gilets

A gilet is a sleeveless jacket worn over a shirt or under a coat. In English, the garment is commonly called a waistcoat in British usage and a vest in American usage; in French it is gilet, with the plural gilets. Gilets can function as formal outerwear in ensembles with a suit, or as casual or practical layers in everyday wear.

Design and variations include formal waistcoats that are typically single- or double-breasted, with a front closure and sometimes a back strap to adjust fit. Casual gilets vary widely and may be padded or quilted, fleece-lined, or made from leather, denim, or canvas. Closures include buttons, zippers, or snaps, and many styles feature pockets or decorative stitching. Puffer or down-filled gilets are common for added warmth without sleeves, while lightweight knitted or woven gilets serve as midlayers.

Materials range from traditional wool, tweed, and cotton to silk or satin for dressier versions. Modern outerwear versions may use nylon or polyester shells with synthetic or down insulation for weather resistance. Patterns can be solid, tweed, or patterned fabrics, and colors range from neutral to bold in fashion contexts.

History and usage: waistcoats originated in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries as a key element of men’s formal dress, and the term gilet reflects later French influence. In contemporary fashion, gilets appear across formal, casual, and outdoor contexts, serving as an insulating layer or a statement piece. In French, “gilet jaune” refers to high-visibility vests used for safety and, in recent years, as a political symbol in protests.