Other good options
Zhik Deckbeater Shorts
Zhik (rhymes with spike) put a lot of thought into its Deckbeater shorts. The butt padding is perforated to be as breathable as possible. A silicone bead on the cuffs keeps the shorts firmly in place, no matter how you move. If you’re a fan of sailing shorts with removable padding inserts, wearing the Deckbeaters under normal shorts—minus the padding—is a more efficient, and signifcantly more flattering, solution. $95, zhik.com

Sailing Angles Sailor’s Underwear
For about half the price of the Deckbeaters, you can get Sailor’s Underwear. They’re not as technically advanced as the Zhik product, but do a solid job of keeping your butt from getting sore. Either one would be great for a keelboat sailor or a big-boat helmsman or main trimmer, who isn’t required to hike over the lifelines. $50, sailingangles.com

Magic Marine Adjustable Kneepads
The articulated design is perfect for working in a crouched position. The padding was ample, and the construction durable. However, the Velcro straps chafed the back of my legs. The d3o version of these pads features thinner, “intelligent” padding that flows when moving slowly and improved straps. $30, $40 (d3o)

Sailing Angles Knee Sleeves
Simplicity defined, and at a very reasonable price. The solid tube design creates some bunching behind the knee in a crouched position. They come in four sizes, so try before you buy. $18.

Slam Baselayer Collection
A full range of layering items, from the short-sleeve Kyoti T-shirt and Seamless Bike Shorts to the longsleeve Seamless Zip Terin and Seamless Pants. I never appreciated the value of temperature regulating clothing until I did this survey. The Kyoti T-shirt kept my core at a steady temperature during a hot day of Swan 42 sailing. The Seamless Bike Shorts are very lightweight and comfortable. From $28 to $90, slam.com

Spinlock Pro Hiker
There are other, beefer pads to ease the pain of hiking over the lifelines. But this is a particularly efficient design. It can be discreetly tucked under your shorts, so everyone will assume you’re just tougher than they are. $33

CW-X Three-Quarter Stabilyx Tights
I knew these tights were a bit of a reach. They’re designed for running, skiing, and other upright activities, and I can see their value for many sports. Big-boat sailing just isn’t the right arena. One of the company’s over-the-knee models would’ve been better, as would a lighter three-quarter-length tight. $90

Sailing Angles Eliot 6 Tights
These were designed specifcally for the rigors of the new Women’s Match Racing Olympic discipline, incorporating a padded seat and knees into a full-length UV-resistant spandex tight. Customized padding options are available to make the tights more suited for big-boat sailing. $90