With so much choice available, finding the best gilet for your needs can seem overwhelming. We’re here to help.
A gilet is almost an essential part of the ArdMoor team’s wardrobe, both in and out of work. To help you to find your perfect fit, some of the ArdMoor team have picked out their current favourites and explained why they deserve the ‘best gilet’ title.
Stods – Harkila Sandhem 200 Waistcoat
From September through to April, my Harkila Sandhem fleece gilet is my go to item of clothing. It’s either on me or close at hand for the chilly start or end of the day when taking the dog for a walk in the autumn or spring. It’s then a permanent fixture during the winter months going over a jumper or fleece or under a jacket as that extra layer of warmth.
With a warm core I’m a happy man. The combination of the Polartec fleece and the longer body means that I can be bending over without the gilet riding up my back keeping my lower back nice and warm. There’s also a draw cord at the waist which helps to keep draughts out and to alter the height of the hem as needed.
My Sandhem also has two zipped side pockets and a zipped inner chest pocket so, if I am out and about, there’s masses of space for all the bits and pieces one has when doing stuff around the farm or garden. They are also perfect for storing a wallet and car keys when I’m watching a son or daughter playing sport or am in town for a meeting. Likewise, the two-way zip is a must have for me, particularly with the longer body shape of the Sandhem, allowing me to get easier access to my trouser pockets, cartridge belt or making for a more comfortable drive home.
As the ad person at Amex once said “Don’t leave home without it”.
Kathryn – Ridgeline Women's Hybrid Vest
I recently added the Ridgeline Women's Hybrid Vest to my outdoor wardrobe after falling in love with my Ridgeline Infinity Leggings, and it's been a fantastic investment. The combination of polyester fleece and durable soft-shell on the chest and shoulders provides both warmth and resilience, making it perfect for my dog walks with Juno (the black labrador!), and I prefer this style to a gilet with leather trim. The high collar and scooped back offer extra protection for my back against chilly winds, while the adjustable hem drawcords allow for a tailored fit. With multiple zipped pockets, I can securely carry essentials like my phone and keys. This vest has become my go-to layer for staying comfortable and unrestricted during my outdoor adventures.
Lucy - Ridgeline Monarch Women's Gilet
I’ve been searching for a gilet for a few seasons now, looking for an easy layer which I could wear with various jackets at the weekend and smart enough for wearing to the office during the week. I chose the Ridgeline Monarch's Women's Gilet because I’ve been impressed with quality of Ridgeline clothing in the past having purchased a women's Ridgeline fleece. I also preferred the fit compared to other gilets I tried on, and the price seemed reasonable.
This gilet has already become a staple in my wardrobe, being worn into the office and on dog walks with my 2 black labs!
Caroline – Hoggs of Fife Kingston Ladies Rip Stop Gilet
This navy women's gilet is my go to wardrobe staple for when the seasons change. Its the perfect layering piece for my Didriksons jacket when the temperature drops, but also the perfect item to help transition in to spring when its not quite warm enough to go without a jacket. And with our office based in Kingston, East Lothian it felt like the perfect choice!
John - Helly Hansen Kensington Lifaloft Vest
Adding the Helly Hansen Kensington Lifaloft Vest to my wardrobe has been a game-changer for my outdoor activities as well as keeping me warm in the warehouse in Winter months. Its lightweight design provides great warmth without the bulk. And the inside stash pockets make it easy to carry essentials securely. I'm not a fan of big logos and branding on clothing, so this is great as it only has a subtle logo to the bottom of it. A great layer under a jacket too when watching Scotland play rugby at Murrayfield!
Meg – Deerhunter Lady Heat Inner Waistcoat
Coming from Australia, I can feel the cold in Scotland and having invested in this heated gilet - I'm a happy lady! The Deerhunter Lady Heat Inner Waistcoat allows you to adjust the temperature across 3 heat levels. Designed with a water repellent material it offers protection against light showers too - so perfect for unpredictable Scottish weather. The power bank can be removed so that you can machine wash the gilet.
Georgina - Musto Women's Fenland Polartec Vest
I picked up the Musto Women's Fenland Polartec Vest recently, and it’s quickly become one of my go-to layers. It’s made from super soft Polartec fleece, so it’s really warm without feeling bulky, and I love that it’s made from 100% recycled polyester—feels good to wear something that’s a bit more eco-conscious. The zipped pockets are perfect for keeping my phone and keys secure when I’m out and about, and it fits really nicely thanks to the elastic binding around the collar and armholes. Whether I’m layering it under a jacket or just throwing it on over a long-sleeve, it’s so easy to wear and even easier to care for since it’s machine washable. Definitely one of those practical pieces that still feels stylish.