Top 10 Best Women's Gilets in the UK 2021 (Barbour, Jules and More)

Although they all have roughly the same basic outline, gilets come in a huge range of styles designed with different purposes in mind. Some are supposed to be worn during outdoor activities, whilst others are more pretty than practical. We've broken down these differences so you can get exactly what you're looking for. 

Gilet styles fall into two main categories: those which are designed for adventuring into the cold or with a specific sport in mind, and those which are less preoccupied with practicalities and more focused on the way they look. Both have their place, but it is a good idea to figure out exactly what you have in mind for your bodywarmer. 

It should be stressed that, just because some gilets are designed to be more functional, it doesn't mean that they are inherently unfashionable. In fact, some of them are very cool and could easily be worn when you're not hiking or running. But these gilets tend to have certain features that make them better for braving the elements. 

This could be insulation, provided in spades by puffer and fleece coats. It could also mean being waterproof, just in case you need an extra layer of protection. Gilets for sports like running and cycling are light and breathable, but offer you another layer and pockets to store your stuff. 

For all their practical uses, a nice gilet can also be a way of injecting style into outfits in an easy and fun way. 

They can be thrown over other items in a way that allows you to show off the rest of your outfit, and popular textures like borg and faux fur – whilst also being very chic – are very warm, so they aren't without their functional advantages. 

Getting a gilet which fits you properly won't only look better, but it'll keep you warmer and cosier too. Here are our tips on how to get it right on both counts. 

As with all clothing, for a gilet to be comfortable it needs to be the right size. Without arms, there are fewer areas that could be ill-fitting, but that doesn't mean you won't encounter issues. 

Gilets, particularly those intended to be used during sports, are better when they have a snug fit. This is because they move around less, they keep you warmer as there are less gaps through which cold air could get in, and they give you the option of putting another layer over the top. 

Adjustable features aren't as common on gilets as they are on other outdoor jackets, but this doesn't mean you can't find them if it's something you want. The main reason you'd want a jacket that had adjustable elements is to make it fit better and make certain areas tighter if they could move around. 

One part of a gilet that could be adjustable is the hood, if there is one. This usually involves having an elasticated drawstring that can be tightened or loosened depending on the conditions outside and what feels comfortable. 

This method of adjusting can also sometimes be found in the form of a waistband, which can provide a more flattering fit. 

Speaking of hoods, these are your next consideration. They might not seem like such an essential adornment on gilets when compared to other jackets – after all, gilets don't have sleeves, so if it starts raining, it's not just your head that's exposed – but there are still plenty of good reasons why hoods have a place on gilets. 

Firstly, they are warm and cosy. It might not be raining but you could still find yourself cold and in need of a head covering. They can also add to the look of a gilet, with a fur-lined hood being a style statement in and of itself. 

If it's windy and you need your gilet to protect your body from the cold, you want to be sure it won't blow open in strong gusts. To prevent this from happening, a secure fastening is what you need. 

The fastening of choice for almost all gilets is a zip, and with good reason. A zip is easy to use, it's water-resistant, and it gives you the option of doing the gilet up as much or as little as you want. 

In some cases, the zip will be covered by a flap of material that is secured by Velcro or press studs, which can not only look less casual but may be useful if keeping the cold out is your top priority. 

Every woman appreciates clothes that have pockets; somewhere to store your basic necessities without having to haul a bag around at all times. This is even more true of gilets which are often worn when walking or doing sport when you definitely don't want to be towing around any extra luggage. 

Gilets usually have two pockets, one on each side, which also conveniently function as somewhere to put your hands if they get a bit chilly on a wintery walk. What makes pockets even more useful it the option of closing them, which is often done by a zip or press studs. 

Good news for those who love the convenience of a washing machine: the vast majority of gilets are suitable for this kind of wash. Some makes specify that they're washed at a colder temperature (usually around 40°C or below) but lots don't have any restrictions. 

There also aren't that many limitations when it comes to tumble drying, although it is always worth checking the label to see if bunging your gilet in the tumble dryer could damage the material.

The main exception to this is faux fur coats which don't like being washed at home. You hopefully won't need to wash it frequently, but when you do you will need to take a faux fur gilet to the dry cleaners.  

Whether you're wanting the next style statement for your wardrobe or you're looking for an extra layer that is going to keep you warm whilst jogging, we've selected 10 of our favourite gilets on the market today that cover a range of styles, purposes and prices so everyone can find the sleeveless jacket for them. 

Have you well and truly caught the explorer bug? Your new gilet might be just what you need for milder winter days, but if you're looking to go properly adventuring, you're going to need a few more items. To help you get started, here are some more guides that will give you hints and tips for how to get kitted out. 

It can be difficult to know what to wear on milder days when you still want another layer but not something that is going to make you too warm. Luckily, any one of the gilets we've looked at will help you find this happy medium, whatever you may be doing. In a gilet, you'll have an item of clothing you can bring out year after year. 

Author: Emma Cramp