Gill

Gill Pioneers of Technical Marine Apparel

Gill. Beyond Tested.

You should be able to trust your kit. That's our job, and it has been since 1975. At Gill, trust isn't claimed, it's earned through relentless testing, in the lab and at sea, with our ambassadors who rely on our gear every day.

Every product we create is pushed beyond industry standards. From abrasion and waterproof testing to spray and saltwater exposure, every detail is proven where it matters most, on the water. So, you can rely on your gear, wave after wave, season after season.

Top products

Offshore jackets, coastal layers and proven Gill favourites.

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Products

Browse Gill offshore jackets, coastal layers and sailing essentials at Burnsco. Shop online or visit your local store for kit matched to how you sail.

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Our story

Protection from the elements since 1975

Gill was created to ensure sailors were protected from the elements whilst out on the water. This remains our purpose today.

“When I first started sailing, we had no sailing gear, we used to go sailing in t-shirts, shorts and canvas shoes and we never went out on the water in winter, we just couldn't. I was passionate about sailing so I decided to write a business plan for a sailing product company, I first put that plan into action in 1975 in the corner of my Father's textile factory in Long Eaton, Nottingham. Back then we had a space just 10 metres squared but it worked, we were flexible and creative and always had the end user in mind as we developed new sailing product. That business ethos is what has led to the successful business and brand we have today and why so many sailors and outdoor enthusiasts trust and rely on our products.”

Nick Gill

Fabric technology

Fabrics built in-house, tested beyond industry norms

We develop our own fabrics rather than settling for off-the-shelf materials, ensuring they are fit for purpose and withstand the rigors of the ocean.

3-layer construction

XPLORE+®

  • Waterproofness

    35,000mm hydrostatic head

  • Durability

    8-hour Martindale test

  • Breathability

    Allows your body to breathe

2-layer construction

XPLORE®

  • Waterproofness

    30,000mm hydrostatic head

  • Durability

    4-hour Martindale test

  • Breathability

    High breathability and comfort

Beyond tested

Gill. Beyond Tested.

Every product is pushed beyond industry standards, from hydrostatic head and Martindale abrasion to spray repellency and salt corrosion, proven in the lab and at sea.

Hydrostatic Head: Total Waterproof Protection

Waterproof is a word that gets used loosely. We measure it precisely, using the Hydrostatic Head test, this determines exactly how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before it leaks.

Many international industry standards allow up to three water droplets to form before a fabric fails the test. We fail it at the first. Our baseline starts at 10,000mm. Most of our gear exceeds 20,000mm. Our OS1 Ocean fabric holds at over 30,000mm, built for the kind of conditions where there's no margin for error.

One drop through means it isn't good enough. That's the standard we hold ourselves to.

Hydrostatic Head waterproof testing at Gill
Martindale abrasion testing at Gill

Martindale Testing: Built for Real Wear

On a boat, gear takes constant punishment from ropes, rails, and deck surfaces. To test how our fabrics handle it, we use the Martindale Abrasion Test. But we run it harder than the standard requires.

Where standard tests rub two fabrics together, we use industrial grit paper, simulating years of real world wear in hours. And we don't stop until the fabric fails.

  • All garments: minimum 3 hours (9,000 rubs) against abrasive grit
  • OS1 Ocean Jacket: 8 hours of continuous abrasion (50,000 rubs)
  • Salopette seat and knees: 33+ hours, because those areas work hardest

Spray Test: Water Off. Every Time.

Even the most waterproof fabric can let you down if its surface finish fails. A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish is what causes water to bead and run off the fabric rather than soak in, and without it, even a technically waterproof garment starts to feel wet, heavy and cold against the body.

Our spray testing ensures our waterproof fabric performs exactly as it should. Water must bead cleanly off the surface and not be absorbed, because a fabric that wets out doesn't just feel uncomfortable, it starts to work against you.

This test is applied to all waterproof fabrics in our range, with particular focus on those that face constant water exposure on deck. No absorption. No wet out. No compromise.

DWR spray testing at Gill
Salt corrosion testing on Gill hardware

Salt Corrosion Testing: Failure Isn't an Option

Saltwater is relentless. Over time it works into zips, eyelets and metal trims, corroding from the inside out, weakening components that sailors depend on without a second thought. Our corrosion testing submerges metal trims in saltwater for a minimum of 12 hours, exposing any weakness before it reaches the water.

Every zip, eyelet and exposed trim on our garments goes through this process. If it doesn't hold up in the lab, it doesn't go on the gear.

Our ambassadors

Passionate sailors who push Gill gear harder than any lab test, from offshore racers to the next generation in dinghy classes.

Conrad Colman offshore racing in Gill gear

Ocean racing

Conrad Colman

  • Racing yacht
  • New Zealand

Conrad Colman, a dual New Zealand and American sailor, has made a significant mark in offshore racing. Raised on a sailboat in the Pacific, he has completed three circumnavigations, including the Vendée Globe without relying on fossil fuels. Notable victories include the Class 40 Global Ocean Race, with a relentless focus on sustainable sailing.

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Matt and Amy aboard Sailing Yacht Florence

Cruising yacht

Sailing Yacht Florence

  • Cruising yacht
  • United Kingdom
  • Matt & Amy

Matt and Amy turned a long-held dream into reality, selling up and setting off aboard Florence. In under a year they found their boat, prepared her for sea, and crossed the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, proving that bold plans and Gill kit can take you further than you expect.

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Marie Barrue racing ILCA 6 dinghy

Dinghy

Marie Barrue

  • ILCA 6
  • France

Marie Barrue, a French laser sailor, has carved a name for herself in the ILCA 6 class. Starting in an Optimist at age 8, her best world ranking was 7th in ILCA 6, with continental silver to her name. Her passion and dedication make her a role model for young sailors everywhere.

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Sailor on deck wearing Gill technical sailing jacket at sea

Technical sailing and marine clothing at Burnsco

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Support

FAQs & product care

Answers to common questions about Gill technical sailing and marine clothing at Burnsco, plus official care guidelines and size charts to keep your kit performing on and off the water.

FAQs

Browse our frequently asked questions below. Whether you're choosing Gill OS offshore gear, understanding waterproof ratings or looking for sizing, care and stock at Burnsco, you'll find practical answers here.

What is the difference between Gill OS1, OS2 and OS3?

Gill organises offshore and coastal waterproof gear into OS systems. OS1 is built for the hardest ocean conditions and the highest waterproof performance. OS2 is the versatile offshore choice many sailors use for serious coastal and offshore passages. OS3 is lighter coastal kit for regular inshore sailing and wet weather that is demanding but not extreme. Burnsco stocks a wide Gill range so you can match the system to how and where you sail.

What does hydrostatic head mean on Gill waterproof clothing?

Hydrostatic head measures how much water pressure a fabric can take before moisture passes through, shown in millimetres. Many industry tests allow several droplets before a fabric fails. Gill tests to a stricter standard, with core waterproof products often rated from 10,000mm upward and top offshore fabrics well above 20,000mm. The number is only part of the story: fully taped seams, durable water repellent finishes and strong construction matter just as much on deck.

How should I wash and care for Gill waterproof jackets and trousers?

Rinse salt and dirt in fresh water after sailing and do not store kit while it is still damp. Machine wash at 30°C with non biological detergent only, one garment per wash, with all zips closed. Tumble dry on low heat to help restore the water repellent finish. Do not use bleach, fabric conditioner, ironing or dry cleaning unless the care label says otherwise. If water stops beading on the surface after washing, use a Gill compatible reproofing treatment.

How do I choose the right Gill size at Burnsco?

Gill sizing covers next to skin base layers, slim and regular fits, and relaxed outer layers made for insulation underneath. Check the size chart on each product page at Burnsco and compare your chest, waist and inside leg measurements to the guide. If you are between sizes or plan to layer heavily under an offshore jacket, many sailors size up in outer layers. Burnsco team members can help in store or online.

What warranty applies to Gill products bought from Burnsco?

Gill products are covered against defects in materials and workmanship under the Gill Guarantee. Normal wear and tear, damage from misuse and neglected zips are not covered. Keep your receipt when you buy from Burnsco. For a possible claim, follow Gill and Burnsco guidance on cleaning the garment and sending it for assessment. Repair times depend on the work required.