Gilets don't have the best reputation. Often grouped together in the same box as Schöffel and signet rings, the sleeveless jackets are kryptonite for those with a penchant for tweed, shooting and black labradors.
The garment is typically reserved for country-dwelling gents and aristocracy, although this uniform is very much an unspoken rule. From the Princess of Wales to Rosie Huntington-Whitely, the gilet has accumulated a glittering clientele of those who regularly pepper the pages of Tatler. Not forgetting the male champions of the padded piece, including David Beckham, Jeremy Clarkson, Bear Grylls and Stanley Tucci.
Despite their Sloaney status, gilets are highly functional items. And one variation of the silhouette is debunking its upper crust connotations altogether - the heated gilet.
Heated gilets are technical items of clothing that feature integrated warming systems. They are usually activated at the push of a button and can be charged up before chilly outings in the city or on the slopes. Depending on the intensity of heating, from low to high, heated gilets can provide up to ten hours of toasty insulation for those who are susceptible to the cold.
How do they work you ask? The gilets are powered by lightweight portable battery packs. The rechargeable power banks usually sit in a pocket in the lining or in an internal pocket, keeping it safe from the inevitable British drizzle.
A far cry from Barbour’s quilted khakis or Jack Wills’ pink-lined, pheasant-clad puffers, heated gilets adopt a more streamlined aesthetic. Most typically available in monochrome hues of black and navy, heated gilets are designed with subtly in mind, meaning they can be effortlessly layered under a thicker winter coat.
Heated gilets are already starting to make waves on social media. Although still in its infancy, the #heatedgilet has accumulated 146,000 views on TikTok and have seen a 30 per cent increase in demand compared to 2022. It’s only a matter of time before the bodywarmer is embraced by London’s finance bros (dubbed Gilet Gladiators by TikTokkers) looking to add to their sleeveless jacket arsenal.
If you’re still feeling hesitant about joining the dark side of gilets, we get it. They come with a notoriety that may not appeal to everyone. But we promise you this - when you roll out of bed in the morning to face a dark, damp commute to work, you’ll be eternally grateful for investing in a heated gilet to blanket you in heavenly warmth.
Best heated gilets at a glance
- Best for women: Ororo Women's Heated Vest With Battery Pack Lightweight Heated Gilet - £139.99, Amazon
- Best for men: Ororo Men's Heated Vest With Battery Pack Lightweight Heated Gilet - £139.99, Amazon
- Best for varied sizing: CONQUECO Heated Vest Jacket: Lightweight Slim Fit Gilet Coat - £79.99, Amazon
- Best for city dwellers: Portwest S549 Ultrasonic Heated Tunnel Gilet - £62.67, Harper Office
- Best for perfect pink style: Tonfarb Heated Gilet Electric Heating Jacket - £29.99, Amazon
- Best for light layering: Warmawear Ladies’ Battery Heated Waistcoat Jacket With Collar -£34.99, Primrose
- Best for customisation: LABEWVI Heated Vest for Men and Women - £61.74, Amazon
- Best for easy navigation: Bosch GHV 12+18V XA S Professional Heated Vest - £256.93, Amazon
- Best for easy cleaning: DK177 Heated Vest - £50.99, Amazon
Discover the best heated gilets to suit all occasions from everyday commutes to alpine adventures below.
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Ororo Women's Heated Vest With Battery Pack Lightweight Heated Gilet
Best for: women
Stay toasty for hours on end with Ororo’s heated gilet. Crafted from 100 per cent polyester for a lightweight feel, the insulated garment offers four carbon fibre heating elements that generate delightful warmth across the collar, mid-back and core. Pick from the three available settings which can be adjusted with a simple flick of a button.
Buy now £139.99, Amazon
Ororo Men's Heated Vest With Battery Pack Lightweight Heated Gilet
Best for: men
Featuring all the same technical elements as its female counterpart, the men’s Ororo heated jacket will protect the wearer from the harshest of elements. It’s both wind and water-resistant plus allows for unrestricted movement as you walk. Enjoy up to ten hours of warmth thanks to the gilet’s fast-heating elements, making the piece ideal for chilly camping trips and outdoor adventures.
Buy now £111.99, Amazon
CONQUECO Heated Vest Jacket: Lightweight Slim Fit Gilet Coat
Best for: varied sizing
A gilet with ambition, this piece is ideal for everything from taking Rover for daily walkies and camping trips to keeping warm on the terraces at the next big game.
The padded sleeveless jacket has warming panels across the chest, all working to keep your core nice and warm with a choice of three settings that go up to 65â - winter weather stands no chance.
Available in sizes M - 3XL.
Buy now £79.99, Amazon
Portwest S549 Ultrasonic Heated Tunnel Gilet
Best for: city dwellers
A subtle choice for commuters, Portwest’s heated gilet will slot neatly under the thickest of outerwear. Carbon fibre heated panels are positive in the padded piece, which uses heat-sealed fabric to improve its resistance to water. Use the three heat controllers (which you can find on the chest plate) to adjust the temperature and enjoy up to 10 hours of terrific toastiness.
Buy now £104.51, Gorilla Workwear
Tonfarb Heated Gilet Electric Heating Jacket
Best for: perfect pink style
Jazz up your gilet collection with a flash of candy pink. Tonfarb’s two-tone offering is usefully compatible with any power bank with a 5V 2A USB output port and promises up to 16 hours of battery life. The vibrant item swathes the wearer in warmth across four heating zones, from the collar to the core and more. This also promotes blood circulation when the temperature drops.
Buy now £45.99, Amazon
Warmawear Ladies’ Battery Heated Waistcoat Jacket With Hood
Best for: light layering
Whether you’re tending to the garden or nipping to the shops for supplies, this heated sleeveless jacket will be your white knight in keeping warm. Made from easy-care polyester, it heats using a battery pack stored in an inner pocket. The removable hood also helps protect your neck against wintry breezes. Available in small to medium sizes.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
LABEWVI Heated Vest for Men and Women
Best for: customisation
Cocoon yourself in a fleece blanket with this plush heated number. It comes in a neutral blue hue suitable for all genders, plus boasts customisable heating with dual switches. Tailor your warmth as you wish with two switches that immerse the body in heat across certain areas. You can also select high (60â), medium (50â), or low (40â) temperatures with up to six hours of consistent heat.
Buy now £64.99, Amazon
Bosch GHV 12+18V XA S Professional Heated Vest
Best for: easy navigation
Those who aren't tech-savvy will be forever grateful for the ease of Bosch’s heated vest. Not only does it guarantee consistent body core warmth with freedom of movement, but it has an easy charging USB-powered device when it runs low on juice. Heat is evenly disturbed across the body thanks to a three-zone heating system.
Buy now £260.14, Bosch
DK177 Heated Vest
Best for: easy cleaning
DK177’s heated gilet is ready to knock your socks off. An impressive eleven heating zones will coat the body in fiery warmth. It kicks into action in seconds, meaning you can adjust the temperature quickly using the three heating levels from 45°C to 65°C. A single charge will allow for ten hours of use. Once you’re done, whip it off, pop the vest in a mesh laundry bag and bung it into the washing machine for an easy clean.
Buy now £50.99, Amazon
