Walk into any country clothing shop and you will find fleeces in three very different shapes - gilets, half-zips and full-zips - often stocked side by side with little explanation of which one actually suits what you are doing. If you have ever stood there wondering what the difference is, this guide clears it up.
What Is a Fleece Gilet?
A fleece gilet (sometimes called a body warmer) is a sleeveless fleece that zips or buttons up the front. It sits over a base layer or shirt and insulates your core while leaving your arms completely free - ideal for anyone working with their hands, from farm and kennel work to DIY around the yard. Because there are no sleeves to catch on gates, machinery or dog leads, a men's fleece gilet or women's fleece gilet is a favourite for country and working wardrobes alike.
Gilet vs Half-Zip vs Full-Zip: What's the Difference?
Fleece Gilets (Sleeveless)
Best for: active work, layering under a waterproof jacket, mild-to-cool days. Fleece gilets give core warmth without bulk, and layer neatly under a waterproof or wax jacket - making them a popular mid-layer choice rather than a jacket in their own right.
Half-Zip (Zip-Neck) Fleeces
Best for: changeable weather, walking, outdoor sport. A half-zip fleece has full sleeves and a short zip at the neck, so you can vent heat quickly by pulling the zip down without taking the whole thing off. It's the most versatile option if you're moving between activity levels - dog walking, working outdoors, or a day in the field where you warm up and cool down repeatedly.
Full-Zip Fleeces
Best for: cold, static conditions; wearing as an outer layer. A full-zip fleece opens all the way down the front like a jacket, so it's quick to put on and take off and can be worn open over a shirt. It's the warmest of the three shapes and the best choice if the fleece is your outer layer rather than a mid-layer.
What's Fleece Actually Made Of?
Fleece is a knitted synthetic fabric, almost always polyester (sometimes a wool or recycled-polyester blend). It's brushed on one or both sides to trap air and insulate, which is what makes it warm for its weight without the bulk of wool or down. It also dries fast and doesn't hold water the way natural fibres do, which is why it's such a reliable choice for the British climate.
How to Choose the Right Weight
- 200gsm (lightweight): everyday wear, layering under a coat, mild weather.
- 300gsm (midweight): the standard choice for most of the year - warm enough on its own for brisk days.
- 400gsm+ (heavyweight): deep winter, static outdoor work, or as a stand-alone outer layer.
How to Wear a Fleece Gilet
A gilet works as a mid-layer or an outer layer depending on the weather:
- Over a shirt or base layer on its own for mild days
- Under a waterproof jacket for extra core warmth without limiting arm movement
- Over a half-zip fleece for extra insulation on very cold days
Caring for Your Fleece
Wash on a cool, gentle cycle, avoid fabric softener (it clogs the fibres and reduces warmth), and air dry rather than tumble dry where possible to keep the loft.
Shop the Range
Browse our full men's fleece and gilet collection and women's fleece gilets, with options from Hoggs of Fife, Deerhunter, Swazi and Pinewood in weights and styles for every job and season.
FAQs
What is a gilet?
A gilet is a sleeveless jacket or fleece, worn over a base layer to insulate the body's core while leaving the arms free to move.
Is a half-zip or full-zip fleece warmer?
A full-zip fleece is generally warmer since it fully encloses the body and is often cut slightly heavier, but a half-zip is more practical for regulating temperature during activity.
Can you wear a fleece gilet in the rain?
Fleece isn't waterproof, so a gilet is best worn as a mid-layer under a waterproof jacket rather than as your outer layer in wet weather.
