Sailing Trousers & Salopettes

The term “oilskins” refers to the waterproof protective clothing worn by sailors and includes not only oilskin jackets but also oilskin pants, overalls, and complete oilskins sets. While classic sailing pants primarily provide protection for the legs, salopettes feature a higher cut in the chest and back areas with shoulder straps. As a result, they offer additional protection against moisture, wind, and spray, making them the preferred choice for many sailors, especially on longer cruises or in rough weather conditions.

Modern sailing pants are made of waterproof and breathable membrane materials that ensure a comfortable body climate even in changing weather conditions. Reinforced knee and seat areas increase the garment’s durability and protect against abrasion in high-stress areas. Adjustable leg cuffs, ergonomic cuts, and elastic shoulder strap systems further ensure high comfort and optimal freedom of movement.

Depending on the intended use, sailing pants and overalls differ in terms of waterproofing, fabric thickness, and features. While lighter models are often sufficient for coastal and inland waters, particularly robust offshore overalls with maximum weather protection are used on the high seas. For regatta sailors as well as dinghy and skiff sailors, on the other hand, freedom of movement, low weight, and athletic cuts are the top priorities.

For a complete clothing system, we recommend pairing it with a matching sailing jacket. When complemented by functional base layers, insulating mid layers, non-slip sailing shoes, and a high-quality life jacket, the result is a perfectly coordinated oilskin system for practically any weather condition. Especially on longer cruises, sailors benefit from the proven layering principle, which allows individual layers of clothing to be flexibly adapted to temperature and weather conditions.

To ensure you find the right Marinepool sailing pants or overalls for your sailing area, we distinguish between offshore, coastal, and inshore clothing, as well as dinghy and skiff clothing. The following overview highlights the key differences between these categories and helps you select the optimal sailing pants for your needs.

The material used in sailing pants plays a key role in determining protection, comfort, weight, and durability. Marinepool sailing pants and overalls are made from technical laminates with waterproof and breathable membranes. We frequently use 2-layer and 3-layer constructions, which differ depending on the intended use.

2-layer sailing pants consist of an outer fabric that is permanently bonded to a waterproof membrane. On the inside, a separate lining protects the membrane from abrasion and provides additional comfort. This construction is slightly softer, more comfortable, and often more affordable. It is particularly suitable for recreational sailors, coastal sailors, and occasional use on inland waters.

3-layer sailing pants combine the outer fabric, membrane, and inner layer into a single laminate. This results in a lighter, more durable, and higher-performance material with lower water absorption. The pants dry faster, offer greater breathability, and reliably withstand even extreme conditions. For this reason, 3-layer laminates are primarily used in offshore sailing apparel, regatta gear, and professional applications.

In addition, our high-quality sailing pants feature abrasion-resistant reinforcements on the knees and seat, as these areas are subject to particularly heavy wear and tear on board. The choice of material should therefore always be based on the intended use: For relaxed coastal cruises, a 2-layer construction is often sufficient, while for offshore cruises and challenging weather conditions, 3-layer sailing pants are the better choice.

At Marinepool, we use technical membranes, welded seams, and water-repellent surfaces in our modern sailing apparel. We also incorporate innovative materials that efficiently wick moisture away from the body. High-quality technologies enhance weather protection while also increasing comfort. The key is the combination of waterproofing, breathability, and durability.

Breathability describes how well water vapor and body moisture are transported through the material to the outside. It is usually measured in grams per square meter within 24 hours (g/m²/24h).

• 5.000 g/m²/24h: Solid breathability for recreational activities
• 10.000 g/m²/24h: Good breathability for active sailors
• 15.000–20.000 g/m²/24h: Very good moisture transport during high physical exertion
• 20.000 g/m²/24h+: Premium-Bereich für anspruchsvolle Offshore- und Regattaeinsätze

The higher the breathability, the better excess heat and moisture can escape. This keeps you comfortably dry even during active maneuvers, fluctuating temperatures, and long cruises.

High-quality sailing pants or salopettes combine excellent waterproofing with good breathability. While the water column protects against rain, wind, and spray, breathability ensures that moisture is transported from the inside to the outside. Only the combination of these two properties guarantees long-lasting comfort on the water.

Physical activity generates a lot of heat, especially during longer offshore cruises or competitive regattas. High-quality membrane materials prevent moisture from building up inside the sailing gear while reliably keeping the outside wetness out.

A good fit enhances comfort and safety on board. Sailing pants should offer sufficient freedom of movement without being too loose. Adjustable straps, elastic panels, and ergonomic cuts allow for a custom fit. For longer outings, comfort and mobility are just as important as weather protection.

Essential features include reinforced knee and seat areas, waterproof pockets, reflective elements, and adjustable leg cuffs. High-quality salopettes also feature a high chest panel, adjustable shoulder straps, and practical storage options for essential gear.

With the proven 3-layer principle, sailors are optimally equipped for virtually any weather condition. The first layer (base layer) wicks moisture away from the body, while the second layer (mid layer) provides the necessary thermal insulation. The outer layer, consisting of a sailing jacket and sailing pants or overalls, offers reliable protection against wind, rain, and spray.

Many Marinepool sailing pants and offshore overalls are part of a coordinated clothing system and can be optimally combined with matching sailing jackets, midlayers, and baselayers. This creates a flexible layering system that can be individually adapted to the weather, temperature, and intended use.

Whether for inshore, coastal, or offshore sailing—the layering system keeps the body dry, warm, and performing at its best, even in changing conditions on the water.

Marinepool has been developing functional sailing apparel since 1991 based on the principle “By sailors, for sailors.” The brand was founded by active sailors and continues to work closely with sailing clubs, national teams, competitive sailing associations, and maritime rescue organizations. The practical experience gained from these collaborations is directly incorporated into product development.

Marinepool has been and continues to be a partner of numerous international regattas, sailing events, and top teams. These include, among others, the Austrian Sailing Federation, the German Sailing League, and the Bavarian Yacht Club. The products are tested under real-world conditions and continuously refined.

In the field of offshore sailing in particular, Marinepool benefits from its collaboration with renowned ocean sailors such as Vendée Globe skipper Fabrice Amedeo. For his solo voyages lasting several months across the world’s largest oceans, he relies on Marinepool offshore apparel. The experience gained from one of the world’s toughest single-handed regattas provides valuable insights for the development of sailing jackets and oilskins that offer reliable protection even under extreme weather conditions.

Marinepool combines maritime tradition with modern technology. High-quality materials, innovative membranes, and functional details ensure reliable protection and exceptional comfort in any weather. Whether it’s coastal sailing, offshore adventures, or leisure time on the water—Marinepool has stood for quality, performance, and a passion for water sports for over three decades. Close collaboration with professional sailors, international sailing teams, and water sports associations ensures that every collection is tested under real-world conditions and continuously refined.

As a company with deep roots in water sports, protecting the waters on which we sail is an integral part of our product development. That’s why Marinepool relies on PFC-free water-repellent treatments for many of its products and is increasingly phasing out materials containing PVC.

For sailors, this means high-quality clothing and gear that meets the demands of life on the water while also supporting a more responsible use of marine resources. In this way, Marinepool combines technical performance, quality, and a commitment to the waters that define our sport.

For beginners, lightweight inshore models are usually sufficient. They offer reliable weather protection and a high level of comfort for day trips and recreational sailing.

If you regularly sail on keelboats and want to stay dry and comfortable even in changing conditions, our Hobart Trousers are an excellent choice. Thanks to their sturdy construction and functional features, they’re not only suitable for sailing but also for many other water sports activities, such as fishing.

Salopettes have a high-cut chest and back, providing extra protection from water and wind.

For coastal and recreational sailing, we recommend sailing pants with a water column rating of at least 10,000 mm. If you regularly sail in challenging weather conditions or on longer cruises, you should look for models with a rating of 15,000 mm or more to stay dry and comfortable at all times. You should also look for sealed seams.

Yes, high-quality sailing pants are not only suitable for sailing, but also for many other activities on and around the water. Thanks to their waterproof, windproof, and breathable materials, they offer reliable protection in wet, cold, or changeable weather. You’ll especially benefit from the functional features of sailing pants when fishing, boating, or spending extended periods outdoors. Depending on the activity, sailing pants are also suitable for kayaking and canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, working in the harbor, or other outdoor activities that require protection from wind, water, and splashes.

Washing regularly according to the care instructions removes salt and dirt and helps maintain the membranes' functionality over the long term.

With proper care, high-quality waterproof gear from Marinepool can be used reliably for many years. Regular cleaning, proper drying, and correct storage help preserve the material’s waterproof and breathable properties over the long term and significantly extend its lifespan.

The ideal approach is the 3-layer system—base layer, mid layer, and outer layer—for optimal temperature regulation. Our sailing jackets with the Inzip feature are particularly well-suited for overalls, as they provide extra warmth without adding even more layers over the overalls on top of the sailing jacket.

Yes, modern sailing pants feature breathable membranes that effectively wick moisture away from the body.

Sailing pants and sailing salopettes are a key component of modern sailing apparel and offer reliable protection against wind, rain, spray, and cold. Whether it’s a lightweight inshore model for day trips, versatile coastal overalls for coastal cruises, or rugged offshore oilskins for deep-sea adventures—your choice should always be tailored to the specific use case. High-quality materials, waterproof membranes, high breathability, and functional details ensure comfort and safety on the water. For over 35 years, Marinepool has been developing sailing apparel in collaboration with professional sailors, international sailing teams, and water sports experts. This experience flows directly into the development of modern sailing pants and sailing overalls, creating reliable solutions for sailors, motorboat enthusiasts, and water sports enthusiasts in virtually all sailing areas and weather conditions.

Last updated: June 2026