Body Warmers

A body warmer or gilet can be a stylish and practical addition to your outfit, worn as well as or instead of a coat. Body warmers span a massive range of looks, from ‘sloaney countryside chic’ to ‘practical, active and outdoorsy’, or can be purely practical like the electric heated body warmer.

Fleece Body Warmers

At the more practical end of the scale, a quilted or fleece body warmer is comfortable, insulating and hard-wearing. Body warmers can also be used for sports. In these cases, they’re made from water- or wind-proof material such as Gore-Tex.

Hiking jackets and some armoured biking jackets have an internal body warmer that can be removed in the summer. Windproof body warmers are also sometimes used by cyclists.

Electric Body Warmers

For the ultimate in snuggly winter comfort, you can try an electric body warmer, powered by batteries and usually fleece-lined to keep that heat in. What could be more perfect for those cold winter walks? Some will benefit from an elasticated waist and armholes for retaining heat, and a rechargeable battery pack for hours or even days of use.

The wearer will normally be able to choose from a few heat settings to regulate their temperature, as hiking in one of these might result in a very warm upper body! And, to wash it, you just take the battery pack out and stick it in the washing machine.

Fashion Body Warmers

A more fashionable alternative might be thinner and of a more fitted style, but will still keep you warm and cosy. Body warmers and gilets are available for both men and women, with men’s sport versions made by companies including Nike.

Fashion body warmers are often called gilets, named after the municipality in eastern Spain. They are typically waist- or hip-length and sleeveless, and are made of man-made fibres or sometimes fake fur.