In the UK, a body warmer and a gilet are the same thing: a sleeveless, insulated jacket. A waistcoat is usually a smarter, more tailored sleeveless garment, although the terms overlap. This guide explains the difference between a body warmer, gilet and waistcoat, the main types available, and how to choose the right one for walking, shooting, farm work or everyday wear.
Body Warmer vs Gilet vs Waistcoat
- Body warmer: the traditional British name for a padded or quilted sleeveless jacket that keeps your core warm.
- Gilet: the more modern word for the same garment, widely used for quilted, fleece and lightweight styles. In the US it is usually called a vest.
- Waistcoat: traditionally a tailored, buttoned garment worn under a jacket, but the word is also used in the countryside for tweed, shooting and fleece waistcoats.
When you are searching, try all three terms, as shops and brands use them interchangeably.
Types of Body Warmer and Gilet
Quilted and Padded Gilets
Filled with synthetic insulation, quilted body warmers are warm, light and ideal for layering under or over a jacket. They suit dog walking, general country wear and farm work. Browse our quilted and padded jackets, coats and gilets, and read our quilted jacket vs padded gilet guide.
Fleece Gilets
Soft, warm and breathable, fleece gilets are popular as mid layers. Sherpa-lined and pile-lined fleeces add extra warmth for cold days. See our men's fleece, gilets and waistcoats and ladies fleece gilets, and our fleece buying guide.
Shooting Gilets and Waistcoats
Designed with fieldsports in mind, these often come in countryside colours with practical pockets, and some have a tweed or shooting-focused cut for freedom of movement. Browse shooting gilets and fleeces.
Tweed Waistcoats
A tweed waistcoat adds classic country style and a warm layer under a tweed jacket. See our men's tweed range and our tweed jacket guide.
How to Choose the Right Body Warmer
- Insulation: choose padded or quilted for dry, cold weather and fleece for breathable warmth during activity.
- Water resistance: a gilet keeps your core warm but leaves arms exposed, so wear it under a waterproof jacket in heavy rain.
- Fit: it should be snug enough to trap heat but leave room for a base layer and shirt underneath.
- Pockets: zipped pockets keep your phone, keys and gloves secure.
- Colour and style: olive, navy and brown are classic country colours that work for both work and weekends.
How to Wear a Gilet
A gilet works in three main ways:
- As a mid layer under a waterproof jacket for maximum warmth.
- As an outer layer in cool, dry conditions over a shirt, jumper or hoodie.
- As a smart casual layer over a shirt or knitwear for the pub, a country show or the school run.
Our layering guide explains how to build a warm, dry outfit step by step.
Brands to Explore
We stock body warmers and gilets from leading country brands, including Hoggs of Fife gilets, waistcoats and bodywarmers, Deerhunter fleece, gilets and waistcoats and Swazi fleece gilets and jackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a body warmer the same as a gilet?
Yes. Body warmer is the traditional British term, while gilet is the more common modern word for the same sleeveless jacket.
Is a gilet warm enough on its own?
In mild or cool dry weather, yes. In winter, wear it as a layer under or over a jacket to keep both your core and arms warm.
What is the difference between a gilet and a waistcoat?
A gilet is typically sporty and insulated. A waistcoat is typically more tailored, although country waistcoats can be padded or fleece too.
Explore our full range of gilets and waistcoats, or read more country clothing advice in The Field Guide.
