HOW TO

Wear a Gilet

Hard to say but easy to wear (trust us, we’ll show you), the gilet is a versatile style staple we believe everybody should have in their wardrobe. But we understand that it’s easy to be baffled by the gilet’s unusual construction… A padded vest with no sleeves? Surely your arms will be too cold and your body too warm, right? In fact, it’s far to the contrary. Let us take you on a journey to discover why the humble gilet is actually one of the smartest, and most stylish, clothing inventions ever made…

WOMEN'S GILETS
MEN'S GILETS

THE HISTORY

of the Gilet

The story of the gilet begins in 15th century France, where field workers created a garment that kept their bodies warm but allowed their arms to move freely while tilling the land for crops. Usually made from leather, it was a purely practical adaptation of a classic jacket.

It wasn’t long before the rest of society caught wind of the practicality of the gilet, and the sleeveless style could be seen being worn by some of the highest members of the aristocracy. Even Henry VIII called himself a fan. He preferred a well-padded style, as you’ll often see him sporting in many of his famous portraits.

Since then, the gilet has become a seasoned favourite all over the world, from the classic country gentleman to the fashion-forward femme fatale. Girls’ gilet & boys’ gilet styles have also been introduced, keeping little ones cosy in style.

WOMEN'S GILETS

WHAT

is a Gilet?

Quite simply, a gilet is a sleeveless jacket. Not to be confused with a waistcoat, which is usually of a thinner, tailored material that fastens with buttons, a gilet is typically made from a weather-resistant material and fastens with a zip.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE

Between a Gilet and a Body Warmer?

You might have heard these two terms interchangeably, and nobody is going to berate you if you get the two confused (unless they’re feeling particularly fastidious). The main difference between a gilet and a body warmer comes down to its weight. Gilets tend to be more lightweight and worn as a fashionable mid-layer, whereas body warmers are heavily padded and worn as a practical outer layer for outdoor pursuits.

WOMEN'S GILETS

HOW TO

Style a Gilet?

HOW TO

Style a Women's Gilet

Wondering how to wear a women’s gilet? Just stick your arms through the holes, right? Well, there’s a little more to it than that…

Let’s start with a base layer. A lightweight long-sleeve top or half zip sweatshirt is perfect for fairer days, paired with a pair of simple chinos. For this look, choose a lightly padded gilet with a pop of colour and print to really stand out against your outfit.

For chilly dog walks and country strolls where an extra layer of warmth is needed, opt for a crew neck jumper as your base layer, and add a showerproof quilted gilet to protect you from the elements. A pair of ankle wellies in a complementary colour will finish the look off nicely.