Buying guide · 7 min read · 9 August 2026
Best Wet Weather Gear and Oilskins for Commercial Fishing
Best Wet Weather Gear and Oilskins for Commercial Fishing
Leisure sailing gear does not last on a working deck. Commercial fishing kit gets dragged across gunwales, soaked in fish slime and diesel, and worn for fourteen hours at a stretch. This guide covers what separates working oilskins from weekend waterproofs, and the brands that hold up.
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What to look for
PVC or breathable?
Heavy PVC or PU-coated oilskins are effectively waterproof forever and shrug off abrasion, fish scales and cleaning. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable but wear through faster on a working deck and lose performance once contaminated with oil and slime. Most commercial crews still choose coated fabric for deck work.
Bib and brace over jacket
A bib and brace with a separate smock keeps water out when you are bent over hauling. A waist-length waterproof simply funnels water in. Look for high bibs and adjustable braces.
Seam construction
Welded or high-frequency-sealed seams outlast stitched-and-taped seams in a working environment. Stitched seams eventually leak wherever the thread perforates the coating.
Cuffs, hood and collar
Adjustable storm cuffs stop water running down your arms when reaching up. A high collar and a hood that turns with your head matter more than they sound at three in the morning.
Visibility
Reflective panels and high-visibility colours are worth having on any deck, and may be required on commercially coded vessels. Check what your operation requires.
Options worth considering
Listed alphabetically by suitability rather than ranked. We research specifications and reputation; we have not tested these ourselves.
1.Guy Cotten oilskins
The commercial fishing standardA French maker whose kit is a common sight on working boats across the UK and Ireland.
- ✓Heavy coated fabric built for deck work
- ✓Bib and brace, smocks and jackets across the range
- ✓Widely available with spares and repairs
2.Stormline commercial range
Purpose-built commercial kitA brand focused specifically on commercial fishing rather than leisure use.
- ✓Ranges graded by weight and duty
- ✓Bib trousers with high chest coverage
- ✓Aimed squarely at working crews
3.Grundens heavy-duty bib
Heavy-duty deck useA long-established name in commercial fishing waterproofs with a strong reputation for durability.
- ✓Hard-wearing coated fabrics
- ✓Designed for long shifts
- ✓Good abrasion resistance
4.Helly Hansen workwear
Crossover work and marine useWorkwear-grade waterproofs that suit marine work as well as general outdoor trades.
- ✓Wide size range and availability
- ✓Options with high-visibility panels
- ✓Comfortable for mixed deck and shore work
5.Deck boots and gloves
Completing the kitNon-slip deck boots and grippy waterproof gloves matter as much as the oilskins.
- ✓Look for genuinely non-slip soles, not just chunky tread
- ✓Insulated boots for winter work
- ✓Several pairs of gloves rather than one good pair
In short
Buy heavier than you think you need. Working kit that lasts three seasons is cheaper than leisure gear replaced every winter, and being genuinely dry on a long haul is a safety matter as much as a comfort one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between commercial oilskins and sailing waterproofs?+
Commercial oilskins use heavy PVC or PU-coated fabric with welded seams, prioritising total waterproofing and abrasion resistance over breathability. Sailing waterproofs use lighter breathable membranes that are more comfortable but wear through faster and lose performance when contaminated with fish slime and oil.
Are breathable fabrics worth it for fishing?+
Usually not for heavy deck work. Breathable membranes clog with slime, oil and salt, and abrade quickly against gunwales and gear. Most working crews find coated fabric lasts far longer, and accept the condensation.
Why a bib and brace rather than waterproof trousers?+
Because you spend a lot of time bent over. A high bib keeps water out when hauling and washing down, where waist-height trousers simply channel it inside.
What should I look for in deck boots?+
A genuinely non-slip sole compound rather than just an aggressive tread pattern, since wet fish-slimed steel is the hazard. Insulation matters for winter work, and a boot you can kick off quickly is safer than one that will not come off.
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