Gill Marine Selects Nikwax Direct.Dry® DWR for Extreme Ocean Apparel

February 17, 2026

The updated OS1 Ocean System delivers reliable, sustainable waterproof protection for the harshest marine environments.

Seattle, WA (February 17, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ ⏤ Nikwax, the world-leading specialist in aftercare and waterproofing solutions, announces a marine-first partnership with technical marine apparel brand Gill Marine a global leader in technical marine apparel. Gill Marine has integrated Nikwax Direct.Dry®, a factory-applied, PFAS-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment, into its updated flagship OS1 Ocean System, marking a significant first for the marine industry. The partnership delivers both high-performance waterproof protection and sustainable material choices, addressing a key market demand for more sustainable, professional-grade gear.

PFAS-free Waterproof Technology

Nikwax Direct.Dry DWR achieves the highest rating on the AATCC 22 spray test while also maintaining wash durability, a crucial benefit for long-term use in extreme marine environments. Waterproof gear treated with Direct.Dry can also be renewed with Nikwax’s aftercare products. Their globally trusted cleaning and re-waterproofing products maintain the performance and extend the life of waterproof gear, ensuring they last through many years of adventure. Direct.Dry DWR is currently featured on award-winning outdoor products, including Outdoor Research’s Foray and Aspire jackets, but this is its first appearance in marine apparel.

“Gill has a reputation of being a leader in creating waterproof systems for harsh, ocean adventure and it was an honor to use our 50 years of experience producing PFAS-free DWR to support the OS1,” said Brian Davidson, CEO of Nikwax. “This partnership demonstrates that high-performance marine apparel does not need to rely on PFAS chemistry. Nikwax Direct.Dry DWR delivers dependable water repellency and can be renewed with our globally known aftercare products, ensuring the garments last longer. This is exactly the kind of collaboration that moves the marine industry forward.”

Tested Beyond Standards, Ocean Proven in the Arctic

The OS1 Ocean System is Gill’s most advanced ocean-level apparel to date, combining rigorous in-house laboratory testing with over 5,000 miles of real-world Arctic sailing validation by sailing enthusiasts Matt and Amy from the YouTube channel, Sailing Yacht Florence. Designed with progressive materials and enhanced safety features, the system reflects Gill’s engineering-led approach to performance and durability.

“In the Arctic, the real challenge is the wind chill coming off ice and glaciers,” said Matt Humphreys from Sailing Yacht Florence. “We wore the OS1 constantly and never had to dry out our mid or base layers. When the outer layer got wet, we shook it off and let it dry in the cockpit. That tells you everything about how well it performed.”

With a 50-year track record of PFAS-free DWR, Nikwax is committed to minimizing environmental impact across its product range. As a pioneer in sustainability and actively supporting outdoor and now marine brands in their transition away from ‘forever chemicals’, Nikwax encourages brands interested in exploring how they can utilise Direct.Dry DWR to contact Direct.Dry@nikwax.com.

About Nikwax

Founded in 1977, Nikwax is the trusted global leader in environmentally safe cleaning and waterproofing solutions that extend the performance life of outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. The brand’s commitment to clean chemistry means never using PFAS or aerosols, and not testing on animals. Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles and lids are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax has carbon balanced all 49 years of its operations and became employee-owned in 2022.

About Gill

Founded on British waters in 1975, Gill is a global leader in technical marine apparel. Distributed in 37 countries and with a global eCommerce platform, the brand was established by lifelong sailor Nick Gill, who set out to create marine clothing without compromise – the best fabrics, the best features and the best quality.

More than 50 years on, that founding principle remains at the heart of the business. Gill is trusted by sailors, racers and adventurers around the world, with every product designed and engineered with purpose, built using advanced fabric technology and Tested Beyond Standards – in the Gill Lab and out at sea.

Engineered for the Elements. Trusted by those who go further.