Yachting apparel – what to wear on your yacht charter

Today's boating gear boasts high-tech fabrics for maintaining body temperature in the heat, cold or wind, UV protection, keeping you dry and your possessions safe.

Not just for the boys, there are women's ranges that are precision cut for all body shapes with added detailing that make them as much fashion as functional! Channel the French 'je ne sais quoi'of Brigitte Bardot and think practical and pretty.

Red white and blue, Breton stripes, soft soled deck shoes (now available in myriad styles, colours and heel heights), Chinos and shorts, Capri pants, shell jackets and vests are key pieces to consider. Notable for their quality, durability, quick drying properties and the fact that they fold up to next to nothing, often in a handy bag, for easy packing.

Flowy gowns, sarongs and kaftans are marvellous for romantic dinners on board, or ashore and for lounging by the Jacuzzi or on deck, but for most activities on your luxury charter vacation take a tip from the best brands in marine lifestyle wear and pack these essentials in your (soft) suitcase.

Designers

Designer brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Ralph Lauren have 'Cruise Collections' each season, drawing on marine staples of crew neck tops, flattering wide leg pants, elegant jackets, scarves and hats. Australian brand Zimmermann has devoted an entire season to marine-inspired pieces that mix and match and take you from polo to party, or superyacht to supper in a snap.

Nautica is a popular brand for the boys and has a brilliant selection of dresses, jackets and accessories for the girls as well! Henri Lloyd too has branched out into onshore clothing that includes flattering dresses, skirts, shorts and pants for women.

J Crew is a massive clothing behemoth with 450 stores in the US and a major online presence. Chic, inexpensive and up with the trends, J Crew has a huge range of yachting basics for men, women and children.

Tommy Hilfiger is the perennially preppy, quintessentially American brand that offers nautical-inspired pieces each season.

Based in the UK, The Nautical Company is a boutique e-tailer specialising in sea-inspired fashion that retains all the precision and performance characteristics of sailing wear. Try it for Breton-striped blazers, tops, dresses, bags, scarves and more.

Dutch brand Scotch & Soda evokes the superyacht prowess of its country each season with pieces that can do double duty – yachting lifestyle and real life. Best of all, they are fashion-forward with details such as stitching, applique and sequins that mean they're never conservative.

Offshore and competitive sailors have long been outfitted by brands such as Henri Lloyd, Musto, Helly Hansen and newcomers Zhik and Gill, all of whom offer casual apparel for onshore wear. A light, all-weather jacket is a great idea for men and women keen to experience time at the helm or at the bow, fishing or exploring in the tender, with spray and splash a possibility.

Sperry, the original deck shoe brand famous for its Docksider has diversified over the past few years and now comes in heels, with a rainbow of colour schemes and styles for all occasions. Of course, your yacht may have a 'no shoes' policy, which means deck shoes and heels are strictly for onshore use and tidy toes should be your main priority!

Accessories

Some are all about decoration while others are vital for on board comfort. Sunglasses, hats and scarves are must-haves. When it comes to sunglasses, polarised is best for UV and reflection protection. Brands like Maui Jim and Barzoptics are marine specialists, promising better clarity, colour and detail, even offering some floating models so your specs are safe if they drop into the drink. Make sure your fashion branded sunnies have polarised lenses, offer maximum UV protection or have an EPF rating, and for ultimate skin and eye protection, go large with a wraparound style.

Packing a bag is all about remembering the essentials and ditching the excess, especially on a charter yacht, albeit a spacious and accommodating vessel. Hard bags are frowned on for the potential damage they can do to decks and timber work, so invest in an equally roomy, but soft-edged carry all and bring any event wear in garment bags for easy hanging.

Contact one of the luxury charter yacht experts at the Luxury Charter Group for details about the range of charter yachts available in worldwide destinations and be one of the best dressed on one of the best yachts.