Gilets don't have the best reputation. Often grouped together in the same box as Schöffel and signet rings, the sleeveless jackets are kryptonite for those with a penchant for tweed, shooting and black labradors.
The garment is typically reserved for country-dwelling gents and aristocracy, although this uniform is very much an unspoken rule. From the Princess of Wales to Rosie Huntington-Whitely, the gilet has accumulated a glittering clientele of those who regularly pepper the pages of Tatler. Not forgetting the male champions of the padded piece, including David Beckham, Jeremy Clarkson, Bear Grylls and Stanley Tucci.
Despite their Sloaney status, gilets are highly functional items. And one variation of the silhouette is debunking its upper crust connotations altogether - the heated gilet.
Heated gilets are technical items of clothing that feature integrated warming systems. They are usually activated at the push of a button and can be charged up before chilly outings in the city or on the slopes. Depending on the intensity of heating, from low to high, heated gilets can provide up to ten hours of toasty insulation for those who are susceptible to the cold.
How do they work you ask? The gilets are powered by lightweight portable battery packs. The rechargeable power banks usually sit in a pocket in the lining or in an internal pocket, keeping it safe from the inevitable British drizzle.
A far cry from Barbour’s quilted khakis or Jack Wills’ pink-lined, pheasant-clad puffers, heated gilets adopt a more streamlined aesthetic. Most typically available in monochrome hues of black and navy, heated gilets are designed with subtly in mind, meaning they can be effortlessly layered under a thicker winter coat.
Heated gilets are already starting to make waves on social media. Although still in its infancy, the #heatedgilet has accumulated 146,000 views on TikTok and have seen a 30 per cent increase in demand compared to 2022. It’s only a matter of time before the bodywarmer is embraced by London’s finance bros (dubbed Gilet Gladiators by TikTokkers) looking to add to their sleeveless jacket arsenal.
If you’re still feeling hesitant about joining the dark side of gilets, we get it. They come with a notoriety that may not appeal to everyone. But we promise you this - when you roll out of bed in the morning to face a dark, damp commute to work, you’ll be eternally grateful for investing in a heated gilet to blanket you in heavenly warmth.
Best heated gilets at a glance
Discover the best heated gilets to suit all occasions from everyday commutes to alpine adventures below.
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Ororo Women's Heated Vest With Battery Pack Lightweight Heated Gilet
Best for: women
Stay toasty for hours on end with Ororo’s heated gilet. Crafted from 100 per cent polyester for a lightweight feel, the insulated garment offers four carbon fibre heating elements that generate delightful warmth across the collar, mid-back and core. Pick from the three available settings which can be adjusted with a simple flick of a button.
Buy now £106.00, Amazon
Ororo Men's Heated Vest With Battery Pack Lightweight Heated Gilet
Best for: men
Featuring all the same technical elements as its female counterpart, the men’s Ororo heated jacket will protect the wearer from the harshest of elements. It’s both wind and water-resistant plus allows for unrestricted movement as you walk. Enjoy up to ten hours of warmth thanks to the gilet’s fast-heating elements, making the piece ideal for chilly camping trips and outdoor adventures.
Buy now £139.00, Amazon
CONQUECO Heated Vest Jacket: Lightweight Slim Fit Gilet Coat
Best for: varied sizing
A gilet with ambition, this piece is ideal for everything from taking Rover for daily walkies and camping trips to keeping warm on the terraces at the next big game.
The padded sleeveless jacket has warming panels across the chest, all working to keep your core nice and warm with a choice of three settings that go up to 65℃ - winter weather stands no chance.
Available in sizes M - 3XL.
Buy now £99.99, Amazon
Tonfarb Heated Gilet Electric Heating Jacket
Best for: perfect pink style
Jazz up your gilet collection with a flash of candy pink. Tonfarb’s two-tone offering is usefully compatible with any power bank with a 5V 2A USB output port and promises up to 16 hours of battery life. The vibrant item swathes the wearer in warmth across four heating zones, from the collar to the core and more. This also promotes blood circulation when the temperature drops.
Buy now £25.99, Amazon
Bosch GHV 12+18V XA S Professional Heated Vest
Best for: easy navigation
Those who aren't tech-savvy will be forever grateful for the ease of Bosch’s heated vest. Not only does it guarantee consistent body core warmth with freedom of movement, but it has an easy charging USB-powered device when it runs low on juice. Heat is evenly disturbed across the body thanks to a three-zone heating system.
Buy now £199.00, Bosch
Rrtizan Heated Vest for Men and Women, Hood Heated Gilet
Best for: sleeveless
Whether you’re tending to the garden or nipping to the shops for supplies, this heated sleeveless jacket will be your white knight in keeping warm. Made from easy-care waterproof material, it heats up with 9 heating pads. The hood also helps protect your neck against wintry breezes. Available in small to large sizes.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Mano Mano USB Heating Shawl Women Winter Warm Blanket
Best for: portability
For warmth when you need it, the USB Electric Heated Shawl is the perfect solution to throw on whenever you feel a chill. Designed for portability and ease of use, this ultra-soft flannel covering delivers targeted heat to soothe aches and keep you warm, whether at home, in the office, or on the go. The far-infrared heating technology promotes gentle, therapeutic warmth that’s perfect for relaxing stiff muscles or staying cosy on chilly days.
Unlike bulky electric blankets, the USB-powered design works with any power bank, laptop, or USB outlet, making it ideal for travel, commuting, or long hours at a desk. The central heating area ensures focused warmth, and at just 5V and 6W, it’s an energy-efficient choice. Plus, it’s machine washable, ensuring easy care and long-lasting use.
Buy now £39.45, Mano Mano
