From heavy-duty foul-weather gear to moisture-wicking, breathable jackets and pants, there’s a lot out there for both serious and recreational water lovers.
There are even clothes that contain sunscreen.
“Some people buy things that are more durable and some just want clothes to keep them dry,’’ said Jessica Church, a lifelong Cape Ann resident, wife of a lobsterman, and manager of Three Lantern Marine & Fishing in Gloucester.
“We sell pretty much everything that a fisherman or lobsterman needs,’’ Church said.
Customers also include sailors and motor boaters, as well as people visiting Cape Ann who “want to fish for the day.’’
“They come in with their grandkids and we sell them bait and reels and poles,’’ as well as clothing to make it a good experience on the water, Church said.
Jefferson Davis of Haverhill, a longtime boater, said getting dressed is a practical matter. “It’s being prepared for the day. I wake up, check the weather forecast, and go from there,’’ he said.
Traveling the 15 miles from the Crescent Yacht Club in Haverhill down the Merrimack River to the ocean in Newburyport can include lots of changes.
“I have a boat bag in which I carry foul weather gear, extra shirts, and if it is going to rain, boots,’’ Davis said.
As for his three sons, “They don’t care what they wear, until it starts raining. I make sure to have raincoats for them, so they are protected.’’
The popularity of kayaking and the explosion of paddle boarding has also brought a new clientele to the outerwear industry, said Sharyn Longo, manager of apparel at West Marine, which has stores in Woburn, Marblehead, and Danvers.
“Medium weight’’ is what people are looking for, she said.
Material is important, said Michael Duffield, owner of Newbury Kayak & Canoe. “The most important rule we start with is no cotton. If you get wet wearing cotton, you’ll stay wet. And if it’s cold out, you’ll stay cold. Synthetic materials are key.’’
Duffield said while the nautical look might “be cool’’ to some customers, that’s not the overwhelming reason they are shopping at his store. Other owners agreed.
“They’re boaters, not people looking for a style,’’ said Longo.
Trending, Longo said, is “clothing that has sun protection. Men, women, fishermen, and sailors are becoming more cognizant [about sun damage]. And, the materials are better than they used to be.’’
Popular among men — in addition to hats with flaps in the back — are neck gaiters, wraps that also protect from sunburn.
As for footwear, Longo said, the store sells three styles of men’s shoes that have arch support, can be worn in and out of water, drain quickly, and won’t leave marks on decks or boats.
Sunglasses are also a big item. “Men who fish want the blue glass. There’s better depth perception and more detail,’’ said Longo, a sailor and boater who grew up in Salem.
Those who want to take their dogs along for the ride purchase special life vests, ziplines, and other items to keep their pets safe.
Sandy Gilbert, retail store manager at Newbury Kayak & Canoe, said people assume all dogs can swim. But, she said, even those that do can encounter perils, especially in a tidal river like the Merrimack.
Newbury Kayak sells items from Kurgo, a Salisbury company that develops travel and outdoor products for dogs.
According to Kurgo spokeswoman Stephanie Fasi, there’s a dog vest that offers flotation, has handles to help pull a dog out of the water, and is red with reflective strips so it’s easy to see. The flotation part can be removed to create a raincoat.
The zipline fits between two fixed points, allowing dogs to walk but preventing them from jumping out of the boat.
Gilbert said more people are looking for items that will help their dogs stand on a paddle board, such as coverings for the fiberglass that help them grip.
Whether it’s humans or dogs, function usually wins over fashion.
“Looks matter,’’ said Longo. “But everyone just wants [the products] to do their job.’’
Wendy Killeen can be reached at wdkilleen@gmail.com.
