May appeal to some, but not to me!

Gilets are far too puffy for my liking and you really have to put them with the right outfit.

I have seen some preppy types working Jack Wills gilets in with stripey rugby tops and chunky knits, which go really well but overall I’d rule gilets as a womens casualwear only thing.

Ben, when are you going to enlighten us with a guide on high tops..

Y’know, I never have. Over the years I’ve kinda seen the odd one and thought “that looks alright”…as JK observes, it’s usually preppy or publicy. I guess it’s a non-challenging or kinda safe wholesome middle-classy look…that’s how I associate it anyways. If I was gonna go for it I’d probably get one of these: http://www.ayyawear.com/store/mens/jackets-and-vests/yang-vest-taiji-edition

As for your point Ben about who’s wearing them…I see what you mean, because I’ve never seen a vast number of them at the best of times…I did see one last week but that’s probably the only one this year. I suppose they tap in to the outdoorsy, nautically, country type vibes.

That blue UCLA one on the second row up made me smile – it looks like it’s inflated so much that the dudes head is gonna explode…and it also looks like he always wanted to be a police marksman.

I’m wearing one right now!) it’s ralph lauren yellow summer collection, it goes awsome with fitch white longsleeve shirt weared jeans all stars and blue bandana/scarf. Looks really stylish (other people opinion) and really good for a sunny day riding ATV’s!
I also have in black and another one from LV)
it’s pretty big with people in my cirquile. And in my opinion works great for this type of weather (15-20C sunny but windy)
And it doesn’t make you look fat, not working out and eating junk food makes you look fat!

have a look at the video for:
the game-camera phone
he has a gilet on and it doesnt look too bad, but doesnt mean i’l; be wearing one any time soon

I don’t own one and I doubt the trend would last, but I can see potential. I think it hits the military vibe.

I think there are many limitations to a gilet: It needs to be worn unzipped. It needs to be matched with something skin-tight underneath and v-necked (no round necks, no turtle necks etc). You need a necklace – probably something big and raw. You need the skin-tight top to match the trousers in style and colour. You need to be tall+defined otherwise the gilet will overwhelm you.

However while it is a risky item (unlike say a leather jacket) i think it will look spectacular if you can pull it off. i’ve seen people do that – mostly japanese.

Oh god, these things are back:(
Gilets are, and always have been awful and never stay around long, they just make people look fat;)

i have one, and i love it

i think, like you said, they go really well with a plaid shirt, and thats how i wear it most of the time. If not i just put it over a hoody.

i think it looks really good and it is always very likely that nobody else will be wearing one out and about as it is quite a risky item.

I like em tho

You can wear it with various things. i have worn it with a checkered shirt underneat and a fitted white long sleeve top with fitted jeans, high tops and a woolie hat…..

I woke up wanting to be a lumberjack this morning.

But I still don’t ‘get’ the gilet. Like you I used to own one when I was younger Ben, and even then I quickly realised it wasn’t working as a look. Plus they’re entirely impractical – why put on extra layers with no sleeves to keep you warm when your hands and arms are the first part of you to get cold?! I can understand if you need to be moving your arms around a lot… but in general, and for all the reasons you listed above, a definite no.

mmmm…BODY Warmers !

I tihnk i will take a rain check on this look along with the puffa jackets and leave it to the tourists visiting London in the winter.

I like some of the other workwear very much around at the moment like shirts and trousers , maybe you could do a section soon on the workwear inspired look crossed with the uniform all those prisoners wear in prisons in the USA with the blue shirts tied up to the top, white T shirt and jogging pants

i suppose from some of the views the Gillets are like Marmite !

I do like Gilets but am not sure what to wear with them as a guy.

When i have seen Gilets worn, by women mostly i have thought they looked really good. And that is the main reason i have been looking to buy one lately.