Men’s Gilets | When you think you won’t need your coat…

concerned friends that actually, it’s only March, and it’s 2°C, we’re still prepared to brave the elements for that wonderful feeling of the sun on our barely covered backs. And we will not, ever, admit that within about an hour’s time, we’re freezing, and we probably should have brought a coat after all.

And this is where the humble gilet steps in. Versatile, lightweight, but thick enough to keep us warm, it’s a wonder we never thought of it before. Forget ideas of red-faced football managers pacing the touchline- nowadays the gilet can be adapted to suit you and your individual style. So if you, like us, can’t bear to be in your winter coat a second longer, take a look at these practical looks and see just how easily you can pull off a gilet with your everyday wear.

How to wear a gilet (when you don’t want to wear your coat)

Layer up for the working week with this Barbour Essential gilet. Knitted at the back and quilted at the front, this Barbour gilet provides just enough warmth without throwing your professional look off. Great for the walk from the station or your car to the office, this gilet could easily be layered under a suit jacket to a give a fashionable edge to your look.

If you’re going for a sporty look then stand out from the crowd in this bright red Musto gilet. This bold bodywarmer is ideal for throwing over hoodies, sweatshirts and rugby shirts for frosty mornings due to its lightweight down and polyester construction. If you’d rather give this athletic style gilet a stylish upgrade, throw it over a denim or check shirt for an easy weekend look.

No sporting gentleman should be seen out without the proper attire, and if it’s a little too warm for a heavy wool shooting jacket, then a lightweight quilt like this Jack Murphy Barry Gilet is a must have. We’ve paired this body-warmer up with a simple Fynch Hatton knitted vest and Barbour tattersall shirt to create an easy-to-wear, field ready outfit for between seasons.

When you’re off duty, the last thing you want is to be restricted in a heavy winter coat, so this Joules Harkley gilet is great for layering over sweaters and shirts. A gilet over a check shirt is a classic look which we’ve given a trendy update with the addition of this Napapijri beanie. Perfect for walking the dogs or heading out to a country pub, this fashionable ensemble will easily suit all tastes.

Ready to banish your winter coat? You can see our entire gilet selection here.