Men's knitted gilets

Men's knitted gilets solve a specific problem — warmth through the core without the bulk of sleeves under a jacket that already has its own.

Construction without sleeves

A men's knitted gilet at Hackett London is built from the same lambswool and merino as the wider knitwear range, but cut sleeveless with reinforced armholes to prevent the fabric stretching at the shoulder seam without a sleeve to distribute the strain. A rib-knit armhole binding, finished with a tighter stitch than the body of the garment, is what keeps the opening from sagging out of shape over repeated wear. Cotton-wool blends at 220-250 g/m² are used for lighter, transitional styles, while pure lambswool at a heavier gauge suits standalone winter wear.

A quilted lining, used on some of the heavier gilet styles, adds warmth without the added bulk a full lining across a sleeved jumper would bring.

Layering a gilet correctly

A knitted gilet works best as a middle layer over a shirt and under a jacket, adding core warmth exactly where a coat's sleeves already provide coverage.

A navy knitted gilet over a checked shirt under a waxed jacket, for a country weekend that needs warmth without bulk at the arms.
The same gilet over a crew-neck jumper with dark denim for a commute that layers cleanly under a coat.

Why a gilet suits layering over a coat

A men's knitted gilet avoids the doubled-sleeve bulk that wearing two sleeved layers under a jacket creates, which is why it's become a practical staple for anyone layering through a full working day.

What's the difference between a gilet and a sleeveless jumper?

A gilet is typically cut with a slightly looser fit and reinforced armholes designed for layering over other knitwear, while a sleeveless jumper sits closer to the body like a standard jumper with the sleeves removed. Gilets often use a wool-cotton blend for versatility across seasons. Both share similar construction otherwise.

Can a knitted gilet be worn under a jacket?

A fine-gauge knitted gilet layers easily under a coat or blazer without adding bulk at the arms, since the sleeveless cut leaves the jacket's own sleeves unaffected. Choosing a slim fit keeps the layering clean rather than bunched. Darker, solid colours work best for this kind of understated layering.

Is a knitted gilet warm enough for winter on its own?

A heavier lambswool gilet provides solid core warmth but leaves the arms exposed, making it best suited to milder winter days or layering under an outer coat. For genuinely cold conditions, pairing it with a long-sleeved layer underneath and a coat over the top is the more practical approach. Quilted-lined styles add extra warmth for standalone wear.