Sailing Thermals & Base Layers

Building a layering system

Thermal sailing layers work as a system rather than as single garments. A thin wicking layer against the skin moves sweat away, a warmer mid layer holds heat, and the wetsuit, drysuit or spray top on top keeps the weather out. Adding a heavy layer without a thin one underneath usually leaves you damper and colder rather than warmer.

Gill Hydrophobe

The Hydrophobe range is the answer to a sailing thermal base layer that soaks up spray and then stays wet for the rest of the session. The fabric repels water from the outside while wicking sweat from the inside, so it dries quickly and doesn't sit heavy on you when you're hiking. Available as long sleeve tops for men and women, and as trousers.

Gill Base Layer Top and Leggings

Gill base layers are a lighter, simpler option for milder days or for wearing under a wetsuit. Close-fitting and quick-drying, they’re a sensible year-round starting point rather than something you only pull out in January. Pair the top and leggings for a full set.

Gill OS Thermal Zip Neck

Gill’s OS thermal is a warmer thermal top for sailing, from Gill's offshore range, with a zip neck you can open when you're working hard and close when you stop. Useful if you want one layer that covers both the water and the drive home.

Zhik Superthermal Hydrobase

This is Zhik's warmest base layer, aimed at sailors who are out in genuinely cold conditions for long stretches. If you're racing through the winter series or coaching from a RIB, start here.

Zhik Drysuit Underfleece

Built to go under a drysuit, where you need warmth without the bulk that stops you moving in the boat. Best worn over a thin base layer rather than directly against the skin.

Womens sailing thermals

The Gill Hydrophobe long sleeve top comes in a women's cut and women's sizing, and the Gill base layer range covers the same ground at a lower price. Both are cut closer through the body than the men's equivalents, which matters more than it sounds: a base layer that gapes at the waist stops doing its job the moment you start moving.

Shop similar collections: Rash Vests | Waterproof Tops | Sailing Gloves | Sailing Hats | Padded Hiking Clothing | Sailing life jackets

Sailing Thermals FAQs

What should I wear under a wetsuit?

A thin, close-fitting base layer top works well under a wetsuit and makes it far easier to get on and off. Avoid anything bulky, and avoid cotton entirely. The Gill base layer top and the lighter Hydrophobe tops both do the job.

What should I wear under a drysuit?

Drysuits keep water out but don't add warmth on their own, so what you wear underneath is doing all the insulating. Most sailors run a thin base layer next to the skin with a fleece over the top. The Zhik Drysuit Underfleece is made for that, and layering it over a base rather than wearing it on bare skin will keep you more comfortable.

Is a rash vest the same as a base layer?

No, a rash vest is summer kit, designed to block UV and stop harness or buoyancy aid chafe, so it won't keep you warm in cold water. A thermal base layer does the opposite job. Plenty of sailors own both and use them in different months. Our rash vests are in a separate collection.

How many layers do I actually need?

It depends on what you're doing more than on the air temperature. Hiking hard in a dinghy generates a lot of heat and you'll want less insulation than you'd expect. Sitting still, coaching or sailing a slower boat, add a layer. As a rough starting point, one base layer for spring and autumn, base layer plus a mid layer for winter.

Why not just wear a cotton t-shirt?

Cotton holds water rather than moving it away from your skin, so once it's damp from spray or sweat it stays damp and pulls heat out of you. Synthetic base layers do the opposite. It's the easiest kit change to make if you're getting cold on the water.

Should base layers be tight?

Close-fitting, yes. The fabric needs contact with your skin to move moisture away, so a loose base layer won't work properly. It shouldn't restrict you though, and if you're sizing for wearing under a wetsuit or drysuit, stick to your usual size rather than going up.

How do I look after my sailing thermals?

Rinse in fresh water after sailing, especially after salt, and wash cool. Skip fabric conditioner, which coats the fibres and stops them wicking. Don't tumble dry. Looked after, they'll last years.