Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Sailing in Style: What to Wear on a Boat

The date’s set, your bags are (almost) packed, heck, the boat’s at the dock. Don’t head out of town yet, though: You’re going to need to know what to wear on a boat, and as soon as possible, at that. Take a little old-school inspiration in the form of a rugged fisherman’s sweater, throw on some tailored swim shorts, step out in boat shoes that are land and water-ready, then consider yourself geared up to hit the water in style.

After all, this is no time to pull any punches. You might meet relentless or driving winds on the water, and perhaps on the same day — there’s no excuse not to be ready to embrace whatever the high seas (or the lake, or the river!) bring your way. Our stylish picks for what to wear on a boat can help cast off the right way.

Recommended Videos

Pedro and Tailor Tee  

Pedro and Tailor Tee
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A T-shirt becomes more than just a T-shirt if you find the right one, and Pedro & Tailor has carefully crafted this essential tee to work more than stylish no matter where it goes (yes, on and off the boat). Made with soft, American-grown Supima cotton, it’s a tasteful and cool summer tee you can wear to grab a beer back on the mainland.

Howler Brothers Aguacero Jacket

Howler Brothers Aguacero Jacket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hey, we told you it could get choppy and windy out there. Keep this functional, adventure-ready rain jacket on hand from a brand that knows a few things about the great outdoors.

Huckberry Canvas Snapback

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Every guy needs a well-worn, much-loved hat with some stories to go along with it. For tales of adventure (and relaxing days) on the water, get this durable, cool-as-heck canvas snapback from Huckberry.

Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
Spring style: The blue dress shirt is the secret weapon of the season
This is the shirt every man needs in his closet, especially in the spring
Man in blue shirt and suit fixing his collar

There is the four-legged stool for men that refers to the four tailored garments every man should have in his closet. The charcoal suit, the blue suit, the gray suit, and the blazer. These allow you to be ready for everything, from the big meeting in the boardroom to the after-hours event, without spending a ton of money on a dozen suits. Versatility is key. The same concept exists for shirts. You need a handful of shirts that can be worn when pitching the big proposal in the office or grabbing drinks with friends. While the white shirt is the baseline shirt every man should have, there is one shirt that is even more important; the blue dress shirt for men is the secret weapon. It is versatile, attractive, and easy to wear. Here's what you need to know about the most vital shirt in your wardrobe.

The secret weapon for your tailored wardrobe

Read more
Bonobos offers three new options for springtime office style
Choose between two fabrics and three looks from Bonobos to go with the warm weather
Bonobos Linen Suit

As the weather starts to warm up in the spring, your wardrobe needs a bit of a refresh so that you can navigate the office and nightcap get-togethers without dying of heatstroke. Updating your wardrobe for the spring and summer months is as simple as focusing on light and breathable fabrics and brighter colors. Of course, as easy as that sounds, it can get overwhelming with all of the options you have on the market. Natural fibers, like linen and cotton, narrow the search field, and colors like white, beige, and pastels narrow it even further. However, the easiest way is to find a brand that puts it all together for you. Bonobos Springtime office wear gives you three different looks and two different fabrics to update your wardrobe for spring and summer 2025.

All your springtime wardrobe in one place

Read more
Canvas vs. leather shoes: When you should wear each
A guide into canvas vs leather
vans shoe wall in store

No matter your preferred style, there’s no shortage of shoe materials for your next pair. In recent seasons, there’s no doubt that the trendiest styles have come from canvas and leather materials. Even though both are taking over the shoe market, they carry vastly different characteristics that can make or break your look and comfort. Both canvas and leather shoes can easily fit into any style or dress code, canvas shoes evoke a more casual look, while leather is saved for dressier moments.

Regardless of the situation, both shoes offer plenty of styles to make up your wardrobe. However, when choosing your next pair, there are a few factors to consider before deciding between canvas or leather. Choosing the right shoe material for you can help prevent uncomfortable situations with your feet and help complete your desired look. 
Pros of canvas shoes

Read more