YES
says Content Director Will Hersey It's high time someone spoke up for the gilet minority. This relatively harmless garment has been a soft (and generously padded) target over the years. Haters are large in number and swift to make judgements. Who wants to be 'the gilet guy'? Even the name is irritating.
True, it hasn't helped their reputation to be a long time favourite of floppy-haired men with ansion block flats in Fulham who tip their heads back when they laugh.
And at the same time, a staple of outdoor trekky types who own walking poles and appraise clothing purely on zip count.
It's all true, but don't blame the item itself.
It's been a helpless victim of the wider prejudice against sleeveless clothing in general – waistcoats, vests, tank tops. An absence of sleeves has always been a surprisingly divisive sartorial issue.
All these factors have left those of us who secretly like a gilet marginalized, forced to furtively wear them in stolen moments on weekends away, or in the privacy of our own gardens, constantly looking over our heavily quilted shoulders.
What gilet-haters don't appear to understand, or perhaps just choose to ignore, is the practicality on offer here.
For a 4-6 week window between October and November (and again in early spring), a gilet can do things few other items of clothing can. Namely keeping you warm but not too warm, regulating your body temperature indoors and out. The wardrobe equivalent of an efficient aircon unit.
To wear a thinner coat doesn't cut it. To wear a bigger one would leave you bulky and sweating. The much-maligned 'bodywarmer' (get it?) is actually a work of quiet genius.
Like all the best developments in style, it first was born of function. Now, as fashion begins to take sports and tech clothing more seriously than ever before, we could be seeing the gilet having its first moment in the sun.
From sportswear giants to Italian fashion houses, this season brands are offering gilets in every variety you can imagine – wool or nylon, slim-fit or quilted, two-tone or reversible. A well-chosen gilet can also add the final layer to an otherwise dull autumn outfit too - a very easy way to throw a bit of contrast colour and texture into the mix. Try it, you might be surprised once the prejudice subsides.
As our winters get milder and the gilet-wearing window widens, as more men come out of forced hiding, and as more designers have a crack at the sleeveless jacket, the humble gilet might finally have found its perfect storm. But for that you're going to need a proper jacket.
– Will Hersey, @willhersey
NO
says Digital Editor Sam Parker
I consider it no coincidence that the worst person I ever met at university wore a gilet every day.
They shared a defining characteristic, this man and his puffed up little waistcoat: both clumsily affected upper class causality while struggling to mask painful uncertainties over who or what they really were.
For the gilet – one of the most heinous items of clothing a grown man can wear – says you lack two things simultaneously: the style to pull off a proper, serious coat and the bravery to face the elements without one altogether, all while trying to fool the world you're somehow doing both.
Aside from its built-in identity crisis, as a look, there is something weirdly infantile about gilets, they way they truss you up and tuck you in at the edges. It's an awkward aesthetic that conjures a myriad of unpalatable images.
An out-his-depth football manager tripping over a discarded water bottle.
A frightened child being lowered unwillingly into a kayak.
A member of the landed gentry stiffly surveying a mangled fox corpse.
A teenage girl in 1997 mouthing the words to '2 Become 1' into pimply ear of a boy with highlights in his hair.
The Michelin Man.
Put simply, the gilet in its many forms – from tailored, posh boy green to overinflated silver or gold chav wear – carries far too much negative baggage to ever find sartorial salvation, I don't care if it's been embraced by all the fashion houses in the land and worn by the Beckhams from David to Harper Seven.
As for the worst person I ever met, I saw him again recently for the first time in years. He looked older and fatter, but he was still an idiot. I'll say one thing for the gilet: it doesn't lie.
– Sam Parker, @samparkercouk
Which way were you swayed? Let us know on Twitter.
FAQs
A gilet is a perfect garment for in-between seasons, offering an extra layer of warmth without limiting flexibility. Historically, gilets were fitted and embroidered and worn in a similar way to a waistcoat. Today, however, they are usually worn as an outer layer to keep you warm when the temperature starts to drop.
What is the point in a gilet? ›
Gilets are sleeveless jackets designed to offer an extra layer of warmth. Their lightweight construction means they can keep you warm and comfortable without the bulkiness of a typical jacket.
How should a gilet be worn? ›
A gilet should ideally fit a gentleman in a similar manner to the waistcoat. The arm holes should be high, and the garment should fit snugly around the body to ensure it can sit nicely underneath a winter jacket. For ladies' gilets, the same is true.
What is the difference between a gilet and a body warmer? ›
Although they are similar in shape and style, a body warmer is primarily an outer garment, padded and therefore more insulating. A traditional gilet is usually more lightweight in design and can comfortably be worn beneath a jacket or coat as a middle layer.
Are gilets still fashionable? ›
After a long time on the periphery of what would be considered stylish — think horsey types off to Pony Club in their Barbours or Succession-style tech-bros in puffy Moncler vests — the new generation of gilets (also known as a bodywarmer, a sleeveless puffa, a padded vest) is sleek and fashionable.
Are gilets timeless? ›
Gilets and capes are timeless classics of British style.
Is gilet formal? ›
A: Gilets can be formal and casual, depending on the style. Our range of gilets comes in various colours, styles and fabrics, making them suitable for any occasion.
Are gilets for summer or winter? ›
A gilet is made to be worn as an additional layer for warmth. While it is common for it to be worn underneath a jacket in the winter, the summer weather gives us an opportunity to show it off as an outer piece.
Is A gilet smart-casual? ›
Not only does it add an extra layer of warmth and protection for cooler days and nights, but a gilet can also be used to upgrade any outfit – from smart-casual office wear to sturdy outdoor attire.
Are men's gilets fashionable? ›
But while it may have a bloodied/clay heritage, these days you can wear one and not go shooting – it is entirely possible. The list below shows how the gilet has adapted with the times and has now branched out into numerous styles, purposes and aesthetics. A gilet is now a fashion accessory in its own right.
Looking for a way to keep cool in summer weather? Look no further than the gilet! This versatile piece of clothing can be worn over a T-shirt or Dress shirt to help you stay comfortable in hot weather.
Should gilet be tight or loose? ›
First of all, your gilet should have a snug fit in order to actually keep you warm. If it's loose it won't do its job, but it also can't be so tight that you can't get a layer underneath it.
Is it gilet or gilet? ›
A gilet (/dʒɪˈleɪ/) or body warmer is a sleeveless jacket resembling a waistcoat or blouse. It may be waist- to knee-length and is typically straight-sided rather than fitted; however, historically, gilets were fitted and embroidered. In 19th-century dressmaking a gilet was a dress bodice shaped like a man's waistcoat.
Do posh people wear gilets? ›
The way people dressed was also a mark of their "poshness" with wellies, tweed, a gilet and Barbour jackets all on the posh list.
Why were gilets made? ›
Their main functions were to give added warmth and ease of movement to the wearer, both of which remain at the heart of the gilet's appeal to this day. Not just for those keen on outdoor pursuits like hunting, shooting and fishing, the qualities of a gilet transfer equally well to the man about town.
What Colour is best for gilet? ›
For optimum versatility, the gilet should be plain and neutral in colour (navy, black or charcoal grey), so that you can easily incorporate it into your wardrobe.
Can you wear a gilet with at shirt? ›
Gilet Vest With Shirt & Tie
This way, the gilet is a stylish alternative to the waistcoat and some much needed warmth under a suit jacket in the winter months.
Is gilet French for body warmer? ›
A gilet is essentially a lightweight sleeveless jacket that resembles a waistcoat or sleeveless blouse. The word 'gilet' is often used interchangeably with 'bodywarmer', though technically these two garments are slightly different.
Do I need a gilet? ›
Why should I wear a gilet? While you may think a gilet or bodywarmer is a bit unnecessary as it looks like a jacket with its sleeves missing, a gilet is highly useful. Gilets can act as an outer or mid-layer but it won't just keep your torso nice and warm while your arms get caught out in the cold.
How long should a gilet be? ›
The length can differ. But it should never be longer in length than the garment below it. For example if you are wearing it over a blazer, then the blazer should be longer than the gilet jacket. This is one of the crucial rules to keep in mind while styling a gilet.
Choose a gilet in a classic color such as black, navy, or grey, and pair it with tailored pants and dress shoes for a polished finish. For a more casual look, try wearing a gilet over a sweater or t-shirt. This is a great way to add some extra warmth and style to your outfit on cool autumn days.
Can you wear gilet indoors? ›
For a 4-6 week window between October and November (and again in early spring), a gilet can do things few other items of clothing can. Namely keeping you warm but not too warm, regulating your body temperature indoors and out.
Can you wear a gilet in the rain? ›
Rather than donning a jacket that you have to ride in all day, a packable gilet can add windproofing and rain protection for your core when you need it, but you can stash it away when the weather - or you - warm up.
Can you wear a gilet over a jacket? ›
Fleece gilets are designed to be worn as a mid-layer, while quilted or puffer gilets tend to be worn on top of a shirt or lightweight jacket. Plan your outdoor wardrobe based on combinations that work well together. A gilet vest is ideal due to easy compatibility with other clothing.
What is smart but casual clothing? ›
Smart casual is a pair of dark, slim jeans, a blazer, and desert boots. Smart casual is also chinos, a patterned shirt, and a bomber jacket. Done right, a smart casual look can work in “casual,” “business casual,” and even some “dressed up” environments while still standing out from the crowd.
What is casual elegant? ›
Elegant casual is also known as “ casual elegance” and is typically similar to something you would wear to a country club or upscale restaurant. A step above resort evening, with this dress code, men are expected to wear a long-sleeve dress shirt with slacks and dress shoes—no shorts, t-shirts, or sandals.
Can you wear gilets in summer? ›
Looking for a way to keep cool in summer weather? Look no further than the gilet! This versatile piece of clothing can be worn over a T-shirt or Dress shirt to help you stay comfortable in hot weather.
What items are smart casual wear? ›
Smart casual includes items like blazers, sports jackets, dresses, sweaters, trousers, khakis, skirts, blouses, button-down shirts, polos, dress shoes, boots, heels, flats, scarves and jewelry.
Can you wear a gilet with a suit? ›
Keep It Casual
As those Pitti peaco*cks prove, you can wear a gilet with a suit. But it's a power move. Approach it like a relaxed take on the waistcoat, one that sits well under equally chilled-out tailoring.
Should a gilet be a size bigger? ›
How should a gilet fit? Essentially, a gilet should be snug enough to keep you warm, yet spacious enough to allow room for layering.
Pair with a smart Oxford shirt and some chinos or some moleskin trousers. For the ultimate smart attire, you could even wear a tweed blazer over the top of your tweed gilet. Alternatively, if you want to tone down your formal look but you want to stay warm at the same time, then grab a warm tweed coat instead.
