11 padded gilets: this one light layer will keep you toasty without the tug

Puffer gilets Stylist

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11 padded gilets: this one light layer will keep you toasty without the tug

By Lauren Cunningham

3 years ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

1 min read

Padded gilets just got given the fashion green light.

Practically perfect in every way, a padded gilet toes the line between winter wear essential and spring style staple. But the trusty trans-seasonal top has had a much-needed switch-up, banishing the basic black styles to the back of the wardrobe.

Just like our dutiful duvet coats, a padded gilet is wonderfully warm but with much less bulk. Forgoing the sleeves for a more streamlined silhouette, it keeps your torso toasty while your arms can act in any way they want, sending us into spring carefree yet still cosily dressed.

(Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Credit: (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

From H&M’s luminous green gilet to the fancy Peter Pan frill collar of Monki, the high street beckons with beautiful options, and we’ve found 11 that certainly beat the Baltic breeze.

Pair with a thick knit, jeans and boots for a cool, casual style, layer under a long woollen coat on particularly cold days or shed the sleeves completely should the sun start to make a miraculous appearance. We promise you’d be hard pushed to find something more practical. 


Girlfriend Collective padded recycled-shell puffer vest

Girlfriend Collective padded recycled-shell puffer vest

Made from 100% recycled fibres, no down was used in designing this gilet, making it the perfect pick for animal lovers.

Shop Girlfriend Collective padded recycled-shell puffer vest at Net-a-Porter, £130

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H&M puffer gilet

H&M puffer gilet

Now this H&M find is incredibly funky and arguably isn’t the easiest to style. But wear it with white, and you’re sure to have an effortless yet chic outfit.

Shop H&M puffer gilet, £29.99

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Mint Velvet black buckled padded gilet

Mint Velvet black buckled padded gilet

For a more formal fit, this may be the perfect pick with gold-tone buckles making it anything but basic.

Shop Mint Velvet black buckled padded gilet, £139

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Boden quilted vest

Boden quilted vest

For floral fans, this lightweight gilet is just gorgeous, although may not be the warmest one to wear.

Shop Boden quilted vest, £51

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Lululemon wunder puff cropped vest

Lululemon wunder puff cropped vest

In a pretty purple colour, this cropped vest stands out from the crowd, perking up any outfit in an instant.

Shop Lululemon wunder puff cropped vest, £119

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H&M hooded puffer gilet

H&M hooded puffer gilet

A hooded puffer provides just that extra bit of protection from the Baltic breeze, and this option is as comfortable as it is cool.

Shop H&M hooded puffer gilet, £79.99

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Hush Linden padded gilet

Hush Linden padded gilet

A longline gilet lends itself to cooler climes, creating a cosy cocoon that you can cuddle up into.

Shop Hush Linden padded gilet, £139

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Monki black big collar quilted vest

Monki black big collar quilted vest

Steering away from the everyday boring black styles, the fabulous frill collar commands attention here.

Shop Monki black big collar quilted vest, £45

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FP Movement in a bubble puffer vest

FP Movement in a bubble puffer vest

For a pick-me-up pop of colour, this red vest is just the ticket, lending itself to the athleisurewear look.

Shop FP Movement in a bubble puffer vest, £140

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Cos padded liner gilet

Cos padded liner gilet

Always an underrated colour for outerwear, white works wonders to add polish to any look. Pair with bright blue denim or keep it nice and neutral for an easy everyday outfit.

Shop Cos padded liner gilet, £89

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Principles square printed longline gilet

Principles square printed longline gilet

Just toeing the line between outerwear and everyday piece, this lightweight layer is perfect for warmer days or offices with air con.

Shop Principles square printed longline gilet at Debenhams, £22.50

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Images: Getty; courtesy of  brands

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