Gilets and men's sleeveless jackets

Which sleeveless jacket to choose?

This page brings togethersleeveless jackets: perfect for layering a warm layer, not suit vests.

• The sleeveless puffer jacket, filled with down or synthetic, is the warmest for its weight.
• The padded gilet, which is flatter, slides under a jacket without adding bulk.
• The fleece gilet, soft and breathable, is great for hiking.
• The work vest, made from canvas, comes with plenty of pockets.

How to wear a sleeveless jacket?

Over a hoodie or a flannel shirt, the sleeveless jacket can be worn on its own in mid-season. Under a coat or parka, it adds a warm layer to the torso in winter without restricting the arms.

With a men's jean and ankle boots, the sleeveless puffer maintains an outdoor look; over a shirt and chinos, the padded gilet looks more urban.

Down, synthetic or fleece?

Down is the warmest for its weight but fears moisture; synthetic filling still insulates when wet. Fleece breathes better during exertion and dries quickly, but lets the wind through.

What size gilet to take?

A gilet worn under a jacket should be fitted, otherwise it'll crease; worn on its own over a sweatshirt, it can be a bit looser. Make sure the armholes don’t pinch under the arms.

Which gilet brands to choose?

These gilet brands range from outdoor to workwear.

• Founded in California by Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia is built around environmental commitment, including sleeveless fleeces.
• Scooter-shaped logo and lightweight puffer jackets: JOTT, from Marseille, also offers the sleeveless version.
• Alpha Industries, known for its military aviator jackets, makes padded gilets.
• Japanese brand Taion specializes in thin puffers designed to be worn under a coat.
• Family-run in Manchester, Regatta creates affordable outdoor clothing, including gilets.

What other warm jackets are there?

For more warmth, there are men's puffer jackets; for mid-season, there are jackets and blousons. Each of these men's jackets has its own page.

When to find gilets on sale?

Useful while it’s still cool, the sleeveless jacket is often found on sale during Black Friday and winter sales: two occasions for a discounted sleeveless jacket.

November has the Black Friday page, the sales have the men's clothing sales page, and the Promotions page covers the rest of the year. Fast shipping and best price guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Sleeveless gilet or puffer jacket?

The puffer jacket with sleeves protects the whole upper body; the sleeveless gilet leaves the arms free and can be layered. For cycling, brisk walking or layering, the gilet is more practical.

How to wash a sleeveless puffer jacket?

Close the zips, turn it inside out and choose a delicate cycle on cold or at 30°C, using a detergent suitable for down. Drying balls in the tumble dryer on a low temperature restore the fluffiness.

Can a sleeveless gilet be worn under a suit jacket?

A very thin padded gilet can fit under a city coat, but not under a fitted suit jacket. For a suit, you need a suit gilet, which is not included on this page.

Fleece gilet: for what use?

Hiking and activities where you sweat: it breathes and dries quickly. Under a waterproof jacket, it makes an effective mid-layer.

How to store a down gilet?

Clean and dry, lying flat or on a hanger, never compressed for long in its cover. A compressed down loses some of its fluffiness.