Answer
Dec 17, 2025 - 11:50 AM
A gilet is a sleeveless jacket, also known as a waistcoat or vest. Although a gilet is often called a waistcoat which primarily they are both designed to provide core warmth while allowing full arm movement. A gilet is an outdoor, zip-up, sleeveless jacket for warmth like a bodywarmer, whereas waistcoats are for smart, more formal attire. A waistcoat is also referred to as a vest in the USA and is an under garment in the UK but they are all sleeveless garments. The full arm movement of a gilet is valuable for outdoor activities like hunting or hiking, as it keeps you warm without restricting mobility.
