It’s hard to find a garment as culturally nuanced as the gilet. Though it originated as workwear for peasants in France back in the 15th century, it’s been on a journey in the six centuries since – and, thanks to its versatile and functional credentials, it has remained a menswear staple to this day.
It was used by the British Army during the First World War as a lightweight alternative to heavy coats. It was favoured by Henry VIII for sporting pursuits before being adopted as general country garb. There was even a time when sleeveless puffers were referred to as ‘bodywarmers’ – you’ve got the late 90s hip-hop movement to blame for that. And more recently, it’s become a part of the trademark finance bro uniform (just take a look at @MidtownUniform to see what we’re talking about).
It’s understandable why the sleeveless jacket has undergone so many transformations. Put simply: it’s useful. When you want an extra layer which isn’t cumbersome and can be worn in countless ways, the gilet is the answer. Over a T-shirt or hoodie for tricky transitional weather. Under a coat when it’s getting even colder. Whatever you wear it with, it’s a practical wardrobe addition which you can pretty much wear all year round.
When you’re working a gilet into your outfit, keep it simple. Go for a classic colour which is easy to wear with most of your wardrobe – we’re talking navy, khaki, brown or black. Whether you wear it over a relaxed Oxford shirt or laid-back tee, beneath a blazer or jacket, keep the palette streamlined and avoid too many prints or colours.
Our advice? It’s best to avoid anything that’s too banker-coded or else you’ll be lumped in with chino-wearing Goldman Sachs guys who follow a keto diet and go to the gym three times a day. The good news is that there are lots of designs by menswear experts which fit the bill. You could choose a puffer by Reiss for added insulation in winter or Carhartt’s casual workwear take which you could pair with a simple tee in the city. Or, if you’re heading to the mountains, maybe Nike’s alpine-inspired fleece will be more your speed.
Shop below
Reiss Patch Pocket Quilted Gilet
Though Reiss was once best known for tailoring, it’s now one of the best smart-casual menswear brands on the high street. The utility feel of this puffer is taken up a notch by the stylish navy colourway and funnel neck. Even better, the two-way zip means you can control the airflow for optimum temperature management.
Buy now £198.00, Reiss
Seasalt Cornwall Men's Organic Cotton Metern Waistcoat
Seasalt Cornwall prides itself on designing responsibly made collections which don’t break the bank. Every season, it looks to its home for inspiration – for this gilet, it’s the Cornish craftsmakers in the spotlight. There’s a handy pencil holder and reinforced pockets as well as a neat button-up closure – all you need now is the studio to match.
Buy now £59.95, Seasalt Cornwall
Asket The Zip Vest
If you’re looking for a thin layer to wear beneath outerwear, you need Asket’s Zip Vest on your radar. It’s a cross-seasonal shell jacket which is insulated, water-repellent and lightweight. Besides the practicality, it’s also made using responsible textiles. A win-win.
Buy now £150.00, Asket
Nike ACG Arctic Wolf Logo-Embroidered Polartec Fleece and Shell Vest
If you want a cosy outfit, go for a fleece. Nike’s design, which falls under its outdoorsy ‘All Conditions Gear’ line, is made using a comfy Polartec fleece which balances warmth with breathability. It’s trimmed with shell fabric at the pockets and zippers for a gorpy aesthetic.
Buy now £130.00, Mr. Porter
Carhartt WIP Brand-patch regular-fit cotton-canvas gilet
A workwear expert who needs no introduction, Carhartt WIP’s been spotted on everyone from Austin Butler to Ben Affleck and Justin Bieber – and for good reason. Its collections are full of classics which you’ll find yourself wearing over and over. This relaxed gilet is a prime example, from the versatile black colourway to the hard-wearing cotton canvas which will last for years.
Buy now £150.00, Selfridges
Universal Works Zip Waistcoat in Navy/Grey Fresco Fleece
Whenever you cop a piece by Universal Works, you can count on quality craftsmanship, premium textiles and a responsible manufacturing process - not to mention a stylish utilitarian edge. We love this check gilet with patch pockets and a two-way zipper. A country gilet that’s been given a 2024 makeover.
Buy now £125.00, Article
Garbstore Cord Padded Vest Black
Notting Hill boutique Couverture & The Garbstore is a go-to if you like off-the-beaten-track brands, including their own label Garbstore. Its collections take Japanese-inspired workwear silhouettes and combine them with first-rate fabrics for unique pieces that look and feel expensive. The patchwork corduroy, XL pockets and bottle slot take this jacket to the next level.
Buy now £179.60, Garbstore
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Vest
When it comes to the basics, Uniqlo has nailed the brief. The Japanese high-street hero is an expert at designing clothes every guy could use in their wardrobe, from the viral Airism t-shirts to the everyday Oxford shirts. This gilet would be best used as a practical layering piece whenever you’re likely to be out in the cold.
Buy now £39.90, Uniqlo
A.P.C. Nate Logo-Appliquéd Shell-Trimmed Fleece Gilet
All of A.P.C.’s collections are designed to be worn anywhere at any time, from the perfect pair of jeans to a timeless navy sweatshirt. A gilet that’s the perfect mid-layer for late spring or early autumn, or even extra insulation beneath a heavy coat, versatility is at the heart of this design.
Buy now £235.00, Mr. Porter
Our Legacy Wool-blend vest
If you’re into high-altitude outfits, Our Legacy’s vest is the one for you. With a fleece lining and wool outer, it’s a cosy alpine-coded gilet which would work best worn with cream jeans and a white tee.
Buy now £355.00, MyTheresa
