How to wear/style a gilet
Although the aesthetic of a gilet is often minimalistic and simple, it is not to be underestimated when it comes to style and warmth. With the colder months approaching, you may be searching for extra layers in your wardrobe to keep the cold out. At Brocklehursts, our stunning ranges of ladies’ and men’s gilets indicate our love of this subtle but versatile garment, with all styles guaranteed to enhance your country attire.
But what is a gilet? How are they styled? And is there a particular brand or style best suited to your look? Read our expert guide to discover why a gilet is a fashion necessity this season.
Table of Contents
- What is a gilet?
- How to wear a gilet for women
- How to wear a gilet for men
- Should a gilet be tight or loose?
- Do you wear a gilet under or over a jacket?
- The best-branded gilets
What is a gilet?
A gilet has the same properties as a regular jacket, minus the sleeves. Aesthetically, a gilet is similar to a waistcoat and body warmer. Still, different features mean each garment is used for its respective purposes.
| Jacket Type | Properties | Purpose |
|
Gilet |
LightweightUsually weather-resistant. Zip fastening | Used as a mid-layer for warmth.Accessorises an outfit during transition months. |
|
Waistcoat |
Tailored material. Not weather resistantButton fastening | Usually a layer for country sports and made from Tweed, fleece and cotton materials. |
|
Body Warmer |
HeavyweightWeather resistantHeavily padded | The heavy padding provides warmth, meaning it is usually worn as an outer layer. |
The versatility of a gilet means it’s a wardrobe staple all year round, allowing you to constantly reinvent how you style it.
How to wear a gilet for women
Styling women's gilets will be unique to each individual, with endless ways to style them and each woman having their own tastes. However, we recommend utilising your gilet as a mid-layer throughout the colder months, as this will provide extra warmth and maximise your opportunity to mix and match.
The base layer
The base layer of your outfit should be cosy throughout the winter months as this will help to keep you warm. One of our women’s shirts would create a sophisticated base layer, while a t-shirt or polo shirt is perfect for a casual look.
The mid-layer
Of course, one of our luxury country gilets will be your mid-layer, providing further insulation and keeping you warm throughout the day. Adding an extra layer will prevent the cold air from cooling your core temperature.
While we will showcase some of our best-branded gilets later, you can check out our versatile range of colours, from blue gilets to red and cream designs.
The outer shell
The final layer of your autumn outfits is an outer shell, usually a water-repellent and breathable coat to protect you from the rain while allowing perspiration to escape. A style from our range of women’s hooded coats would be a great addition to your outfit for a snug feel, or round it off with a ladies’ quilted coat for a sleek, sophisticated finish.
And the rest!
Match your upper layers with your favourite pair of women’s jeans from brands like Barbour, Dubarry and Schoffel. And lastly, don't forget shoes! We recommend a pair of ankle wellies for rainy days, while a stunning pair of Chelsea boots will create the perfect balance of smart and casual.
How to wear a gilet for men
The three-layer concept above can also be translated into menswear when styling for men's gilets. One of our classic men's jumpers for your base layer would ensure a snug feel, while a long-sleeve shirt would work well without as much bulk. When choosing an outer layer, our range of men’s country coats features various styles, such as puffer coats and down jackets, protecting you from the toughest winter weather.
A pair of men’s wellies will give your feet rain protection, with ankle or knee-length styles to choose from. Away from wet weather, our men’s lace-up boots collection contains dressy and casual styles, helping you personalise your look to match your taste and the weather.
Should a gilet be tight or loose?
A gilet's purpose is to keep you warm and insulated, so it should feel snug without being too tight. You may want to experiment with a slim-fit gilet to experience the full benefits of practicality and comfort. Remove the outer layer during transition seasons and use the gilet to protect you from the emerging chill without being too warm. Keep your gilet unfastened in warmer weather to execute the same level of style while remaining cool.
Do you wear a gilet under or over a jacket?
Gilets should be worn under your jacket as their snug fit would be uncomfortable if you tried to wrestle them over your overcoat.
Instead, you would wear a gilet over a women's jumper to retain as much heat, adding a wholesome feel to every dog walk or winter occasion. Similarly, wearing a gilet over a long-sleeved polo shirt, such as the Dubarry Aquatec Unisex Freshford Long-Sleeved Polo, would cater to all customers who want to implement a smart edge to their outfit.
The best-branded gilets
At Brocklehursts, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with top-of-the-range brands to ensure luxury with every purchase. Whilst we love all our brands, from Ariat and R M Williams to Junge, some branded gilets capture a quintessentially British feel, no matter the design.
Barbour
Choose your favourite women’s Barbour gilet and add their distinctive heritage to your look. The unmistakable elegance of their timeless designs will give your outfit a stunning combination of sophistication and comfort while exploring a busy city or enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside. Our range of men’s Barbour gilets offer the same iconic aesthetic of the brand with their eclectic designs ranging from the classic quilted look to the esteemed wax style. Whether you’re looking to add another layer of warmth to your look or be the most fashionable countryman, nothing is off-limits when it comes to Barbour.
Dubarry
Make the most of a Dubarry gilet from our ladies and men’s ranges all year round with their adaptable designs catering to every season. Whether you choose a polyester-lined gilet or a padded style filled with feathers, their weightless warmth will keep you cosy in the winter while being a perfect accessory layer in the warmer months.
Schoffel
The eclectic materials of Schoffel gilets give them unmatched versatility, from their Schoffel premium fleece designs in our ladies' and men’s collections to their sophisticated men’s PrimaLoft gilets. No matter your favourite style, every gilet is constructed with high-performance, lightweight fabrics which offer incomparable style and quality.
Choose your favourite gilet from Brocklehursts!
Enhance your wardrobe with one of our luxury women’s country gilets, or browse our men’s range. Whether you create a stunning, feminine look with one of our Dubarry gilets or prioritise a wool blend gilet for maximum warmth, you can find what you are looking for at Brocklehursts.
Purchase your favourite Gilet from us today and qualify for Free Standard Delivery On UK Orders Over £75!
