The gilet: not just an add-on, but a stylish winter game-changer
At first glance, the gilet might seem utterly superfluous to your winter wardrobe. It’s not a coat, a jumper, a leg covering or a boot, is it? It’s a shiny, padded, sleeveless body warmer, best known as the uniform of ‘tech bros’ huddling at Davos and sold in dozens of iterations at Uniqlo, right?
Well, as it turns out: wrong. Because thanks to fashion-friendly offerings from Whistles, Marks & Spencer and especially this reversible twofer from Mint Velvet, a gilet has become a buy-once piece that deserves a rotation spot in every winter wardrobe. Shop our favourite below.
Tan Reversible Faux Fur Gilet
Like all good things, they come in basic, better and best. M&S’s most popular is made of borg (that’s fake shearling to you and me) and comes zip-fronted, while Aspiga’s more luxurious 100% recycled polyester borg has an easy buckle-popper fastening. You might, like me, discover you already own one. Mine, for instance, is a detachable zip-out fleecy layer from a beloved old Barbour wax jacket.
The appeal of the gilet lies a lot deeper than its current fashion credentials – though this really does help – so here are four practical reasons why a gilet should become the most-loved item in your winter kit.
1) It keeps your core warm. Your torso is the engine of your body, and the gilet’s primary function is to trap heat where you need it most while allowing your arms the freedom to move.
2) It’s a layering dream. The gilet works beautifully on top of almost anything: a crisp shirt, a cosy poloneck, a blouse or even a dress.
3) It’s the ultimate mid-layer. When temperatures drop, layer your gilet between your jumper and coat, adding extra insulation without bulk.
4) It’s in fashion now. Whether it’s shearling, faux fur, suede, wool, or padded, you can find one that suits you at a price that works, whether it's basic, better or best.
The gilet: not just a passing trend, but a core essential in more ways than one.
Borg Lightweight Collarless Gilet
Ivory Josie Fleece Gilet
Buckle Gilet
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