A fleece is the hardest-working layer in any sailing wardrobe - warm, light, quick-drying and comfortable enough to live in from April to October. This collection brings together sailing fleeces and fleece jackets from Musto, Gill, Henri Lloyd and Holebrook: full-zip and half-zip designs, grid and micro fleeces for layering, and heavier bonded fleeces that shrug off a light breeze on their own.
Fleece keeps most of its insulation even when damp and dries fast - exactly what the marine environment demands. Wear one over a base layer as your main mid layer under waterproofs, or on its own for fair-weather sailing and evenings aboard. For windy days without rain, look at windproof-membrane fleeces, which block the chill a standard fleece lets through.
Frequently asked questions
Why is fleece good for sailing?
Fleece insulates even when damp, dries quickly and breathes well under waterproofs - unlike cotton, which holds moisture and chills you. That makes it the standard mid layer for sailors.
What weight of fleece do I need for sailing?
A light 100-weight fleece suits summer layering, a 200-weight is the versatile all-rounder for UK sailing, and heavier or bonded fleeces suit cold conditions or wear as an outer on dry days.
Should a sailing fleece fit tight or loose?
It should fit close enough to trap warmth and layer under a jacket without bunching, but with room for a base layer beneath - most sailors take their normal size in technical brands.
