Gilets

Women's Gilets

Somewhere between a waistcoat and a jacket, the gilet has become one of the hardest-working pieces in a modern wardrobe. Sleeveless by design, it keeps your core warm without the bulk of a full outerwear layer, which is exactly why it's stuck around from the countryside to the high street. Some call it a body warmer, some just call it a gilet, either way it's earned its place as a genuine style piece rather than a purely practical one.

Our gilets collection is built around the fabrics and finishes that make a difference: real texture, real warmth, and colours you'll actually reach for.

Faux fur, but make it wearable

A faux fur gilet is the fastest way to lift a plain outfit. Thrown over knitwear it looks intentional rather than trying too hard, and it works just as well over a dress for evening as it does over jeans on a Saturday. Go longline for full coverage and drama, or cropped if you want it to sit neatly at the waist. Leopard and animal print faux fur gilets are worth seeking out if you want something with a bit more personality than the usual block colours.

Borg is the everyday version

If faux fur is the going-out gilet, borg is the one you'll live in. That teddy-style texture feels more relaxed, less "look at me", and suits the school run, dog walks, and weekends just as well as it suits a casual coffee catch-up. A borg fleece gilet layers easily under a coat too, so it's not just a fair-weather piece.

Then there's the classic fleece gilet

No fuss, no statement, just warmth. A fleece gilet is the one you keep in the car or by the door for whenever the temperature drops unexpectedly. It's not trying to be fashion-forward, and that's the point.

Padded and quilted, for a sleeker line

A padded gilet (sometimes sold as a puffer gilet or down gilet) uses insulated fill to trap heat without adding sleeves, which makes it brilliant for layering under coats in proper cold weather. Quilted gilets tend to have a neater, more structured finish, so they suit smart-casual outfits better than the puffier styles.

For something more countryside than city

Tweed and wool gilets bring a heritage feel that pairs naturally with tailored trousers, knitwear, and boots. If you want your gilet to look like it belongs on a country walk rather than a school run, this is the direction to go.

And if you actually need it to perform

A softshell or lightweight walking gilet is built for function first: wind resistance, breathability, freedom of movement. Less about the outfit, more about getting through the day comfortably.

Styling it your way

There's no single right way to wear a gilet, which is half the appeal. Layer a borg or fleece gilet over a jumper and jeans for something easy. Put a faux fur gilet over a slip dress and you've got an evening look with almost no effort. A longline gilet over a midi dress carries you through the in-between months when a full coat feels like too much. Cropped and padded works best over high-waisted trousers, where the length actually flatters rather than fighting your proportions.

On colour

Black and cream gilets will always earn their keep, but this is a piece where colour is worth being a little braver with. Burgundy, khaki, and navy all read as considered rather than loud, and animal print is an easy way to add interest without committing to a full statement outfit.

Choosing the right gilet for you

If you've read this far, chances are you're not just browsing; you're actually looking to buy one. So before we get into the finer details, here's a quick buying guide to help you land on the right gilet, then the rest of the category content below.

If you want one gilet that does everything: a fleece or borg gilet in black or navy is the safest bet. Neither too dressy nor too casual, it'll layer under a coat in winter and stand alone in spring or autumn, and it won't look out of place at the school gates or on a weekend away.

If you're buying for evenings and going out: faux fur wins every time. It has the texture and presence to elevate a simple dress or top, and unlike a jacket, it won't restrict your arms on a night where you're carrying a bag, a drink, and possibly a coat you've taken off. Go for a colour with a bit of shine or a print if you want it to properly stand out, or black if you'd rather it worked with everything already in your wardrobe.

If warmth is the priority: padded, quilted, or down gilets are built for it. These trap the most heat for the least bulk, which makes them the better choice for anyone who feels the cold, or for layering under a proper coat once temperatures really drop. A longline padded gilet also covers more of the body, so it's worth considering if you want warmth without sacrificing coverage.

If you want something that reads as more "countryside" than "high street": tweed or wool gilets have the heritage look that pairs naturally with knitwear, boots, and tailored trousers. These tend to suit a more classic, put-together wardrobe rather than a trend-led one.

If you need it to actually perform outdoors: softshell and technical gilets prioritise wind resistance and breathability over styling, which makes them the right call for dog walks, hiking, or anywhere you need freedom of movement more than you need it to look a certain way.

On body shape and length: if you're shorter or want to lengthen your silhouette, a cropped gilet worn with high-waisted trousers or jeans creates a cleaner line than a longline style. If you want more coverage, or you're wearing it over dresses, a longline gilet sitting at or below the hip will be more flattering and more practical in colder weather.

On sizing: gilets are meant to be layered over other clothes, so if you plan to wear yours over jumpers or coats regularly, it's worth sizing up rather than buying for a close fit. A gilet that's too fitted will feel restrictive as soon as you add a layer underneath.

FAQs

• What's the difference between a gilet and a body warmer?
  Nothing, really. "Gilet" is the more fashion-led term; "body warmer" leans more practical and outdoorsy, but they describe the same sleeveless, jacket-like layer.
  
• Can you wear a gilet in summer?
  Yes. A lightweight softshell or unlined gilet works well on cooler summer evenings or as an extra layer for early starts, without the warmth of a padded or faux fur style.
  
• What do you wear under a gilet?
  Gilets are made to go over something, so a jumper, shirt, or long-sleeved top underneath works well. For evening, a faux fur gilet layered over a dress or fitted top gives more shape.
  
• Is a gilet the same as a vest?
  In the UK, gilet and vest are often used interchangeably for this style of sleeveless jacket. In the US, "vest" more commonly refers to this piece, while "gilet" is used less often outside fashion contexts.
  
• How should a gilet fit?
  A gilet should sit close enough at the shoulders and armholes to layer neatly, with enough room in the body to wear over a jumper or coat without pulling. Longline styles should sit at the hip or below for the most flattering line.