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The 6 best sailing gloves 2024?

by Laura

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Sailing is becoming increasingly popular. The risk of injury on the boat should not be underestimated. This can be effectively minimized with the right equipment. Sailing gloves are a particularly important companion.

Are sailing gloves worthwhile?

Whether waterproof, made of neoprene or leather and with an extra firm grip. High-quality sailing gloves offer safety and protection for your hands.

Recognize quality:

At BeyondSurfing, you can find out which models offer particularly effective protection on deck. We present a selection of the best products at 2024 and explain the criteria behind them in our buying guide.

The best sailing gloves 2024?

In a hurry? Our favorite sailing gloves:

Musto Essential men's/women's sailing glove*
What characterizes the offer?

  • Heat storage
  • Anatomical
  • Breathable
  • Adaptable thanks to 4-way stretch
  • Safety lock

Sailing gloves Checklist

  • When? Very warm models are an advantage in winter. Short dinghy gloves with open fingers should not be used just because they are more practical.
  • Who? Sailing gloves for men, women and children are cut differently and should not be worn by the other.
  • Where? Anyone wishing to take part in water sports events must adhere to the sailing clothing regulations.
  • UV protection? Models with UV protection are highly recommended in sunny areas.
  • Extras? Accessories such as rechargeable heat pads are available for many gloves.

Also interesting: The most popular sailing shoes.

The 6 best sailing gloves 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

Best sailing gloves with integrated heat storage

1. Musto Essential women’s/men’s sailing glove

Advantages

  • Heat storage
  • Anatomical
  • Breathable
  • Adaptable thanks to 4-way stretch
  • Safety lock

Disadvantages

  • Weak seam
  • Rather for hobby sailors

Summary

This sailing glove from Musto impresses with its affordable price. In this way, the manufacturer aims to provide a glove for everyone. Of course, a few corners have to be cut, but the model is very suitable for hobby sailors and simple work on deck.

Heat storage is particularly good in winter. However, this does not mean that your hands sweat in these gloves. On the contrary: the material is breathable. This also makes it suitable for warmer days.

The buyer can choose from two designs: Black-Grey and Black-Red-Grey. The gloves are easily fastened with a hinged cuff with Velcro fastener.

Conclusion

An inexpensive and solid glove that is great for hobby sailors and beginners. The fit is comfortable and the fastener offers a good hold.

Professional sailors and athletes prefer to use a different product.

Product details

Size: XS – XXL | Material: polyurethane, elastane and neoprene | Closure: Velcro

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 83% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Customers describe the product as convenient and comfortable. The material dries quickly, which is very practical. There is some material left out on the fingertips so that you can also do finer work (screwing in screws etc.). Most buyers would recommend the product to others.

Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 7% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The seams are not very stable in the long term. This leads to premature wear. Especially if the gloves are used very regularly. The middle hand area is too wide for some customers.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Are the sizes real or do I have to order larger/smaller?
The sizes are as usual. This means that if you have a size M from other manufacturers, you can also choose it here with a clear conscience.

Best sailing gloves for particularly demanding conditions

2. Helly Hansen Unisex Sailing Gloves

Advantages

  • 100 % genuine leather
  • Very cuddly
  • Non-slip palm
  • Free fingertips for a sensitive grip
  • Manufacturer with a lot of experience

Disadvantages

  • Only available in 3 sizes on Amazon
  • Not washable

Summary

Helly Hansen offers a loyal and robust companion at sea with these ¾ gloves. The hard-wearing leather material not only provides particularly reliable protection, but is also designed for many years of stability. These are not gloves that need to be replaced after one season.

The fingers are covered enough to keep the hands warm and the skin protected during any kind of work. At the same time, the fingertips protrude far enough to allow finer movements.

The design is simple and sporty. This makes it easy to combine with other sailing accessories.

Conclusion

Whether at the next championship, on your own yacht or a small dinghy – these gloves are a great companion.

If you are traveling in really cold waters, it is better to choose a closed model.

Product details

Size: XS, L and XL | Material: Genuine leather | Closure: Velcro

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 89% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Customers really like the cut and length of the gloves. They offer the perfect combination of freedom of movement and protection. The material is really
Durable. The leather is non-slip and provides a good grip on lines and other materials on board. One buyer also uses the gloves for fast rides on his wheelchair. With the gloves, he can brake the wheels at full speed without injuring himself.

Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 3% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

A few buyers describe that the sizes are rather tight. Unfortunately, the material doesn’t dry very quickly once it gets really wet.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Best sailing gloves for particularly cold waters

3. musto performance long finger gloves

Advantages

  • Especially warm
  • Ergonomic cut
  • Pre-shaped fingers for more comfort
  • Pull-on loop
  • Neoprene trim
  • Sporty design

Disadvantages

  • High price
  • Only one design

Summary

These sailing gloves from Musto are designed for cold and wet days. The fully closed finger shape protects against the biting cold and the neoprene lining in the right places prevents water from penetrating.

The fingers on the glove are slightly pre-shaped. This is intended to improve gripping and comfort. Other gloves in this thickness are often rather stiff and restrictive.

An attached strap helps you to put them on. Pull firmly once and the glove is bombproof. This is also very practical should the outside ever get wet. The glove can then be removed again with a single pull on the tab.

Conclusion

A warm glove with well thought-out details. For those who are regularly out and about in cold waters, the investment is worthwhile.

The model is not necessarily suitable for milder temperatures and hobby sailors.

Product details

Size: XS – XXL | Material: Polyamide, Polyester, Polyurethane | Closure: Velcro

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 68% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Customers who have used the gloves for regatta sailing were also satisfied with these gloves in winter temperatures. The Gripp is praised several times. Finally, no more rope slipping through your fingers. Delivery is fast and most people describe the product as very durable.

Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 24% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Not all customers find the gloves warm enough. In addition, some describe that the size recommendation is significantly smaller than with other manufacturers.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Best sailing gloves for men on smaller boats

4. gill deckhand short finger sailing and dinghy gloves

Advantages

  • Ideal for use in a dinghy (dinghy)
  • Experienced manufacturer
  • Ergonomic design
  • Inverted closure
  • Reinforced palm

Disadvantages

  • Runs small
  • Only one design

Summary

With this sailing glove, Gill offers a model for smaller boats or for use in dinghies. This is the small dinghy that is used for a trip from a large boat on land.

The open design allows clever and targeted gripping. The glove is very light and flexible. The seams of the gloves are positioned in such a way that typical pressure points, which can become uncomfortable with gloves, disappear.

The placement of the fastener is also well thought out. It has been inverted and is directed inwards instead of outwards. This prevents GPS or sports watches from being accidentally triggered. Overall, the manufacturer has put decades of experience into the design of this model.

Conclusion

Anyone looking for very flexible and inexpensive gloves for use on small boats or for shore leave in a dinghy will be very satisfied with this model. There is hardly a movement or grip that cannot be performed with it.

This glove is not the right choice for long ocean voyages.

Product details

Size: XS – XXL | Material: Polyamide and polyurethane | Closure: Velcro

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 66% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The quality of the gloves has been praised several times. The material is durable and comfortable. Most customers would recommend the product to others. It also performs well when reviewed on price. The fit is ideal for small or narrow hands. Some customers describe that this also makes them suitable for women. So just order and try it out.

Around 17% are neutral about the product, while 16% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The sizes are narrow and small. Some buyers had to exchange the product for a larger size.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Best sailing gloves for versatile use with integrated key pocket

5. fitness gloves with key pocket

Advantages

  • For ladies and gentlemen
  • With built-in key pocket
  • Non-slip trim
  • Versatile in use
  • Inexpensive
  • Cushioning palm coating

Disadvantages

  • Not very durable
  • Only for warmer days

Summary

Twintailors wanted to create a real all-rounder with these gloves. They are not only suitable for sailing, but also for fitness, cycling or paddling.

The one size fits all hand sizes thanks to the wrap-around fastener. The non-slip coating with nubs ensures a firm grip, even on slippery materials.

An integrated pocket can be used to secure keys or small change. The price is unbeatable. Cushioning inserts on the palm protect the joints.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an inexpensive glove for beginners, this is the one for you. People with many hobbies where gloves are an advantage will also be very happy with this model.

This is explicitly an entry-level model. The product is not suitable for long sailing trips at an advanced level.

Product details

Size: Unisize | Material: Elastane | Closure: Velcro

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 81% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The gloves sit very firmly on the hand. The built-in bag is super practical. There is space not only for keys but also for small change. The price is unbeatable. Most customers recommend the product to others and are satisfied with the quality. It is very practical that you can use this model for so many different sports.

Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 19% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

One customer notes that loops for putting on and taking off would be a great addition. This is because the gloves always turn inside out when you take them off and then have to be laboriously turned inside out again.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Best sailing gloves for professional use

6. musto performance gloves unisex

Advantages

  • Breathable material
  • Flexible fit
  • Very firm grip
  • Shock absorber
  • Ankle reinforcement for joint protection
  • 4-way stretch
  • Elastic closure

Disadvantages

  • Only one design
  • High price

Summary

These sailing gloves from Musto are aimed at advanced sailors. They are designed for sailing and are extremely flexible. The breathable material allows full use of the body without sweaty hands.

The wrist is reinforced to protect the joints. This is a great advantage, especially for fast, jerky and powerful movements when hoisting sails or maneuvering.

The material is equipped with a 4-way stretch. This allows it to adapt to movements in all directions. The fastener is elastic and can therefore be adapted to many hand shapes and sizes.

Conclusion

Anyone looking for a glove for sporty sailing will be very satisfied with this model. Many well thought-out details make it the ideal regatta companion.

Beginners or hobby sailors can theoretically do without the technical details and fall back on a cheaper glove.

Product details

Size: XS – XXL | Material: N/A | Closure: Velcro

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 92 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The workmanship is very high quality. The coating is also extremely non-slip and offers a firm grip on all surfaces. The manufacturer definitely does not promise too much here, because the quality is really outstanding. The fit corresponds to the sizes. Overall, almost all buyers would recommend the product to others.

Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 8% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

A customer complains because he has received two different sized gloves. He then had to exchange it with the manufacturer. Fortunately, that wasn’t a problem.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Rating: Sailing gloves reviewed

Evaluation Criteria: The most important features from sailing gloves in direct comparison. Find out what makes a good product in our tests in the guide.
NamePrice*Anatomical?Breathable?Free fingertips?Shock-absorbing?
Musto Essential sailing gloveapprox. 35 $YesYesYesNo
Helly Hansen Unisex Sailing Glovesapprox. 36 $YesYesYesNo
Musto Performance Long finger glovesapprox. 46 $YesYesNoYes
Gill Deckhand short finger glovesapprox. 22 $YesYesYesNo
Fitness gloves with key pocket13 $NoNoYesNo
Musto Performance Gloves Unisexapprox. 50 $YesYesYesYes
*Approximateprice incl. VAT included. Prices may change in the meantime.

Bestsellers: The most popular sailing gloves

What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

(**Last update 2024-09-16)

Buy sailing gloves:
How to make the right decision

Sailing gloves guide picture

“I also love wearing my sailing gloves when paddling or cycling. They are comfortable and offer my hands reliable protection. They even look very sporty. If you invest in a solid pair, you will enjoy them for a very long time.”

Felix Schmidt ★★★★★
Sailor from Bremen


Sailing statistics confirm the great popularity of sailing: around 68 million people in Germany are interested in this active sport. Of these, around 1.5 million describe themselves as advanced sailors. This popularity means that more and more brands are bringing sailing equipment such as gloves onto the market.

BeyondSurfing has researched the most important criteria for your purchase. By reading our buying guide, you can make a well-considered and sustainable purchase decision.

What to look out for when buying sailing gloves?

When looking for the best sailing gloves, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics before buying:

Material: Which material is best suited?

Leather, elastane and neoprene are most commonly used for sailing gloves. Leather is particularly durable, spandex is very flexible and neoprene is ideal for particularly wet tours.

Leather
These gloves not only look classy, they are also extremely durable. The robust material inherently offers protection against friction and impact. However, it must be well cared for in order to remain beautiful for a long time. Salt water residues are best washed off after the trip and a leather care product applied.
Neoprene
Neoprene is often used as a partial coating, e.g. to reinforce the palms or the opening of the gloves. This material is waterproof and breathable at the same time. It is the right choice if the sailing trip gets a little wilder or leads through rainy areas.
Spandex
Spandex is the lightest material. It is very easy to care for, but not as durable as neoprene or leather. It is often used in combination with other materials. Its advantage is the soft feel on the skin.

Size: What is the right size sailing glove?

To measure the size of the right gloves, you first need a measuring tape. This is wrapped around your own hand (preferably the right hand for right-handers and vice versa). Now measure the circumference of the hand at the widest part of the palm. The value determined in this way is then converted into the appropriate size using the following table.

Size indication (EU)Glove sizePalm circumference (in cm)
XS6,5under 17.5
S717.5 to 19
M7,5 – 819 to 21.5
L8,5 – 921.6 to 24
XL9,524 to 26.5
XXL1026.6 to 29

Shape: Which shape for which purpose?

There are generally three different types of sailing gloves:

  • Half-finger gloves
  • Open thumb and index finger
  • Long-fingered gloves

Half-finger gloves are particularly suitable for regattas, yachts, fishing and other water sports. This is because the recesses on the fingers allow full use of the sense of touch and gripping ability.

Gloves where the thumb and index finger are open are used in very similar areas. However, they are suitable for colder water or cooler weather. Here too, the focus is on maintaining gripping ability. At the same time, the right balance of comfort should be maintained.

Long-fingered gloves, on the other hand, focus on comfort and warmth. They can be used for regatta sailing or yacht tours at lower temperatures. They often have a waterproof lining, e.g. with neoprene. However, more expensive models are also breathable so that your hands don’t get sweaty.

Pro tip: If you want a compromise between mobility and warmth and sail in very different temperatures, you can buy a heat cushion. These can be easily inserted into thin gloves.

Purpose: Which sailing gloves for which sailing trip?

It makes a big difference what kind of trip is planned. This is because weather, water temperature, length and general conditions can vary greatly. BeyondSurfing presents a few exemplary conditions and the right type of glove for them here:

In fine weather and shallow water
Half-finger gloves are ideal here. Ideally with lightweight, breathable fabric.
In fine weather on cold days
A lightweight glove equipped with warming leather or a thin long-fingered glove.
In rain and high temperatures
A lightweight glove with open thumb and index finger. Ideally made of quick-drying spandex or neoprene.
In rain and low temperatures
A long-fingered glove with a neoprene layer to keep you warm and dry.

Well-known brands and manufacturers?

Experienced manufacturers offer high-quality materials and sophisticated designs for sailing gloves. The best-known and most popular sailing glove manufacturers include

  • Gill
  • Musto
  • Offshore
  • Marinepool
  • Magic Marine
  • Helly Hansen

With these manufacturers, you can rely on experience, quality and good customer service.

Sailing glove tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test

Consumer Reports or Öko Test have not yet carried out any tests on sailing gloves. BeyondSurfing’s practical recommendation: The sailing glove must compensate well for your own weak points. Do I have few calluses or weak joints? Then you need good grip and padding. Do I freeze quickly? A warm neoprene model with long fingers is the right choice.

Conclusion?

A sailing glove can make your boating adventure much more comfortable. No more abrasions from rough ropes. And cold hands were also yesterday. There are even versatile models that are suitable for different sports at the same time.

You need to think carefully about which model is right for you. Only those who are well informed before buying will be satisfied and, above all, comfortably protected by the glove.

Your favorite sailing glove was not included? Please leave BeyondSurfing a comment. We are always happy to receive suggestions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about sailing gloves

What are the advantages of sailing gloves?

Sailing gloves protect your hands from friction or blisters from the ropes. These are moved in all directions with a lot of force on board. At the same time, padded gloves can protect your joints, keep your hands warm and the right material also keeps them dry.

This video illustrates in a playful way why sailing gloves make life so much easier:

What should I look out for when buying sailing gloves?

The sailing gloves must fit well. A baggy model hinders movement and soaks up water. The pair of gloves must also match the planned sailing trip. The criteria here are weather, temperature, length of the trip and type of boat.

How do I find the best sailing gloves?

The best sailing gloves are only as good as they fit the user. Ideally, you should read a well-researched buying guide before making a purchase. This explains how to find the right glove for your individual needs. You can then find a large selection of brands at Decathlon or Amazon.de.

How expensive are good sailing gloves?

Good sailing gloves are available from around 30 $. The more technical details and the higher the quality of the material, the more expensive the end product. Because they are more durable, the purchase of an expensive glove can even pay off in the long term.

How should sailing gloves fit?

Ideally, sailing gloves fit like a second skin. They don’t bag, but they mustn’t constrict anything either. Do not squeeze anything, especially at the transition from the hand to the arm, so that the blood circulation is not disturbed.

Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

Laura

Beach and snorkeling expert
Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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