Gilet vs Bodywarmer: Buyers Guide

Whether you're heading out on a walk in the countryside or looking for a stylish layering piece for meeting friends, a gilet is a versatile and practical wardrobe staple. From lightweight fleeces to waterproof options for rainy weather, there's a style of gilet to suit every activity and season.

In this guide, we’ll answer “What is a gilet?” and also explain the key differences between this sleeveless jacket and a body warmer.

Looking to refresh your wardrobe? At Philip Morris, we have a premium range of men’s country gilets and women’s country gilets for every occasion.

What Is a Gilet?

A gilet (pronounced "jee-lay", not "gill-et") is a lightweight, sleeveless jacket made for outdoor use. They typically come down to your hip and are defined as a mid-layer that can be worn under thicker coats or over thinner shirts. Gilets are traditionally made from wool or fur and are designed to keep your torso and core vital organs warm whilst allowing free movement of your arms.

Gilets are often designed with a variety of pockets and a tailored fit for a stylish design.

What Is a Body Warmer?

A body warmer is a different type of sleeveless jacket. Body warmers are designed for colder temperatures and feature padded insulation to help retain body heat. This style of sleeveless jacket is commonly used as workwear or outdoor gear to keep you warm during colder outdoor months.

What Are the Main Features of a Gilet?

Gilets come in a range of different styles and have several key features:

Pockets

Gilets and body warmers are both known for their generous pocket space. Outer pockets are often insulated for additional warmth, and chest pockets have plenty of room to store all your essentials, like your phone, keys and wallet.

Hoods

Not all gilets come with a hood, but many padded or waterproof models will feature a detachable hood. This helps keep your head shielded from light wind and rain.

Drawstrings

These are often placed at the neckline and on either side of the waist. Drawstrings help to create a tighter fit, retain body heat, and keep out cold air.

Sleeveless Design

This is what makes a gilet easy to identify. The sleeveless design allows you to keep your arms free for easy movement while providing vital insulation to the torso.

Versatile

This sleeveless jacket is thin enough to be worn underneath a coat or on top of a jumper or t-shirt. A gilet allows you to experiment with a number of clothing combinations and can be dressed up or down for different occasions.

Weather Resistant

Some styles of gilets are made using waterproof and windproof fabric to help protect you from the elements. Gilets with hoods will usually be made from waterproof material.

What Is the Difference Between a Gilet and a Body Warmer?

Although a gilet and a body warmer may look similar at first glance, they do, in fact, have different features and purposes.

Function

A gilet is designed to be warm as a light layering piece that offers a layer of insulation without weighing you down. Gilets are commonly worn indoors as well as outdoors in very mild temperatures.

A body warmer is intended for use in cold weather and has a thick, insulated lining to retain maximum warmth. These sleeveless jackets are best suited for activities like walking, working or sports in colder environments.

Fit

A gilet has a slim, tailored fit. This is so that you can easily layer jackets over the top whilst also looking stylish, should you choose to wear your gilet as your base layer.

Body warmers are usually more bulky, with extra padding and room to wear over a jumper or workwear. The loose fit also helps to trap warm air in, adding further insulation.

Materials

Although gilets and body warmers are similar, the most notable difference is the material thickness of each jacket. A gilet is made from light fabrics like fleece, wool or synthetic blends. There is minimal padding present in a fleece gilet, and instead, the warmth comes from the quality of the material itself.

Body warmers feature heavier padding that is stuffed with synthetic insulation or feather down. A body warmer is much thicker than a gilet and focuses more on maximising warmth with extra padding.

Although the materials of each jacket differ, they are both designed using breathable, water-resistant fabrics for use in a range of environments.

When to Wear a Gilet

As we’ve mentioned previously, gilets are perfect for layering. This makes them ideal for a range of seasons and activities.

Transitional Weather

When the months change from spring or autumn, a gilet is a handy jacket. A gilet is great for weather that’s too warm for a full-sleeved jacket, but too chilly for just a thin shirt. A quilted gilet will keep your torso comfortable in chilly weather over the top of a long-sleeved shirt, whilst in warmer months you can enjoy the breeze on your arms with only a short-sleeved top underneath.

Outdoor Sports

You might have seen runners out and about sporting a gilet, and this jacket can be hugely beneficial for outdoor activities. From cycling to hiking, and even horse riding, a gilet will keep your core warm whilst allowing free movement of your arms. Not only does a gilet prevent overheating, but it maintains your core warmth.

Extra heat in your muscles can also increase performance, which means if you’re an athlete, wearing a gilet can actually benefit your training regime.

Fashion Statements

A gilet is a stylish addition to any country wear wardrobe. If you’re embarking on a hunting or shooting trip, you’ll need to look smart and presentable while also being prepared for the terrain and weather ahead.

A wool gilet layered over a long-sleeved chequered shirt and fitted shooting trousers is a great combination for any outing. Pair your gilet with accessories like a scarf or shooting hat, and you’ll have a range of layers and textures that are eye-catching and practical.

Workwear

Gilets are perfect for outdoor work and are popular for farming and gardening. Farmer gilets help to keep your core warm during daily chores and leave your arms free for easier lifting, carrying, and equipment handling. You’ll also find utility pockets in most workwear gilets, which makes them ideal for storing all your tools and accessories without needing a bag.

For more leisurely chores that still have to be done every day, such as walking your dog, you can also purchase purpose-made dog walking gilets. These jackets are ideal for short walks when only a light layer of protection is needed.

Gilet vs Body Warmer - Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing between a gilet and a body warmer, the decision is really all about practicality vs appearance.

If you’re looking for a versatile, stylish option that can be worn under and over any number of layers, then a gilet is the right jacket for you.

If you’re in need of a heavier layer of insulation to keep you warm in cold weather, then you should choose a body warmer. This is the less stylish but more insulated, practical option for winter, autumn and chilly spring mornings.

If you want to see just how brilliant gilets are for layering, take a look at our video below!

How to Choose a High-Quality Gilet

There are a few features to look for when shopping for your gilet. To ensure you get the best quality and durability, bear these factors in mind.

Check the Materials

A premium gilet should be made from natural materials or a synthetic blend for maximum comfort. Insulation should be down to retain heat without overheating.

Fleece gilets should be made from 100% wool or as close to this as possible for the best longevity and thermal properties. If you want to venture outdoors when it’s raining, look for fabrics that are waterproof and not water-resistant to ensure you get the most protection from your gilet.

Fit and Cut

A gilet should have a snug fit but still be roomy enough to layer over a thin jumper. If a gilet is baggy or tight in areas like the armpits, you might need a different size, or the sewing could be faulty.

A quality gilet should be fitted but shouldn’t restrict your movement when you bend your arms or torso.

Pockets and Added Features

Pockets should always be functional, not decorative, to provide practical storage space.. Fleece-lined exterior pockets will also keep your hands warm, whilst smaller inner zip pockets can hold your valuables.

A removable hood and high collars are also great features that add to the versatility of a gilet.

Trusted Brands

Trusted country wear brands will always be your best bet for finding high-quality, premium gilets and accessories. We stock some of the biggest brands in the business, like Barbour and Schoffel. These names are renowned in the country clothing industry for their superior fit, feel, and longevity.

Final Verdict: Gilet or Body Warmer?

If you live in an area that experiences a range of temperatures and weather conditions, then a gilet could be the perfect jacket for you. With endless layering options for both cold and warm weather, you can’t go wrong with this sleeveless jacket.

For the best fit and feel in any gilet, there’s no better place than Philip Morris. We stock only the best country clothing brands, so whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got the right jacket for you.

Whether it's a practical gilet for outdoor adventures or a stylish wardrobe staple, we have a wide range of outerwear and much more online or in our Hereford store. If you’re searching for a certain style of gilet, get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help!