Men's lightweight gilets

Men's lightweight gilets fill the gap a heavier quilted style can't: enough warmth to take the edge off a cool evening without adding bulk under a jacket or blazer.

Fabric and fill weight

Built from a lightweight shell with a thin synthetic fill or, in some styles, no fill at all beyond a brushed lining, these gilets sit closer to a waistcoat in weight than a winter body warmer. A showerproof finish on the outer fabric handles light drizzle without the gilet feeling like a technical piece, and the trims stay slim enough to layer under tailoring without adding visible bulk. This lighter-weight approach follows the same standard Hackett London applies across its transitional outerwear each season.

When to wear a lightweight gilet

A lightweight gilet earns its place in the wardrobe during spring and early autumn, when a full jacket feels like overkill but a shirt alone isn't quite enough. Worn under a blazer, the slim construction adds warmth without changing the line of the jacket the way a bulkier gilet would.

A lightweight gilet under an unstructured blazer for a cool office morning.
The same gilet over a shirt alone for an evening that warms up by nightfall.

Can a lightweight gilet be worn under a blazer?

Yes, the slim construction and minimal fill make lightweight gilets one of the few outerwear pieces that layer well under tailoring without adding noticeable bulk to the jacket's line.

What's the difference between a lightweight and quilted gilet?

A lightweight gilet uses a thinner shell and minimal or no fill, designed for mild weather and layering, while a quilted gilet carries a thicker synthetic fill for genuine cold-weather warmth.

Are lightweight gilets waterproof?

Most lightweight gilets are showerproof rather than fully waterproof, handling light rain but not sustained heavy weather. A separate waterproof jacket is recommended for more serious conditions.