Most of my gear is getting a little old but I'll share some tips.

Stay away from the Type 2 PFDs (orange horsecollars). They are too uncomfortable except for, maybe, kids. The kayak-style PFDs are popular now.

Most of the time my crew wears a Murrays crotchless full harness with a speader bar. This harness has been very durable and reasonably comfortable but needs to be replaced. I keep hoping I'll win a new harness at a regatta raffle. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> The harness is too large for my crew so she wears it over her PFD.

I wear a Hobie crotchless half harness with spreader bar. The foam is softer than the Murrays harness but is also "squishier" and soaks up water like mad.