How To Wear A Gilet: Style Guide For Men And Women

One of the finest winter clothing hacks we’ve come across is wearing a gilet to keep warm. To the untrained eye, a gilet appears to be an unsuitable cold-weather garment. After all, why would you choose a sleeveless jacket to keep warm? The gilet, often known as a “body warmer,” was designed with utility in mind.

A gilet adds warmth over a fitted layer without bulk. For men, wear over a long-sleeve shirt or fine jumper with chinos or jeans. For women, wear over a jumper dress, tailored trousers with a rollneck, or over a t-shirt for weekend casual.

Although there are many styles and types of gilets to choose from, our guide helps to provide some tips and insights on how to style a gilet.

When Should You Wear A Gilet?

It’s your go-to outerwear piece for all kinds of storms and keeping you warm but not too toasty. The gilet is a fantastically versatile additional layer that you can add or remove as needed, making it great for those in-between-season days when the weather isn’t sure whether to come or go. You may easily wear your gilet as a lightweight single item on calmer days. Wear it as an extra mid-layer inside a heavy coat on those very cold winter days when you need all the warmth you can get.

How to Wear A Gilet: A Guide for Men

A gilet is a great casual outerwear garment for all types of outdoor activities, giving optimal warmth and ease of movement. A men’s gilet is a fashionable and practical choice whether you’re going fishing, walking the dog, or simply strolling around town.

If you’re looking for a casual cold-weather suit for guys, consider a padded body warmer or a fleece gilet, which will keep you warm while still giving you a fashionable look. Match your insulated gilet with a checked shirt layered underneath a traditional crew neck jumper and you are ready for a trip to the cold British countryside.

If you are opting for a more formal style, consider a waistcoat or tweed gilet which will be perfect for meeting friends at the bar, attending a special function, or even as workwear. Pair with chinos or moleskin pants and a stylish Oxford shirt.

How to Wear A Gilet: A Guide for Women

The cushioning keeps you warm and comfy, while the thin fit gives you a charming appearance. The pink tweed shooting waistcoat country gilet provides a traditional touch of country, making it ideal for looking and feeling the part when strolling through the countryside. Add a waxed jacket on top if you need more insulation from the cold. Combine your gilet with a pair of skinny jeans and wellington boots to keep your feet dry.

What is The Proper Fit for A Gilet?

A gilet’s perfect fit is determined by a variety of factors, including gilet types, brands, what you wear with it, and personal choice. However, as a general guideline, the armholes should be large enough to comfortably fit many layers below while still being fitting enough to allow you to put a winter jacket over the top. To guarantee a comfortable and flattering fit, the gilet’s body should fit tightly around your waist.

While this is a rough guideline for fitting your gilet, the final fit will be determined by your own choice and how you use it.