How to Style a Downgilet

A gilet is a vest or waistcoat that’s typically filled with down or other insulation for warmth.downgilet Gilets are often used for extra warmth outdoors, but can also be worn indoors on occasion.downgilet Gilets can be made of cloth, fake fur or knitted wool.downgilet Gilets are sometimes referred to as body warmers in the United Kingdom. Gilets come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all feature a front zipped opening for wearing over a shirt, polo or other warm outerwear. The main benefit of a gilet is the added warmth it provides, but they can also be very versatile in terms of style and practicality.

Once upon a time, the downgilet had something of an unfashionable reputation amongst garden variety gilet wearers, outdoor trekky types and middle-aged men in the countryside, conjuring images of Jeff Bezos bursting out of a Schoffel-style down gilet while hunting foxes in the British countryside or Ray Mears halfway up a big tree in shorts and a khaki utility vest (no offence to either).downgilet downgilet The truth is that if you’re prepared to give yours a bit of a shake-up, the puffer gilet can be one of the most comfortable, versatile, and stylish pieces of insulation out there.

The key to gilet chic is the way you pair it with your other clothes.downgilet The slimline design of a performance fit down gilet means it can be easily slipped under heavier coats or jackets to act as an insulating layer, or worn on its own in milder conditions.downgilet The key is to keep the rest of your outfit simple and neutral, so a gilet can provide both a practical and fashionable addition to any cold-weather wardrobe.

A great choice of fabrics, colours and patterns mean that a gilet will work with almost any other item of clothing, providing an additional warming layer or an easy way to inject some colour and texture into your look.downgilet Wear a lightweight gilet over a plain t-shirt or crew neck sweater, or over your favourite pair of jeans and a plain wool hoodie for an autumn walk through the woods, then slip it under your waterproofs when the temperature plummets.downgilet

The versatility of a gilet makes it an essential piece in any man’s wardrobe, and one that can be dressed up or down as the weather dictates.downgilet A lightweight, quilted gilet in recycled feather-light ripstop by Canada Goose worn over an untucked check shirt and a hoodie with a pair of vintage Levi’s and PS watch cap will bestow military-inspired cool, while a reversible nubuck and cashmere gilet by Brunello Cucinelli paired with a pair of the brand’s French terry drawstring trousers and a blazer will add a touch of sartorial elegance.downgilet And with a variety of sizes to choose from, finding the perfect gilet to suit your needs is easy - just order online and try it on at home. If it doesn’t fit or you prefer another colour, our hassle-free returns portal lets you swap for a new size or return your purchase.