what is a gilet

A gilet is a sleeveless jacket that resembles a waistcoat or blouse. It is typically straight-sided rather than fitted and may be waist- to knee-length. Gilets are often worn as an outer layer for extra warmth outdoors or indoors on occasion. They may be made of cloth, fake fur, knitted wool, or leather, and are available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Gilets are also popular among sports enthusiasts, with high-end hiking jackets often having an integral gilet inside them that can be zipped on and off and can be insulated with down. Racing cyclists use thin light gilets with a windproof front and mesh back. Shooting gilets are rugged and made of leather. Short, overwear gilets are called bodywarmers in the United Kingdom