up to the most serious sailing standards, especially when we consider those potentially treacherous winds on the high seas. 

Fortunately, several nautical clothing brands have surfaced over the years to design the best apparel for life at sea, from high-tech and waterproof windbreakers and drysuits to handcrafted deck shoes that add a dash of style on board and land. And some of them are so good, you’ll be making room in your luggage in no time.

We’re bringing you the best nautical clothing brands to outfit your next sailing adventure.

Helly Hansen

Hailing from Norway, Helly Hansen is a pioneer in the nautical clothing brand scene, with roots dating to 1877! The over 140-year history began with Helly Juell Hansen himself, who opted for a solution to better protect himself from the rather harsh Norwegian weather. Hansen and his wife Margrethe first started by producing waterproof oilskin jackets, trousers, sou’westers, and tarpaulins made from linseed oil-soaked coarse linen. And the rest is history.

Today, Helly Hansen is an indispensable name in the sailing world, with gear worn by world-class sailors no matter which ocean or sea they’re sailing in. Helly Hansen prioritizes performance, protection, and safety when designing their nautical wear, with many first-to-market innovations developed from first-hand accounts in the world’s harshest environments. The ​​most innovative was released in 2020 - the LIFA INFINITY PRO™ made without any added chemical treatments!

Helly Hansen’s sailing line ranges from waterproof jackets, smocks, and bibs to crew caps and quick-dry polos, all of which promise sustainability and breathability to deliver no matter where you are in the world. It’s no surprise, then, that this nautical clothing brand is a proud partner of some of the most iconic regattas and sailing associations in the world.

Discover Helly Hansen products

Musto 

Musto is known as one of the world’s leading sailing brands with over 50 years of experience designing cutting-edge performance apparel. This tried-and-true British band was founded by Keith Musto, a member of the 1964 British Olympic sailing squad, who did the unthinkable by winning silver in Tokyo! However, sailing in Guernsey sweaters and old flannel trousers would no longer cut it for Musto, which prompted him to produce ground-breaking technical sailing apparel with a breathable and waterproof fabric. But Keith didn’t get into designing clothes straight away.

Keith first created sails with Edward Hyde under Musto & Hyde Sails before teaching himself the basics of manufacturing technical sailing clothing. After splitting from Musto & Hyde in 1980, Keith created the best sailing kit available, endorsed by the world’s best sailors.

Musto is unique because they want sailors to perform at their peak, using fabric technology to keep sailors dry and comfortable. All products are tested in the world’s most hostile environments to make sure they can endure all adverse weather, while their clothes, footwear, luggage, and accessories can be worn on leisurely sailing weekends too. Known as where style meets hi-tech performance, Musto is a British brand with an international outlook, with garments that promise lifetime longevity and durability. Today, their drysuits offer survival times of up to 3 hours in waters as cold as 5°C and have been worn by world-renowned sailors including Skip Novak, Grant Dalton, and Ellen McArthur!

See more  Musto products 

Henri Lloyd 

Henri Lloyd has celebrated its British sailing heritage for over six decades, all thanks to the mission of Henri Strzelecki, who endeavored to create the world’s best waterproof clothing. And in its illustrious 60-year history, Henri Lloyd’s garments have traveled the world and even became the chosen brand of the world’s most successful Olympic sailor, Sir Ben Ainslie!

 Henri Lloyd is a pioneer in nautical clothing, creating many world firsts within technical clothing, like the invention of the nylon zip. But what makes Henry Lloyd genuinely stand out is its dedication to sustainability, ensuring clothing that is high quality, responsibly designed, and timeless that will endure all weather conditions no matter where you are on water or land.

In an effort to minimize their impact on the environment, Henri Lloyd aims to source 80% of their products in Europe, decreasing their carbon footprint and guaranteeing quality working conditions, while 100% of their new products are recycled, organic, or zero waste! From sailing jackets to legwear, mid-layers, baselayers, and accessories, these garments are made using the finest materials, providing first-class attire that is designed to last.

Find yourself proper sailing clothing on Henri Lloyd's official website 

Sperry

A brand so popular it is known beyond the sailing world, Sperry’s footwear legacy has been in the spotlight for over 80 years. Known as the ‘original prep icon’ and formerly as the Sperry top-sider, Sperry’s handcrafted heritage products span from boat shoes to loafers, sandals, slippers, boots, and oxfords, promising men and women alike will look their best while traversing the high seas or boat-themed parties.

The world’s first boat shoe was founded in 1935 by avid sailor Paul Sperry, whose fall overboard urged him to develop a non-slip shoe. He even drew inspiration from his cocker spaniel's paw, mimicking its traction-enhancing grooves for the first-ever Sperry shoe.

Over the last 80 years, Sperry’s American-style footwear has been worn both on and off the boat thanks to a timeless selection of styles and colors that have no bounds to any genre or generation. Sperry’s irresistible and functional style also strives to be environmentally conscious, with a commitment to quality, reliability, and comfort.

Sperry’s Authentic Original boat shoes are certainly their bestseller. However, their entire fashion-forward line can be found in the most prominent and trendiest retailers around the world, with two specialty stores and 40 outlet stores across the United States. Footwear News even named Sperry Top-Sider the Brand of the Year in 2009!

Discover the perfect Sperry footwear

Slam

It all began when four sea-loving friends drinking wine decided to create a sailing clothing brand. And the first ‘Mickey Bear’ fleece designed for sailors came soon after.

Offering optimal performance and unmistakable style, Slam today is a Genoa gem that has been in business for over 40 years. Targeting competitive yachtsmen, women, and sailing enthusiasts, Slam manufactures practical, efficient garments and uses state-of-the-art technologies with a focus on performance to win no matter the weather.

Slam’s technical clothing is thus designed for competitive sailing, with an innovative line of high-performance wear created thanks to first-hand experience in regattas around the world. Using technological research from athletes on the ground resulted in a waterproof nautical clothing brand that can resist all weather conditions with freedom of movement, protection, and comfort at its core.

Slam has developed precious partnerships with sailors and international Yacht Clubs over the years, namely sponsoring the British Commodore’s Cup in the early 2000s. While Slam athletes also won gold medals at the 50th Rolex Giraglia and the Rolex Sydney to Hobart, the company’s garments were indeed taken to the next level when world champion yachtsman Russel Coutts agreed to be a tester, which revolutionized the brand and resulted in an America’s Cup win in 2010!

 With a yachting line that is stylish enough to be worn on dry land, Slam has taken the cake as one of the best nautical clothing brands out there.

See some of the Slam's best sellers