Is Musto worth it for serious sailing?+
If you spend real time on the water, Musto earns its keep. The brand was founded in 1964 by Keith Musto, a British Olympic sailor and engineer, so the design intent has always come from someone who actually races. In 1979 Musto developed the first three-layer clothing system for sailors, and in 1987 Keith Musto won the British Design Council Award for his ocean clothing. For coastal cruising the value is real; for the occasional fair-weather sail you may not need the top tier.
Should I choose Musto HPX or MPX?+
This is the question every sailor wrestles with. HPX is the heavier-duty, offshore-focused tier built for sustained foul weather, while MPX is lighter and more flexible for coastal and inshore sailing. If you race offshore or cross oceans, the extra robustness of HPX pays off; if most of your sailing is round-the-cans or weekend coastal, MPX keeps you dry without the bulk. Buy for the worst conditions you genuinely expect to meet, not the rare ones.
How does Musto compare to Gill?+
They are the two names most British and offshore sailors put side by side. Both make capable foul-weather gear, so the choice usually comes down to fit and feel rather than a clear winner. Musto carries the heritage of an Olympic-sailor founder and a long record of offshore development; many sailors stay loyal to it for dryness and durability in hard conditions. Try both on, since the cuts differ and a jacket that seals well on your body matters more than the badge.
What is Musto best known for?+
Performance sailing clothing, above all. Musto sells sailing clothes, equestrian clothing, shooting apparel and lifestyle outdoor clothing, but the offshore and ocean sailing kit is the heart of the brand. The milestone that defined it was the first three-layer clothing system for sailors, developed in 1979, which set the template for how technical foul-weather gear is built.
Does Musto really get used by professional crews?+
Yes, and that pedigree is part of why people trust it. In 1989 Musto became the supplier to the RNLI for its offshore lifeboat crews, which is about as demanding a real-world test as marine clothing faces. The brand has also sponsored British sailor Ellen MacArthur since 1994 and backed the Vestas Sailrocket and Pete Goss's Spirit of Mystery crew.
Who owns Musto now?+
Musto changed hands in the last decade. In 2017 it was acquired by the Norwegian outdoor clothing maker Helly Hansen, which was itself acquired in 2018 by the Canadian retailer Canadian Tire. The brand remains English at its core, with its headquarters in London.
Does Musto also make equestrian and shooting clothing?+
It does, and this is a real part of the range rather than a sideline. Alongside sailing gear, Musto makes equestrian clothing, shooting apparel and lifestyle outdoor clothing. The brand worked closely with equestrian Zara Phillips, whom it sponsors, to launch a jointly designed equestrian range named ZP176.
Why does Musto hold a royal warrant?+
It is a mark of long-standing quality recognised at the highest level. In 2010 the company was granted royal warrants, naming Musto as an official supplier to Queen Elizabeth and her husband. A warrant is awarded for sustained supply of goods, so it reflects years of trusted use rather than a one-off endorsement.
How should Musto foul-weather gear fit?+
Aim for a layered fit rather than a tailored one. Offshore and coastal jackets are meant to sit over mid-layers, so you want room to move and seal at the wrists and neck without binding. Sailors often note that Musto's cut runs on the trimmer, longer-limbed side, so if you carry bulk or have a shorter reach it is worth trying a piece on before committing. The goal is a clean seal at every opening, since that is what keeps spray out.
When is the best time to buy Musto sailing kit?+
Plan your purchase around the sailing calendar rather than the price tag. Range refreshes tend to land ahead of the season, so the previous year's offshore and coastal pieces often become easier to find once the new collection arrives. If you have a passage or a season coming up, buy early enough to test the fit and break the gear in, rather than discovering a seal problem mid-voyage.
How do I care for Musto technical clothing?+
Treat the membrane gently and it will last. Rinse salt off after sailing, since dried salt holds moisture against the fabric and dulls breathability, and wash with a technical cleaner rather than ordinary detergent, which can clog the waterproof layer. Reproofing the outer when water stops beading restores the repellency. Light-coloured offshore gear shows ingrained grime, so regular rinsing keeps it looking and performing better.
