How to Maintain and Care for Your Offshore Sailing Trousers
When you're out on the open water, there’s no room for second-rate gear. Offshore sailing trousers are a vital part of your kit, protecting you from wind, waves, and whatever the ocean decides to throw your way. But even the best trousers can lose their edge if they’re not properly looked after.
Just like your boat, your gear needs care and attention to stay in top condition. And if you’ve invested in premium offshore clothing, like the high-performance range at Waypoint, then taking a few simple steps can make sure it lasts for many voyages to come.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about maintaining your offshore sailing trousers—whether you’re a weekend sailor or racing across continents.
Why Offshore Sailing Trousers Deserve Special Attention
Unlike everyday waterproofs or hiking pants, offshore sailing trousers are engineered for extreme conditions. They’re built to withstand heavy spray, salt, UV exposure, and constant wear. But all those features—like taped seams, reinforced knees, and breathable membranes—can only keep doing their job if they’re looked after properly.
Fail to clean them, and salt crystals will break down the fabric. Ignore maintenance, and you might find yourself wet, cold, and very uncomfortable mid-voyage.
Step 1: Rinse After Every Use
Saltwater is your biggest enemy here. After every sail, rinse your trousers thoroughly with fresh water. Don’t just spray them down—turn them inside out and make sure all zippers, cuffs, and pockets get a good rinse too.
Even if you didn’t take a dunking, salt spray in the air settles into fabric and starts doing quiet damage over time. Rinsing removes salt before it dries and stiffens the material.
Step 2: Wash—But Do It Gently
Offshore sailing trousers don’t need heavy-duty detergents or a weekly wash. Once every few outings—or if they get muddy or smell musty—give them a gentle machine wash.
Here’s how to do it right:
Use cold water and a delicate cycle.
Choose a technical fabric cleaner (like Nikwax® Tech Wash).
Never use fabric softener—it clogs breathable membranes.
Close all zippers, Velcro, and buckles before washing.
If you’re washing sailing pants with built-in waterproofing, this step will also help restore water repellency.
Step 3: Reproof When Needed
If you notice water isn’t beading on the surface of your trousers anymore, it’s time to reproof. This doesn't mean they’ve lost their waterproof function—but it does mean the outer layer (DWR coating) needs a refresh.
Use a spray-on or wash-in waterproofing product designed for technical gear. Apply it after washing, then air dry or tumble dry on low heat—depending on the product instructions.
This simple act will keep your waterproof sailing trousers repelling water like they did on day one.
Step 4: Store with Care
Storing your offshore trousers properly is just as important as washing them.
Here’s how to store them right:
Make sure they’re 100% dry before folding or hanging.
Don’t leave them crumpled in a wet bag or locker.
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Avoid folding them in the same place every time. Repeated creasing can break down waterproof layers over time.
Step 5: Regular Inspections
Make it a habit to inspect your trousers before and after each trip.
Check for:
Worn patches at the knees or seat
Frayed stitching
Loose taping or delamination inside
Jammed zippers or corroded fasteners
A small fix today—like patching a scuff or treating corrosion—can save you from a bigger problem at sea.
Step 6: Use Them as Intended
This might sound obvious, but it's easy to treat your offshore gear like regular clothing when you're in a rush. Offshore sailing trousers are made for one purpose: sailing offshore.
Don’t wear them for jet washing the deck, scrubbing the bilge, or hiking up the marina steps. The more you protect them from unnecessary wear, the longer they’ll perform at their best.
Final Thoughts
Offshore sailing trousers are more than just part of your wardrobe—they’re your first line of defence against the elements. Whether you're enduring harsh winds or bracing through hours of ocean spray, they keep you dry, warm, and safe.
Looking after them doesn’t take much time—but it goes a long way. Rinse, wash gently, reproof when needed, and store them right. It’s not about being fussy; it’s about respecting the gear that protects you when things get rough.
At Waypoint, we believe in gear that works as hard as you do. That’s why our selection of offshore sailing trousers is built to handle the sea’s worst—and why we always recommend caring for them properly.
If you're upgrading your kit or looking for your first serious pair, don't just buy a name. Buy gear that’s made to last—and commit to making it last even longer.