A gilet is the easiest way to add warmth without the bulk of a full jacket. Whether you call it a gilet, a body warmer or a waistcoat, it keeps your core warm and leaves your arms free. This guide compares the men's and ladies' gilets we stock at 4 Elements Clothing from Hoggs of Fife, Deerhunter, Joules, Harkila, Swazi, Pinewood and 5.11 Tactical, and helps you pick the right type for farm work, shooting, dog walking or everyday wear. We have left prices out on purpose, so check each product page for current prices and sizes.
Last updated November 2026.
Gilet vs body warmer vs waistcoat: what is the difference?
There is no difference in the garment. Gilet and body warmer (or bodywarmer) are the two most common UK names for a sleeveless insulated jacket. Waistcoat and vest are used in country and shooting circles, and in America. They all mean a sleeveless top layer worn over a shirt, jumper or base layer, or under a coat.
The main types of gilet
- Fleece gilets: soft, warm and quick drying. A heavier 320gsm fleece suits farm and field work, while a lighter polar fleece suits walking and everyday wear.
- Quilted and padded gilets: diamond-quilted or wadded gilets that trap more warmth for their weight. Many have a showerproof finish.
- Shooting gilets: waterproof or water-repellent gilets with shoulder reinforcement and large cartridge pockets.
- Lightweight and packable gilets: thin synthetic insulation that packs small and works as a spare layer.
- Utility and work gilets: breathable, multi-pocket vests for dog handlers, farm work and warm-weather days.
Quick picks: the best gilets for every use
- Best everyday fleece gilet for men: Hoggs of Fife Stenton, a velour-finish fleece in five colours.
- Best heavyweight gilet for farm work: Hoggs of Fife Woodhall, 320gsm anti-pill fleece with a wind-resistant high collar.
- Best shooting gilet: Deerhunter Gamekeeper, with the Stormliner membrane, padded shoulders and a rear game pocket.
- Best for layering in changeable weather: Hoggs of Fife Kincraig, a lightweight DWR-coated field waistcoat with cartridge pockets.
- Best premium country gilet: Harkila Sandhem 200, made from recycled Polartec 200 fleece.
- Best packable insulated gilet: 5.11 Tactical Explore PrimaLoft Vest, which packs into its own stuff sack.
- Best ladies' fleece gilet: Hoggs of Fife Stenton Ladies or the Joules Heritage Women's Fleece Gilet.
- Best ladies' quilted gilet: Joules Braemar Luxe or the Joules Minx.
- Best ladies' longline gilet: Joules Heritage Longline Fleece Gilet.
Men's gilets comparison table
| Gilet | Brand | Type | Key feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stenton | Hoggs of Fife | Fleece | Velour finish, windproof, two zipped pockets | Everyday country wear |
| Woodhall | Hoggs of Fife | Fleece | 320gsm anti-pill fleece, high collar | Farm work, cold mornings |
| Kincraig | Hoggs of Fife | Field waistcoat | DWR coating, cartridge pockets | Layering outdoors |
| Struther Shooting Vest | Hoggs of Fife | Shooting | Waterproof fabric, taped seams, poacher's pockets | Game and clay shooting |
| Gamekeeper | Deerhunter | Shooting | Stormliner membrane, padded shoulders | Wet shoot days |
| Eagle | Deerhunter | Fleece | 320gsm stretch fleece | Shoots and dog walking |
| Moor Padded | Deerhunter | Padded | Padded shoulder and front, game pocket | Cold shooting days |
| Sandhem 200 | Harkila | Fleece | Recycled Polartec 200, wind-resistant lining | Shoot days, smart country wear |
| Heritage | Joules | Fleece | Polar fleece, stand collar, two-way zip | Walks and casual wear |
| Sherpa Fleece Gilet | Swazi | Fleece | 280gsm polar fleece, three YKK zip pockets | Active outdoor use |
| Explore PrimaLoft Vest | 5.11 Tactical | Packable insulated | 80g PrimaLoft Gold, packs into a sack | Travel and spare layer |
Ladies' gilets comparison table
| Gilet | Brand | Type | Key feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stenton Ladies | Hoggs of Fife | Fleece | Hollow-fibre fleece, flattering fit, machine washable | Country walks and yard wear |
| Lady Eagle | Deerhunter | Fleece | 320gsm stretch fleece, drawstring hem | Shoots and the yard |
| Heritage Fleece Gilet | Joules | Fleece | Waist adjuster, seven colours | Everyday and dog walking |
| Heritage Longline | Joules | Longline fleece | Longer length, recycled polyester | Extra coverage |
| Minx | Joules | Quilted | Diamond quilting, fitted side panels | Year-round layering |
| Braemar Luxe | Joules | Quilted | Showerproof, recycled wadding, funnel neck | Country walks and equestrian |
Brand by brand: what makes each different
Hoggs of Fife gilets
Practical British country gilets in a wide range of sizes, from the soft Stenton and heavyweight Woodhall fleeces to the lightweight Kincraig field waistcoat. The Stenton is designed to clip inside the Hoggs of Fife Kincraig Jacket for extra warmth. Read our Hoggs of Fife guide.
Deerhunter gilets
Danish hunting clothing with a shooting focus. The Gamekeeper has a Stormliner membrane and padded shoulders, while the Eagle and Lady Eagle are 320gsm stretch fleeces. Read our Deerhunter field guide.
Joules gilets
Classic British country styling in fleece and quilted gilets, with plenty of colour choice for women. See our Joules guide.
Harkila, Swazi, Pinewood and 5.11
Harkila makes the refined Sandhem 200 in recycled Polartec fleece. Swazi offers a hard-wearing 280gsm sherpa fleece gilet. Pinewood makes the breathable Tiveden utility gilet for men and women, and 5.11 Tactical makes the packable PrimaLoft vest.
How to choose the right gilet
- Use: a heavier fleece suits farm work and cold mornings, a quilted gilet suits country walks, and a shooting gilet suits the field.
- Weather: fleece is warm but not waterproof. For showers, choose a showerproof quilted gilet or a DWR-coated one, and for wet days wear it under a waterproof jacket.
- Fit: a gilet should sit close enough to trap heat but leave room to layer over a shirt or jumper. Check the size chart, and size up if you will layer over thick knitwear.
- Pockets: zipped pockets keep phones and keys secure, while shooting gilets add cartridge and game pockets.
- Care: most fleece and quilted gilets are machine washable at 40 degrees C. Check the care label on each product.
How to wear a gilet
Wear a gilet over a shirt or base layer as a warm mid-layer, then add a waterproof jacket on top for wet weather. Our thermal base layers guide and UK winter clothing guide show how to build a warm, flexible outfit. On milder days a gilet works well on its own over a country shirt.
Gilet FAQs
What is the difference between a gilet and a body warmer?
Nothing. Gilet and body warmer both describe a sleeveless insulated jacket. Waistcoat and vest are other names for the same garment.
Are gilets waterproof?
Not usually. Fleece gilets are warm but not waterproof. Quilted gilets such as the Joules Braemar Luxe have a showerproof finish, and shooting gilets such as the Deerhunter Gamekeeper use a waterproof membrane.
Is a fleece gilet warm enough in winter?
A fleece gilet is a warm mid-layer, but in winter wear it under a jacket or coat. A heavier 320gsm fleece, such as the Hoggs of Fife Woodhall, is the warmest option.
What is a shooting gilet?
A shooting gilet is a sleeveless layer with shoulder reinforcement, large cartridge pockets and often a game pocket. Our shooting season guide shows when you will need one.
Do you offer free delivery and returns?
Yes. 4 Elements Clothing offers free UK delivery and free returns. Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday (10am Saturday) are dispatched the same day.
Related guides
- Farm Clothing UK: What to Wear for Farm Work
- Best Waterproof Shooting Jackets UK
- Best Waterproof Jackets for Women UK
- Dog Training Vest Guide
- Thermal Base Layers UK
Shop gilets and body warmers
Browse men's fleece, gilets and waistcoats, ladies' fleece gilets, shooting gilets, Joules gilets and Deerhunter gilets. More guides are in The Field Guide.
Need help choosing?
Email help@4elementsclothing.co.uk and we will be happy to help.
