The boat capsule - YouLookFab Forum

In September last year, we bought a boat, with the aim of spending a weekend or three days on it fairly regularly. Unexpectedly, I found I had nothing to wear! While we had had boats before, they were for shorter jaunts and in a less sunny climate. I'm almost in the tropics now. I realised I needed longer sleeves, more coverage, and loose fitting tops for the heat. I'm not usually much of an shirt wearer. So over summer I collected four new shirts/kaftans/popovers, for boat wear. I already had a blue and silver patterned one from a beach holiday.
Given they are not what I normally wear, these worked out pretty well. I mainly wear them over swimmers, or over black 3/4 or full length tights, so the base is all the same. They are a bit more patterned/coloured than what I normally wear- but they don't make kaftans in matte black or grey much, lol. And I tried to avoid all light white, because it can be low on sun protection.
I also bought a long sleeved swim shirt for getting wet.
Any thought or tips or obvious holes ? TIA.

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8 years ago

Anonymous

A hat? Sun glasses. Cute bag for your boat stuff. All accessories that you probably have

cindysmith

Veteran

Definitely some good shades. On the water, you're not just dealing with the sun, you're dealing with the reflection off the water.

What a nice collecton! Sun protective but hot weather appropriate clothing are HEWIs for me, so I appreciate the thought and effort that went into assembling this capsule.
From a practicality standpoint, the only thing I might add, other than the obvious sunglasses and hat, is a couple of bandanas to protect your neck. Unless it is really humid where you are, they can also be dampened to provide a little relief from the heat.
Enjoy your boating!

L'Abeille

Yes the sun is relentless and will get you from unusual angles. Bandannas are important including some fairly large ones, to protect the back and sides of your neck, not just the front.

Hat should have a sizable brim, not just a visor, for ears and neck as well as nose. And a secure chin strap: my favourite hat (navy reversing to navy dots) blew overboard and when we tried a "man overboard" drill, we ran over it and sank it. Now I have the summer weight Tilley, which lets the breeze keep my head cool.

Shades: I wear prescription glasses, so I get the kind that you fit over your regular glasses. I think I would want them anyway, because of the wide side-pieces with the little sunglass window. They maintain peripheral vision while blocking the sun from odd angles, and also protect from wind, which makes my eyes water.

The other bit that needs extra sun protection is knees. Sitting in the cockpit for a few hours can generate quite a burn. I save shorts for wading in the surf; on board it's all capris and crops, and I'm rarely too warm, because it's cooler out on the water. And full length pants are guaranteed to get wet. (I think zip-offs were created for sailors.)

I love your selection of overblouses. From your description they sounded too boho for me, but I would wear every one. Probably because they are all blue and white. One of the perks of the nautical life is the no-brainer nautical colour scheme. My equivalent is a heavy-duty plaid flannel shirt, but my climate is cooler than yours.

Suz

(website)

What a fabulous idea to construct a dedicated capsule! I'm in love with your blues and whites. You have received some great advice re additions.

JAileen

As a teen, I used to get fried weekly while sailing on SF Bay. The reflection is ferocious. Use sunscreen even when it's cloudy, and don't forget under your chin, the tops of your ears, and tops of your feet if you wear sandals. I never wore sandals sailing because it was always cold, especially in summer. I know someone who had so much sun that she is forced to wear gloves even in summer because she just cannot afford to get any more exposure. When I see her I'm reminded of the importance of protecting yourself.

There are some companies that sell clothing specifically for sun protection. It seems like a good idea.

Barbara Diane

I love the variety in your tops.

Lucy

Thank you ladies, your input is much appreciated! Living in such a sunny climate, I have my prescription sunnies to the hand at all times (and even have a backup pair, lol, because it's just so bright everyday, let alone on the water!). I tend to take two hats out - one straw, and one cap - and like L'Abeille I have lost a few overboard over the years!

Thank you too for the idea of the bandana! I had been taking out a pretty blue sarong/wrap as I could use it as a wrap, around the neck, or over the knees (all important!) . But it is quite hot as there is more fabric, so I think I should look for a couple of smaller bandana sized scarves, to keep the sun off the neck and chest. After a lifetime of Australian summers, my chest is the only place I have any sun damage, so I need to make sure I don't get more....

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