Gilet vs. Vest — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
A gilet is a sleeveless jacket often padded for warmth, while a vest is a sleeveless upper-body garment worn for fashion or function.
Difference Between Gilet and Vest
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Key Differences
Gilets are often associated with outdoor activities and are typically designed to provide warmth, characterized by their padded or quilted construction. Vests, however, come in various styles and can range from formal wear, such as part of a three-piece suit, to outdoor gear similar to a gilet but often without the padding.
In terms of fashion, a gilet is more casual and sporty, suitable for layering in cold weather. Vests are more versatile; they can be formal or informal and are not necessarily made for cold weather, often serving as a decorative layer or a utility garment with pockets.
Functionally, gilets often have features like water-resistant materials and windproof qualities, targeting the needs of hikers, fishermen, or sports enthusiasts. Vests might prioritize style or specific utility, such as with tactical vests, which are designed with multiple pockets for carrying equipment.
Material-wise, gilets are typically made from synthetic fibers for insulation and may feature down or synthetic filler. Vests can be crafted from a wide array of materials, from cotton and silk for fashion vests to rugged synthetics for work vests.
In summary, while a gilet is primarily a practical, warm layer for outdoor use, vests can span a broad spectrum from stylish apparel to functional attire, often with no emphasis on warmth.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Provides warmth and is practical
Can be for style, warmth, or function
Style
Casual and outdoorsy
Ranges from formal to casual
Padding
Usually padded or quilted
May or may not have padding
Typical Wearers
Outdoor enthusiasts
Diverse, including professionals to fashion-conscious individuals
Material
Often water-resistant and insulated
Varies widely from silks to rugged synthetics
Compare with Definitions
Gilet
A body warmer without sleeves, often with a zip front.
His gilet kept him warm during the chilly morning run.
Vest
A sleeveless garment, often having buttons down the front, worn usually over a shirt or blouse and sometimes as part of a three-piece suit.
Gilet
An insulated vest used for outdoor activities.
She bought a new gilet for her hiking adventures in the mountains.
Vest
A sleeveless garment worn on the upper body, typically over a shirt.
He donned a sharp vest to complete his three-piece suit.
Gilet
A sleeveless, padded jacket worn for extra warmth.
He wore a gilet over his sweater for the camping trip.
Vest
An article of clothing often worn for fashion or added warmth.
Her colorful vest added flair to her plain white blouse.
Gilet
A quilted or padded vest that is lightweight and worn for added insulation.
The down gilet was perfect for the cold weather during the football game.
Vest
A functional garment with pockets, used by workers or photographers.
The photographer's vest had multiple pockets for lenses.
Gilet
(by extension) A sleeveless jacket resembling a waistcoat but generally closed at the neck; specifically, one which is padded to provide warmth.
Vest
The innermost layer of a three-piece suit.
The satin vest matched his tie for the formal event.
Gilet
A practical piece of outerwear that is sleeveless and designed for warmth.
He prefers a gilet to a full jacket for layers that don't restrict movement.
Vest
A waist-length, sleeveless garment worn for protection
A warm down vest.
A bulletproof vest.
Gilet
A gilet () or body warmer is a sleeveless jacket resembling a waistcoat or blouse. It may be waist- to knee-length and is typically straight-sided rather than fitted; however, historically, gilets were fitted and embroidered.
Vest
A fabric trim worn to fill in the neckline of a woman's garment; a vestee.
Gilet
A light sleeveless padded jacket.
Vest
Chiefly British An undershirt.
Gilet
(historical)
Vest
(Obsolete) An ecclesiastical vestment.
Gilet
A waistcoat worn by a man.
Vest
To place (authority, property, or rights, for example) in the control of a person or group, especially to give someone an immediate right to present or future possession or enjoyment of (an estate, for example). Used with in
Vested his estate in his daughter.
Gilet
A bodice worn by a woman similar to a man's waistcoat; also, a decorative panel at the front of such a bodice, or worn separately.
Vest
To invest or endow (a person or group) with something, such as power or rights. Used with with
Vested the council with broad powers.
Vests its employees with full pension rights after five years of service.
Vest
To clothe or robe, as in ecclesiastical vestments.
Vest
To become legally vested
Stock options that vest after the second year of employment.
Vest
To dress oneself, especially in ecclesiastical vestments.
Vest
(North America) A sleeveless garment that buttons down the front, worn over a shirt, and often as part of a suit; a waistcoat.
Vest
(British) A sleeveless garment, often with a low-cut neck, usually worn under a shirt or blouse.
Vest
A sleeveless top, typically with identifying colours or logos, worn by an athlete or member of a sports team.
Vest
Any sleeveless outer garment, often for a purpose such as identification, safety, or storage.
Vest
A vestment.
Vest
Clothing generally; array; garb.
Vest
A loose robe or outer garment worn historically by men in Arab or Middle Eastern countries.
Vest
(chiefly passive) To clothe with, or as with, a vestment, or garment; to dress; to robe; to cover, surround, or encompass closely.
Vest
To clothe with authority, power, etc.; to put in possession; to invest; to furnish; to endow; followed by with and the thing conferred.
To vest a court with power to try cases of life and death
Vest
To place or give into the possession or discretion of some person or authority; to commit to another; with in before the possessor.
The power of life and death is vested in the king, or in the courts.
Vest
(legal) To clothe with possession; also, to give a person an immediate fixed right of present or future enjoyment of.
To vest a person with an estate
An estate is vested in possession
Vest
(of an inheritance or a trust fund) To devolve upon the person currently entitled when a prior interest has ended.
Upon the death of the Sovereign the Crown automatically vests in the next heir without the need of coronation or other formality.
Vest
To become vested, to become permanent.
My pension vests at the end of the month and then I can take it with me when I quit.
Vest
(obsolete) To invest; to put.
To vest money in goods, land, or houses
Vest
An article of clothing covering the person; an outer garment; a vestment; a dress; a vesture; a robe.
In state attended by her maiden train,Who bore the vests that holy rites require.
Vest
Any outer covering; array; garb.
Not seldom clothed in radiant vestDeceitfully goes forth the morn.
Vest
Specifically, a waistcoat, or sleeveless body garment, for men, worn under the coat.
Vest
To clothe with, or as with, a vestment, or garment; to dress; to robe; to cover, surround, or encompass closely.
Came vested all in white, pure as her mind.
With ether vested, and a purple sky.
Vest
To clothe with authority, power, or the like; to put in possession; to invest; to furnish; to endow; - followed by with before the thing conferred; as, to vest a court with power to try cases of life and death.
Had I been vested with the monarch's power.
Vest
To place or give into the possession or discretion of some person or authority; to commit to another; - with in before the possessor; as, the power of life and death is vested in the king, or in the courts.
Empire and dominion was [were] vested in him.
Vest
To invest; to put; as, to vest money in goods, land, or houses.
Vest
To clothe with possession; as, to vest a person with an estate; also, to give a person an immediate fixed right of present or future enjoyment of; as, an estate is vested in possession.
Vest
To come or descend; to be fixed; to take effect, as a title or right; - followed by in; as, upon the death of the ancestor, the estate, or the right to the estate, vests in the heir at law.
Vest
A man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat
Vest
A collarless men's undergarment for the upper part of the body
Vest
Provide with power and authority;
They vested the council with special rights
Vest
Place (authority, property, or rights) in the control of a person or group of persons;
She vested her vast fortune in her two sons
Vest
Become legally vested;
The property vests in the trustees
Vest
Clothe oneself in ecclesiastical garments
Vest
Clothe formally; especially in ecclesiastical robes
Vest
A protective garment worn over clothes for safety or health reasons.
Construction workers wear a high-visibility vest on site for safety.
Common Curiosities
What are vests typically used for?
Vests can be used for style, function, or added warmth, and are versatile in design.
Are gilets worn by men or women?
Gilets are unisex and worn by both men and women.
Can a vest be worn without anything underneath?
While uncommon, some fashion vests are designed to be worn on their own.
What occasions are gilets appropriate for?
Gilets are suitable for casual events, sports, and outdoor activities.
Can vests be part of formal attire?
Yes, vests can be part of a formal three-piece suit.
What defines a gilet?
A gilet is a sleeveless, often padded jacket designed for warmth and outdoor use.
Are gilets waterproof?
Many gilets are water-resistant, suitable for outdoor activities.
Is a gilet suitable for summer wear?
Generally, gilets are for cooler weather due to their insulation, though lightweight versions exist.
Can gilets have hoods?
Yes, some gilets come with detachable or non-detachable hoods.
Are gilets considered fashionable?
Gilets can be fashionable, especially within outdoor and sportswear lines.
Is there a difference between a waistcoat and a vest?
In American English, the term "vest" is used, while "waistcoat" is the British equivalent.
Can both gilets and vests be layered?
Yes, both garments are designed for layering, though gilets are specifically for warmth.
Do vests always have buttons?
No, some vests have zippers, while others may simply be pull-on styles.
Do vests come in different lengths?
Yes, vests can vary in length from waist-length to longer, tunic styles.
Are vests suitable for professional environments?
Yes, especially if they are part of a suit or have a conservative design.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
