HOW TO WEAR & STYLE A PUFFER VEST

That lightweight jacket you want to wear is too thin, but the problem is that cozy winter coat you probably should wear feels way too warm and bulky.

Enter the puffer vest, bodywarmer, padded vest or gilet. You can call it what you like, but with so many different types of puffer vests to choose from, there is something for everyone.

What is a puffer vest? Well, it’s a fabulous and functional extra layer that you can add on or take off as you please; perfect for awkward in-between-season times when the weather doesn’t know what it’s doing. A puffer vest is also compact enough to roll up and pack into a bag, meaning it makes an ideal travelling companion.

The problem is, such a versatile piece of clothing brings with it so many different options of styling. If you’re wondering how should a puffer vest fit or you’re pondering what to wear with a vest, fear not, the fashion gurus at Joules have all the answers. For our most loved puffer vest outfit ideas, read on.

What to wear under a vest

You can wear as many or as few layers as you like underneath your puffer vest. Depending on the occasion, you could choose to style your puffer vest with a polo shirt, shirt, sweater or long-sleeved top. Because of its versatility, you can wear almost anything under a padded vest. In cooler climates, a woolen or fleecy garment is a smart layering option for underneath your vest whereas if you’re wanting to keep it lightweight, opt for cotton or linen underlayers.

If you’re wondering how to style a puffer vest you’ve come to the right place.

For women: casual gilet styling

For casual gilet styling for women, pair your puffer vest with a striped sweatshirt. A fur-trimmed gilet with a hood is perfect for not only keeping you cozy, but for adding a luxurious feel to the simple design.

If you’re planning on a walk to the park or just out to the store, then your gilet will look fabulous alongside a pair of rain boots.

WOMEN’S FORMAL PUFFER VEST OUTFIT

For more formal gilet styling, try pairing with a classic round-neck jumper in a complementary tone over a crisp cotton shirt. A leather Chelsea Boot will complement the look perfectly, taking a more fashion-forward adaptation of traditional country style.

MEN’S CASUAL PUFFER VEST OUTFIT

For casual wear for men, pair a stylish padded men’s puffer vest with a classic crew neck sweater and for smart casual, layer your vest with a shirt. The crew neck sweater will provide you with enough warmth to stand the brisk fall and winter air and has enough flexibility to deal with playfights or hikes.

Choose a shirt that has exciting and colorful prints that will work perfectly with the solid color of a body warmer– a look perfect for occasions like your office holiday party or festive gatherings with friends

Add a pair of Chelsea boots and you’ve got an outfit that’s sure to not only keep you nice and snug, but will be the envy of everyone down at the local bar.

Men's Formal Puffer Vest Outfit

Puffer vests can be worn with your workwear easily. If you want to keep warm on the way to work without reducing the formality of your outfit, couple your puffer vest with the Oxford shirt or a contemporary slim-fit shirt. Finish the look with some stylish men’s accessories such as a pair of monochrome knitted gloves and ensure you stay warm on the chilliest of commutes.

How To Style A Kids' Puffer Vest

Children’s puffer vests are perfect worn with jeans and a simple t-shirt or a sweater if you’re planning on a brisk walk. Stylish and hardwearing, our kids' puffer vests were designed with adventures in mind!

Gilets for the little ones are adorable. Our boy’s gilets and girl’s gilets are ideal for keeping your little one warm and cozy as we press on into the colder months.

How should a vest fit?

A puffer vest should ideally fit a man in the same way as a suit vest does. The arm holes should be high, and it should fit snugly around the body to ensure it can sit underneath a winter jacket while still being comfortable. For women’s puffer vests, the same applies. Ensure the fit is comfortable and snug but with enough room to layer up.

The fit is down to your own views, but whether you wish to wear a sweater or a t-shirt underneath your gilet, there should be enough room to guarantee either would fit without making you feel uncomfortable.

How to care for a puffer vest

In order to keep your puffer vest in tip-top condition, you should always follow the guidelines printed on the label inside the garment.

How to wash a puffer vest

Puffer vests can be machine washed with a normal detergent to ensure any unsightly marks are removed from the material. It’s always best to consult the label on the inside of your garment before washing for the first time however.

This is because different materials will need different levels of care and since body warmers can be crafted in an array of fabrics, this is the only way to confidently know what washing cycle and temperature is suitable.

How To Dry a Puffer Vest

Aside from line drying, Joules puffer vests can be put in the dryer on a low heat. If you are line drying, make sure you double check that it has dried fully before putting it back in your closet. The last thing you’ll want is any damp smells on your clothes.

What is a gilet?

‘Gilet’ is the British word for ‘puffer vest’. The most common name for the puffer vest in the UK is ‘gilet’ but the Brits also call them ‘body warmers’.

A little fashion history for good measure. The origin of the gilet can be traced back to 15th century France and the word ‘jerkin’. These were pieces of clothing that were often favored by European peasants during this period.

When the 16th century kicked in, the jerkin was padded by the aristocracy, creating a more modern take on the padded vest that we all know and love today. Believe it or not, King Henry VIII was a huge fan of the padded jerkin.

Almost a century later, the jerkin all but disappeared – only worn by land-workers to keep warm during the working day. The aristocracy in the meantime moved onto to the fitted suit vest which during this period of history was an essential part of any gentleman’s fashion routine.

How to pronounce gilet

Is it ‘gill-et’ or should it be ‘jee-lay’. Well wonder no more, because ‘jee-lay’ is the correct way to say the word. Now you can use your knowledge to impress your friends and family!

WHAT TO WEAR UNDER A VEST

When it comes to what do you wear under a vest, the layering options are endless. Because it’s sleeveless, a puffer vest layers perfectly without restricting movement. Add a puffer vest to the mix and you’ll get the warmth where it counts, without feeling hemmed in. So free your arms and put a British spin on your style by adding a puffer vest to your everyday closet today.

HOW DO YOU LAYER A JACKET WITH A PUFFER VEST

A puffer vest will layer nicely with most jackets should the weather be cold enough to require both. You can either zip your jacket up over your puffer vest for maximum protection or if you want to show off your stylish vest, leave your jacket unzipped to reveal those hidden layers. If you’ve got a quilted puffer vest, layer with a quilted jacket for a perfectly coordinated look which guarantees to keep you cozy. If it’s forecast rain, layer your puffer vest with a rain jacket, which will keep you dry, protecting your puffer vest in the process.