What is the point of a gilet?

If you’re like most people, you might throw on a jacket or hoody without a second thought when the temperature drops. Annoyingly, with our unpredictable British weather, there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all answer - sometimes a jacket or hoodie can get you sweating on a short walk to the shops, while just a shirt has you shivering.

That’s where the gilet comes in - a clever piece of clothing designed to keep you comfortable without overheating or restricting your movement. But what is a gilet jacket, and why sleeveless? Does it actually keep you warm, or is it just a fashion statement pretending to be practical? What actually is the point of a gilet?

Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to explore today. We’ll go into the science behind the gilet’s design, find out what is the difference between a gilet and body warmer, and cover a few handy basics - like how to pronounce gilet properly.

How do you pronounce gilet?

Let’s get this one out of the way: it’s not gill-et (like the razors). It’s got French roots, so the proper way to say it is “zhee-lay” with a soft “zh” sound, but here in the UK, you’ll mostly hear it said as “jee-lay” - which is absolutely fine too. Now that you’ve mastered how to pronounce gilet properly, you’re ready to understand the science behind it and find your perfect fit.

Do gilets keep you warm?

There’s a good reason gilets focus on insulating your torso while leaving your arms free - and it’s not just for ease of movement. Here's a little science that might surprise you: we don't lose heat equally across our bodies. In fact, your torso (the chest, back, and belly) is where you lose the most heat.

Multiple studies show that the “trunk” (aka torso) plays a HUGE role in regulating heat loss compared to your arms and legs - especially when temperatures change. This is because the torso has the largest surface area of your body and is also packed with vital organs that need to stay warm so you stay alive and kicking.

In one study on heat loss across body parts, researchers found that at 20°C (arguably a hot day in the UK!), the torso alone accounted for around 56% of total body heat loss. In contrast, the upper arms, lower arms and hands combined made up just 18%.

A second study confirmed that at similar temperatures, the thighs, legs, and chest lose the most heat through air movement and radiation. When it gets warmer still, sweating becomes the main way the body cools down, and the chest loses the most heat this way because it has more sweat glands than other parts.

While 20°C doesn’t sound especially cold, these patterns become even more pronounced in lower temperatures. Below 15°C, the body shifts to heat conservation mode, pulling blood away from your extremities to conserve warmth in your core.

That’s exactly why gilets work so well! They insulate the part of your body that loses the most heat without weighing you down or overheating your arms. Turns out it isn’t all just marketing!

What is the difference between a gilet and body warmer?

If you’ve ever wondered whether a gilet and a bodywarmer are the same thing, you’re not alone. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there can be a few subtle differences.

Traditionally, bodywarmers were seen as the bulkier option: thicker, quilted, and used as farm or workwear. Gilets, on the other hand, were thought of as lighter, with a slimmer fit, leaning more towards fashion or technical activewear. But these days, those lines are pretty blurred.

We don’t split hairs at TOG24. Whether it’s a gilet or a body warmer, padded or quilted, at the end of the day, it’s designed to keep your core cosy and your arms free to move. Call it what you will; either way, it’s doing the same job.

When to wear a gilet?

So when does a gilet make more sense than throwing on a jacket? Here are the situations where that sleeveless design really shines:

• Chilly mornings in spring or autumn: When it’s nippy out but not cold enough for a coat, a gilet does the trick.

• Dog walks and dashing to the shops: Adds just the right amount of warmth without feeling bulky or too much.

• Out and about on the move: Ideal over a hoodie or fleece for hikes, bike rides or jogs, as it keeps your middle toasty and your arms free to move.

• Under waterproofs: Layers up nicely without making you feel like the Michelin Man under a rain jacket or windbreaker.

• In-betweeny weather: When it’s hot one minute and cool the next, a gilet’s easy to chuck on, take off or stuff in your bag.
  
  

Not sure how to wear your gilet? Check out our styling guide for some simple style tips.

Our top men's and women's gilets

Ready to try one for yourself? These gilets are some of our favourites:

Men’s gilets:

• Pensford men’s microfleece gilet: Super soft and warm microfleece perfect for layering or wearing solo on those milder days.

• Elliot men’s padded gilet: Light but cosy, packed with insulation to keep you warm when you’re out and about.

• North RDS men’s gilet: Stuffed with responsibly sourced down for snug, all-day warmth.

Women’s gilets:

• Cassly women’s padded gilet: Stylish and practical, with extra padding to keep the chill at bay.

• Fordley women’s microfleece gilet: Lightweight fleece that’s breathable and comfy, making it great for layering.

• Welham women’s gilet: Extra-long, cosy, and weather-ready with a longer cut and pockets to keep out the chill.

Interested in learning more? Our spring and summer gilet guide walks you through everything: from how to pronounce gilet (if you’re still struggling!) to how to wear a gilet and how to find your perfect fit. For more options, browse our full collection of men’s and women’s gilets online or visit your local TOG24 store today.