An inshore sailing jacket is designed for short coastal trips where the weather is changeable but not extreme. These jackets are lightweight, flexible and easy to pack. Inshore jackets are perfect for day sails, coastal cruising & regattas. 

An offshore sailing jacket is made for big water and big weather. They use heavier-duty waterproof fabrics, reinforced panels, higher collars, storm flaps and deeper hoods to protect you during long passages and rough conditions.

A sailing jacket is built to handle wind-driven spray, sudden squalls and long hours at the helm. The seams are fully taped, the collars are much taller, the cuffs are sealed tighter and the fabric is specifically engineered to be both waterproof and breathable. Standard waterproofs usually fall short when you're dealing with constant exposure to salt water and wind.

For inshore sailing, anything from 10,000-15,000mm hydrostatic head is Offshore sailing typically demands 20,000 mm or higher. That rating indicates how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before it leaks. Check out our video on how sailing jackets are tested, explaining in simple terms what Hydrostatic head ratings are.

Use a gentle wash, skip fabric softener (it can affect waterproof membranes), and re-proof occasionally with a durable water repellent treatment. Always follow the manufacturers instructions on the labels.