Clothes for a ferry crossing

Sep 20, 2026

Short answer: On a ferry you move between a warm lounge and a windy deck, and the difference is big even in summer. Layers are the whole answer, because you can take them on and off each time you go in or out.

The wind on deck is stronger than on land

Even on a calm day it blows on open water, and wind chill turns ten degrees into five. You feel it quickly on your hands, neck and back when you stand at the rail. A layer that blocks the wind helps most. A layer with a long sleeve bamboo t-shirt underneath is a good start.

The lounge is warm

Inside a ferry it is often over twenty degrees, and you sit still for hours. The thick layer you needed on deck quickly becomes too warm when you sit down with a coffee. Take a layer off at the door before you start to sweat. A bamboo sweatshirt for men is easy to bring along.

You feel the damp in the air

Sea air is damp, and a thick layer that gets damp will not dry again during the trip. That goes for your top and for what you wear on your feet. A thin layer copes better because it holds less moisture. Choose socks for men in a thin knit, so your feet stay dry.

Build your layers from the inside

Three layers are enough for most trips. Inside, a thin long sleeve layer that sits close and feels soft on the skin. Over it, a sweatshirt that keeps you warm in the lounge and on deck. Outside, a jacket that blocks the wind. That way you can adjust depending on where you are on the ferry.

Think about neck and hands

That is where the wind finds you first. A high collar or a scarf helps a lot on deck, and jacket pockets keep your hands warm. In the lounge you take it off again. Small things that take little space in a bag make the biggest difference when you stand at the rail and the wind comes from the side.

Bring a change on long trips

On a long crossing you can get damp from both sea air and the heat in the lounge. An extra pair of socks and a thin inner layer take almost no space and let you change on the way. This makes a return trip on the same day more comfortable, because you do not sit in damp clothes all the way home.

Fresh air for seasickness

Many people find that fresh air on deck helps when the ferry rolls. That is exactly where you need your layers. It is hard to stay outside if you are cold, so wear enough to stand out there for a while. If seasickness is a real problem, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before the trip.

Choose clothes you can sit in

Part of the trip is spent sitting, in the lounge or in the car on the vehicle deck. Soft clothes without tight edges make long sitting easier. A sweatshirt and soft socks feel good whether you sit or stand. These are clothes that suit the whole trip, not just one part of it.