Men's Gilets, Vests & Bodywarmers

Read: How to choose an insulated jacket / Your guide to the layering system

A mens gilet is the layer you reach for when a full jacket feels like too much, but the wind still bites. A gilet, vest, or bodywarmer adds insulation around the core and keeps arms free, which is ideal for poles, dog leads, and moving quickly on the hill. Gilets suit the UK’s changeable weather because the sleeveless cut helps you stay warmer without building up sweat on climbs.

For faster-paced days, choose a lighter gilet that breathes well and packs away easily. For slower outings and colder stops, a more padded bodywarmer gives extra insulation when you are standing still at viewpoints or sorting kit at the campsite. A gilet also layers neatly over a base or fleece, then sits under a waterproof shell when rain sets in.

Down-filled gilets give a lot of warmth for very little weight and pack down small, so they are easy to keep in a rucksack or the car. Synthetic insulated gilets are often the safer pick for damp days, because synthetic insulation keeps working better when moisture and sweat get involved. A close-fitting collar and a hem that seals well make a bigger difference than most people expect, because wind chill sneaks in around the neck and waist first.

Shop mens gilets, vests and bodywarmers now and find the core-warming layer that keeps you moving in that in-between weather.

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A gilet is typically lighter, more versatile, and often used as a mid-layer for fashion or light warmth. It can be made from various materials like fleece or wool. A body warmer, on the other hand, is thicker, more heavily padded, and designed for practical warmth, often used as an outer layer in colder conditions.

Gilets are usually worn under jackets as they provide a snug fit and are designed to be layered. Wearing them over a jacket can be uncomfortable due to their tailored design.

A gilet should fit snugly without being too tight. It should allow for easy movement and layering over other clothing. If you plan to wear it over thick jumpers, consider sizing up slightly.

A gilet works well for hiking as an outer layer in dry wind or as an insulating layer under a shell when rain arrives.

A gilet can help reduce overheating because the sleeveless cut dumps heat while keeping the torso insulated.

A down gilet usually gives more warmth for the weight and packs smaller, while a synthetic gilet is often the safer option in damp conditions because synthetic insulation keeps performing when moisture is involved.

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Men's Gilets & Body Warmers