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15 Best Winter Vests and Gilets for Men
With winter coming up fast, it’s smart to start stocking up on cold weather gear that’ll have you prepared for even the harshest temperatures, or on the flip side, winter weather gear that’ll keep you warm when a full-on parka is just a little too stuffy for the day. That’s where vests come in.
If you don’t already own a winter vest, then this is your sign to do a little pre-holiday shopping for yourself. From woven wool vests that will add a unique element to any smart casual outfit to puffer vests that are perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities, check out the 15 best winter vests and gilets for men this season.
Best Buy
1. Stone Island Logo Patch Padded Gilet
If you’re looking for a light neutral colored gilet that’s perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth when it’s just a little too cold for a sweater or long sleeve shirt, the Stone Island Logo Patch Padded Gilet should definitely be on your radar. Made with a 100% feather down lining, this lightweight gilet also features a padded design, baseball collar, front zip fastening, two side inset pockets, and a logo patch on the front.
Pair with anything casual, like joggers, a long sleeve tee, and sneakers or boots for the ultimate cool weather weekend outfit that’s perfect for a coffee run.
2. Tom Ford Stretch-Shell Quilted-Down Gilet
For those who are looking to add a piece of luxurious winter wear to their closet, the Tom Ford Stretch-Shell Quilted-Down Gilet, which comes in an eye-catching mustard yellow hue, is right up your alley. Crafted in Italy from soft-stretch shell, this gilet also features tan trims that add an element of sophistication to the garment, and is insulated with a combo of 90% down and 10% goose feathers, meaning you’ll stay warm and cozy all day long.
Wear it over a sweater with some chinos or khakis and a pair of your best low-top sneakers for a smart casual fall or winter look that’ll take you from the ski lodge straight to dinner by the fire.
3. L.L.Bean Upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Vest
If you’re on the hunt for a vest with a more rugged look and feel, check out the L.L. Bean upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Vest, which features multiple cargo pockets on the hip and two slant pockets on the chest. This lightweight down vest boasts water-repelling DownTek down, meaning you’ll stay dry and warm even if you get caught in a downpour, and works best when worn with a midweight layer. “Excellent weather repellent hard working vest,” one happy customer reviewed. “Great combination of snaps and zipper closures allows ease of ventilation and warmth. Full movement and comfortable.”
4. Canada Goose Hybridge Quilted-Down Gilet
The Canada Goose Hybridge Quilted-Down Gilet is perfect for those who are looking for a piece of outerwear that can be dressed up or down but is basic enough to go with anything they already have in their wardrobe. This navy gilet is shaped from a lightweight shell and filled with 90% down and 10% goose feathers, features a high-neck silhouette and also boasts the brand’s signature logo on the front.
Wear it with grey joggers and a grey crew neck sweatshirt for the ultimate laidback weekend outfit that’s perfect for lounging around the house or grabbing an after-workout smoothie.
5. Patagonia Bivy Down Reversible Vest
Is there anything better than a piece of clothing that’s basically two for the price of one? The Patagonia Bivy Down Reversible Vest is just that, thanks to the fact that, as seen in the title, it’s reversible. This vest is perfect for those days when a full winter jacket would be just a little too much warmth, as the recycled down will keep you just toasty enough on cooler days.
The reversible design is perfect for those who want more than one way to style their vest depending on their mood and outfit, and the lifetime warranty guarantees that this vest will be a go-to winter weather piece for years and years. “It’s like buying two vests for the price of one,” one customer reviewed. “Very comfortable and warm. I love the fact that it’s reversible and has fleece-lined pockets for those chilly days.”
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6. Barbour Lowerdale Vest
The Barbour Lowerdale Vest is the perfect vest for anyone who is looking for a basic layer to add warmth on a slightly cool day. This quilted vest is made with synthetic insulation, features smooth lining, and also has patch pockets that’ll hold all of your essential items like your keys, phone, wallet, and more, and will also keep your hands toasty when it’s a little frigid out.
The sophisticated silhouette of this vest allows it to be dressed up or down, as one customer wrote: “I bought this as a gift for my Dad, and he loves it!” they said, adding, “He likes to wear it out to dinner, to the grocery store, and just about anything in between!”
7. The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Vest
It’s hard to believe that the year 1996 is considered “retro,” but apparently, that’s showbiz baby, and we’re all ancient. The North Face Retro Nuptse Vest was actually named after one of Mount Everest’s nearby Himalayan peaks and is perfect for those who are looking for a classic quilted down vest whose design has stood the test of time.
Made from 100% nylon and filled with a combination of 90% down and 10% goose feathers, this North Face vest is designed to keep you extra warm on chilly days, and also features zipped pockets, a front zip, and a high neck. Wear it on top of a hoodie or throw it on over a long sleeve tee for a casual yet put together cold weather look.
8. Arc’teryx Atom LT Insulated Vest
For those who are looking for a sleek and streamlined vest that can be worn with smart casual attire or while out and about in nature, the Arc’teryx Atom LT Insulated Vest is a great option. This vest’s “lightweight Coreloft™ Compact 60 insulation preserves core warmth while a wind- and moisture-resistant outer shell extends stand alone usability,” meaning you’ll stay dry and warm all day long.
This winter vest is perfect as either a base layer or midweight layer, and also features an internal chest pocket, two hand pockets, and is completely compressible and packable.
Bonus: this vest comes in three different colors, so you’re guaranteed to find your perfect color and style.
9. Carhartt Duck Vest
Carhartt is one of the best companies around when it comes to quality, affordable products, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Carhartt Duck Vest made this list. Made from fabric that is both wind and water-resistant, this vest is perfect for those who need an extra layer of warmth while working on a job site or outside on the weekend, thanks to the “Arctic-weight polyester insulation” that’ll keep you toasty warm even on the chilliest of days.
“This is a great layer to get some work done in,” one customer wrote, adding, “It’s a bit stiff but like all Carhartt, it will be super comfy once it breaks in.”
10. Fjallraven Greenland Down Liner Vest
For those who are looking for a go-to casual winter vest, you should totally check out the Fjallraven Greenland Down Liner Vest, which is filled with a combination of 80% down and 20% feathers to keep you warm and cozy all day long. The recycled polyester shell is lightweight and won’t weigh you down, and thanks to the water-repellent fabric, you’ll stay dry even if you get caught in a sudden rain or snowstorm. Wear over a sweater and your best denim, and throw on a good pair of waterproof boots and you’ve got yourself one stylish cold weather combo.
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11. Pendleton Echo Canyon Wool Vest
For those who are looking for a more stylish and unique vest, you shouldn’t sleep on the Pendleton Echo Canyon Wool Vest, which features an eye-catching desert-inspired pattern that’ll have all eyes on you wherever you go. This vest is made from “woven-in-USA wool jacquard in a pattern named for Nevada’s Echo Canyon,” and is perfect for dudes who like to show off their one-of-a-kind sense of fashion.
Wear it over a button down and some skinny jeans and add a pair of 6-inch lace-up leather work boots for the ultimate going out in the winter look, or wear it to a holiday party for a quirky, hipster vibe.
12. Belstaff Diamond-Quilted Recycled-Shell Gilet
If you’re on the hunt for a military-inspired gilet, the Belstaff Diamond-Quilted Recycled-Shell gilet should already be in your shopping cart. Although this gilet can be worn alone, it’s actually designed to be “fastened to the inside of the label’s Trialmaster and Fieldmaster jackets.”
It’s made from a smooth recycled shell and features a straight fit, and also boasts patch pockets, a press-stud pocket, and is finished with a Union Jack Tab. Throw it on over a white long sleeve henley and some khakis and you’ve got yourself the perfect casual look for the winter.
13. Filson Ultralight Vest
If you’re in the market for a lightweight vest that’ll add an extra layer of warmth without being too bulky, the Filson Ultralight Vest is most definitely for you. Not only is this vest packable, it also features elasticated armholes for ultimate flexibility and comfort, has a moleskin-lined collar and hand-warmer pockets, a zip-front closure with a fleece-backed zipper guard, and even retains 98% of its warmth when wet.
It also comes in three different colors, and is perfect for layering over a variety of other garments, as one customer reviewed: “I easily fit an undershirt, long sleeve button up, and a sweater underneath with plenty of room left in the armpits.”
14. Summit Puffer Vest
The Summit Puffer Vest is a must-have winter weather garment, thanks to its bold and eye-catching color block design and the fact that it can be packed into its own pocket, meaning you can take it with you anytime, anywhere just in case the weather decides to flip on you at the last minute.
Featuring a 100% recycled polyester shell and 100% RDS-certified grey duck down, this vest also boasts a heavyweight fit and is available in sizes S-XXL, so you can find your perfect fit. Wear it on a hike, out on the ski slopes, or even if you’re just warming up next to the fireplace with a hot toddy in hand.
15. UNIQLO Ultralight Down Vest
UNIQLO is known for its affordable products, and the UNIQLO Ultralight Down Vest is the perfect vest for those who are just looking for something to have on hand in case the weather goes on the fritz. This vest features a water-repellent coating, anti-static lining, and a sophisticated matte finish so you can dress it up or down. And thanks to its lightweight and compact design, you can even layer this vest under jackets, and the two-way design means it can be styled as a v-neck. It also comes in multiple colors, so you can totally stock up on these babies, considering their low price tag.
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Vest FAQs
There is really no difference between a vest and a gilet, other than the fact that a gilet is a French synonym for a vest.
Vests suitable for cold weather are typically made from polyester, nylon, or a polyester blend, and typically are insulated with a combination of down and goose feathers.
When shopping for a vest, you should look for vests that’ll keep your core warm and dry – that’s the most important part. As far as style goes, that all depends on the design you like – if you want something quilted or puffy, look for that; if you want something more streamlined, something more rugged, etc., then be on the lookout for those styles.
Vests can be styled both up and down, depending on the look of the vest. Obviously, we wouldn’t recommend wearing a puffer vest with, say, a suit or tuxedo, but you can totally wear one over a sweater and a pair of chinos, or keep it ultra-casual and layer over a flannel and jeans, or joggers and a hoodie.