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When it's cold outside, but not quite cold enough to wear a heavy winter jacket, you need something that is going to keep your core warm but isn't going to make you overheat. Gilets, also known as bodywarmers, are the perfect solution to this issue. The armless design allows for more movement and offers just the right amount of warmth, which is why they are so popular for a long list of sporting pursuits from cycling to hiking to equestrian.
But there is no reason that a gilet only has to be for sports – it can be a fashion statement, equally as stylish in the city as in the country. With choices of fur, fleece and down puffers, lots of which are incredibly lightweight, you'll be able to find a gilet that is easy to wear and just right for you. To help you out, we've explored ASOS, Amazon and more and reviewed products by reliable brands like Barbour and Trespass.
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Table of Contents
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.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tog 24 Cowling Women's Insulated Gilet | £48.00 Mid | An Insulated Gilet You Can Wear Year Round | ||
2 | Trespass Larisa Women's Quilted Gilet | £26.99 Low Mid | Durable and Waterproof With a Refined Look | ||
3 | Joules Furlton Padded Gilet | £49.95 Mid | An Eco-Friendly Option for Nature Lovers | ||
4 | Puma Running Gilet | £60.00 High Mid | A Gilet for Runners That Brave the Cold | ||
5 | Barbour Shaw Hooded Gilet | £139.00 High | A Wardrobe Staple From a Much-Loved Brand | ||
6 | Mountain Warehouse Action Padded Women's Padded Gilet | £29.99 Low Mid | An Additional Layer to Wear When Exploring | ||
7 | Game Ladies' Penrith Fleece Gilet | £22.95 Low Mid | A No-Nonsense Gilet for Getting Jobs Done | ||
8 | Native Youth Relaxed Gilet | £50.00 Mid | Easily Go From Town to Country in This Gilet | ||
9 | Spiro Women's Airflow Active Cycling Gilet | £22.45 Low Mid | The Gilet for Cycling Enthusiasts | ||
10 | Jayley Faux Fur Hooded Zip Gilet | £85.00 High Mid | Feel Luxurious in This Super Soft Gilet |
The perfect blend of practical and pretty, this gilet has thought of everything. Its simple shape is easy to wear and very versatile, whether that be in different weather conditions or in different settings. It is well-insulated without becoming too thick and restricting any movement.
The fact that the standard gilet zip has been reinforced by the addition of press studs stops any cold draughts from getting in. The feeling of luxury is brought by the faux fur-lined hood, which is very soft and will keep your neck warm whether it's up or down. In our eyes, this gilet's a winter-to-spring winner!
Trespass might be known for their hard-wearing items of clothing for extreme outdoor adventures, but that doesn't mean they can't make pieces that look chic. This gilet has all of the durability that you would expect in a Trespass number, but its look has been softened by the quilted finish and the fitted shape.
The waist is adjustable, which makes the shape of this gilet even more flattering, as well as helping to keep it in place by stopping it from riding up. In addition to all this, the material has been coated in an extra layer of waterproof protection.
Another country-wear favourite, Joules specialises in making items that are field-friendly but fashionable. With its large range of sizes, everyone can discover the advantages of this simple and stylish gilet.
This puffer jacket is filled with recycled down, meaning it is more eco-friendly, which you'll want if you appreciate exploring nature. Taking care of this gilet is easy as not only can you machine wash it to your liking, you can tumble dry it to keep the wadding feeling springy and cosy without causing damage.
Don't let colder weather stop you in your tracks. A gilet is the perfect item of clothing to add to your running kit when the temperature dips as it keeps your core warm but lets the rest of your body breathe.
Designed so it doesn't slow you down, this gilet is super lightweight and uses clever technology to keep you insulated without slowing you down. As an added bonus, this gilet is made from recycled polyester, making it a more environmentally-friendly option.
Barbour are famous for making quintessential British clothing to wear in the countryside, and this gilet is no different. With its khaki green colour and simple design, it would be the perfect addition to any rural stroll. It has an adjustable hood that you can tighten around your head to keep you warm.
The quilting throughout means that every part of this gilet will help to keep in the heat without needing to add any extra bulk. It is on the more expensive side, but with this, you know you are getting a jacket of excellent quality.
The lightweight gilet will bend and flex to fit you as you explore different tracks and trails. Thanks to its thin build and snug fit, it works well as a top layer but also as an underlayer to wear with a coat on top. Don't be fooled by the slimline design though, as the microfibre filling is excellent at retaining heat whilst blocking the wind and the cold from getting in.
For a coat that is designed to be worn while adventuring, an activity that might well mean getting muddy, white is not the most convenient colour. This is especially true when this is a gilet that recommends a hand wash, a factor that is worth taking into consideration.
If you like spending time in the great outdoors, be that gardening, walking or even horse riding, this gilet is a great option. It has a drawstring hem for adjusting it to suit you and two zipped pockets, which mean you not only have somewhere to put your stuff but you also know it will stay in place.
It is quite long so it will keep more of you warm, but it also makes this gilet's shape quite unflattering. In the style stakes generally, this gilet doesn't fare as well as other more functional options and it doesn't have practical features like a hood.
This gilet is simply stylish and won't look out of place on country walks. The borg texture is cushioning and cosy but doesn't look as extravagant as full-on faux fur, making it far more versatile, and the corduroy pockets complement the rest of the jacket wonderfully.
Plus, being part of a plus-size range means sizes in this gilet go up to a 28, which is always great to see. However, the fact that borg is a soft, spongy material means it is not waterproof at all, which is not ideal if you get caught in a shower. It is also looser fitting and not very thick, so although it looks cosy, it won't keep you hugely warm.
Riding along miles and miles of open road means encountering your fair share of different weather conditions. This gilet comes in very useful for when you just need a bit of extra warmth. The bright green colour is so eye-catching you don't need to worry about being seen on your bike and the streamlined shape will let you speed around without any resistance.
Being designed specifically for cycling does limit this gilet's uses. It is unlikely you'll want to wear this gilet off your bike and it doesn't have practical extras like pockets or a hood.
Definitely more at the high fashion end of the spectrum, this gilet oozes luxury but in a subtle way that makes it fine for everyday wear. With the hood continuing the soft, faux fur texture, wearing this jacket around will feel like wearing the cosiest of blankets.
Being made from such a luxurious material does mean this jacket is not cheap, and it requires maintenance. It doesn't fare well in the rain and, needing a professional dry clean, it is not the easiest gilet to keep looking its best.
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
No. 1: Tog 24|Cowling Women's Insulated Gilet
No. 2: Trespass|Larisa Women's Quilted Gilet
No. 3: Joules|Furlton Padded Gilet
No. 4: Puma|Running Gilet
No. 5: Barbour|Shaw Hooded Gilet
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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