Anyone who has ever owned, chartered or worked on a yacht knows the importance of a stylish yet practical crew uniform. Well-designed uniforms are usually an extension of a yacht’s decor and are vital for providing guests with a good first impression and boosting the team morale of the crew. Captains, yacht Owners and Management Companies now paying closer attention to uniform onboard and implementing new fits, fabrics, designs and technologies as the crew clothing sector evolves. Whilst the Classic Navy short and White polo may look smart, from time to time there is a need to stand out, be different, progress!

Deckers Uniforms have been in the industry 30 years and know first-hand how crew clothing has moved ahead with the times. Deckers offer a seamless approach to designing your own unique crew uniform, be it custom to pantone polos, t-shirts, custom boardies for guests or designer evening wear.  YPI CREW, a leading yacht crew placement agency, interviewed Kate Greaves, Sales Director at Deckers, to discover the latest trends in crew uniform.

Q: How can have crew uniform designs progressed? Do you have any examples about how they can stand out in terms of colours, advances in technology or style?

For a long time, yacht wear has remained very classic and understated. Needless to say, nowadays more attention and money is being spent on kitting out crew. Formal wear has become very tailored with slim fitting shirts and trousers being highly sought after. Each Superyacht is trying to look a little different, and put their own stamp on their uniform with owners taking more interest. We receive numerous requests for deck trainers as opposed to the classic deck shoe, and the technical quick-dry, non-iron fabric is the direction a lot of yachts are taking. Boat logos are being placed in different positions also. Clients are trying out different ideas and it works!

Q: More attention is being paid to fabrics able to withstand the required functionality, as well as looking smart and stylish. Which fabrics are durable enough for the job?

The way fabrics wash and wear is key for crew clothing, given the time and working constraints onboard. We are asked all the time what we can offer that doesn't shrink and fade after washing and is easy to iron. Specific detailing such as fabrics which allow stretch, radio straps, and an invisible hole to allow for a radio wire are becoming a standard requirement.

Q: Have the staff at Deckers noticed any trends? How have uniforms moved ahead with the times?

We are asked a lot about dresses now for the girls as they like to feel stylish and comfortable during service. Deck trainers are all the rage as are baseball caps and hoodies which are overstepping the classic cotton cap and crew-neck sweater. Generally, crew like to look cool as well as comfortable.

Q: How important important is evening wear? Do you have any popular evening wear designs?

The Deckers Exclusive Collection is an ever-growing range of ladies evening dresses, skirts and all-in-one trouser suits which has had huge success. With evening wear becoming a lot more bespoke, we're often asked to present personalised design storyboards and fabric swatches. Clients are willing to wait a little longer and receive a personalised order than go for an off the shelf item everybody will be wearing.

Q: How involved do clients prefer to be with the design of their uniforms? Can you think of any examples where owners have come up with particularly unusual uniforms?

Clients have the opportunity to be advised on a design most practical for their needs, or otherwise inject their own creativity into the design process and have a concept sketched, designed then executed into a bespoke uniform piece. Nothing too obscure springs to mind, although the start of this year brought a sudden influx in sailor-style designs, incorporating the classic navy/white sailor stripe and high-waisted trouser. Where personal designs are concerned, pretty much anything is doable, or at least we lead the design process offering our in-house design knowledge and expertise on how best to turn a unique idea into an item of clothing that can be worn again and again.

YPI CREW is renowned for recruiting the best crew candidates in the industry and working with the most reputable partners, such as Deckers. If you are interested in applying for a position on a yacht, contact YPI CREW for more information.