Since 1938, Columbia has been creating premium-quality, performance-driven outdoor apparel. Founded in the Pacific Northwest of the US, we know and understand adverse weather and every item we make is tested tough in these conditions; so you can focus on the adventure rather than the elements.

Whether you’re hunting for the perfect pair of men’s hiking trousers or one of our women’s windbreakers, every Columbia garment reflects our unwavering dedication to comfort, quality and durability. The same exacting standard you have come to expect from our brand is also found in our collection of men’s gilets and bodywarmers.

Columbia’s collection of men’s gilets and bodywarmers is the perfect option to keep you warm when the temperatures drop. While the terms ‘gilet’ and ‘bodywarmer’ are both used to describe a sleeveless jacket, they differ ever so slightly in design and function. Typically, a gilet is lighter and ideal as a mid-layer, while a bodywarmer is thicker and worn as an outer layer.

Whatever you call them, our men’s gilets and bodywarmers will keep you warm and toasty. These vests are ideal when the UK weather is brisk, but not quite cold enough to bring out the men’s puffer jacket yet.

Our men's bodywarmer is also a wonderfully versatile piece of clothing to have in your wardrobe. Many brands create practical outerwear, but here at Columbia, we’re serious when we say we love versatile clothing. This is something that anyone who owns a Columbia men’s 3-in-1 jacket will know.

Our body warmers can be worn in multiple ways, layering them under or over clothes. Wear it as an inner layer under a waterproof outer shell or as outerwear over one of our cosy men’s fleeces or men’s softshell jackets. Or, on milder days, throw the vest right over your shirt to add an extra layer of warmth, while still showing off your fashionable sleeves underneath.

Stay warm in our men’s gilet and bodywarmers

Columbia’s bodywarmer collection includes a variety of vests depending on the activity you are planning and the climate you will be facing. For chilly days running errands in the city, a quilted vest is a great choice. Throw it over your workwear and stay warm all day and night. The synthetic polyester insulation and reflective lining will keep the heat in and the cold out, while the classic quilt design will keep you looking stylish. They’re equipped with high, insulated collars to keep your neck and torso warm.

When you’re heading out on seriously cold adventures, a down vest is without a doubt the greatest option. Down is the ultimate warmth standard, while also being beautifully lightweight and packable. This means that you can easily store it or throw it into a backpack and bring it with you wherever you’re heading next. It also means that you can stay active for hours as you explore the great outdoors. Skip that heavy wool coat you’ve been lugging around and say hello to light and breezy.

Naturally, we also have technical vests packed with practicality. Going fishing? Why not check out our lightweight gilet with water repellency, small and finely tuned pockets and smart fishing features? Imagine being able to keep everything conveniently in your vest pockets rather than your bag. Or maybe you’re cycling or hiking up a mountain with a ton of gear with you. Our utility gilets give you pocket after pocket to store all your items. Zip them up and keep all your belongings safe and organised as you face that mountain.

Omni-Heat™—Columbia’s insulation technology

How do our insulated vests help you dress for success on cold winter days? Columbia’s advanced thermal-reflective technology reflects and retains your body heat, letting you stay out in the cold for as long as you’d like.

Columbia’s four reflective technologies are Omni-Heat™ Infinity, Omni-Heat™ Black Dot, Omni-Heat™ 3D and Omni-Heat™ Reflective. These technologies make use of tiny gold dots, black dots, silver reflectors and silver dots to retain body heat.

However, the greatest outdoor clothing isn’t just warm, it’s also breathable. When it comes to breathability, not all brands are created equal. That’s why our insulated vests are made of breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking properties. This allows outdoor lovers to stay active for hours outside, since moisture and excess heat can escape. The tech also delivers next-to-skin comfort, as it creates a pleasant air gap between the lining and your skin, allowing you to stay dry and warm when visiting Mother Nature.

Which gilet or bodywarmer suits you the best?

When shopping for a vest, don’t buy the first sleeveless thing you see – even if it’s on clearance! Columbia gilets and bodywarmers combine comfort, warmth and practical features, and they’re simply a pleasure to wear over a cosy fleece jacket or a softshell on extra cold days.

To find the perfect vest for you, use the filter function online or visit us in-store to browse through the various options. You have a wide range of colours, styles and features to choose from. Some of the popular colour shades our models are available in are blue, black, chocolate brown, yellow, green, orange and red.

You should also think about which activity you’ll be doing in your vest. Do you need a vest for urban activities or sports, such as hiking, walking or fishing? What kind of weather conditions do you anticipate? Do you need a vest with insulation, and if so, what level of warmth do you need?

There are also vests with different levels of water resistance. Some models offer no protection against water, while others are water-resistant and can withstand a drizzle and lighter rain. For example, some of our vests are equipped with the technology Omni-Shield™. This means that while not completely waterproof, they are water and stain-repellent. Omni-Shield™ vests feature long-lasting and quick-drying technology that prevents liquids from being absorbed into the fabric of your outerwear. Both water and stains are repelled, which means your vest will stay drier and cleaner for longer.

Considering different features in this way will help you buy a vest that you can wear and utilise on adventures for years to come!

Keep discovering the many categories of men’s jackets that Columbia offers:

• men’s waterproof jacket
• men’s parka jacket
• men’s coat
• long puffer jacket men’s
• lightweight puffer jacket men’s
• men’s quilted puffer jacket
• puffer hooded jacket men’s
• men’s jacket
• men’s ski jackets
• men’s hiking jacket
• men’s walking jackets
• men’s windbreaker
• men’s casual jackets
• men’s softshell jacket

And don’t forget to check out our women’s gilets and women’s puffer jacket collections to explore our line of insulated women’s coats and jackets.

FAQs

Should you size up or down for gilets?

When buying a gilet, it’s generally recommended that you stay with your usual size. However, if you plan on wearing your gilet over thicker layers, such as jumpers or hoodies, you may want to size up. Ideally, they should be snug enough to help trap heat and keep you warm, yet also comfortable. If you’re buying online, check out Columbia’s handy size guide to help make your decision. You can use the convenient filters to narrow your choice by size, colour, insulation type and level of warmth.

How should a man wear a gilet?

Columbia’s bodywarmers and gilets can be worn in multiple ways. They can be used as an inner layer for added warmth under a waterproof outer shell. Alternatively, they are perfect as outerwear over a cosy fleece or jumper. For milder days with a chilly breeze, the vest can also be worn stylishly over a shirt. Gilets are also great to pair with jeans and knitwear for a casual look.

What is the warmest gilet?

Down is the ultimate standard for warmth, while also being lightweight and packable. However, if you anticipate damp conditions, a synthetic insulation will stay puffy and warm when wet.

For added warmth, look for the following patented technologies:

• ThermaratorTM: Uses faux-down fibres to deliver lightweight warmth that retains loft and stays warm even when wet.
• Omni-HeatTM Reflective: Reflects and retains heat with silver dots for enhanced lightweight warmth.
• Omni-HeatTM Infinity: Our new thermal-reflective pattern that ensures increased heat retention while remaining breathable.

Which is the best gilet?

The best gilet depends on your personal preferences and requirements. However, within our gilet collection, we have a number of bestsellers. Here are our five most popular styles.

• Men's Puffect™ III Puffer Vest: A warm and cosy winter vest, featuring a water-resistant finish.
• Men's Delta Ridge™ II Down Gilet: Features down insulation, a thermal reflective lining and a water-resistant finish.
• Men's Powder Lite™ II Insulated Vest: Keeps your core dry and warm while ensuring freedom of movement.
• Men's Castle Dale™ Fleece Gilet: An all-season, versatile option, perfect for layering.
• Men's Landroamer™ Insulated Puffer Gilet: Classic style gilet with a thermal-reflective lining and water-resistant finish.

Can women wear a men’s gilet?

Yes, a woman could wear a man’s gilet. However, we recommend browsing our women’s gilets for a better fit. These have been specifically designed for a woman’s body, ensuring the cut follows the natural curve rather than hanging straight like a man’s garment.

What is the difference between fleece and a gilet?

A fleece is a type of material, while a gilet is a specific type of vest. However, gilets can be made from fleece and are often a more cost-effective material than down gilets, while still providing warmth and some moisture resistance.

Why do farmers wear gilets?

Many farmers favour a gilet for its practicality and insulation. Given the physical nature of farm work, a gilet won’t restrict essential arm movement. However, it still provides plenty of core warmth.