Gilets are a staple in modern menswear that offer a combination of style, warmth, and versatility. Whether you're layering up for the colder months or seeking an extra layer for those crisp summer evenings, a gilet is the ultimate wardrobe essential. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the history behind the gilet, how to wear and style them, the different types that we offer, while exploring how to ensure the perfect fit.
A gilet is a sleeveless jacket designed to provide an additional layer of warmth without the bulk of sleeves. Often crafted from materials like wool, down, or fleece, gilets are a versatile piece that can be worn throughout the whole year. Oliver Brown’s gilet collection only features the most premium fabrics, extending to tweed, wool blends, moleskin, cashmere, and Suede detailing.
Historically, the term “gilet” derives from the French word for a vest, but has evolved over time to describe various sleeveless garments. Gilets can be traced back to 15th century France, where they were first worn by field workers to keep warm while allowing for arm movement. They became particularly popular amongst aristocrats in the 16th century, such as King Henry VIII who often wore a heavily padded version for hunting. Today, gilets remain incredibly popular, worn by people of all ages. They are a timeless piece in both smart, casual and outdoor wear.
How do you wear a gilet?
As aforementioned, the gilet is perfect for layering, offering body warmth without overwhelming your look. They are ideal for transitional weather, where you can easily put on a gilet over a shirt for a smart-casual spring look, or under a coat for added insulation throughout the colder winter months. The beauty of the gilet is its ability to adapt to any season.
There are numerous ways to wear and style your gilet. One of the most common ways they are worn is under a suit or jacket - clever for those early winter morning commutes where you need that extra layer of warmth without the bulk. Our Portling Gilet would fit this look perfectly; made from the finest Geelong Lambswool, it offers comfort, warmth, but also practicality due to its lightweight and breathable nature. For the more casual ensemble, you could pair our Zip Up Gilet with jeans and a shirt during the warmer months, providing just enough warmth as the sun begins to set.
Gilets are an excellent way to add a pop of colour into a man’s wardrobe. While most suits and jackets tend to stick to classic neutrals, such as black, navy or grey, a brighter coloured gilet can add personality to an outfit. For instance, our Quilted Thermatex Gilet in Denim offers a nice contrast, elevating a muted winter outfit with a pop of blue.
Fit is crucial when it comes to gilets. Ideally, a gilet should fit snug but still allow for freedom of movement. A gilet should be long enough that it covers your waistband, but not so long that it creeps below your jacket. The fit really does depend on the season - you may want to opt for a slightly looser fit if you are layering over thicker clothes when braving the cold, but a more streamlined version for the spring summer months when wearing it with a singular layer.
At Oliver Brown we have a style of gilet suitable for every occasion. Choose from our luxurious tweeds, perfect for those countryside shooting trips, or our reversible gilets that give you two distinct looks in one. For cold winter walks, our padded quilted gilets offer that extra bit of warmth, while our more lightweight cashmere gilets are ideal for the city.
The gilet is one of those garments that are both fashionable and functional. We highly recommend having at least one in your wardrobe. Explore our full collection of gilets on our website to find the perfect piece that suits your style and keeps you warm all year long.