As many sailors will know, a quality pair of gloves for working above or below deck is essential. A good pair of sailing gloves will protect your fingers and hands from common injuries such as rope burn and pinching. As you can imagine, things can get a little slippery when you’re constantly on the water and these gloves can give you that added grip needed to get the job done.
Take a look at our reviews of some of the best sailing gloves currently on the market.
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Best Sailing Gloves
Here are our best sailing gloves reviews.
1. WindRider Pro Sailing Gloves
These fingerless sailing gloves have a mesh back to keep your hands cool in hot climates. They are designed to dry fast to ensure easy maintenance and cleaning.
- Extra padding for comfort and protection
- Breathable and fast drying
- Exposed fingertips allows for full mobility
2. MRX BOXING & FITNESS Sailing Gloves
These sailing gloves are equipped with three quarter length fingers and maximum protection for added safety. Their fingerless design makes them optimal for intricate work, like tying knots.
- Reinforced palm protects against rope burn
- Great for gripping wet surfaces
- Padded fingers protects against pinching
3. NeoSport 3/4 Finger Neoprene Gloves
These gloves are designed for watersports and function just as well above and under water. These are a great option for working on the deck or taking a break to do some snorkelling.
- Multiple-sport versatility
- Ideal for both wet and dry activities
- Made from spandex so they are highly flexible
4. MRX BOXING & FITNESS Sailing Gloves Sticky Palm Gripy Glove
These gloves are unique from the others on this list due to their durable, extra-grip palms. Their reinforced grip makes these gloves a great choice for heavy lifting in both wet and dry climates.
- Added wrist support
- Spandex design makes them comfortable and flexible
- Extra padding for safety
5. Brace Master Sailing Gloves Men Women for Sailing
These sailing gloves are designed with soft leather palms to provide comfort and flexibility, while simultaneously acting as a reinforcement to protect your hands against pinching and rope burn.
- Made with breathable, fast-drying materials
- Velcro wrist straps provide added support
- Exposed fingertips allow for a strong grip
Sailing Gloves Buyer’s Guide
Like many hobbies, maintenance is a big part of owning a sailboat. Contrary to popular belief, sailing is far from just constantly lounging on the deck, sipping margaritas; there is often serious work involved, which is also what makes sailing such a rewarding activity. As your hands are often exposed and susceptible to injury, it is important that you have a reliable pair of gloves on board at all times.
Take a look at our buyer’s guide for some tips and features to keep an eye out for when buying a pair of reliable sailing gloves.
Protection
Although fingerless gloves are a popular choice for dexterity, they lack the protection of a full-finger covering. If you are often sailing in cold, rainy conditions, then a pair of full-fingered gloves may be a better option for you. As ailing gloves are inexpensive, another option is to buy a pair of each and switch between them as you see fit.
Consider the thickness of the gloves. An extra layer of padding on the palms is a great way to protect your hands from rope burn.
Durability
Consider the fabric the gloves are made from. You want your sailing gloves to hold up after being constantly exposed to sunlight, water and constant stress. Keep your eyes out for trusted brand names and make sure to read the customer reviews before committing to a pair.
Grip
This is perhaps one of the most important features to keep an eye out for. On a sailboat, where conditions can get pretty slippery, a pair of gloves with a strong grip can go a long way. Just like a life jacket, a strong grip can mean the difference between an enjoyable afternoon and being washed overboard due to a weak grip on a rail.