How to wear a Gilet

petallus, I've never got to grips with my gilet, either. I'd like advice too, please?

Not me - I'm fine as long as my arms (especially upper arms) are warm. A gilet would do nothing for me, except as you say, make me look like a sausage!

I'm the opposite. I don't like my arms being restricted by wearing heavy jumpers so a thinnish jumper with a body warmer gilet over the top is perfect. If it's too cold or wet to be working outside or walking dogs without wearing a jacket, I don't wear a gilet. I have three, two fleecy and one quilted. I like wearing a fairly long one for gardening becuse of all the bending and stretching. It's often the first thing I stick on in the morning to let the dogs out as I'm still in my jim-jams.

I've got 2 very thin and long gilets- love them.They add just a tiny bit extra warmth but without any bulk, and just cover my bum. Great. Oh, and another thin single layer linen one to wear with jeans or linen trousers in Summer.

I've had one in my wardrobe for three years now. Never worn it. Can't remember why I bought it! Useless!

The tops of my arms need to be warm.

At the very least.

I just go with what it says on the tin - body warmer - and I like mine for driving when an extra layer is welcome but don't want thick sleeves , or on a mild day, again when a coat or jacket might be too much.

But...why would you want a mini-duvet around your upper body (but not arms!) if it was too mild to wear a jacket?

If it's too mild to wear a jacket I don't go for a mini duvet, more a fleecy throw look.

If it's too mild for a jacket - why bother - it's summer?

I can't wear a gilet outside either, if my arms get cold then my joints hurt!

I go along with Merlot and gracesmum in preferring to call them "body warmers". Much more descriptive, British and - anyway, I can't pronounce "gilet". Is it a hard or soft "g"
I like mine, all three of them for varying occasions. Sometimes worn under a coat for walking the dog when it's really cold, sometimes just to give extra warmth when you don't want the bulk of sleeves. I often put one on in the evening after the heating has gone off, the fire is dying down and I'm not yet ready for bed.

You see, this is what I can't understand. If I feel cold after the heating's gone off, I put a cardigan on, because it's my upper arms that feel cold, not my body. It just goes to show how different we all are!

Oh no. In the evening it's my legs that get cold. But if I put a blanket over them I go into bed mode and fall asleep.

Just before Christmas we were invited to Sunday lunch at a friend's house which is always freezing. I am prone to getting a stiff neck if I'm cold so I sat at the table wearing a fur lined body warmer and a scarf. I had to endure quite a few sarcastic comments but she should think herself lucky I left my fingerless gloves at home.

I had a black fine gilet and have left it somewhere and you would not believe how much I miss it, I have looked to replace it but nothing I have seen comes close to it.

I have two and I love them. I wear them with gloves and a woolly scarf and love the freedom they allow whilst keeping me warm. Mine are quilted landsend ones that I bought in the sale. They need to be tumble dried with tennis balls!!

I love mine too - can't bear to drive in a coat. I like the freedom for my arms, but only wear them outside, with a warm jumpers, on a not too cold day.

It's a lovely misty-blue morning here - I'm going to put my gilet on over an Aran jumper and go for a walk! (I'd better get a move on before the mood wears off)!

I can see how a lightish gilet would be useful.

The one I am thinking of not sending back to B*d*n is warm enough for a trip to the Antarctic with a big fleecey hood (though this is unclippable).

I'm veering towards keeping it anyway because it is such a nicely made item and such a bargain (£120 to £33).

At least it would be good for cleaning out the rabbit hutch

You should only wear a gilet
If the weather's turning cold
cos a gilet can look silet
And also very old.
If the weather you can't hack it
You could always wear a jacket
Or if you're young and tough
a big scarf might be enough
But to be sure you don't get chills
You must take your Vit C pills
So ditch those floaty frocks
In favour of thick socks
And you know you'll come out best
If you don't forget your vest

Collect them and publish them gracesmum
PS love the poetic licence with silet

It took me a while to catch on to silet.

Like it!

That made me chuckle gracesmum . Very creative.

petallus I'm like you in not quite knowing what to do with a gilet - it seems a contradiction to have a garment that keeps you warm but is sleeveless! Now having read the posts of wearers I will dig out mine and experiment.

Another 'contradictory' piece of clothing is a sleeveless polo-neck .... an American friend wears them, one day I'll ask her why