14 Best Sailing Gloves 2025: Gill, Helly Hansen & More
Sailing gloves are a necessary piece of gear for any sailor, but finding the best sailing gloves to suit your needs can be a tricky task. With so many different types and brands out there, it’s hard to know which gloves will actually stand up to the task.
Sailors need gloves that will protect their hands from the sun, wind, and cold weather, not to mention the damage working the lines can cause without them (I wish I didn’t have first-hand experience of this – pun totally intended!)
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There are many different types of sailing gloves on the market, but not all of them are created equal.
As full-time liveaboards we couldn’t be without a decent pair of sailing gloves, so we’ve taken a look at the best sailing gloves on the market today to help you make an informed decision before you buy. We’ll also provide some tips on choosing the right pair of sailing gloves for you.
Table of Contents
Best Sailing Gloves
The best all-round sailing gloves
Whether you’re sailing across the ocean or just out for a day trip, being comfortable and having the right gear is essential.
The best all-round sailing gloves will provide both comfort and protection from the elements. They should be made from durable materials, with reinforced palms and fingers to protect against abrasion.
They should also be breathable to keep your hands from getting sweaty, and they should fit snugly to prevent them from slipping off in rough weather. These all-weather gloves should see you through this sailing season and beyond!
#1 Helly Hansen Leather Sailing Gloves (fingerless)
Helly Hansen make some of the best sailing gear out there, and these fingerless gloves are no exception. Helly Hansen’s Leather Sailing Gloves are a versatile and durable option for all-round sailing.
The gloves offer good grip and dexterity so you can maintain a good level of control. In terms of durability, the leather is surprisingly tough and has held up well to all sorts of wear and tear.
Overall, Helly Hansen’s Leather Sailing Gloves are a great option for sailors who need a versatile and durable glove that offers good grip and dexterity.
#2 Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Fusion Controlâ„¢ Gloves
The Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Fusion Control Gloves are a great all-purpose glove for those who need a little extra grip and protection.
The gloves are made of durable synthetic materials that provide excellent protection from the elements, while still allowing for some ventilation.
The gloves have a textured palm that provides a good grip, even in wet conditions. They also have a reinforced cuff that helps to keep out debris.
In all, the Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Fusion Control Gloves are a great option for those looking for an all-purpose glove that provides good protection and grip
#3 Gill Men’s Short Finger Deckhand Gloves
The Gill Men’s Short Finger Deckhand Sailing Gloves are a great all-round pair of gloves. They provide good grip and durability, and being fingerless you don’t lose dexterity. The size is also good, fitting snugly without being too tight.
It has double-layer Amara reinforcement on the palm, which offers enhanced grip without absorbing water. They’re great for all sailing and watersports and make a decent pair of gloves for dinghy sailing.
Overall, these gloves are a solid choice for anyone looking for a good all-round pair of sailing gloves.
Buy the Gill marine deckhand gloves here
#4 Harken Newport Full Finger Sailing Gloves
Harken’s Newport Full Finger Sailing Gloves are a versatile all-purpose option for both racing and cruising.
The palms and fingers are made of a synthetic leather that provides good grip and durability, while the backs of the gloves are made of a breathable mesh fabric to keep your hands cool.
The fingers are also reinforced with neoprene to protect against abrasion, and the gloves have an adjustable wrist closure to keep them securely in place.
Overall, these gloves offer a good balance of grip, protection, and ventilation, making them a great choice for all types of sailing.
#5 Gill Long-Finger Pro Gloves
The Gill Long-Finger Pro Gloves are a great all-purpose glove for any kind of sailing, whether you’re racing or cruising.
They have excellent grip and durability, while still providing good protection and ventilation.
The palm is made of Dura-Gripâ„¢ fabric, which is both comfortable and durable and offers an improved level of protection against rope burn. The back of the hand is made of four-way stretch fabric which is UV50+ protected and allows for good breathability, all while repelling water.
The fingers are made from a softer fabric which allows more flexibility without compromising on durability. The fingers are all pre-curved, which gives them a great fit and feel.
There is also an adjustable velcro wrist strap, which helps to keep the gloves in place.
Overall, the Gill Long-Finger Pro Gloves are a great option for all-purpose use. They offer good protection, ventilation, and durability, all at a very affordable price.
Buy Gill Marines pro gloves here
#6 Ronstan Sticky Race Glove
This is a go-to sailing glove for many sailors, and for good reason. The Ronstan sticky race glove is an excellent all-round choice for almost any sailing conditions.
Made with synthetic leather for maximum durability and minimum stretch, this Ronstan glove has double-thickness palms and fingers for extra protection and grip.
It has double aramid stitching in high-wear areas to help them last as long as possible, and the mesh panels provide more flexibility and support.
If you’re looking for a great all-rounder then these are worth considering.
The best sailing gloves for cold weather
In cold weather, you need gloves that will keep your hands warm and dry, while still allowing you to have a firm grip on the sails.
Consider buying a pair of glove liners that should fit snugly under your winter sailing gloves. These will help insulate your hands, but also mean you can whip off your thicker gloves for knot tying and other close work.
You might want to get two pairs of sailing gloves, a fingerless pair and a thicker, more insulated pair that you can wear over the top. This way, you can just whip off your heavy-duty gloves for doing any close work.
#7 Helly Hansen Leather Sailing Gloves
If you’re not sailing in arctic conditions, these are a great option for a pair of cold weather sailing gloves. The index and thumb fingers are shorter, so you still have use of them for knots and touch screens which really is useful when sailing.
They provide an excellent grip, even in wet and cold conditions. They’re also very durable – we’ve put them through some tough tests, and they’ve held up well.
Perhaps most importantly, they’re warm even when wet, which is essential when you’re spending hours on the water in winter weather.
If you’re sailing in really cold conditions we would recommend you opt for a pair of sailing gloves with all long fingers, but these are a great compromise for the casual cold weather sailor!
The fit is a little tight so if in doubt, you might want to buy a size up.
#8 Sealskins Men’s Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Gloves
If you’re looking for a winter glove that can withstand the elements, then you’ll want to check out the Sealskinz Men’s Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Gloves.
These gloves are designed to keep your hands warm and dry in even the most extreme conditions with their three-layer construction and thermal insulation. They’re also windproof and breathable, so you won’t have to worry about your hands getting clammy.
The gloves also have a great grip, so you can still use your phone or hold onto winter gear while wearing them. They have pre-curved fingers which gives greater dexterity. Plus, they’re durable enough to last through multiple winter seasons.
If you’re looking for a glove that can help you brave the cold winter months, the Sealskinz Men’s Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Gloves are a great option.
#9 Gill Helmsman Sailing Gloves
If you’re looking for a pair of sailing gloves that will keep your hands warm and dry all winter long, the Gill Helmsman gloves are an excellent choice.
Made from a waterproof and breathable fabric, they’re great for keeping your hands dry in all kinds of weather. They also have an excellent grip, making them perfect for handling lines and other sailing equipment.
Plus, the reinforced palms provide extra durability when hauling on sheets or other heavy gear. And if you’re worried about cold fingers, the fleece lining will keep your hands toasty warm all day long, even when damp.
A great feature of these winter sailing gloves is the elasticated cuff with a drawstring closure for optimal fit, and the extended length that provides extra protection from the cold and wet elements.
In short, the Gill Helmsman gloves are a great choice for anyone who wants to stay safe and comfortable while sailing in winter weather.
Buy the Gill Helmsman gloves now
#10 West Marine Cold-Weather Gloves
West Marine designed these gloves for cold night watches and they don’t disappoint. They are insulated and water-resistant to keep your hands warm and dry during the colder months, but they’re also breathable and made to wick away moisture.
They overlap with your foul weather gear cuffs to prevent leaks, and have Kevlar®reinforced Amara palms for a secure grip and adjustable gauntlet cuffs.
These are a great budget option and a decent pair of winter sailing gloves that should see you through numerous seasons.
The best waterproof sailing gloves
If you’re dinghy sailing or plan on sailing in rough conditions then you’re probably best off opting for a pair of waterproof sailing gloves that will keep your hands dry and warm even with large amounts of spray.
#11 Gill Neoprene Waterproof Sailing Gloves
These gloves by Gill are made from 3mm double-lined neoprene with liquid taped seams and a smoothskin wrist seal. They do an incredible job of protecting your hands from the elements without feeling too bulky and cumbersome.
They are perfect for sailing in colder climates, dinghy sailing and a range of other watersports like windsurfing or paddleboarding. We use ours for freediving too when the weather turns colder!
The best sailing gloves for summer
Anyone who has sailed during the summer knows that the combination of sun and salt water can be brutal on the skin. To avoid painful sunburns and blisters, it’s essential to have a good pair of sailing gloves.
The best sailing gloves for summer are made from a lightweight, breathable fabric that will protect your hands from the sun while still allowing them to stay cool.
The fabric should also be treated with a water-resistant coating to help keep your hands dry. In addition, the gloves should have a snug fit so they don’t slip off while you’re sailing.
With these considerations in mind, we’ve found you some of the best sailing gloves for summer.
#12 West Marine Short Finger Sailing Gloves
If you’re looking for a summer glove that will help you grip the steering wheel on those long days out on the open water, West Marine’s Short Finger Sailing Gloves are a great option.
These gloves are made from a durable fabric that is designed to withstand wear and tear, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit just about any hand. The reinforced suede palm provides awesome grip.
The best part about these gloves is that they are fingerless, which allows for maximum dexterity. So whether you’re adjusting the sails or pulling in the lines, you’ll be able to do so with ease. And when the sun starts to set, you can simply slip them off and enjoy the view.
Buy men’s now from West Marine
Buy women’s now from West Marine
#13 Bluefever Short Pump Gloves
Aftco designed these lightweight gloves for days out on the water, and they’re the perfect summer sailing gloves.
With short fingers for dexterity, the finger vent holes drain water to keep your hands cool and dry. They have a foam-backed mesh to keep you cool and a velcro neoprene cuff for a secure fit.
#14 NeoSport 3/4 Fingerless Neoprene Gloves
These light, summer sailing gloves offer maximum protection with great quick-drying properties. The padded synthetic leather palms protect your hands while ensuring a secure grip on lines or the helm, even in wet conditions.
They are soft but durable and have adjustable wrist straps for a better fit.
You might want to consider buying a size larger, as some people find they run a little small.
Do I need sailing gloves?
As a new sailor out on our lovely, but rather tired, 38ft sailboat Hot Chocolate, I was keen to get stuck in. We had a qualified skipper onboard to ‘show us the ropes’ before we took our ICC, and as we gybed the boat it was my job to control the main sail.
I did my job valiantly, but at the expense of my hands, which suffered horrific rope burns as the power of the line ripped through them. From then on, I decided sailing gloves were an essential piece of sailing clothing and vowed never to work a line without them.
Since then, I have learned which lines and weather conditions I can get away without wearing gloves for, but I always have a pair lying around just in case. You never know when they will come in ‘handy’ (sorry, this is getting ridiculous now, but I just can’t stop!)
Another great reason for owning a decent pair of sailing gloves is for protection from the elements. When taking my competent crew course in the Solent, I longed for some proper sailing gloves. My hands were either completely numb and unable to tie knots or work lines, or they were buried beneath thick winter gloves and incapable of any useful task at all.
In my opinion, sailing gloves are essential and I wouldn’t head off on passage without them.
How do I choose the best sailing gloves?
When it comes to sailing, having the right gloves is essential. After all, they need to provide a good grip on the ropes while also being able to protect your hands from the elements. So, how do you choose the best sailing gloves?
What material is best for sailing gloves?
One important factor to consider in the best gloves for sailing is the material. Gloves made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester are often cheaper, but they can also make your hands sweat more. This can be a problem in both hot and cold climates, with sweat making you uncomfortable and also colder.
Leather gloves are a good mid-range option, while gloves made from natural materials like wool or cotton are typically more expensive but also more breathable.
You should also check your sailing gloves have reinforced palms for protection from working the lines.
How should sailing gloves fit?
Another key consideration is the fit – you want them to fit like a glove! Make sure that the gloves are snug but not too tight, as this will help to ensure both comfort and dexterity.
You will need to look at each sailing brand sizing chart before choosing the right size for you, as each differs slightly with its fit. It’s also a good idea to read other people’s reviews, as they will often let you know if sizing comes up bigger or smaller.
Top tip: Remember that most sailing gloves will stretch a bit with wear so bear this in mind before you buy.
Are sailing gloves better with or without fingers?
A popular type of sailing glove is the fingerless option, offering coverage for the palm and wrist while leaving the fingers free. There is a good reason for this design and a reason it’s so popular for sailing.
Fingerless sailing gloves provide more dexterity than a full-finger glove, making it easier to perform delicate tasks. If you’ve ever tried tying knots in full-finger gloves then you’ll know just how much dexterity you lose.
Also, with modern technology, having your fingers out to use touchscreen tablets and phones is really important.
Fingerless gloves allow sailors to maintain a firm grip on lines and other gear while giving them the freedom to do close work when needed. While fingerless gloves may not provide as much protection as full-finger gloves, they offer a number of advantages that make them a popular choice among sailors.
Full-finger gloves are way better for sailing in harsher conditions as they offer more protection.
Conclusion: The Best Sailing Gloves
So, if you are looking for the best sailing gloves, we recommend that you check out some of the sailing brands and products that we have mentioned in this article. We are confident that you will find a pair of gloves that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
If you’re looking for more sailing tips then check out our liveaboard advice section where we’ve got articles ranging from the best sailing headlamp through to how to learn to sail for free.
