Sustainable fashion: Oilskins and other functional clothing - the best products

Musto HPX: top shelf for the climate

HPX stands for High Performance and marks the highest category for offshore regatta professionals in the Musto range. Jackets and trousers with this abbreviation are designed to be even more durable and comfortable than the tried-and-tested MPX series, which is also designed for offshore sailing. The current HPX collection includes the Pro Ocean jacket, the Pro Ocean smock and the Pro Ocean trousers. A new feature is that Musto now also uses recycled materials for its HPX products. The three-layer material with Gore-Tex Pro membrane is said to be particularly breathable, the collar is extremely high and fleece-lined, and the cuffs provide double protection against water ingress. Stretch inserts on the back and sleeves increase freedom of movement and Cordura patches reduce abrasion. Reflectors on the shoulders and sleeves improve visibility; the hood also reflects light strongly. The jacket and smock cost €1,199 each.

• frisch.de

Marinepool Coastal: without perpetual chemicals

The oilskin jackets in the Coastal category from Marinepool are free from perfluorocarbon (PFC), which accumulates in nature and is suspected of causing cancer. Thanks to a zip in the lining, they are also said to be easy to repair, which increases their service life. The collar ends are edged with neoprene to prevent skin irritation. Both jackets are equipped with reflectors on the shoulders for better visibility. The prices: The Sonja model is available for 349 euros, Langholm for 399 euros.

• marinepool.com

Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore: from rubbish to coat

The Norwegian company Helly Hansen has opted for a more sustainable raw material for the Skagen Offshore, using 50 per cent recycled material from collected marine waste. The high collar and double cuffs are designed to keep out splash water and rain, while Solas-certified reflectors increase safety in an emergency. The trousers are protected at the knees and seat by Cordura reinforcements and have a quick-drying lining. Skagen Offshore Jacket for 380, trousers for 280 euros.

• hellyhansen.com

Helly Hansen Revo Sail: less waste, more grip

With the Revo Sail, Helly Hansen has added sailing shoes made from sustainable raw materials to its programme. The mesh material on the upper, lining, straps and laces are made from Ocean Bound material. Fishing gear from the sea is recycled for this purpose. In addition, parts of the shoe are manufactured using a special 3D printing process that is designed to minimise waste during production. The water-repellent finish is PFC-free. The shoe itself is designed to offer particularly good grip on wet decks thanks to a special sole construction. The price: 140 euros.

• hellyhansen.com

Gill OS2: Green must, colour doesn't matter

Gill's OS2 series is designed for good all-round qualities and is therefore the intermediate step between pure coastal and genuine offshore oilskins. Both the jacket and trousers have been continuously developed over the years, making the latest generation the most sustainable product yet from the British brand. According to the manufacturer, the current OS2 system consists of 98 per cent recycled materials such as plastic bottles and recycled fibres. The material promises a water column of over 20,000 millimetres with good breathability, and the seams are fully taped. Price: jacket for 375, trousers for 290 euros.

• gillmarine.com
• Recycled and PFC-free oilskins from Gill put to the test

Vivobarefoot Ultra III: Plastic made from algae

The Ultra III model from Vivobarefoot is also known as an amphibious shoe. The honeycomb structure of the upper has numerous openings that make the shoe permeable to air and water. This makes the Ultra III suitable for many water sports. Feet are protected, do not sweat and water can drain away quickly. Vivobarefoot relies partly on renewable raw materials in its production. The material called Bloom is made from algae. Ten per cent of the sole of the Ultra III is made from this material. The remaining 90 per cent is made of Eva, a rubber-like plastic. The price: 125 euros.

• vivobarefoot.com
• Tried out: Shoes for shore leave with a dinghy

Zhik Long Deck Pant: recycled fibres and PFC-free

Zhik has launched a new Long Deck Pant. The trousers are made from four-way stretch material and have a water-repellent coating. Recycled fibres are used and the material is said to be PFC-free. The ergonomic cut and elasticated waistband ensure good freedom of movement. Available in sizes XS to XXXL from 135 euros.

• frisch.de

Musto MPX Pro Offshore: recycled fibres

The MPX Pro Offshore line from Musto includes the 2.0 jacket, a race offshore smock and the 2.0 trousers. The smock is characterised by a special collar that closes quite tightly and is designed to combine the advantages of a smock with those of a jacket. The model has smaller pockets and is shorter but lighter. The smock offers storage space in a belly pocket. There is no hood. The Pro Offshore Jacket 2.0 (pictured) has one. All made from 100 percent recycled polyamide fibre. Jacket 869, trousers 669 euros.

• frisch.de

Patagonia Big Water Foul Weather: fishing net becomes oilskin

Patagonia, particularly known for outdoor clothing and fair production, is now also marketing oilskins. The Big Water Foul Weather Jacket features a high collar and adjustable hood, plenty of pockets and reinforcements on the sleeves and seat. The Big Water Foul Weather Bibs have two breast pockets, adjustable cuffs and plenty of freedom of movement. The fabric is made from 100 percent recycled nylon fibre obtained from old fishing nets. The textiles are also certified and are produced in Fair Trade labelled factories in Vietnam. Price: jacket 650, trousers 550 euros.

• patagonia.com
• Patagonia brings oilskins for sailors for the first time

Gill Verso Drysuit: vegetable coating

The centrepiece of the new women's-specific design of the Verso Drysuit from Gill is the entry system, which also offers a drop-seat function. The large waterproof zip is positioned on the back at hip height. This means that the lower part can be slipped on like trousers first, then the upper part can be slipped on from below like a jumper. When going to the toilet, only the zip can be opened and the rest of the suit can be left on.

The drysuit is made from the three-layer XPLORE+ fabric. The manufacturer promises high breathability. The XPEL fibre finish, which Gill has been using for two years, is plant-based, protects against moisture and is designed to make the fabric less sensitive to dirt and odours. The Verso Drysuit is available in turquoise in sizes 8 to 18. The suit is machine washable at 30 degrees and can also be machine dried at a low temperature. Price: 850 euros.

• gillmarine.com
• New drysuit from Gill for female sailors

Musto HPX Gore-Tex Infinium: 100 per cent recycled material

The HPX Gore-Tex Infinium mid-layer jacket and salopette is the second layer underneath oilskins, characterised by particularly good thermal insulation. The jacket is lined with Primaloft, is very breathable and has several pockets for small items of equipment and to keep your hands warm. The sleeves are pre-shaped for good freedom of movement. Both parts are made from 100 percent recycled polyester fibre. The HPX Infinium Mid-Layer Jacket and Salopette cost 389 euros each.

• frisch.de

About sustainable functional clothing:

The basis for synthetic fibres is usually crude oil. If fibres are recycled, less needs to be extracted and it also saves energy and waste. Chemicals such as PFC for waterproof coatings are suspected of being carcinogenic and are not biodegradable. There are plant-based alternatives that are used in the products presented above, among others. Sustainable alternatives are also gaining ground in other areas of equipment such as ropes and fittings or deck coverings.

• Equipment recycling: every sailor should use these green alternatives

Further topics in the sustainability special:

• 25 tips to help you sail more environmentally friendly
• These projects are available for marine conservation
• Sailing yacht vs. motorboat: which model is more sustainable?
• Boatbuilding ecolution: These shipyards are working on sustainable concepts
• Shipyard portrait Greenboats: Boats made of flax and components for Boris Herrmann
• Boat recycling: the never-ending story of GRP
• Sail recycling: not just stylish bags - what happens to old cloth
• "Losing is not an option" - Boris Herrmann on sustainability in motorsport
• Sustainable management: Wooden boats in charter operations
• Equipment: Every sailor should reach for these green alternatives
• Drinking water on board: you can filter water correctly using these methods
• Baltic Sea: How does a harbour become sustainable?
• Research yachts: Climate protectors under sail
• Pallets, bottles, flip-flops: creative recycling ideas in boatbuilding
• Monsoon 31: Greenfit instead of refit, what does that mean for the 50-year-old Hallberg-Rassy?
• "Nomade des Mers": a catamaran as a low-tech laboratory
• Self-build yacht "Ya": Totally self-sufficient on a trip around the world
• Sustainable boat project: 55-foot catamaran made from recycled aluminium
• The Schwörer family and the "Pachamama": on a long voyage for climate protection
• Nike Steiger on her recycling project