Glove development is almost an intuitive process for our experts in the Gill design team. We have been developing and evolving them for close to 50 years and it’s the one piece of kit every person on the water should own.

So why do we need special marine gloves and sailing gloves?

If you’ve ever been out on the water, whether that be sailing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or windsurfing, you know the suffering that can be felt on the hands from rope burn, grip and of course the harsh elements.

It is essential to have a good set of gloves to not only protect you from blisters and burns, but they will also improve comfort and safety, ultimately keeping you out on the water for longer!

This February, we introduced a new collection of world class marine and sailing gloves.

Since we launched our first official glove collection in 1988, we have tailored our designs for different activities and specific uses in and around the water. Our gloves have always been a continuous programme of testing, evaluation and evolvement which has been influenced by customer reviews, our sponsored athlete feedback and of course analysis of wear patterns and breakage points. This analysis allows us to reinforce key contact zones and engineer flex points to improve performance and comfort.

“Many of the marginal improvements we make come from reviewing customer returns and gloves sent back by sponsored sailors. Analysis of wear patterns and breakage points allows us to reinforce key contact zones and engineer flex points to improve performance and comfort… During the early development phase, we ensured that prototype samples were sent out for testing on a variety of craft - from single person dinghies through to 50ft foiling multihulls.”

Matt Clark, Gill Product Development Director, February 2021

Our most radical change across the new collection in 2021 is the elimination of the extended cuff with a velcro closure. This feature that can be uncomfortable, restricts movement and gets in the way of your clothing, yet it’s common to every single sailing glove, no matter the brand.

As the experts in marine clothing, we questioned why rather than trying to revise the design, did we even need it?

The new adjustment across the back of the hand allows you to take gloves on and off with ease, even with cold and wet fingers, while our development phases ensured they were suitable for a wide range of activities and crafts. During testing, we sent our samples out to be used for every activity from dinghy sailing to foiling. We ensured they could stand the test of time, whatever the end activity would be!

This is the perfect example of the internal innovative process and how our Gill design experts come up with solutions to best fit the needs of our wearers.

Below we take you through the key features and benefits you can expect from each style in the new collection.

Deckhand (Short Finger & Long Finger)

The Deckhand gloves are our durable, multipurpose marine gloves which use double layer Amara reinforcement to guarantee quick-dry comfort, close-fit control and protection from the elements. The four-way stretch fabric across the back of the hand provides UV 50+ protection and water repellence.

Offset finger seams remove pressure points and helps reduce wear, while a wraparound palm protection eliminates uncomfortable side seams and offers complete wear protection. The pre-shaped construction fits your natural hand shape, and the reduced cuff length eliminates bulk and improves comfort. There is an ‘easy-grab’ silicon grip at the cuff, while the rear volume adjustment allows for freedom of movement and increased wrist flex.

These all-round gloves can be worn for most water sports, whether that be dinghy sailing, canoeing or windsurfing.

Championship (Short & Long Finger)

One of our most popular and versatile gloves, the Championship glove offers the same features and benefits as the Deckhand, with the addition of a Dura-Grip fabric on the palm construction. Providing incredible levels of grip without any compromise in flexibility and durability, the seamless reinforcement improves abrasion resistance and enhances grip even further.

These versatile marine gloves can be worn for most water sports, whether that be dinghy sailing, kayaking or windsurfing.

Pro (Short & Long Finger)

Our premium Pro gloves provide race-proven flexibility, protection and comfort, alongside innovations and cutting-edge features. Boasting the same technology and design benefits as the Deckhand and Championship gloves, the Pro glove advances their design with next-generation Proton-Ultra XD palm and finger fabric to offer an incredible level of durability that’s now softer and more flexible than ever before. The notched finger construction with flex zones also allows for the natural articulation of fingers.

These premium gloves are ideal for those who need that extra level of durability and flexibility during all water sports such as sailing, wakeboarding or kite surfing.

3 Seasons

Our adaptable neoprene glove with Dura-Grip construction and reinforcement offers a lightweight solution for warmth when wet. Developed to offer touch-screen capability, the no-seam fingertips ensure improved comfort, fit, durability and dexterity, while the extended cuff length makes it easier to tuck underneath neoprene layers or spray tops.

As the name suggests, these gloves are a fantastic transitional style that can be worn between the warmer and colder months for whatever your chosen water sport may be.

Helmsman

The ultimate high performance winter sailing glove for unbeatable protection and control. The Helmsman was developed from Gill’s Pro glove but with the addition of a waterproof and breathable Porelle membrane, a softshell outer fabric with a water repellent finish and incorporation of Thinsulate to trap warmth.

Offering touch-screen capability, the pre-curved fingers provide an active fit, while the elasticated cuff and drawcord closure guarantee best possible fit and protection. The extended gauntlet length is designed to fully integrate with foul weather garments and the rear volume adjustment offers an improved fit.

Our top-of-the-range Helmsman gloves were designed for those facing the coldest conditions and can be worn for any water sport whether you’re inshore, offshore or out on the ocean.

Still unsure about which marine gloves to pick? Head over to our contact us form, and our Gill customer service team will be happy to help! Alternatively, reach out on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for friendly advice from our experts.

Our collection includes water sports clothing such as jackets, salopettes, wetsuits, baselayers and much more. We’ve introduced a way of shopping by activity to make it even easier for you to find exactly what you need!