The Downgilet - A Must-Have Outerwear Essential

For those who’ve never owned one, a gilet (or 'body warmer’ as they’re also known) is a wonderful wardrobe staple.downgilet Ideal for tackling between-the-seasons weather dilemmas, they provide an extra layer of warmth without adding too much bulk and, thanks to the lack of sleeves, are easily rolled up in a jacket pocket or the top of your rucksack when the temperature starts to climb.downgilet The gilet has been around for centuries, but as outdoor gear becomes increasingly stylish and mainstream, it’s enjoying a newfound popularity.

Gilets (pronounced jee-lay) were once the uninspired choice of gardeners, outdoor trekky types and middle-aged men in the countryside.downgilet Nowadays, however, they’re a wardrobe essential and the go-to outerwear piece of many modern men.downgilet Whether they’re quilted, padded or filled with duck down – the latter being a particularly warm and lightweight option – they are ideal for keeping core body heat in and cold air out.

They come in a wide variety of fabrics from cosy shearling and suede to slick, designer takes such as those produced by Tom Ford and Brunello Cucinelli.downgilet For those with deeper pockets Loro Piana and The North Face offer sumptuous gilets cut from cashmere and filled with the finest down.downgilet But even at these more affordable price points they’re designed to be worn with casual garments rather than tailoring (to avoid that ‘burnt-out commuter from the Home Counties’ vibe).

The fashionability of a gilet was boosted by its presence in the coffee-paced, espresso-fuelled TV show Industry where it became shorthand for corporate attire – especially the suits and ties of Pierpoint bankers.downgilet But its popularity is rooted in reality too.downgilet At Marylebone tailors William Crabtree & Sons, sales for gilets have risen 20% year-on-year since the company opened its bricks and mortar store four years ago. A similar upturn was reported at Charles Tyrwhitt, which forecasts 20% growth in sales of the gilet this year.

A downgilet can be worn on its own or as a warm inner layer beneath a raincoat or windbreaker.downgilet A slimline gilet with high arm holes, like this one from Barbour, is an effective way to dress down tailoring for a summer stroll or lunch date.downgilet Pair with a classic chinos and PS watch cap for a sartorial problem-solver.

Traditionally, a gilet is quilted which means it is filled with a layer of either duck down or synthetic fibres that are held in place by visible outer stitching.downgilet This helps to trap air between the inner and outer layers, increasing insulation. More recently, technological advances in fabrics and manufacturing have enabled lighter gilets to be made with high levels of insulation - while maintaining the same appearance. The most important thing to remember, however, is that a gilet must fit correctly in order to be effective. The sleeves should sit on the shoulders and be fitted to the chest, with the hemline finishing just below the hips. This is the most effective way to ensure maximum comfort and performance.