Vests Are Back (And This One’s Actually Made for Sailing)
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Staying warm and comfy while you’re busy with boat jobs — whether it’s a coffee run for crew in the marina, servicing winches in the off-season, or catching the sunrise behind the helm — all comes down to smart, practical layers. And one of the most overlooked essentials in a sailor’s wardrobe? The humble vest.
It might not be as important as a foul weather jacket or as cozy as a midlayer fleece, but a well-made sailing vest is one of the most versatile pieces of gear you can own.
And I love gear you can wear on AND off the water!
If you don’t have a vest yet — here are 4 good reasons to give one a go. Plus why the Helly Hansen Crew Vest 2.0 is my go-to pick this season.
4 Reasons to Get In-vested…
1. Vests are the Goldilocks layer
You know trying to find that perfect zone between too hot and too cold? (waving my hand over here in perimenopause) That’s where vests become your friend.
It’ll keep your core toasty, which is key to regulating your body temperature, while still letting your arms breathe and move freely. No sweaty pits here! Pretty handy when you’re trimming sails, rearranging gear below deck, or just chilling in the cockpit with your cuppa tea (or swanning around the marina checking out boats as I have been lately).
I call it the Goldilocks layer. Not too much, not too little, just bang on.
Even sunny days around the marina can have a wind bite — so the vest is the perfect inbetween
2. Sailing vests look good on and off the boat
Unlike wet weather gear that gets stashed away, you’ll wear a vest out and about all the time. Throw it on over a tee or long-sleeve top, or layer it under an outer shell when the wind picks up. It’s a good buffer when the weather’s a bit iffy. And some of us do like to look semi-respectable, some of the time (outside of bottom cleaning while sporting sweaty protective overalls, antifoul splatters, and the whiff of propspeed).
A fashion comeback
Practicality aside, vests are making a fashion comeback in 2025 and there’s something extra cool about anything sailing related. Plus you can go as nautical as you like with your under-vest layers (I’m a sucker for stripes). It says I’m probably heading back out to sea tomorrow — even if you’re just picking up groceries.
The Helly Hansen women’s Crew Vest 2.0 has a nice tailored fit
Designed as a waterproof windbreaker, the HH Crew Vest has a slimline, modern cut, and you can dress it up or down depending on where you’re headed. Dockside drinks, marina BBQs, or chilly dinghy rides to shore — it pulls double duty beautifully.
3. A smart sailing layer for any season
If you’re slowly building up your outdoor and sailing gear, a vest is a smart wardrobe staple — especially during the change of seasons.
One minute you’re sweating in the sun, the next there’s a wind chill coming in off the stern. A vest helps you play with base layers and midlayers without fully committing to a long-sleeve jacket.
4. The right sailing vest makes all the difference
You could grab a puffer vest from your local department store and call it a day but you might regret that out on the water. Sailing asks more of your gear – it’s got to be able to stand up to salt air, tough wet marine conditions, and the constant movement.
Review: Helly Hansen Crew Vest 2.0
No scratchy neck bits — just a soft fleece lined collar
So what’s a good sailing vest to buy? My pick is the Helly Hansen Crew Vest 2.0 which (like all their sailing gear) is purpose-built for life on the water.
It’s my go-to as a windbreak vest. In New Zealand our weather’s known for being four-seasons-in-a-day so I’ll usually throw this on, as the wind chill can be pretty bad even if the sun’s out.
Here are the main things I REALLY appreciate in the Crew Vest 2.0:
The neck isn’t scratchy (which is super important because there’s nothing worse than being annoyed at sharp stitching or irritating fabric against your skin)
A streamlined, technical fit (I can move around the boat without being snagged, in comparison with my puffer jacket which seems to love finding boat bits to brush against)
Durable (I mean ACTUALLY durable — it’s lightweight but has a high-quality 2-layer construction)
Windproof (it’s amazing how much difference even a seemingly thin windproof layer makes to keep you warm)
Water-resistant (rain, salt spray, niece with water pistol…it’s like water off a duck’s back
Lightweight and packable (you won’t resent bringing it, which as an over-packer I’ve done A LOT)
POCKETS!!! (I always rate gear based on decent pockets and the Crew Vest delivers. The inside left chest pocket is the perfect phone stash, so I can hear it in the wind, and it’s well protected from water)
Always appreciate an inside pocket to keep my phone safe
Plenty of zipped pocket options — all seam sealed for water protection
The Helly Hansen Crew Vest 2.0 comes in a neutral colour range — check ‘em out below.
FAQs — Sailing vests & the Helly Hansen Crew Vest 2.0
Q: Do I really need a vest for sailing?
A: Um yes — especially for transitional weather (which is a fancy way of saying the weather doesn’t know what the heck it’s doing between seasons). A vest keeps your core warm without restricting movement, so you can swing your arms about on deck waving at other boats like a friendly lunatic because you’re SO EXCITED ABOUT BEING OUT ON THE WATER.
Q: Is the Helly Hansen Crew Vest 2.0 waterproof?
A: It’s water-resistant, meaning it handles spray and light rain well. For heavy rain, you’ll want a full waterproof jacket over top.
Q: What’s the fit like?
A: It has a modern, athletic fit (even if you’re not feeling particularly modern or athletic) — it’s not too bulky, with room for a base layer or light midlayer underneath. It comes in both women’s and men’s cuts for better fit and comfort. I’m 172cm and a women’s XL fits true to size.
Q: Can I wear it off the boat too?
A: Definitely! You rock it anywhere you like! It looks great with a long sleeve merino top and jeans or over a hoodie with leggings — perfect for travel, marina days, or coastal adventures.
In summary
Vests aren’t just a fashion piece your Dad rocked in the '90s (though let’s be honest, he was probably onto something). These days, a good sailing vest is a legit MVP in your wardrobe.
If you’re building a smart, long-lasting kit of outdoor gear, add a sailing vest like the Helly Hansen Crew Vest!
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