The best men’s gilets for a touch of utilitarian chic
Gilets, vests, body warmers – whatever you call them, gilets are now a fashion accessory in their own right (thanks, Succession)
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“Gilet” is a French word originating from the Spanish “jileco”, itself deriving from the Turkish “yelek”, all meaning “waistcoat”. The word has been adopted by the English language and assigned more specifically to mean a padded or quilted outdoorsy waistcoat. Gilets, or sawn-off jackets (as they’ve never been known), were traditionally used for shooting, as they’re perfect for keeping warm stomping around the freezing English countryside in your Wellington boots while still having the manoeuvrability to shoot a gun. 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.
1/11Arket
So, you've seen this wavy quilting just about everywhere this season, what sets this Arket option apart? Well – and you might want to sit down for this – this quilted gilet is windproof, water-repellent, made from used plastic bottles and it is, of course, cut in a sleeveless vest for just a hint of utilitarianism. We know. And with a price tag that won’t hurt your wallet, it’s quite the winner. £55. arket.com
2/11The North Face
What does this down gilet from The North Face remind us of? Is it a New York taxi cab? A bumblebee? Whatever memory this puffer vest unlocks for you, with it this insulated gilet brings an undeniable contemporary streetwear vibe with its panelled design and retro inspirations. To unleash its full athleisure potential, team it with a black hoodie as a base layer. £210. At asos.com
3/11Givenchy
Championing innovation, glamour and modernity, Givenchy is always at the forefront of new trends. And with a resurgent interest for all things gilet- and vest-related, Givenchy has, of course, already sent a quilted leather gilet down the runway. Made in Italy from a supple black leather, this puffer gilet exudes a contemporary spirit with an elevated sense of elegance. £2,510. At matchesfashion.com
4/11Paul Smith
While reversible outerwear might initially remind you of your school days, Paul Smith is bringing the two-for-one trend back into the realms of both high fashion and adult dressing. Patterned with a warm-toned check pattern to one side and a plain black tone on the reverse, this vest has versatility at its core, rendering it an ideal piece to layer with T-shirts galore. And if you stain one side when you’re out and about, simply flip it, zip it and voila: a whole new garment. £500. At Selfridges. selfridges.com
5/11Cos
Simple but effective, Cos always knows how to make a subtle (but substantial) impact. Constructed from a soft, pure cotton fabrication, this vest is cut with a V-neck and secure front zip fastening. £59. cosstores.com
6/11Canada Goose
When it comes to down gilets and jackets, no one does it like Canada Goose. Cue this Crofton padded gilet in a slick petrol-blue hue and glossy finish. Crafted from recycled nylon and filled with a feather down, if it’s good enough for the Goose, then it’s good for the gander… right? £450. At Browns. brownsfashion.com
7/11Weekday
Giving your autumnal outfits a layer of added edge, this utilitarian zip-up vest from Weekday might not be the most warming of gilets, but it will certainly take your streetwear up a notch. In a youthful cut with a healthy helping of runway appeal, this gilet boasts a rust-brown hue with oversized flap pockets to the front. £35. weekday.com
8/11Edwin
Balancing a youthful, modernised feel with the added warmth and cosiness you might need this season, this fleece gilet from Edwin captures the label’s signature Tokyo-inspired aesthetic to a tee. And if you’re a fan of Edwin’s signature style, then you’ll know that the only way to pair this is with selvedge jeans, the label’s best-known piece. £170. At mrporter.com
9/11The North Face
The Denali Jacket hails from 1989 when it was developed for climbers. Its aesthetic legacy has been brought back to life with a 100 per cent recycled polyester fleece, making it a lightweight, highly insulating and sweat-wicking bit of kit. It has many nuanced pocket options, a tough overlay for backpack wear and waterproofing too. A proper outdoor gilet. £115. thenorthface.co.uk
10/11Carhartt WIP
Mmm. A fleece gilet with a soft funnel-neck collar. That is all. This Carhartt number is hiking-inspired and fully digresses from the jacket’s shooting heritage into something entirely more stylish and wholesome. Elevate your winter style with this casualwear masterpiece. £130. At Selfridges. selfridges.com
11/11Barbour
A large hooded gilet offers the maximum insulation and warmth. It’ll keep you feeling snug and yet still nimble: the ideal gilet, no? The microfibre inner makes for a smooth, silky feel while wearing and the spacious pockets will be great for plunging your hands into when it gets chilly. £149. barbour.com
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