Gilets
Men's gilets
Men's gilets solve a problem that a full jacket can't: warmth across the core on a day that doesn't call for sleeves, whether that's a morning dog walk or an evening at a shoot.
Fill and outer fabric
The range runs from a quilted construction with synthetic fill for cold-weather warmth to a lighter shower-resistant shell for milder days. A quilted gilet with diamond stitching holds its loft better over time than a plain channel quilt, since the stitching pattern stops the fill shifting and clumping after repeated wear. The outer shell on the heavier styles is treated for water resistance, a finish that holds up through several seasons before it needs reproofing.
Where men's gilets fit into a working wardrobe
A gilet layers cleanly over a shirt and knitwear without the bulk of a full jacket sleeve, which is exactly why it's become a fixture of country and city dressing alike. Hackett London has built gilets into its outerwear range consistently since the label's earliest collections, treating them as a genuine layering piece rather than an afterthought.
A quilted gilet over a merino jumper and cords for a cold walk that doesn't need a full coat.
The same gilet over a shirt with chinos for an evening that's warm enough to skip the jacket entirely.
Are gilets warm enough for winter?
A well-filled quilted gilet keeps the core warm in cold weather, though it's best layered over a jumper or shirt rather than worn alone, since it leaves the arms uncovered. It works particularly well under a heavier coat for extra insulation.
What's the difference between a gilet and a body warmer?
The two terms describe the same garment — a sleeveless, insulated layer worn over a shirt or jumper — with "gilet" more common in fashion contexts and "body warmer" more traditional in country and outdoor clothing.
Can a gilet be worn in the rain?
Gilets with a water-resistant outer shell tolerate light rain well, though they're not designed for sustained heavy weather in the way a full waterproof jacket is. Reproofing the shell periodically maintains its water resistance over time.