To commemorate 50 years of pioneering technology, we’re thrilled to unveil the new OS2 Offshore System. Born from decades of experience and insights from sailors across the globe.
In this interview, our Product & Sustainability Director, Matt Clark delves into the development process behind the new OS2. What inspired its design, which new innovations and features make it unique from previous generations and the technology it uses to ensure it stands out with unparalleled performance and comfort.
The new OS2 System in Women’s Navy/Eggshell
A new generation OS2 System
1. Given Gill’s 50-year history, what were the key design inspirations behind the new OS2, particularly considering the legacy of Gill products?
Redeveloping the OS2 Offshore was an incredibly challenging design project. It is such a firm favourite amongst sailors and has a loyal and passionate following, that we had to be really careful not to lose what makes it unique. This was very much a process of refinement, not reinvention.
Speaking to users of the OS2, the multiple pocket options (10 in total across the suit) allow you to securely stash everything you need, including gloves, marine tools and chocolate bars. The other aspect that we carefully protected was the fit of both the jacket and trouser. The Gill ‘comfort factor’ is something that sets us apart when customers try the suit on for the first time. Careful placement of zoned fabrics ensure that soft, thermal fleece is just where you need it, and smooth linings allow you to layer up quickly & efficiently.
We also consider how thermal layers, footwear and even headwear interact with the suit, with our fitting sessions seeing size models fully layered up and ready for a day’s sail!
2. What specific feedback did you receive from professional racers/adventurers during the development process, and how did that influence the final design of the OS2?
The finished designs are the result of an ongoing process of listening and learning from end users. This isn’t a process with a start and an end, we’re constantly collecting feedback – both good and bad.
The design team have access to every product review we receive and actively use these when we’re considering a design update. We also widely consult with our sponsored sailors from everyday cruisers on the adventure of a lifetime, through to Olympians and Ocean racers
As part of this, we travelled to France for a 2-day immersive development meeting with Conrad Colman, who recently completed the 24/25 Vendée Globe. As a veteran of multiple trans-Atlantic and epic Ocean races, Conrad gives us the perspective of the performance sailor and what he would expect from an Offshore suit. Conrad went on to trial early samples of the new OS2 Offshore System during pre-race testing.
We also worked closely with many of our key retailers, especially those who actively sail and already use previous generations of the OS2. Often immersed in busy marinas and harbours, these accounts spend more time speaking to and understanding the needs of the end users, so their input is invaluable.
Conrad Colman – Ocean adventurer and round the world sailor
3. What are the most significant upgrades and improvements in the OS2 System compared to previous generations of the OS2?
As previously mentioned, this is an evolution not a revolution and we wanted to keep the essence of what makes the Gill OS2 so special.
From the point of putting on the suit, the OS2 Offshore is engineered to perform without distraction. From positioning of the multiple pocket options to soft fleece collar and chin guard linings, through to an engineered fit that anticipates and accommodates movement around the boat.
Many of the updates and improvements are deliberately discreet, but we’ve made some considerable upgrades to the previous design.
- XPLORE 2-layer waterproof and breathable fabric with SHIELD PFAS-free water repellent finish
- Increased height fleece-lined collar for improved protection and warmth
- Integrated face guard, pre-shaped to cover the nose and chin when needed. Can be folded back and secured when not needed but also packs into a dedicated pocket engineered within the collar itself.
- Chest pockets now protected by YKK Aquaguard water-resistant zips.
- 2-way zipper on the jacket means that you can access the Trouser without having to fully unzip.
- 360 degree hi-vis safety accents, including inner cuffs, collar edging and hanging loop.
OS2 Offshore Jacket
- XPLORE 2-layer waterproof and breathable fabric with SHIELD PFAS-free water repellent finish
- 360 degree hi-vis safety accents, including pocket edging and hanging loop
- Improved Hybrid Bracer System (Men’s only) featuring a stretch back panel and stretch braces
OS2 Offshore Trousers
4. Can you describe the key technology used in the development of the new OS2? How do you test to make sure it is fit for purpose?
Sustainability and reducing our environmental impact is a common theme in all design and development projects. And the new OS2 Offshore takes the lead in demonstrating how all Marine clothing brands should be considering their approach.
Our XPLORE 2-layer outer fabrics, fleece linings, fluorescent fabrics and even the waterproof linings and care labels all feature recycled content from post-consumer materials. We estimate 98% of the total garment, by weight, now features recycled content and the remaining proportion are items such as zippers and reflectives where a recycled option is not currently available – but we’re working on it!
Our XPLORE fabric also features our new SHIELD water repellent technology, a PFAS-free technology that still delivers incredible levels of water repellency.
Despite these fabric innovations, our greatest commitment to sustainability is the durability and longevity of our garments. Each and every fabric is subjected to relentless testing in our own lab before we approve for use – wash tests, abrasion, waterproofness, flexing, aging, saltwater corrosion, wet colour migration, even scuffing with hook Velcro. Â
 That commitment to product quality, durability and performance doesn’t start and end in the Gill Lab. Every single taped seam, on every single OS2 Offshore garment is pressure tested and guaranteed waterproof before it leaves our factory – an incredibly time consuming and expensive process that is unique to Gill.
All Gill garments are tested beyond standards
5. What are the unique design elements that pay homage to Gill’s heritage in this system?
We loved researching the Gill archives as part of this design project. The Anniversary Editions feature colours and branding details inspired by 50 years of design and development. The Gold Fusion and Navy colour combination looks incredible, and the early reaction has been amazing.
The 50th Anniversary compass. Featured on all 50th anniversary garments.
6. What does this 50th-anniversary release signify for the future of Gill and its commitment to innovation?
When creating our seasonal collections, we carefully consider the needs of the sailor and build what we call ‘Clothing Systems’. Getting the most out of your time on the water involves wearing the right combination of garments, often dictated by conditions and activity.
The Gill OS2 Offshore System, features the new OS2 Offshore Suit supported by a collection of related garments that will maximise its performance. The Gill Base Layer is the foundation of any technical layering system, featuring multi-directional stretch, a soft brushed inner face and an anti-bacterial finish. Launching later this year, we’ll be presenting several updates to our Offshore System including a new thermal midlayer suit and an exciting footwear development, both designed to complement and integrate with the OS2 Offshore suit.
Equally important are your extremities – keeping your fingers and ears warm makes a huge difference. The new Offshore Hat is made from the same fabrics as the OS
Offshore suit, using the same construction technology to create a thermal, waterproof hat that stays in place even in high winds.